I was looking for donations of cotton fabrics to make pillowcases for soldiers. I recently asked a friend if she knew of any anyone in her circle of friends that no longer sewed that might have cotton they would be willing to donate to me for my project. Her best friends mother died a few months ago and they told me I could have her stash. The mother was 90 years old and sewed a lot. I was very excited. They brought me a huge bags and boxes of fabrics. What I got was the older type fleece, wide nylon in all colors (wide enough for sheets) 2 boxes of lace trim, and tubes of cotton knit. This fabric is from a store that sold fabric from the Vanity Fair factory. I did find a few small bundles of cotton and a bonus tray of thread.

What can I do with this stuff? Any suggestions out there for me. I do NOT want to sew anything out of these fabrics.

When I have extra fabric, thread or any craft materials I take them to a nursing home which has craft days for the residents. They are always very grateful for anything.

This is a great idea. I was cleaning out my fabric yesterday and ran across some stuff I no longer want. Think I will drop it off. Thanks for the idea :)

Try Freecycle, you may have just what someone is looking for.

As for the lace and ribbons and such, take them to your elementary school and donate to the art teacher.

You might also check at the high school...art, home ec, 4H, or theater arts dept. They might could use them. I'm sure there are lots of kids that could find a use for them.

I would say free cycle, or even cragslist.....

Or call up the Salvation army, they will pick up if you have enough stuff and so will some other charities, it's just a matter of calling around. Some one will love it, I just know. There is never much fabric left at the thrift stores.

Can check w/SPCA to see if they would like the knits for puppie and cat bedding, Ymca see if they have any craft classes, or afterschool programs.

donate to an art department at a school- or a scout/4-H group...they will have many uses for the fabrics if you do not want to use them

WOW! The nursery and elementary schools in my area love to get fabric of any kind. You would love to see what they can put together for Mothers Day, Holidays etc.

I've called PAWS and they are taking a lot of the fabric. I just have to drop it off.I decided to keep 12 huge pieces of fleece. I will serge it, turn it inside out, close the hole and top stitch. Those I will send to the hospital in Germany for wounded soldiers.

The nylon probably weighs 150 pounds, there is so much of it will take down the street to the Goodwill.

Might try Craigslist for the lace. If anyone is making wedding garters or wedding dresses, they would love 3 boxes of lace. Maybe I can make a little money for the cotton for those pillowcases.

Now I'm thinking about those 2 huge bags of silk I got from a drapery maker. Got to figure out what to do with those too.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

The cotton knit would be great for anyone making cloth diapers, or other children's clothes. If I was close to you, I'd sure grab it up!

Why not have a yard sale that would bring you in the money you need to buy the fabric that you want?

nice stash.

Contact your local HS or communitee theater. I am a costumer for our HS and I would have kissed your feet for those things. Also My daughter was a camp counselor for a summer camp that did theater. They would have loved that stuff too. Maybe you can find those kinds of folks to help you out.

Oh my word. this person took advantage of you.. so sorry. Now you have the burdon on distribution.. Lots of good ideas here. Wonderful ideas here.. I wonder how many she already tried?

some stass fabric is just not usable.. One of the quilt guild "what to hold onto" things.. If you haven't used in in 20 years, just calling it vintage is not good enough..

so sorry !

Check with a local high school. If they have sewing, they will like the fabrics for slips, etc.

I offer my free fabrics over a local Craig's list. Is amazing how fast the stuff disappears.

The cotton knits can be used for the chemo caps. Alot of the other fabric can be donated to Goodwill. Eiltcoq.

Have a yard sale, sell it cheap,and use the money to purchase some fabric that you can use. Ann in TN

Could the knits be used for chemo caps or turbans? Our guild makes these from soft knits.

I agree. Or just hand them off to goodwill.

Number one, make something pretty for the donor. Folks who give a lot of stuff really want to be thanked in some small way, especially if they give a LOT.
Don't ask me how I know this, just take my word for it. And should they run into some nice cottons, you will be the one to get them. To non-sewers, fabric is material and material is fabric, unless it is already made up into clothing, which are separated into wash and dry clean.

I just donated a bunch of my fabrics I no longer sew with to Goodwill. Keep track, write it down, & you can write it off your taxes later. DH said, when he did ours, under donations, fabric was listed!

Pretty!

I would use that fleece for lounging pants with a drawstring. They are very very simple, and just as comfortable

I would use that fleece for lounging pants with a drawstring. They are very very simple, and just as comfortable

You could make lots and lots and lots of nightgowns!!!

Sell them at a yard sale and the money you get from it..buy the fabric you need

Veteran's hospitals use this type of stuff too, not only men are there.

is there a Re-Store/Habitat for Humanity nearby? They would sort and sell whatever you can't use and you know it would go to a wonderful cause.

I would donate the laces and elegant fabrics to a local college theatre program. Frequently, students must learn to make period costumes and usually the budget for laces, etc., is non-existent. They would love to get the fabric.

Goodwill would take it I'm sure.

Nursing homes for crafts, also your local high school for there drama dept.