|
wow, that's a lotta buttons!!! have you even SEEN them all yet? i can't fathom how many buttons that is!!! OMG
Originally Posted by quilt3311
I shop the Goodwill and Salvation Army shops. I found a box of buttons for $20. Now I am not talking a shoe box, but a large apple box. The kind grocery stores get apples in! The buttons were packaged in zip lock bags and we counted a couple bags, by multiplying we figured there are about 750,000 buttons. Now I am the go to person for buttons in our guild. grin.
I was told an elderly lady had passed away and her kids just told Salvation Army they could have it all. They cleaned up her apartment and were selling everything. They were told she had collected buttons for over 75 years and they had all been on cards etc. but they just tore them off and put them in bags. How I wish I had all those old button cards too. |
In two of my favorite thrift stores the fabric is usually put close to the crafts and stuff and when you go in there - just look for the most populated spot in the store - the good stuff doesn't last long at all!! :-)
|
I go goodwill hunting every week at least! I find wonderful fabric all of the time and my book collection is stupendous. Watch for thread. They usually bag up 10-12 spools and sell for $1.99. I have gotten every type of thread from old wooden spools to brand new, never opened brand names. I am soo lucky!!
|
It never ended my mind to look for fabric at Goodwill or a thrift store but I will, the first thing next week. Thanks for the information.
|
Great job!
|
Just yesterday I was shopping at our local thrift store, had not been there in ages. I got TWO large yardages of pinwale cordoroy. I piece was medium brown and about three and a half yards for 1.29, Other piece was about six yards of beautiful brown pinwale for 99 cents. My lucky day. Two toddler granddaughters will definitely have new jumpers or jackets soon.
|
mygirl--juat have a friend shop for you! OR you could start a shopping service for us on the board :>)
|
Our Goodwill hangs their fabric with the bedspreads too. I've gotten some really good deals but you need to check often and especially on senior citizen discount day if you are a senior. My sister finds wonderful deals at Beale's outlet. She will buy a dress that is a 2X or 3X just for the fabric, cut out the seams and use the fabric to construct all kinds of things. Sometimes for 95 cents. It's amazing how much fabric is in a plus size dress.
|
I have found a lot of nice fabrics in GW and I also have found Hoffman as well. The store nearest me tends to carry a lot of knits but once in a while we get some good deals on great cottons. I have also managed to pick up a couple of really decent older Singers. I tend to refurbish them and then resell when I can. Always have to stop int here to see what I cant live without!
|
I find lots and lots of stuff at the Goodwill here. It does seem to come in slower during the winter months though.
Most recently I found a partially finsihed quilt, tans and black...very nice and recent. A couple years ago I went in late one evening and found about 10 yards of a nice 30's repo fabric. Those are just two that I remember. I love shopping the thrift stores! |
The Goodwill near us is so dirty you want to shower if you go in. there is a nice one over 100 miles from us but, don't get a chance to go there often.
|
our Goodwill never has any fabrics or quilting stuff either
|
I found 3 brand new cutting mats (3x4 ft.) for $3.50, but I have never found any fabric.
|
1 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by hlponyfarm
Stopped into our local goodwill store this am to see if they had anything that I could use for quilting. and lo and behold! I found remnents hanging with the sheets and curtains. I got like 4 yards of navy blue cotton for 1.27. also got 5 others that were on nice colors, cotton and most were over a yard, all for under 1.27 each. Dont know if anyone has looked for fabric in there before but you cant beat the price!
18 yards for $9.99!! We both got great bargins. This fabric is by SPRING and is wonderful quality. I am still doing the happy dance! |
Sounds like my DH does not like to poke through stuff. I think i could be there a long time like you will have to go by myself.
Originally Posted by jdavis
My dental hygienist says she goes to Good Will, etc for wool coats to cut up for rug braiding. After hearing what all the ladies on the board have found there, I am trying to get over there to check it out. Recently my DH noticed a local GW having a grand opening (more like an expansion, I think). The other day when my DH and I were through with errands somewhat earlier than expected, I asked if he'd like to stop there. He looked at me like I was from Mars! I guess I'll have to wait until I'm out alone....which doesn't happen that much.
|
Do not forget the dress shirts, lg skirts or dress for fabric in them.
|
I stop by my Goodwill (downtown Seattle) all the time and usually find lots of cotton quilting fabrics. Last week I found BRAND NEW cotton sheets (I bought lavender & pink) for $2.99 each that I plan to use as quilt backing. Also found a beautiful piece of white fabric with big bold burgundy flowers down the center. I plan to use that for quilt backing. My other great find almost every time I go in: quilt books for $2.99 (hardback) and $1.99 (paperback). Go Goodwill!
|
Originally Posted by quilt3311
I shop the Goodwill and Salvation Army shops. I found a box of buttons for $20. Now I am not talking a shoe box, but a large apple box. The kind grocery stores get apples in! The buttons were packaged in zip lock bags and we counted a couple bags, by multiplying we figured there are about 750,000 buttons. Now I am the go to person for buttons in our guild. grin.
I was told an elderly lady had passed away and her kids just told Salvation Army they could have it all. They cleaned up her apartment and were selling everything. They were told she had collected buttons for over 75 years and they had all been on cards etc. but they just tore them off and put them in bags. How I wish I had all those old button cards too. I have antique buttons and rarely ever see them at any kind of shop (antique, junk, etc.)anymore. I collected the buttons I in the mid-late 60's from Button Shows in Ohio. The majority of them are on cards and are dated. Sounds like you found a treasure!! Enjoy!!! |
Have found a large wooden lazy susan that I put my TV on so I can rotate it to see while I'm sewing!
