THRIFT STORES! if you browse thrift stores and yard sales you can pick up many many fabulous wools for penny's!
a good man's wool jacket will give you over a yard of good $60 a yard wool- for a couple bucks bought at a thrift store- plus you get free buttons- and other trims.
99% of my wools come from thrift stores.
i take the garments home- cut apart all seams- remove any lining-buttons ect- then toss it in the washer with HOT HOT WATER and some detergent- wash it- drain add more hot water wash it again- i keep it hot, agitating, washing for 1/2 hour to 45 minutes- then a cold rinse- then into the dryer.
i love to work with wools!
wools are fun to over-dye too. everything is usable- small narrow strips used to hook rugs, small pieces for applique- larger pieces for bags, jackets, background pieces---everything is usable.