My first project for home-ec came from the Gamble Store in myhometown... later on another project came from teh merchantile store across the street when I spotted some fabric I really liked...
As I grew old enough to go shopping on my own, I went to Penney's and Montgomery Wards, and a store called Herbergers where their basement was nothing but folds upon folds of fabric on tables - some bolts were on shelves;
Oh the memories!