Are there any tips you can give me for building up my fabric collection cheaply? Is there a place where a company might just be getting rid of it or something? It seems very expensive at places like Joann or Hobby Lobby, especially for quilt backing, but I would be happy just to have a fun assortment of scraps to work with. Thanks!

Ummmm. That's a very good question!! One we are all asking all the time!!

My favorite online/catalog place is Connecting Threads. They have nice fabric for a good price. You can buy tons of fabrics on eBay. You can sign up at JoAnn and Hancock for their sale flyers, and there are always coupons in those. You can hit garage sales. There are lots of places you can get fabric cheaper than at the local quilt shop.

Some people use recycled clothing for scraps. Others pick up fabric at yardsales or resale shops. There are also fabric outlets.
Some online stores like connecting threads have lower prices and I've also bought pieces on ebay. Good luck!!

also right here on this forum, many great folks put fabric up for sale at very reasonable prices. A great place to start (and if I had a budget for fabric, I would be doing a lot of buying here)

I agree Connecting Treads is great. Check out their clearance section they add new things all the time. Also I see you're in Texas and most of the walmarts there have pretty good fabric at good prices. I usually go to the one's in Stephenville and Gatesville since when I'm there i'm in Hamilton.

Yes they do and I have bought some great pieces for really great prices here.

Re purpose sheets or curtains from the thrift store...

I shop my kids' closets. Clothes they've outgrown but aren't fit to pass on are jewels. Goodwill, Salvation Army store, Thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, Craig's List, Freecycle... I'm sure all have been or will be mentioned. Sometimes you luck into a real treasure chest of fabric. It's a harder route to go, but the vigilent prosper :)

Welcome to the message board.

Shop the sale fabrics on line, at the stores and I agree, check out Craig's List and second hand stores. You never know what you will find. Have fun searching.

I agree. Lots of people on this board have great luck at thrift stores finding fabric, sheets & clothes they can use in quilts.