mhollifiel

"The recycling of two million tons of clothing per year equates to taking one million cars from U.S. streets."

This is the reason that I try to use recycled sheets and clothing as often as I can in my quilting despite some minor discouragement from those who prefer to use only high quality, new fabric. The article this information came from is here: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/textil...igures-2878122

The article is short with good, recent information about textile waste. I feel good about making any quilt in a "save the planet" kind of way. Since I make charity quilts almost exclusively, it gives my efforts a secondary purpose when I can recycle as well!

Innov8R

b.Zang- I truly understand what you are saying about using cast-offs. I do it and I love it. There is something about old made new again that satisfies my soul. I personally think quilts should have soul and mine do. We all love buying fabric, and it is easier than recycling. However, I find there is no match for the satisfaction of making something unique and beautiful from what would otherwise be wasted. IMHO it takes more skill and much more personal investment to make something from nothing than to buy a kit or hundreds of dollars worth of the latest designs. When I make a quilt, it is my own work of art made in the spirit in which I live. I do it for satisfaction and satisfaction comes from being true to my principles of respect for the earth and its resources and using creativity, not cash, to create something beautiful.

judykay

I do wool applique and go to thrift stores, mainly Salvation Army and purchase wool coats and blazers. I wash them in hot water and toss in the dryer before taking them apart. This felts them and they don't fray when cup up. Amazing how much wool you can get and can't beat the price. On New Years day my friends and I do a thrift store shop hop as all clothing is 1/2 off. Last year I picked up a woman's long white coat for $10. I have many blazers and mens sport coats cut up and ready for any ideas that pop into my head.

kay carlson

My dad's Pendleton shirts were discarded I have purchased Pendleton pleated skirts at a thrift store and taken them apart. I match the plaids when joined together (tailoring trick) and hem sides as needed. This makes a nice throw. Since I enjoy the feel of the Pendleton and don't have any allergies I use large matching pieces w/o batting and backing as a light blanket. I also carefully machine wash the wool throw/ blanket just as Dad laundered his shirts!

quilt9226

100% cotton shirts only to use in string quilts that I make out of plaids. 100% cotton sheets for backs, usually at Value Village on Senior Day (Tuesdays) or on special sale days (usually around a national holiday like Presidents Day) when bed and bath is 50%. I recently bought 2 100% pima cotton queen flat sheets. I do buy 100% wool sweaters and coats and felt the wool.

b.zang

Hi tranum,
I'm reading my way through an omnibus of 6 books in one volume called "Holidays at Home" by Grace Thompson. The individual books would be best read in order as the stories continue one from another.
1 - Wait Til Summer
2 - Swingboats on the Sand
3 - Waiting for Yesterday
4 - Day Trippers
5 - Unwise Promises
6 - Street Parties

The writing is quite old-fashioned but the stories are sweet and give a good sense of life during the war.

b.zang

When my daughter-in-law was working at a bed & bath shop, there was a beautiful quilt that none of could afford. It could be custom ordered, and once it was off the shelf, she brought home the collection of fabric swatches and asked me to make her a quilt from them. Now, THAT was a challenge! Everything from velour to velvet with linen thrown in for fun.

tranum

thank you for the info. I’ll be ordering it from my library !

SouthPStitches

Wanted to start some wool applique but the price of woolens almost made me change my mind. Went to thrift stores and purchased several wool skirts and six or so wool blazers. Broker the garments down and felted the wool myself. Lots of work and mess but have some lovely felted wool for all my efforts.

carolynjo

I say go for the sheet. Most of us have air-conditioning now, so I doubt it would be a problem.