I'm already ahead of you on using old clothing for fabric, we lived in Arkansas for four years and trust me inspite my age at the time, I learned about saving things. I'm currently working on two quilts for my daughter made from her old clothes.
Oh I can hardly imagine how... much of a challenge it would be to make a quilt etc. from dh's old things. Lucky for me he literally wears stuff out.
Oh and the center block of one of my current projects is made from old baby bumper pads that I seam ripped apart. I can't help it I like the fabric! Not new ones mind you old ones that had seen better times. There was one sun spot (I didn't dare use that) and a stained spot that at the time I clipped away.