In the tradition of our forebears...(sort of)
 

There was recently a thread about "which kind of fabric shopper are you?" that asked if people were LQS, online, bargain hunters, etc. Well, I'm definitely in the bargain hunter category and am finding that my special niche in the quilting world is repurposing fabric. I really enjoy taking others' cast-offs and making something from them. Some folks said they never find fabric at the thrift store. This picture is today's "haul" from 1 thrift store. The green fabrics and bright blue are new, (I think a quilter was destashing, there were a lot of new pieces, many had designer names on them), the others are all vintage sheets which I love using. Side note...I saw an ad for a famous designer's new line of fabrics, they look an awful lot like my vintage sheet stash, but I didn't pay $12-$15/yard for mine :D[ATTACH=CONFIG]573676[/ATTACH]
My most recent finish was a grandmother's flower garden made from giant hexies...all from vintage sheets.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t288249.html

So, don't give up on finding bargains! I think it's mostly being at the right place at the right time and keeping your eyes peeled.

I love thrift shop finds and use those old sheets when I can find them, they make the most comfortable backs for quilts, just love them.

wow, wish i had a charity shop near me. Everything is so very far away from me now. sigh. good haul!!

very nice haul

I know what you mean about vintage sheets. I'm the same way. I use them mainly for backings. I'm lucky that I have two good thrift stores near me, where I always walk away with something! Last time was five 1-gallon ziplock bags of homespun cotton for a quarter each! Good for you for carrying on the thrifty tradition that quiltmaking originated from!

I shop like you do.

When visiting the local Goodwill, I found two pairs of battenburg valances. Too good to pass but had no purpose in mind when I brought them home. Well, they made into a very pretty dust ruffle for my twin bed.

I've found the neatest fabrics at thrift store and then figuring out how to use my finds. I think that's real creativity.

I love vintage sheets too! I'd amassed quite a stash...

I do this too!!!! If I'm super-lucky I'll find 'real' fabrics - otherwise sheets used for backings are wonderful for all the charity sewing done by my church group and local quilt guild! Happy Hunting!