Heather1949, I also was going to say I shop for scraps at thrift stores. They often have half price sales on certain things. Childrens' dresses are usually like new because they outgrow them so fast. Also medical scrubs are made of very sturdy 100% cotton and come in lots of neat patterns as well as many solid colors. I try to get the largest sizes available in prints I like.
Also, as sewbizgirl says, men's shirts are a great resource.