You Got that Where? - How I shop for Fabric

[@nancycatron2722]

I have been sewing/quilting for about 20 years. The sweet lady that got me into it, Told me to never buy batting. And to this day, I haven't. I find old blankets, jeans, the heavier sheets, anything but batting. I don't have long arm machine so I quilt as you go. Its what works for me. Have never had someone say, " I don't want that quilt because it doesn't have batting." When the quilt is done no one knows.

[@amydement.]

WOW - that so interesting. Thank you for sharing!

[@amberripa9336]

I shop clearance, take castaways from other quilters, shop thrift stores, etc. Instead of quilting on a long arm, I hand tie my quilts the old fashioned way. I’d love to hire a long arm quilter, but we just aren’t in that position right now

[@amydement.]

@@amberripa9336 I love this method!

[@sarahkinsey5434]

I work at a fabric store and a woman bought a tone of clearance flannel of weird Christmas and other prints to use as batting. She said flannel makes it easier to wrap around you

[@angelroost]

Amy, I don't know where you live but I shop like you do except at the Goodwill "bins". On google maps it will say, Goodwill Outlet. It will be a large warehouse filled with 10' long bins about 12" deep. You pay by the pound. For me, it's just a huge fabric store. Jeans, duvet covers, sheets, actual yardage, wool blankets and yes, mens shirts. After shopping the bins, you will think the thrift shops are too expensive. See if there is one near you. It's great fun.

[@amydement.]

Oh yes - the bins! My friend in Oregon took me and *swoon*. We have one here in Austin but I don't trust myself to go and not come home with ALL - THE - THINGS! Ha! Thanks for the reminder - maybe I'll do a vlog visit this fall.

[@NemoMeImpuneLacessitNevermore]

I am glad to know that I’m not the only one who loves random scraps and unfinished projects!! ❤❤

[@amydement.]

It’s my favorite! Scrap weirdos unite! 😜😜😊

[@annablock8037]

I also always look for the ladies skirts. You will find a good supply of denim.

[@amydement.]

Excellent point! So much is out there isn't it!

[@ddunnguard7746]

One of the Best Buy’s I encounter is thrift shop men’s jackets. I buy the 100% wool -have found large jackets for $5. Can craft, sew, or rug hook with the yardage.

[@someoneoutthere2159]

This IS the way quilts are supposed to be made! Keep up the good work!

[@amydement.]

Thank you! Will do!

[@DonniBee]

I shop the exact same way. I'd much rather use something from a thrift store than see it end up in a landfill. Plus I save money and can charge less for materials and make my labor affordable! I will never turn down a cotton table cloth or curtain of it has a cool design I can't find anywhere else. I also sort my fabric but color. Lol That's just how my brain works.

[@andreaskokandich6454]

I’m glad I have a goodwill bins to find fabrics very cheaply.

[@marshawallace7522]

I just "happened" onto your videos. Amy, you are adorable and I love your attitude about using whatever you want in your quilts. That is so refreshing and while I lean towards being a '100% cotton purist,' I can see the value of using what you like and was not in the least offended by your 'polyester is not the devil' comment. I think that I am lightening up in my old age. I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@amydement.]

Oh thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!

[@scarlet10sewing]

A woman of my own heart. I started out as a scrap quilter. I’m a garment maker so I started with cotton and linen scraps of my own and husband’s shirts. I worked in sewing and vacuum industry for 10 years and bought fat quarters intending to start quilting. I’ve been a thrifter for decades so found fabrics are included. I don’t buy precut because all my stash is pre-washed and don’t want to mix them in.

[@amydement.]

Excellent system. I’m so glad you found your way to quilting and your sewing and vacuum work sounds really interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@dianaruffini8794]

Thankyou! Finally, someone(with a channel) who is actually doing the things that I do! I just don’t have the money and have more fun using other resources anyway! Thank you ! Can’t wait to check out your other videos!

[@amydement.]

Thank YOU!

