To prepare the clothing, get to know your seam ripper as well as you know yourself. Take a shirt or skirt apart and stack the pieces according to design and iron so you get a good idea of the actual size. WASH AHEAD OF TIME, although since they are your family's clothes, they are probably clean to start with.

I used my sons old flannel shirts for a warm and beautiful rag quilt.

When people started making quilts, they used what they could get their hands on. Part of it was wool from pants. And anything else they could find. Use what you have and you can be surprised how good it will look. Old tablecloths too. when you get where you can, you can upgrade with new fabric. until then, be creative! good luck

I have bought lots of fabric pieces at yard sales, thrift stores, my own closet and closets of some of my friends who will let me snoop around. Try to stick to the same weight and feel and you should be okay. Using your kids clothes, or what is left of them after you recycle to another child, would be a great help to you. Good luck to you and your hubby in this trying time. Hope he will get a job soon. My thoughts are with you.

PS - I have used old flannel sheets and sheets for backing fabric as well. They have been well washed and used and make a very soft backing, and probably will not shrink.

As always, TY, TY, TY!!!! You are all always such a great help and always have the answers for me. Ya'll ROCK~!!!! :)