Questions or advice???

**wcdiaz25** · 07-08-2008, 03:29 PM

I want to start sewing (making clothes and bags) for me and the family. Were is the best place to get CHEAP material???? I mean like fabric. Around here it is a bit expensive for the material so I was wondering if anyone knew of any place that is good for getting inexpensive fabric.

Like I have these little mermaid desings that i would like to sew ona fleece blanky or something for my girls (left over from decorating their b-day party) but i found the fleece material expensive.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I just started sewing my husband bought me a singer simple for my bday and although i have used it i really want into sewing....

thanks guys just sined up for the forum and am already asking too many questions.

**blitzen** · 07-08-2008, 03:34 PM

I have found fabric at thrift stores and Goodwill, and fabric stores usually have coupons for 40% off. You can use it on fabric, you get 40% off a cut length of fabric (so, if you buy two yards, it's 40% off the price of 2 yards). THey also have bargain sections as well.

**Missy** · 07-08-2008, 03:35 PM

One thing you might concider is hitting up the thrift shops. Sometimes you can find unwanted fabric being sold there, OR find a fleece (or maybe a different fabric) blanket there and just cut it up for your purpose.

**quiltergirl** · 07-08-2008, 04:10 PM

I find really good deals on fabric at garage sales. Not just scraps and sewing leftovers but yardage. Sometimes as much as 3 or 4 yards of one fabric. But I live in a city and we have lots of garage sales. If you live in a more rural area this might not work for you.

**blitzen** · 07-08-2008, 04:40 PM

Oh, and check Craigslist too! People are always getting rid of stockpiles of crafty things.

**itsahumanzoo** · 07-08-2008, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by blitzen

Oh, and check Craigslist too! People are always getting rid of stockpiles of crafty things.

And freecycle.org as well! I know I've gotten rid of fabric on there myself!

**zakity** · 07-08-2008, 04:51 PM

Also, check out the mumus. They are huge and there is a lot of fabric in them.

I bought a sundress that was for a very large person just because I like the print of the material. It will make a cute quilt someday. I actually loaned it to a pregnant friend who is plus-sized. She is wearing it around the house. It is voluminous on her, but she said it is really comfortable and cool.

Oh yeah... Hi, WC... Nice to see you here!

**nuisance26** · 07-08-2008, 05:35 PM

~I agree with cutting up a fleece blanket. I saw some on clearance this spring for 1/4 the price of yardage. You can also cut up cotton sheets. I've sewn alot of bags from cotton/polyester blend sheets. They're cheap($4) and the material is easy to cut, sew and live with. It wears really well for bags, totes and summer dresses. I get alot of great vintage fabric at a Hospice thrift store. Our thrift chains(Salvation Army, Goodwill) never have fabric and notions but the smaller thrifts usually do.~

**Michelle** · 07-08-2008, 06:03 PM

First of all, :hithere:, welcome to Frugal Village!

Do you live near a Joann fabric? Or Hancock's? Get on their mailing list. You'll get fliers in the mail with 40% off coupons (as mentioned above). Joann's often has pretty good prices online too.

Ebay is another good source...sewing forums like www.sewingmamas.com (lots of friendly women there offering sewing advice and selling fabric. I'm "chelle" over there).

Craigs List, Free Cycle, yard sales, thrift stores. Lots of options.

HTH