[@M-hc9xm]

I totally agree with you that it makes much more interesting quilts and is more fun! Also true to the origins of quilting to reuse what you have.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

@@M-hc9xm To me quilting is all about using the leftovers from other things. I buy remnants from where I work because they are 50% off the sale price. A fabric becomes more tempting as a remnant lol

[@ksharpe8137]

Last Saturday I went thrifting and found a bin with all sizes of brand new sheets for $1.00 each. Did I get them all? You bet I did!! 😂 I was so excited because I use them for quilt backings. I refuse to pay quilt store prices for backing fabric when the sheets work just as well. I love your videos and I hope you do more! ❤

[@amydement.]

What a steal! Thank you so much.

[@araspa3259]

100% cotton sheets are the best. If they are an inconvenient colour, well, that is what RIT dye is for? And if the sheet is a high thread count then it ends up dyed and in the dress fabric pile before the left-overs are used in a quilt #ThriftySewing

[@JCEpps]

You have given me so much freedom and I’m a old quilter. Never have been a matchy matchy person. People who just sew with blue drive me bonkers. You have a fun video.

[@JohannaBarbour]

I haven't bought fabric in years. I take that back; I actually buy at thrift stores when given the chance and get freebies from a friend. Everything I make is one of a kind. I'll have to check out the men's shirts next time I'm out thrifting.

[@SharonRStudio]

I love the way you think! I love scraps and thrifted fabric too. Thrift stores for shirts, jeans or scrap bags, friends who work mostly in batik’s who give me the remnant from backings, batting scraps and fabric scraps, and the remnant bin or the 60% to 75% clearance at Joanne’s. I love it all and justify it by saying I am keeping it out of the landfill. My husband says “You know you don’t need to save it all!”.

[@amydement.]

Are we married to the same guy 🤣🤣😁. Too funny. Thanks for watching!

[@suzannef3593]

Shop the same way thrift stores. Flat sheets, jeans whatever i think will be good. Oh auctions. Got vintage material from an ex quilter. 60s and 70s fabric. Some are ugly but in a scrappy quilt it works.😊 oh bed skirts. I use the fabric and the white stuff i use for backing when i use my embroidery machine.

[@gardencat4952]

I love that you acquire fabric the same way I do!

[@theartsypixie2771]

I buy cotton sheets from thrift stores I can get a king size full set for less than 10 bucks and use them for backings. I only have a home sewing machine so I do qayg quilts for manageability. I've priced 108" and oof it's pricey. I've gone through my closet and repurposed clothes a haven't worn for a while. I've repurposed my daughters old sheets to make them drapey pants for this hot summer. Now my closet is neater, and the linen closet doesn't collapse on you when you try to get a bath towel. Ohhh got to check out this fat quarter shop you talked about. 😮

[@michelleswistak1389]

I enjoy buying the scrap bags and mystery bundles.

[@samanthanott6630]

I know the manager of my local thrift store in town, he saves me all the clean rag clothing that’s unsuitable for sales 😊

[@amydement.]

That's an awesome inside connection!

[@janetcorder44]

I do the same shopping....mens shirts for sure ! then the 100 cotton sheets....I'm too am a scrappy / crumbs quilting....love it.. thanks for sharing your knowledge....😊

[@MonaDidWhat]

I get a lot of fabric at thrift stores, garage sales, and I buy scraps also.

[@debbiebraatz1919]

I did not know that “polyester is not the devil” 😂 Love it! For our wedding in 1976 my husband and I received from his great aunts a trip around the world quilt made from polyester leisure suits cut up into 5” squares! LOVED IT until our dog “ate” several holes in it😢 You go girl!❤

[@amydement.]

Love it!! My philosophy is quilt with what you want! Thanks so much for watching and sharing 😁

[@karen1351]

I LOVE rescuing other peoples bits. I think you could be a kindred spirit from across the pond.

[@amydement.]

Oh how grand to have a new friend. Kindred Spirits are always a welcome joy!

[@marystanneart]

You are after my heart. I quilt the same and most of mine are original designs. So go girl.

[@amydement.]

That is awesome!

[@lindanonnenmann1112]

Well that was fun! I love to find items at the thrift store that can be harvested for fabric. The "quilt police" warns against using sheets for quilt backing. But you know...sometimes we just gotta try things out for ourselves. Discovery...sheets make wonderful quilt backings. I understand what you mean about buying neutrals, not too exciting so when you find it in a scrap bag...happy dance.

[@amydement.]

Exactly! To all of it! Thanks for watching!

