RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE! I recycle everything possible, when i hear of someone who just cleaned out the kids closet (or their own) and have a garbage bag or more they want to get rid of i always ask if i can have it first...i go through it, and first off pick out anything in great shape that would be a shame to dispose of that i know someone would love and i set that aside for the person, then i pick through it for any and all fabrics i can salvage. i save all the buttons, zippers if they still work, cut out cute trims, ect. what ever is left i donate to which ever thrift store i am going past.
thrift stores are a great place to get wools! you can literally save thousands of dollars purchasing your wools in the form of mens old dress coats. cut them apart, wash and dry the wool, it is wonderful to work with, and to buy it off the bolt can cost you anywhere between $20 & $60 a yard.