I had 3 children ages 5 and under by the age of 23... we were young and dumb at the time. I worked nights off and on between babies and my husband was a carpenter. I used to take the kids to the thrift stores for clothes and I discovered that there can be some really nice fabrics if you look for them. When I was on the hunt for fabric I didn't care what the clothing was, the style or anythiing, I just looked at what it was made of.
Like a long floral skirt that no one would actually wear anymore but the cotton fabric is in great shape. Could buy the skirt for a dollar, cut the seams and cut off the waist, wash it... and you have a nice amount of fabric. Formal dresses that were worn once and donated, etc.
Every little bit helped and I sure couldn't afford to be spending money on unnecessary things.
(still poor but not so young anymore :wink: )