[@lindahutchings5394]

Love the scraps that I have been blessed with.

[@lindafitzsimmons2526]

New to your KZbin site…You Shop Weird was great! Would like to see more of your projects.

[@amydement.]

Welcome aboard! I am filming project videos this week so there's more to come. Thank you for watching.

[@seamist8228]

Just found your channel. I will now be watching all the ones you have done. I am very much a believer or shopping in out £1 clothes charity shops for denim and cottons.

[@amydement.]

Welcome! I’m really glad you’re here.

[@pauladimattei6434]

Red is THE best color. I love Anna Maria too…yum. I love scraps too. I love to use many, many, many fabrics in a quilt. You speak my language.

[@MsDale1976]

Made a “Jean quilt” last Christmas for our son out of his dads old jeans. He loved it, boy was it heavy! BTW, love your glasses!

[@amydement.]

That sounds wonderful!

[@charlotteholzhausen3879]

Amy your my kind of girl! You make my heart sing!

[@amydement.]

Oh. Thank you!

[@maryclementdouglass8867]

Finally a quilter after my own heart. The only yardage I buy is unbleached muslin or a Kona solid usually black or grey. Mary Douglass Salina KS ❤

[@krisvanallen]

That black and white makes a wonderful scrap binding

[@paulaneary7877]

I simply LOVE to buy scraps. Love to make things with scraps. Usually i don't care for purple and green but I really like the quilt behind you. It is really pretty.

[@amydement.]

Thank you!

[@Judith-wq2jp]

Don't care for purple and green??!!! Just feast your eyes on asparagus! Purple irises in bloom! Violets and lilacs! St. John's wort and vinca! All gorgeous!!

[@rebapuck5061]

I have bought white 90" wide "sheeting" at a home decor outlet. $5.99 yd.

[@anne-mariedekock1660]

That is what I do as well! Always looking for old clothes that is still usable, and sheeting for my backing. I live at a place without a fabric store. Very frustrating! Have a stash of old denim! Thanks for sharing.

[@lauralovestoquilt]

Just recently found your channel and now I’m going back to older videos. Love your tips and your attitude!❤️❤️❤️

[@amydement.]

Welcome!! Thank you so much!

[@M-hc9xm]

For those like me who can't pass by an unfinished project, there is a great organization i found called Loose Ends. It is for all sorts of crafts, including quilting. They match you to someone with an unfinished project based on your location and skill level. The donor provides everything, and you donate your time and skill to finish it.

[@amydement.]

What a great resource. Thank you!

[@veronicak2759]

Love your style and your polka dot glasses, how fun!

[@amydement.]

Oh thank you!

[@shelleydavies349]

I do the same thing and sometimes find new fabric online with free shipping that also is cheaper than going to my local fabric store. Shirts, sheets, as long as it is cotton it’s all good Denim can be expensive so it pays to shop around. Thrift stores are learning to up their prices because of quilters and hobbyists.

[@JCEpps]

And resellers who make a living selling Knick knacks online.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

You and I get some of our stash almost the same ways. I finally convinced a friend that she was wasting money by putting her scraps in the trash. She is now selling her scraps by the pound.

[@jcristi321]

Love your scraps! I don’t need to follow your links… but I probably will! I bought a couple of large totes full of fabric from an abandoned storage unit years ago. There were dozens of unfinished projects in there. My mom collected all the blue and pink pieces that were partially assembled and made a gorgeous twin size/lap quilt. So much fun! Jan

[@amydement.]

Thank you. That sounds like a dream!

[@mishti06]

Hi Amy, found your channel by accident and love it. So relieved I'm not the only person who shops like this. I've been doing this for years, since quilting cottons are soooo expensive. Only problem is I tend to have a LOT of clothes taking up space in my sewing room. Scrap mountains !!😂

[@amydement.]

So glad you're here!

[@vikiworley5930]

What a fun video!

[@lucieroy740]

Hello Amy, I just found your channel and subscribed and love your choices of fabric. I do the same when I can, My special place is Value Village for instance. I found some very interesting shower curtains there and sheets. Many years ago, my brother-in-law gave me a huge bunch of sample fabrics he no longer needed. He and his wife had where the owners of a store where you can buy custom made curtains, bedspreads, cushions, etc. so I made two queen size quilts, four lap quilts. I also made a few bags and some wallets and still have a lot left over from that stash. I love this video and will search for the others you made...

