Do you admit to picking up fabric everywhere you go? I do. Pretty fabric, at least. Here's a stack that I came home with the last time I browsed my favorite thrift shop. I think most thrift shops (the franchise ones, anyway) get rid of the fabric that comes in, but my favorite one bundles it up into stacks of about 5 yards for $2. I usually have to buy the whole bundle to get one piece I really like, but for that price, who cares?
I browsed through my pictures for this blog post, and found lots of projects made with thrifted fabrics. Like the heavy blue duck cloth on this car cozy.
And the nice red knit that I made this top out of. That ended up being a super find... about 3 yards (plus other stuff in the bundle) and I really, really like the quality.
Of course I always throw my stack of thrifted fabrics in the wash as soon as I get home. That helps get rid of any funny smell, plus lets me see what it is first thing. If it can't make it through one wash, then I want to know now.
I'm sure you know that fabric can be found in other departments too... this nap mat came from a thrifted sheet. Lots of people use soft vintage sheets for quilt backings too.
But in general I look for solids when I am scouting out thrifted fabrics. It's easier to make them look modern and mix them with my favorite designer prints. The other stuff I usually end up using for practice projects.
What about you? Do you admit to buying thrifted fabrics? Where do you find them and what do you use them for?
