All great suggestions!
i moderte freecycle board in my area..i have gotten a sewing mchine for a friend and fabrics that way.
i like to scour the thrift shops on days they save special tag sales. i get mostly mens plaid cotton shirts. mixed with bleached white muslin, they turn out great!
i always use a coupon! sign up for Hobby lobby or Joanns on line or in thier stores. my neighbors save thier coupons for me too!
if you sign up for freecycle
it is www.freecycle.org
then find your state,then city.