preachers wife

There's not a lot of fabric in thrift stores around here, but I usually just buy fabric for a specific project. My sister-in-law works for a thrift shop and she says that a lot of shops donate their fabric to groups that make comfort quilts for people in hospitals or servicemen and women. The only fabric they sell in the shop is fabric that is only good for rags. That's a GOOD reason why there's no good fabric in thrift shops, I guess!

heberstitcher

I check out the fabric to make sure it is a good quality cotton - nothing too thin. I usually buy a variety of colors (hoping) that I will use them someday for a quilt!! I can't pass up the good prices especially when I see how the prices are going up in the fabric stores!!

joyce888

I hear you. I've been thinking alot about this lately. My DH came in my sewing room just this morning and shook his head, his remark "You'll never get all this sewn." I ordered some fabric last week and when it came I thought: Do I have a current need for it; Is it something I really love; Or did I buy it just because it was on sale. I ended up sending back two 6yd pieces and one 2 1/2 yd piece; for a total of $90. Thank goodness fabric.com is 100% guarantee and free return shipping.

mshawii

If you do charity quilts it is good as scraps for them.

lue

I look for 100% cotton but sometimes the fabric content is not labeled. Can you look at cotton-appearing fabric and tell whether there is polyester in it???? I don't want to put a lot of work into a quilt only to have it be part polyester.

I buy vibrant colors or ones that catch my eye. I plan to use them all, not just go for the bargain AND if I'm not careful, I will go for the bargain (if it's cotton and cute). I'll have to retire to use all that I have now and yet I'm going to a Stash Sale on Saturday in Tacoma (taking only a limited amount of cash so that I won't overdo).

grandma Janice

most of my stash I bought at thrift stores or garage sales. I never knew what I was going to use it for, just knew if I can buy a yard of cotton material for 50 cents or a dollar, I wouldn't have to go pay new price for what I wanted. I make lots of scrap quilts so it works for me. I don't buy everything tho, I have to like the material.

mzmama

Oh, for me it depends on the day.

bink

I typically look for 100% wool clothing that can be washed over and over to 'felt' it.

tlpa

I've definitely gotten pickier. I seem to be much slower in producing quilts than some of you, so will only buy if I think I will use it in the next year...and at my slow pace...it is unlikely! I still like to look and touch though!

MerryQuilter

Just don't get to one very often, can barely make it to grocery store lately, work and all.