Good for you! I would have grabbed it too!

When you use these fabrics -- and many of them are heavier -- do you use batting to quilt purses?

Great recycling. I have a question. How do you clean fabric from these books? I have many, but have not used them because of cleaning. Thanks for your help.

If I'm using them for any kind of quilt, I cut off the cardboard with pinking shears and toss them into the washing machine on gentle cycle. Then it all gets hung up outside on my clothesline. I figure if it can't take a washing machine, what good is it? BTW, I am someone who laughs at those "Dry Clean Only" tags! Haven't had a problem yet.

Our quilting group for 8 years used bunches of fabric samples from books like those. Mostly we made lap quilts to be donated to Seniors at the nursing homes, then also some tote bags. We washed almost everything before we sent it out, and were amazed that it all came out so well- It just wasn't a problem! Have lots of fun with your stuff!

I like to dumpster dive and find free treasures!!!!

Great find. I used to live in Austin where recycling was cool way back when. We knew to cruise the better neighborhoods on "bulky trash day" for treasures! Folks who put things out are always glad to see them reused. I scored some gorgeous custom window blinds that way.

About the samples...the first quilt my Mother made was a log cabin and many of the fabrics came from sample books for dressmaking fabric. My aunt worked at a fabric wholesale house and gave her sample books...lots of coordinated prints.

When I lived in an apartment that had dumpsters, people would leave insteresting stuff out so people could take it if they wanted. It was great fun when people would move out, everyone would check out the area outside the dumpster. As long as it was kept neat no body complained about it being junky.

ohhh good for you,,, and these are "vintage" prints....
i worked in the home dec section of a local fabric store for years.... the owner was "throwing" out all the old books... and said... if you want them... their yours... we are talking 20 or more and over the years... i can't imagine... it's a lot of work getting hem cut out, but they do make wonderful "patchwork " bags" and many other things... enjoy!!!!

How cool ! these are great vintage prints ! Have fun with them :)

Awesome find! I also have found some fabric samples from curbside shopping. Can't beat the price!

Great repurose stuff!

Fantastic fabrics, I sure would have taken them home too LOL.

Awesome one LQS here sells those in bags for shop hop we go there first and our little group buys them then trades like kids at Halloween!

I'm not shuddering, I'm clapping for you! Great Find!

I'd get to know that neighbor.

Agreed!!! on both counts

Well, I'm on my second load of laundry after spending a couple of hours snipping off the paper edges! My hand is killing me. Leaving them out overnight to get a full dose of fresh air!

How lucky for you !!!!!!! You nailed it!

Beautiful fabrics....love the colors and patterns......

Great find. Waste not Want not.

Darn! I ran out of clothes pins! Ocean breeze, do your work!

Good for you!! I would of done the same thing.

Very pretty, great way to save money.

That was better than buying the books from the store. Iwould have did the same thing. I am sure that the lady didn't mind.

I would have done the same thing.

would work for crazy quilting

That's the plan!

I would have done the same thing! When we lived in the city, my hubby and I would put things on the curb for "pick up day" - and we would watch - usually within 30 minutes the item was picked-up and not by the city :D

No shudder here! You rock! Great find & you got some exercise at the same time.

Great tips. I have a few samples with paper on the back. I'll have to try the microwave tip.

Oh how neat. I love them.

That's my kind of shopping!

Great find, I get fabric were ever I can.
GOD bless.

A friend's son has an upholstery business and she has given me several of these books. I have made LOTS of the little Snappy purses and have them on hand to take as little gifts - everyone just loves them. The pieces are perfect sizes - I use one fabric and use the coodinsting piece for the lining and top that the ruler goes thru - then make another one using the reverse fabrics.

Enjoy - seems like we enjoy those freebies more than fabrics that we pay high prices for - LOL.

Yes! I was given a bunch of fabric squares/rectangles made from these books to make up into quilts. They make wonderful quilts and people like them and they wash well. I didn't do anything complicated...just sorted them by color groups, sashed and cornerstoned them and they turned out great!

Lucky you! I could have a ball with that stuff! WTG!! Much less for the landfill! :-D ;-)

Great find , I use to do allot of dumpster Diving when I was healthier and could do it, way to go!!!

What a great find!

I've never done dumpster diving and I don't think I'll start now, LOL, but there are always wonderful things to find while I'm out walking the dogs.
I've had the washed pieces out on the line for two days for extra airing in the sun and wind and will bring them in today to iron and start thinking about a fun quilt -- maybe a DP9 with the prints and a crazy QAYG embroidered quilt.
It's time for me to actually keep something I've made!