[@amydement.]

Thank so much! That sample haul sounds excellent.

[@bettyadams1280]

Amy I found you just recently and I have watched your videos at least two times. I have been trying to clean my scrap piles. But my main problem is I keep starting too many projects before I finish one. The cleaned scrapes are saying make me, make me. I love to make quilt tops and I love to quilt them too but I have a lot more to be quilted than are quilted. I will be 85 in January and I pray that my lord and savior will allow me a few more years to live maybe 10 lol

[@fransak2723]

I Too love polka dots and checks too.

[@amydement.]

Agree 100%

[@rachelqstitches]

I shop similar to you. I would get excited when I’d find a denim dress!! I love scrap bags. I also get the CC Snippet bag. And fat quarter shop….. happy stitching ❤

[@db2155]

I'm glad I found your Channel

[@amydement.]

I’m glad you’re here! Thank you for watching!

[@connieehresman1171]

i cut up scrubs for pillows. i too cut up jeans for sewing. my grandma also cut up shirts from her sons clothes for sewing.

[@CopycatQuilter]

I love recycling denim… just feel silly in Goodwill buying size 52 men’s jeans! Lol… but not too silly to do it! Lol

[@dawnmacquarrie3372]

Thanks for making me think outside the box. When my scraps gecome oerwhelming or I am just done making scrap quilts I bag up the sfaps and give them away knowing someone else is going to enjoy them.

[@amydement.]

You are so welcome! I do that too! As I’m sorting through processing the bins or when my drawers are overflowing - sometimes thing just need to bless someone else! Thank for watching and sharing.

[@JEMaude]

You make me smile. Loved your video.

[@TheRozylass]

Wow! Just stumbled onto your channel and I've found a kindred spirit. I've been shopping second stream fabrics for decades! Love thrift stores and yard sales. Your serendipity ideas are great too. Eager to see more of your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@deborahdewar1353]

😂 “polyester is not the devil “ 😂 I laughed out loud Amy. Your philosophy is awesome and as for the colour red, well it is THE colour. Thank you for sharing, all the way from Oz 🇦🇺x

[@amydement.]

So true about red! Welcome. I’m glad you’re here!!

[@darlenegreen6821]

i love how you shop and quilt❤

[@amydement.]

Thank You!

[@rimmon24]

you are kindred spirit....whooohoooo....

[@darrenecollins5985]

I'm right down your path for quilt scraps

[@melaniehenson8628]

Hi Amy. Just discovered your channel! I thought I had watched every single quilting video on KZbin 😆 but I'm glad I haven't! Love your channel and love scrappy quilts. Will look forward to watching all your other videos.

[@amydement.]

♥️♥️♥️thank you!

[@GinaStanyerBooks]

I’m not crafty at all but I wanted to come by and say hi. Good luck with your channel!

[@amydement.]

Oh - wow! Thank you so very much!

[@hollykarlsen1792]

Just watched all 4 of your videos and am excited to see what you do in the future because I love your style and I love what I’m seeing in the background. I also like to shop thrift stores for fabric. All year I look forward to our local quilt guild’s show. They sell bags of scraps really cheap. I take my husband and we buy as much as we can carry away. When I get home it’s like Christmas looking through all my treasures!

[@amydement.]

Thank you so much! That quilt show habit sounds like a dream come true!

[@fransak2723]

I’m a sucker for unfinished projects. As if I don’t have enough of my own!LOL

[@amydement.]

I know - they call me!

[@joycesalamone4601]

Love this channel! Rescue quilter!

[@TheGuyWhoSews]

Love how you have your scraps sorted by colour. Mine is mostly all just thrown together in one lot.

[@amydement.]

It's the only way I can think straight

[@sewquilty357]

Just found your channel.. You are my kinda gal I love thrift stores and yard sales I find so much quilting stuff Jeans dresses shirts sheets all great finds .and the scraps are great So glad I found you I can’t afford the high price of some fabric I just started making quilts about 3 yrs ago so I’m still learning . I made clothes for my kids . but making quilts makes me happy I just so excited when I see good clothes for quilts . Love the quilt behind you It’s beautiful .