Also, men's dress shirts make great fabric for scrape quilts. Can be found for $1.00 per shirt depending on the part of the country. |
Originally Posted by mygirl66
I work at Salvation Army, and we get a TON of fabric in all the time, but no one buys much of it around here. I wish we (employees) were allowed to shop in the store, I would have a HUGE collection!
|
I never find fabric at our Goodwill, but have found some great buys at other thrift stores in town (Missoula, not Hamilton) I shop in thrift stores all the time. Love it
|
Nice find.
I love to shop most any kind of second hand store. Recently I found a cheater fabric with 8 pointed stars in red,blue and gold colors,it is big enough for a queen sized bed, thought maybe I would practice my hand quilting on it,the price was $3.00. |
Goodwill also has an online store. I know several people who purchase men's shirts there, cut them up and use them for scrappy quilts. We also bought used jeans and sweaters for $1 recently for a Snowman workshop. Cut the sleeves off the sweaters for the little guy's hat. Used the jeans and jean pocket for his body.
|
Goodwill used to have bags of fabric here in Auburn for a few dollars. Then they started selling them by the peice.
I have gotten wonderful bags of fabric at St Vincent DuPaul for $2 or $3. I check every week or so. I definately don't need more fabric but I can't help myself. I sometimes take some back. |
I'm so delighted to read all the folks shopping at the thrift stores - you DO know that you are helping poor people by doing so, don't you? Salvation Army is one of the major contributors of free meals for the poor - not to mention free clothing and a myriad of other things. So - if we all shop there we are not only finding treasures for ourselves but helping others as well.
|
Been doing the Goodwill thing for years. Have to be in a restful mood though to get thru the garbage to find the real gems. Don't overlook the clothing racks, have found beautiful print dresses and men's shirts which result in nice cuts of fabric when cut up. One Salvation Army in my area gathers up "large scraps" and stuffs them in large plastic bags (abt $1.50). Disabled Veterans Shops, are also a good source for fabric finds - most thrift shops are a gold mind, you just have to be in the mood to look through their stuff. For the frugal quilter who can't always find money in the household budget for a side trip to Hancock or Joann's these places are a Godsend.
Happy Holidays to all. Janet |
Just a warning--there are more and more reports of bedbugs in fabric---so it would be advisable to wash it before you store it! Th9is ahppened to a friend of mine back east--they are hard to get rid of---the only thing she had brought in was fabric!
|
If you are looking for sheets, you can always get them at Estate Sales. Here in Northeast Ohio they always have Estate Sales.
|
I shop at all of the thrift stores in my area. It can be hit or miss with the material. Most of my material is from the thrift stores.
|
Originally Posted by hlponyfarm
Stopped into our local goodwill store this am to see if they had anything that I could use for quilting. and lo and behold! I found remnents hanging with the sheets and curtains. I got like 4 yards of navy blue cotton for 1.27. also got 5 others that were on nice colors, cotton and most were over a yard, all for under 1.27 each. Dont know if anyone has looked for fabric in there before but you cant beat the price!
|
Originally Posted by mygirl66
I work at Salvation Army, and we get a TON of fabric in all the time, but no one buys much of it around here. I wish we (employees) were allowed to shop in the store, I would have a HUGE collection!
Can't believe no one wants it. |
Originally Posted by grammy17
Originally Posted by cjomomma
I find fabric at of our thrift shops. Sometimes I find really nice stuff.
|
I think the clue to shopping at places like this is to look beyond the "real" purpose of the item.[/quote]
You mean like my $3 Dan River bed sheet dress? Or my $2 white eyelet jacket that used to be a shower curtain? Or may pillows that used to be placemats? I've still got some absolutely beautiful greens (2 patterns) that came from a duvet cover. Almost too pretty to use. |
Originally Posted by quilt3311
I shop the Goodwill and Salvation Army shops. I found a box of buttons for $20. Now I am not talking a shoe box, but a large apple box. The kind grocery stores get apples in! The buttons were packaged in zip lock bags and we counted a couple bags, by multiplying we figured there are about 750,000 buttons. Now I am the go to person for buttons in our guild. grin.
I was told an elderly lady had passed away and her kids just told Salvation Army they could have it all. They cleaned up her apartment and were selling everything. They were told she had collected buttons for over 75 years and they had all been on cards etc. but they just tore them off and put them in bags. How I wish I had all those old button cards too. |
I went into one my goodwill stores and walked out with a bag of fabrics from Joanns had close to 80.00 worth of fat quarters in it, for 5.00 Asked my daughter who works there to keep an eye out for more. They are allowed to shop when they are off the clock
|
Originally Posted by travlr99
Have found a large wooden lazy susan that I put my TV on so I can rotate it to see while I'm sewing!
Also, men's dress shirts make great fabric for scrape quilts. Can be found for $1.00 per shirt depending on the part of the country. |
I bought my Featherweight at a Goodwill on 1/2 price
day....for $25.00....in great shape...all the gold trim etc. I did have to buy a bobbin case and had the electric cord replaced.....I'll never find a deal like that again!! |
Oh yes...I've found fabric at Goodwill for years. However, it is hard to find as it is usually buried between sheets or other linens.
When I go to Goodwill I always check for fabric first....just in case! |
I don't have that good of luck or timing.
|
Originally Posted by BeckiQuilts
Just yesterday I was shopping at our local thrift store, had not been there in ages. I got TWO large yardages of pinwale cordoroy. I piece was medium brown and about three and a half yards for 1.29, Other piece was about six yards of beautiful brown pinwale for 99 cents. My lucky day. Two toddler granddaughters will definitely have new jumpers or jackets soon.
|
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:41 PM. |