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Michaela
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| Posted: Aug 08 2007 at 3:37am | IP Logged
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As homeschoolers, we all know to find deals on books at garage sales or thrift stores.
How do you find deals on fabric?
Does the fabric stores have regular sales? Do you only buy retail with coupons or during sales?
DH just bought me a sewing machine this past weekend.
I am a blank slate when it comes to sewing. My 7yo dd has sewn a clutch purse, out of felt. (I'm very proud of her accomplishment!  )
Do you have any hints about getting fabric?
Do you buy only new fabric or it depends on the project?
I've read a few sewing blogs that mention thrift stores.
I've never seen fabric, but then again I've never looked.
Would you buy used sheets to have on hand to later turn into something?
I found this tutorial on buying used men's shirts to make aprons so interesting!
After looking at sewing room photos, I'm wondering if there is a way or how to afford so much material to stock up until needed.
Care to share what you do?
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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Bethany
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| Posted: Aug 08 2007 at 6:21am | IP Logged
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Michaela,
I'm just starting to really sew much and I only buy on sale. Joann's and Hancocks alsways has something on sale. They remind my of Kohl's, Penny's or Target, I never buy much in those stores that isn't on sale because it will be next week! My thirift store also carries some fabric remnants. It's usually 60's or 70's vintage, which might be cute for an apron or something, but I think their price is a little high.
I did luck out at a thrift store and bought a Talbots, 100% boiled wool jacket for $2.50. It's an XL and boxy so there is a lot of good wool for felt type projects. This fall I plan on looking for more like this for smaller craft type projects.
As far as supplies, I just buy as I go along. Before you know it you'll have most of what you need.
Bethany
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Bethany
Wife to Mike, Mommy to Amelia (6/02), Sarah (10/03), Martha Grace (10/05), Rebecca Anne (12/07), Laura Catherine (3/10) and Reed Michael 7/4/14.
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MicheleQ
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| Posted: Aug 08 2007 at 7:53am | IP Logged
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Michaela wrote:
As homeschoolers, we all know to find deals on books at garage sales or thrift stores.
How do you find deals on fabric?
Does the fabric stores have regular sales? Do you only buy retail with coupons or during sales?
DH just bought me a sewing machine this past weekend.
I am a blank slate when it comes to sewing. My 7yo dd has sewn a clutch purse, out of felt. (I'm very proud of her accomplishment! )
Do you have any hints about getting fabric?
Do you buy only new fabric or it depends on the project?
I've read a few sewing blogs that mention thrift stores.
I've never seen fabric, but then again I've never looked.
Would you buy used sheets to have on hand to later turn into something?
I found this tutorial on buying used men's shirts to make aprons so interesting!
After looking at sewing room photos, I'm wondering if there is a way or how to afford so much material to stock up until needed.
Care to share what you do?
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JoAnn's and Hancocks have weekly sales. Sign up for their mailing lists. Local non-chain stores will sometimes have mailing lists too and ours has great sales every so often.
I do buy mostly new fabric but if I will also buy things in thrift stores to use. Last week I found a skirt that is too small but I love the fabric so for the $1.00 it was a no brainer to buy. 
I don't use old sheets myself but I know a lot of people do. They ARE a great way to try things out and practice.
Let me warn you. Fabric buying can be addicting. I mean there are so many beautiful choices out there and sometimes you just have to have it. But stockpiling fabric really isn't necessary (they really do make more) and if you try to do it all at once it would be very expensive. Keep in mind it has taken me YEARS to acquire all the fabric I have and I have given A LOT away.
Oh that's another way to get fabric. Let it be known to others that you sew and they will give you fabric. When my sister's mother in law died and there was a sewing room full of stuff, guess who got it? Me because I was the only one who sews. I gave a lot of it away but some things were really useful.
Have fun sewing. Tell you daughter she did a GREAT job on that purse and to keep at it. With time and practice you will be amazed at what you can do!
