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Quilting Nana 09-20-2010 07:43 AM


Originally Posted by marlene tarzwell

Originally Posted by 4dogs
I just discovered that IF you purchase an entire roll of batting (it comes at this store at 80 yards per roll) it is cheaper if the employee doenst have to "do" anything to it (like measuring and cutting)..it sells for $1.50 a yard if you have it measured, but in buying the entire roll of 80 yards, I got it for $1.00 per yard.......of course it will last for a year and its a huge roll, but that is a lot of $$ saved !!!

I agree! Last yr. I went to Handcocks and bought a whole roll of batting at 52% of. I will be using it for a looong time. Only thing is I have it stored in my garden bath tub with a sheet over it.[Don't use that tub anyways]

On black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) JoAnns has all their batting on sale for 50% and then they have a 10% coupon on everything. That is when I buy my warm and Natural.
Last year I bought a full bolt. It usually takes me about 2 years to use. But I am not retired and quilting a lot more so it won't take that long to use up.

mayday 09-20-2010 08:51 AM


Originally Posted by jitkaau

Originally Posted by JJs
Find someplace that sells name brand fabric from a year or so ago at way low prices. Just today my DH drove me to a place 100 miles from here where I got RJR, Windham, etc for $3.29 a yard. Even if you have to buy online and can't 'feel' the fabric. If you stick with name brands there should be no problems.
Unless of course you HAVE to have the $13 a yard stuff that just came out....
Keep all your leftovers for a scrap quilt.

If you drove that far in my country, the cost of petrol would be too prohibitive and not worth the effort...such a shame.



This is the same in GB, know a super warehouse ,much much cheaper than shops BUT 3 HRS away ,grotty journey and petrol high cost ,so go only once/twice year.

fliedermaus 09-20-2010 09:02 AM

I found a place that was selling pack of two pillow cases (100% cotton ones) for 99p in a variety of colours.

The lady at the till must have thought that I have a very large bed!!!

Crafty Chick 09-21-2010 06:40 AM

I am in Alabama-where is this place that you go to for fabric bargains? Was wondering if it would be worth the drive for me too!

Slow2Sew 09-21-2010 08:49 AM

Hope this isn't a duplicated suggestion, but you may try advertising on Craigslist and asking if anyone has any fabric or sewing supplies to donate.

Tallulah 09-21-2010 12:36 PM


Originally Posted by greaterexp
I've gotten some great books at low prices from this site:
http://www.edwardrhamilton.com/
I'm tickled pink to see so many great tips. Thanks for starting this thread.

Great place to order books. Many are $4.95 and shipping is only $3.95 no matter how many you order. They will start sending you a little catalog and if you look under "Needle Crafts" you will find quilting books. They have many more Quilting books online, too. Sometimes if I see a title that I think that I might like, I go to another site and read reviews before I order. I am a sucker for books! Other good places to look for books are Amazon, looking at the new and used ones, and Half.com. Half.com is a great place to buy. It is part of eBay, but you don't have to bid. I have gotten really good deals there.

Tallulah 09-21-2010 12:38 PM


Originally Posted by ganny

Originally Posted by jitkaau
I always use 'stash buster' patterns. By that, I mean that there is no wastage. I make the scraps into fancy borders, or cut the fabric from strips so that there is nothing except a minimal squaring up scrap that is left over. Not much fussy cutting in this house! One criticism I received from a member of the quilt guild I belong to was, "I don't like your quilts - they always look like you've made them from scraps." AND THAT IS RIGHT.

That is what a scrappy quilt is!!

I am sorry that the lady was so rude. Overlook her manners and continue making your pretty quilts! I love the way that you have so little waste. Good for you!

ScrapQuilter 09-21-2010 01:32 PM

Scrap Quilts........ seem to be the way to go.............

laughingquilter 09-22-2010 06:30 AM

Recently I've tried using up any scraps leftover from the quilt by piecing them together and using them in the back somewhere. Nothing fancy, just so they're used. I find that I just buy more fabric anyway even if I "stash" my leftovers so this is a way to use them, keep the back interesting and reduces the amount of fabric I have to buy for backing. And.....my LAQ loves them, she said the backs are as fun as the fronts.

Butterflyblue 09-22-2010 12:02 PM

I reuse clear plastic containers to hold my scraps. I used to use shoeboxes, but you can't see what's in them. I have a big plastic barrel that pretzels came in, full of strips for string quilts. I buy those little dishwasher detergent packs in the largest size possible, 64 or 48 to a tub, and use the clear tubs for scraps. I have a couple of smaller clear tubs that candy came in, and I use them for my postage stamp squares and miniature paper piecing scraps (the tiniest scraps).


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