Thrift Store Fabric. Recycled Fabric. Thrifting for Quilting.

[@dnastrom]

Ah someone else who gets excited finding cotton shirts/dresses at the thrift store! And it’s not like I don’t have fabric, but there is something so satisfying about repurposing items and making something from almost nothing! Love the scripture at the end!

[@70acres]

So true! The hunt for shirts, etc... is a lot of fun. I'm glad you like my outro.

[@conzuelodevan2599]

Hi, I have just discovered your vido of a year ago. Love it. I have been recycling for over 50 years using the process. I have made many beautiful blankets. I usually give them as gifts. I truly appreciate your thrifty process. ❤

[@mikalett5297]

Super cool! Just getting into quilting and I’m a lover of thrifting and recycling! Gonna check the closets for treasure :)

[@70acres]

Thanks for watching, Mikalett! I hope your hunt is successful!

[@marlenejones6266]

I'm 75. Just learning to quilt, have no vehicle. I t think this is too much work for me. Im lucky to get blocks cut and that is hard due to the pain in my s.i. joints in my back. But I enjoyed thrifting so much in my younger days. So I think it would be great fun

[@tamora.monique]

I love this 💡 idea

[@70acres]

Thanks for watching, Tamora!

[@marygeorge9688]

Thank you for sharing your process.

[@70acres]

Thanks for watching, Mary!

[@theresaakin2284]

I leave the buttons panel intact, buttoned closed and also the cuffs. I cut about an inch away from the button strip for a seam allowance. I used these for pillow closures and purse or bag closures. I don't throw any part of the shirt away. I measure the back and mark or attach a post it with a pin how much as in quarter yard, yardage minimum. I've taken the yokes and made pouches. I've picked up little girls frilly, fluffy, lacy dresses and cut the ruffles but still intact, Only disassemble as needed. If there is any smocking or other type of gathering I try to leave it intact. If I want to remove some of the gathering, I draw a line then stitch as much as an inch depending on the fabric, on each side to secure, then cut down the line. I also wash everything I bring home from the thrift stores and the fabric stores. I use Dawn along with my laundry detergent and vinegar to rid of any perfumes or stains. Dawn is a great presoak for perfumes, and smokey smelling fabric. I put smokey and perfumes in a tote with hot soapy water if I can and let soak overnight. If the water Is dark, I empty and rinse and repeat to make sure the dark is gone. That goes for pet urine and other odors.

[@70acres]

I left most of the button plackets intact too. I used them on a fidget quilt. I love finding ways to use them. Thanks for watching and for the washing tip, Theresa!

[@angelastevenson252]

Thanks for the button strip as a closer strip tip! Fantastic Idea! Love it

[@morganpowser7162]

Have you had any measurements problems? Most of the shirts I find have one direction with a little stretch, I'm still cutting up all my finds from goodwill bins, I'm scared to cut and sew

[@70acres]

I find that the cotton and linen men's dress shirts don't have much stretch. Women's clothing tends to have stretch. I don't always cut with the grain or along lines of a plaid. I like the wonky cuts. When I'm using something that may have stretch, I am always careful handling it and haven't run into many problems with it.

[@Gabi-lt4mx]

I always use my or other old clothing. This is a frugal way.

[@70acres]

And our projects are more unique with our thrifty finds! Thanks for watching, Gabi!

[@kathymcguire8287]

What type of rotary cutter are you using 🤔

[@70acres]

Thanks for watching, Kathy! That is a left hand Martelli rotary cutter. Here is a link: amzn.to/3YWuMM7

[@kathymcguire8287]

@@70acres the reason I was asking is because the cutter I have, I have been having trouble getting it to cut straight with the quilting ruler. However it could be me, lol.

[@70acres]

I have that issue too, Kathy. Sometimes I just veer off the ruler and cut my own curvy edge. It's like my arm suddenly gets drunk or something!

[@bradleymiller437]

How much is a reasonable price to pay for a piece of clothing to scrap for quilting and sewing into new items?

[@70acres]

That is a tough question to answer. A lot depends on the cost of living in your area, and then what thrift store you are in. Goodwills tend to be more expensive than, say, Salvation Army. And prices can vary in the thrift store as some have color tag days where prices are slashed for "color" tag items. I paid $6 for one shirt, but it was a brand new long sleeve XXXL shirt of high quality thick cotton. I think I got 1.5 yards out of it. Thanks for watching, Bradley.

[@angelastevenson252]

In Winnipeg our thrift stores are most expensive to least in order: Value Village, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and least expensive is M.M.C.C. stores. Hope this helps