My sister and I went to an all-town garage sale Saturday. I think we made more than 40 stops - we started at 8 AM and stopped around 4:30 PM

I found fabric (any at all) at only three places.

So - I would not recommend PLANNING on acquiring a stash at garage sales. Finding piles of fabric for cheap is in the same category as getting a high-paying lottery ticket.

Overall, I did make out like a bandit on Saturday, but my fabric "take" was comparatively small.

If people do have quilting type fabrics, it is usually gone quickly.
I didn't notice much craft stuff (knitting, embroidery, scrapbooking), either.

i watch for estate sales and twice I have found sales where it was all about fabric. parent died and they sold her collection.

i watch for estate sales and twice I have found sales where it was all about fabric. parent died and they sold her collection.[/quote]

that is so sad that they do not carry on the tradition.
a few years ago i could have got all my MIL's material but i declined thru personal reasons.

Go to estatesales.net. Put your location in and you will get notifications when they have them in your area. They post pic's as well as a full listing of what there is. This is how I have found a chunk of my stash!

I never find it either. Must be luck. One lady here found a bunch of 30' fabs at a garage sale, LUCKY DUCK!

I usually find some each time i go out, anywhere from 1 piece to yards and yards., must be a lot of quilters in this area.

I get our local paper online (free) and every Thursday check the sales. Last week there were 3 sales with fabric. Estate sales are the best for older fabrics and quilts. I also check out any sale that lists a sewing machine. I haven't found a featherweight yet!

I don't go out randomly; I search for "fabric" under garage sales on www.craigslist.org. Sometimes I even email to see if the fabric listed is cotton suitable for quilting...hate to go and find it's all upholstery fabric!

I admit - I don't preplan my trips - I'm a "follow the arrow" garage saler.

I have to agree with you. I do beading and quilting. I don"t see much out there. You can check on Craigs list.

Lot's of luck, elsie