Mornigstar

Used 140 pillowcases to make girls dresses so far and will do more on Wed at the group I started by using our church hall. Also 60 others --pants and pj bottoms. Fleece pillowcases being made into baby bunting bags as soon as I get a good pattern.
Did many of the other suggestions thru the yrs.

catmcclure

I like to buy pillowshams (quilted ones, if possible). I straight stitch them down and use them for bathmats. Really comfortable and washable.

I also like to buy yukatas (cotton Japanese summer kimonos) in the "nightgown/housecoat" section of the thrift stores. I bought a beautiful one this week for $7. It's navy blue with beautiful butterflies. The yukatas are made with 18" wide strips and are super easy to take apart and reuse.

I also bought a gorgeous bronze silk sari with gold embroidery for $13. It's about 20 foot long and 45" wide.

I live near an extremely large, ethnically diverse, city with lots of unusual fabrics which makes thrift shopping amazing.

Mona Marie

I am redoing two shirts to make two aprons.

martyquilter

So many ideas.... I have been getting scrubs just as some of you have, they make great kids quilts with the novelty prints on them... rag quilt out of jeans... & buying silk and wool...and of course for buttons!! I have bought for buttons alone myself!!haha... I have only just started this within the last year so haven't made as much but what funit is to go looking for fabric when you are out & about!! in fact that is what I will be doing whenI get off here..lol.. I have jean material scraps to make some potholders for my daughter & her new place...so guess better get at it..

Quilt Fan

Tablecloths on the back of placemats is a great idea. I have tablecloths from 3 generations and wondered about using them for quilt backing. Anyone tried that or is the weave too loose?

Rettie V. Grama

I use Sweat Shirt front and back for the backing of Charity lap quilts. I buy 1 for $2.00 or if I'm lucky and get there on their sale day, I buy 2 for $2.00. A man's unless very small will make the complete backing of a good slzed lap quilt by using the sleeves and piecing in strips. Another good thing about sweat shirts for charity lap quilts is that you don't need a filler.

lbosma

Through our charity quilting we recycle tons, just as has been described here. My question is...Has anyone started using those ugly polar fleece throws, you know the ones that are pilled so bad they are nearly scratchy, for batting? I feel like we have to recycle that stuff somehow.

huntannette

my grandma weaved used clothes into blankets...thy lasted forever...wish i had her weaving loom....i wonder what happened to it.....

missgigglewings

Lots of great ideas here!

mountain deb

Make them into dog toys or stuffing in dog toys. Just an idea.