I know, I know, I'm repeating myself, but I still say I find some really nice fabrics in 100% cotton at thrift stores and garage sales. You can't get the yardage as in a shop, but you can find really beautiful fabrics! I bought a XXL red plaid men's cotton shirt at a garage sale Sat. for $.25 and 2 red plaid skirts at a thrift store last week for $.99 ea. One pleated skirt has almost 3 yards! The other is at least 1 1/2 yds around at the hem and is about 34" long. Lots of fabric for $2.25!