you can spot fabric at a yard sale before you stop...your clothing has lint attached......if its the right price, you know it will work up into SOME quilt you will make one day....you see coloring book patterns that would make a great embroidered block for a baby quilt, or even some for big quilts, like flowers, trucks, etc. so you buy it and the grandkids aren't allowed to color in it til you have picked the ones you may use!---you ask for the craft & fabric section of the thrift store when you walk in the door...