BrendaY

I forgot to mention that my quilts are pretty much small doll size! They are for my antique dolls, and so much fun to make.

Rettie V. Grama

Before I wash anything from a thrift store, if it can be put in the clothes dryer, I dump the whole lot in as soon as I get it home. With the bed bug epidemic, it pays to be careful. Anything that is in those finds will be killed by the heat of the dryer. And if there is animal dander or hair, it will be swept down the chute.

JenelTX

Oooooh, that's a very interesting idea. I volunteer for a charity here in Georgetown, Texas that includes a thrift shop. I manage their Facebook page. It would be fun to look for used clothes that I could make into a quilt, and then auction off the quilt and donate the money back to The Caring Place.

I'm getting ahead of myself here, since I haven't done any quilt at all yet. :lol: But it's a very fun idea.

JenelTX

Brenda, I am really intrigued by miniature quilts. I read an article about them once, and I thought I might try one some day. I thought that could be a hobby that travels well. You could sew by hand so you didn't have to worry about taking the machine with you.

BrendaY

Another thought on this is to foundation/paperpiece your quilt top. I find it's the ONLY way that I can get the corners to come out right...

My latest fun hobby is miniature items for my dollhouse. There is a fantastic online Free miniatures magazine where I can browse even their archived past issues... and all for FREE! Just discovered this yesterday and can't tear myself away from it yet.

http://www.artisansinminiature.com/index.html

TacoMama

Only one time did I find any fabric in a thrift store and it really wasn't a thrift store, it was for needy people, but they did sell things to the public.

Pat G

I haven't had a lot of luck finding nice fabrics but I did find a huge cutting mat. Can't remember the brand since I'm not at home for now. It's too lg. for my cutting table so I'll get creative & figure out some use for it.

BrendaY

My friend and I went to a local thrift shop today and I bought a beautiful crocheted blue and white rectangular doily that will make a real pretty throw for one of my antique doll cradles. I'm so happy!

GrannieAnnie

Hoard mostly-----------I do use some, but mostly hoard!

Then look for more.

(getting to be an addiction!)

quiltmaker

I too never seem to find good fabric at thrift shops although I've found some lovely wool pieces. I go through the clothing a bit but don't have the patience to go through all the rows and rows available. It's a fun time out and does give one great ideas for new projects. Maybe I'm just the late one meaning others got there before me for all the goodies. I have found lovely silk threads, beautiful sheets and various accessories that I was pleased to find. I'm happy for anyone that makes those great finds.