crafty pat

When I see somethingIi want I buy it. I learned the hard way if you don't get something you love you may never find it again.

Watson

I'm a sale shopper, for the most part.
I'm also cheap, so when things are on sale sometimes I don't buy enough and I end up having to go back and buy the little bit extra I need at full price.
I've rarely seen fabric at the thrift stores here.

Watson

peaceandjoy

I'm an equal opportunity shopper! My LEAST likely places to shop are the big box stores. If that's what others want to do, that's their choice. Fabric selection at local WM is very limited, and when I wanted some of a licensed fleece they had a couple years ago, it took about half an hour to get somebody to come and cut. I do think J's is making an attempt to improve their overall quality, but they've also raised prices significantly.

An example of online shopping I love is Missouri Star's Daily Deal! No, it's not supporting MY local economy, but it's still part of the quilting industry, and I think what Jenny Doan and her family have done for their town and the surrounding area is fantastic.

I posted a fairly lengthy response on the other thread regarding some of the shops that I go to locally. If I'm looking for a specific line, I'm more likely to look online than to drive 30 miles to a shop. If I am looking for something more general, I'll head to the Mennonite shops.

I've NEVER seen fabric at thrift shops. I have bought lots of men's dress shirts, inspired by Bonnie Hunter, at both thrift shops and rummage sales. Last week I bought 9 at a rummage sale for 50¢ each. I also bought some at Good Will that ranged from $2.99 to $5.99. I go for long sleeve in the larger sizes if at all possible, unless it's something really unique. A friend and I are swapping; she is making Scrappy Mountain Majesties and I am getting ready for retirement!

williesmom

My shopping habits have changed since I started working in a LQS. I get paid in barter credit, so rarely shop elsewhere. I will never pay full price, as one of my perks is 25% off everything. I buy whatever I want, whenever I want. My husband keeps asking what he's supposed to do with all my fabric when I die!

Austinite

My stash is giant so I'm currently trying not to buy anything in 2017. Doing well so far lol but I'll probably fall off the wagon at some point...I buy mostly online these days, my big box is nowhere near me and I'm so busy, it's not worth the gas. I do use precuts quite a bit and my favorite source is online. I have several friendly local places, my favorite is on the opposite side of town which helps me to "behave" fabric-wise. The owner is a sweetheart and very helpful with​everything. I have a great thrift store nearby that I've bought clothes at for years but there's never been any fabric there, I did see a bunch of what looked nice at a garage sale last year but when I got closer the smoke smell was too strong.

romanojg

I shop where ever I can get quality at a good price. I agree, some of the big box stores does have good stuff. You have to check it out, feel it, stretch it see if it bounces back, etc. I love sales and if I know one is coming and I can wait, I will. Love thrift stores and yard sales. I great restraint when I try, I can talk myself out of spending money all of the time. That was a hard lesson to teach myself but a worth while one

popover

What's with "dated" anyway? As far as I am concerned, all fabric is timeless unless its about to rot.

tessagin

I check the local newspaper and often the estate, garage, church rummage will have a list whether it be large or small, of some of the items for sale. I look for MWC clothing. One sale posted former square dancers. IF anyone knows about square dancers, they know the dresses have very fluffy tops and very full skirts with lots of crinoline and the skirts they wear under the crinoline are usually of great cotton. Don't discard mens' twill and cotton shirts and pants. Some of the shirts are flannel depending on your area. If a lot of heavy perfume odor is coming from the clothes, I put them into a large storage container and soak in vinegar and water often overnight, depending on the severity of the odor. Have also done same and used Dawn soap.

laurilli

I am a thrift/garage sale shopper(read one income now) But I have a big stash, I will probably die before I can use it all, so I do buy if I need fill ins or to match. So just last week I got 17 yards michealmiller, benartex & kona cotton 3FQs some scraps a bunch of felt(sister-in-law can use) and a bag of stuffing all in a garbage bag for $2. Now I need to gat to work on it.

quilt9226

I never need fabric again, but if I see a deal I will buy it, usually for the nonprofit I am part of. I was fortunate to attend a sale of a quilt shop's "remainder". The owner's daughter had a sale at her house and fabric was $2/yd. I loaded up with all the large pieces and bolts I could find for the nonprofit. Of course there were kits and fabric that I could not resist. I am quite successful at thrift stores, finding Moda, RJR and Benartex. On Sunday I found an African batik. I love vintage and have been fortunate enough to find 3 bolts. Last time I was in JoAnn I purchased glue, not fabric. Most of the sewing I a,m doing right now is for Quilts From the Heart and I am trying to whittle down the bin and box of plaids we have. I do not follow collections but will purchase something that will go with what I am working on. My area does not have many quilt shops anymore, so I travel 80 miles to my hometown (with 3 quilt shops) to a small shop I love and find lovely fabric there.