LaurMac

I agree about joining a club or guild. We donated 2 laundry baskets full to a new quilter and she's making Scrappy lovely quilts. But it took her a while to organize them, so I agree with suggesting that you take your time and the stash will come.

NJ Quilter

Welcome from NJ. I agree with the thrift store suggestions. There is another member her who is local to me who has built quite a stash from thrift stores/yardsales. Also see if you have a 'freecycle' area close to you.

I also agree with the suggestion to not build a stash. Your tastes will likely change over time and then where do you put it or what are you going to do with it. I buy for projects only. I do (usually) over-buy for each project and would then easily have a stash. Since I'm not really a scrappy quilter, I usually end up giving those chunks of fabric away unless they are large enough for me to do something small with. Just a suggestion and enjoy your new hobby!

Boston1954

I sent you a PM.

Jordan

Any thrift stores or goodwill shops have a section for fabrics that you may be interested in and look at the clothing there to see if any blouses or men's shirts are in your budget. Also, I have found "started projects" or bags of scraps at garage sales and estate sales. There is a section on this QB for "fabrics for sale" too. What colors of fabrics are you looking for? I agree with the members on here that if you go to a quilt guild that will help you out too to build your stash. Please keep us posted as to what colors you would like or size of blocks. I can look in my stash and send you something also. Just let me know.

Tiny Tigger

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions so far. Will definitely be checking out my local goodwill! As far as the pros and cons of building a stash, unlike alot of people, I haven't met a color or pattern that I didn't like...except maybe neons..not overly fond of those. But I love all kinds of florals, and prints...pastels...bright colors. As far as size....hmm. I've been looking into making one of the "jelly roll race" type quilts, they just look so fun, and even if you used the same fabrics, each one would be unique, and so many ways to play around with it by varying the length of the strips or even the width! I've always marched to a different drum, and I want my quilts to reflect that in the way colors and patterns go in together, if that makes any sense. I don;t plan on showing or selling my quilts, but giving them to friends or family as gifts to just say, "Hey, I love you", ya know?

bigsister63

I try not to have too much stash due to $$$$$. I buy all the fabric to make the quilt. There is usually some left over so that becomes stash. Check Hobby Lobby (in your area or on line) their fabric is pretty nice and is usually 30% off.

Also if you just feel like sewing and want to learn check to see if there is a church group in the area that makes quilts. They can always use extra hands and may have extra fabric. At least you can sew, learn, socialize and do good!

Quiltlady330

Some of the prettiest fabric I've gotten has been from ladies who have quit quilting and are giving it away. Also, anytime you can go to an estate sale or garage sale from someone who has passed away the chances are good that they will have fabric and sometimes even unfinished quilt tops that you can finish. These are a great way to hone your skills in quilting. I agree that you should let people know what you're looking for. Quilters are so generous.

mhollifiel

Look in your own closet for 100% cotton clothing you aren't using. In addition, remember that 100% cotton sheets, some curtains, some shower curtains in good shape are also suitable quilting fabric sources in thrift shops (and at home) as well as men's shirts. Look for long sleeved larger sizes for the best bang for your buck. Thrift stores also run specials. I really enjoy recycling these type of fabrics into quilts like our grandmothers (and grandfathers) made. It's kind of neat to be quilting "green" and keeping those fabrics out of landfills while turning them into something warm and comfy.

bkay

I also agree with not building a stash. When I first started quilting, I wanted to build a stash. I spent about $75.00 at an estate sale about 3 years ago. I got a huge amount of fabric. We're talking 100 yards of fabric, easily + 2 precut quilt kits. I liked most of it and thought it would do well for scrappy quilts.

However, I've personally used almost none of it. I've given some away. I've given some for postage. I've used it for the quilting kids' class where I volunteer, but none of it for myself that I can think of. It's all good fabric, not necessarily coordinated, though. Also, I haven't made a scrappy quilt.

Instead of building a stash, I would consider deciding on a quilt. You said Jelly Roll Race. Start looking for fabric to make that quilt. You'll need fabric for the top, batting, binding and a backing. If the budget is very limited, you may have to piece the back as well.

I've found my best deals at estate sales. I've subscribed to estatesales.net. I'm not sure it is active where you are, but they advertise estate sales on craig's list as well. You are most likely to find usable fabric where you find sewing machines and quilts. So, I use those as search terms. I don't buy much fabric anymore (any hopefully, no more old sewing machines), unless it's big enough to be a backing or just some small pieces of fabric in colors that I might use in a block lotto. However, I've gotten really inexpensive rulers and patterns as well as finished tops and squares, which I enjoy. I've never gotten any batting, though.

bkay

klswift

Check out the thrift shops. Not only can you find cotton clothing to cut up, but they often have fabric donated. Also, use sheets for backing ( the inexpensive sheets with lower thread counts are actually easier to quilt). I have used flannel (buying a large flannel sheet is pretty cheap) instead of batting in small throws and inexpensive clearance thin blankets (from a discount outlet). I recently made a throw out of men's shirts cut up - very different and kind of fun. Try using these options and use whatever money you have for that 'special' piece as your focal fabric. And, watch the sales and coupons. I sell my throws size quilts but only because I rarely pay more than $4 per yard (and often less) on the fabric. And please keep in mind, the person receiving your gift is going to be thrilled that you spent your time making them the quilt (or placemats or table runner), they are not going to be checking on how much you spent.