God bless,
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Michele Quigley
wife to my prince charming and mom of 10 in Lancaster County, PA USA
http://michelequigley.com
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8kids4me
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I do find pieces at Salvation Army. Yesterday I got a piece of flannel large enough to make a nightgown for an 8yo, and some butter soft corduroy for a skirt.
I don't always find something, but I also look at the larger pieces of clothing, to see what can be cut down for the girls.
Plus, everything Michelle said about Joann's and Hancock's. I also get fabric from fabric.com.
Good luck and have fun!!
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Cindy B, mama to 8 great kids, and 5 grandbabies!
http://www.magnolialane.wordpress.com
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MicheleQ
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| Posted: Aug 08 2007 at 8:13am | IP Logged
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8kids4me wrote:
| I also get fabric from fabric.com. |
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Oh yeah I didn't even mention the online places - those can be dangerous. There's a reason we call Steven (who owns fabric.com) "Evil Steven"  His sales are MAJOR temptations to buy!
Hmm...wonder what's on sale this week. . .
[distracted from the piles of orders sitting around her Michele heads over to fabric.com . The sirens song is just too strong to resist. . .]
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Michele Quigley
wife to my prince charming and mom of 10 in Lancaster County, PA USA
http://michelequigley.com
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8kids4me
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| Posted: Aug 09 2007 at 10:22am | IP Logged
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MicheleQ wrote:
"Evil Steven" His sales are MAJOR temptations to buy!
Hmm...wonder what's on sale this week. . .
[distracted from the piles of orders sitting around her Michele heads over to fabric.com . The sirens song is just too strong to resist. . .] |
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 I was just thinking I need to head over there to buy some diaper making supplies for Em's baby on the way. Unless Michelle, you know of any better sources?
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Cindy B, mama to 8 great kids, and 5 grandbabies!
http://www.magnolialane.wordpress.com
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wifemommy
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I always go through the clearance fabric at JoAnn's and Walmart. Otherwise I am a coupon sale shopper though Walmart often has good normal prices....Annie (who once bought yards and yards of a beautiful linen for 25 cents a yard at JoAnn's )
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juststartn
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I don't like JoAnns...it took me four tries to get on their mailing list, and then I received one thing and never got anything again.
Hancock's, I LOVE. Bigger clearance table, too. Got some NICE scalloped eyelet material that will be great for pretty slips for the girls. Got ten yds. Also have picked up some REALLY nice deals at Thanksgiving time, when they have their day-after sale. WOOHOOO!
Btw, I got a sewing machine for Christmas last year and have yet to use it, but have a TON of fabric. I'm also an avid fan of looking at the old glass buttons on ebay...sometimes you can get sets REALLY cheaply, on NICE buttons...
Something about being pregnant with twins and being on bedrest kind of makes learning how to sew a little lower on the priority list...lol.
Oh. I also use my coupons. Hancocks work better for me. JoAnns fabric department here isn't all "that", either...
Rachel
Rachel
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8kids4me
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juststartn wrote:
Hancock's, I LOVE.
Rachel
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I love Hancock's too, unfortunately, all we have up here is Joann's. My dd's in Indianapolis and Ft. Campbell have them, and when things go on sale they pick them up for me. Oh, and when I was in Indy last month, I picked up a 3 yard piece of linen/rayon in navy blue with pink flowers embroidered on(outlines of them) at Hancock's. We never get anything like that here.
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nissag
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I use Fashion Fabrics Club and Fabric.com for good deals on apparel fabrics and Warehouse Fabrics for home decor fabrics.
Between my husband, six children, myself - and a weird need to co-ordinate outfits, a bolt of fabric goes quickly on basics, and fairly fast when I'm making dresses for myself and the girls, so I have some wholesale accounts here and there which save me a fortune.
Refashioning from thrift store finds is great! And if you have a recycled resource center in your area, you could pick up some for free. And you might also try Freecycle to see if there is a group in your area. You can make a "wanted" posting there for fabrics also. And yes, it would be free. Craigslist is a good place to check as well.
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Nissa
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: How do you find deals on fabric?
