If using clothing that is obviously "worn" - like faded on the shoulders and the elbows are worn out - there may be areas that are still usable - but make sure that they still have some wear left in those areas before putting them into another item.
Example: Work shirts worn by people that work outside in the sun - the tails that are usually tucked into the wearer's pants may still be usable - but the upper back and shoulders may be sun rotted and too fragile to use.
I used several chamois type flannel shirts for rag quilts that my husband and son were willing to let me cut up. The collars and elbows were worn out. I think I had sewn the collars once or twice and patched the elbows once.
I am a scavenger and rescuer - but it seems kind of silly to do that when I have stacks of new material to use.
A bit like saving the "good" apples until they shrivel and only eating the second-rate ones. If one does not need to, why should one?
Last edited by bearisgray; 10-09-2020 at 01:06 PM.