Buckeye Rose

I would, but the thrift store closest to me is so overpriced, that I can find new stuff at Walmart cheaper!

ragquilter

Yes. I made an Hawaiian theme quilt from men's shirts I bought at the thrift store. I use flannel sheets for the middle and back of rag quilts, it is better quality than I can buy by the yard. I buy from yard sales and thrift stores, but I wash them in hot water and dry on high as soon as I get them home. If I can't get to it right away I leave them outside in a trash bag to bake.

ManiacQuilter2

No, I have never used clothing or bed sheet. I was taught by Harriet Hargrave to use the best fabrics that you can afford. I want my quilts to be on Antique Roadshow in the year 2075!!

dakotamaid

I buy wherever I see something that would be great in a quilt. Stores, thrift stores, garage sale, blankets (batting), sheets, pillowcases, men's shirts, etc. This list goes on! When flannel sheets go on sale in the late winter I buy for backings. Love flannel for quilt backs.

tropit

Yes! I buy sheets at the thrift stores to use as backing, or to cut up for scrappy quilts. One time, I went to the GW and found half a set of beautiful, floral sheets, so I bought them. Then, I went to the other thrift store and wouldn't you know it, there was the other half of the floral sheet set. Now I have the full set, which I didn't cut up for quilting. Instead, I use them on our guest bed.

Occasionally, I'll buy other items, s/a shirts and skirts at the GW, but they're way too expensive these days to make it worth while.

~ Cindy

tessagin

I to thrift stores, estate sales and discount dollar stores. Don't forget clearance racks. I needed some corduroy and got 3 large men's pairs of pants. $10.00 then 50% off. 3 for $5. Those are my resources for "odd" fabric. I always prewash in hot water and throw in a hot dryer.

bearisgray

[QUOTE=ManiacQuilter2;7142824]No, I have never used clothing or bed sheet. I was taught by Harriet Hargrave to use the best fabrics that you can afford. I want my quilts to be on Antique Roadshow in the year 2075!![/QUOTE

Perhaps "used" is the best one can afford.

As far as I can tell - good/suitable fabric is still good/suitable fabric - even after it has been made into a garment or bedding - and regardless of where one acquired it - or how much one paid for it.

As an aside - some of the most expensive cotton fabric I ever purchased was for a baptismal gown. A very thin (sheer), tightly woven fabric - very unsuitable for a quilt - but so soft!

bearisgray

what makes some think that items purchased at a store are cleaner or more sanitary than items purchased at a yard sale or thrift store?

Especially items located at young children level?

( I do look around and consider the general condition of everything)

My point - if one is a germaphobe - perhaps EVERYTHING brought home should be sanitized -regardless of where it comes from?!

Onebyone

I have bought men's cotton shirts to use in quilts. I use to try to find the cheapest way possible to quilt but then realized DH wasn't looking for the cheapest bullets to use in his hunting guns or the cheapest tools. If something I want is on sale great but if not that's okay too.

helou

Too funny even if that's what I was taught by reading her book and I do most of the time... that would be nice to be around to watch the show in 60 years from now lolll

but lately, I started to cheat and I use new sheet that were "sleeping" in my linen cabinet and sort of practice new technics like FMQ with them, or made a scrap quilt or two just for the fun of trying something different and...... I gave them to 2 people who felt in love with them. so. whatever I want to do with the project I am working on is fine for me!