SouthernMema... LOVE your denim quilt!! I would never have thought of that, but it looks GREAT!!!

I've also loved reading all the ideas on this thread... thanks everyone!

You ladies need to go to ROPA USADA (used clothing) in southern Texas. 25 cents a pound

Sorry this took me so long, I couldn't find the tute I saved. http://replayground.blogspot.com/201...ff-wallet.html

What a cute idea, instead of a wallet, you could make a needlecase if you put in some flannel or felt pages to hold the needles, and you could put some little pockets for a seam ripper, awl, ruler, etc on one side and maybe a little pincushion on the other side, then when you went to a workshop you'd have everything right at hand especially if you were doing handwork like hexies or embroidery.

Oh that would be cute! I also saw a tute where she just sewed the long edges together and folded on short end over for a button down flap. It could be a coin purse or maybe a card case.

Thank you so much for the link. These are really clever!

I have been buying sheets at our local thrift store to use for backing. I'm careful to get all cotton and new or near new, high thread count. Got lucky last month and got a luxery king size white sheet for $2. It's the only way I could afford to have backings on my quilts!!!!!!! I also keep a lookout for batting (I have found unopened bags for 50 cents). I'm hoping to find a nice cotton blanket to use as batting for a quilt I'm making for my grandson.

I DO save my collars and cuffs. I cut around the stitching to save time ripping those seams...if the interfacing will tear off - I tear it off! If not I toss it and save the side that doesn't have interfacing. Before I even start scrapping my shirts I remove buttons with a seam ripper. This is actually my ten year old's favorite job to help with! Also - look for 75% off and 25 cent sales at thrift stores. My local Goodwill has them three or four times a month and you can walk out with a handful of shirts for a buck or two. :) I also try to find shirts that don't look like some guys old flannel. I look specifically for shirts that look like reproduction civil war prints!

I'm like you, pumpkinpatchquilter, I love finding shirts that look like Civil War prints too. I've gotten some strange looks when I come up to the counter looking like I have a split personality -- shirts divided between dull and drab "old" prints and wild bright Hawaiian shirts! Maybe they think I'm buying for two different men! Tee-hee.

When you say about using the thrift store shirts, how do you use them? Do you mix the used shirts in with your new fabric? What kind of shirts does everyone look for? Like mens dress, plaid sport, or flannel?