[@patriciaemeigh4370]

Amy, I just came across your video. I love going into a shop and seeing hundreds of bolts of fabric but confess, I don’t think small/scraps. You have made me look at fabric in a new way. You know I don’t throw scraps away but they do get pushed aside and for the most part, forgotten. Thanks for reminding me that there is a lot to love about scraps.

[@amydement.]

You are so welcome! I Also LOVE the warm feelings and inspiration of a quilt shop.

[@marypeterson1053]

Great video. Wonderful to seeing your fabrics.

[@amydement.]

Thank you! 😊

[@lorifontaine]

Hi Amy! You just arrived to make my day! What positive, inspiring videos! (Yes, I've watched all of them!) So grateful to have found you! Hugs from Canada.

[@amydement.]

Oh now you have made MY day! Thank you so much!

[@rsislandcrafts]

I love sorting by color. I keep my bins on bookcase shelves but I love yours all laid out on the table. So easy to see what you have and to grab what you need as you’re sewing.

[@amydement.]

Thanks - I find this method easiest for making sure things get put away easily.

[@JohannaBarbour]

I'm not a quilter, but man what awesome scrap fabrics.

[@HannahLouisePoston]

AMY this is so awesome!!!!!

[@amydement.]

Thank You - more than you know!

[@cleot151]

I love buying scraps!

[@ArlenePMCM]

New subscriber here! Such a fun colorful video. I find fabric as you do, garage sales, thrift stores, etc. Can't wait to watch all your videos. 🙂

[@amydement.]

Thank you - WELCOME!

[@WendyBonds-o9x]

I love your choice of colors!!! Your videos are all great!

[@amydement.]

Thank you so much!

[@maryl3775]

I love polka dots, too!

[@DeniseNewby]

I also look in the table cloth section-many 100% cotton table cloths and placemats, and i also have found beautiful 100% cotton shower curtains

[@amydement.]

That is awesome!

[@catherineconard673]

Love this ! Just found you and really think you are pleasant & enjoy your style & resourcefulness! I look for fabric everywhere I go. I use old cotton blankets, fleece & any soft fluffy fabric for batting & lovely quality cotton sheets & pillow cases for solids & backing.

[@marinaabad4995]

Bless you about poly-cotton blrnds for qui;ts. So many quilt purists at there brain-washed by marketing of quilt fabric manufactureres. No all quilts will be submitted for quilt shows. Good for you!

[@amydement.]

Thanks - pretty fabric is pretty fabric. I've quilted (on the longarm) vintage pieces that were filled with double knit poly and they are funky and fabulous!

[@vickihesseltine3544]

You always make me smile.

[@amydement.]

♥️♥️♥️

[@papercents]

New subscriber here - I too love scraps. It makes me so happy to create something out of beautiful scraps that otherwise would have been tossed into the landfill by my friends & acquaintances. Thank you for your video, I'll be checking out your others.

[@amydement.]

Thank you.

[@erikalister5219]

Also here because Hannah sent me 😂. I am starting to learn about quilting because I want to make quilts for my kids from T-shirts they’ve loved and outgrown since they were toddlers. Have never made a quilt in my life but I love crafting and watching others craft.

[@amydement.]

Welcome and memory T-shirt quilts are so much fun - everyone loves them!

[@raisingdragons1]

so glad Hannah shared your video! I'm plodding my way into the world of quilting for the first time-I think I've picked a pattern, but now it's time to figure out fabric. 💜 fortuitous timing!

[@amydement.]

Oh wonderful! Welcome to a lovely hobby.

[@mollylindell6009]

Fascinating and inspiring. Glad I found you.

[@leahgieseler8836]

What a fabulous fabric stash!!! ❤ love this project, wonderful that you’re sharing!!!

[@amydement.]

Thank You!

[@sewnancie]

Love your mix-it-up mindset. Can't wait to see more of your quilts and videos. I'm in Austin; are you?

[@amydement.]

Thanks! I am in fact in Austin.

[@amyanderson6746]

I buy women's denim jumpers in thrift stores. They are denim, but lighter weight and there's a lot of fabric in a jumper.

[@amydement.]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@dottie6573]

Love your style, quilting and your presentation. Pleased I found your channel. Quilting can be really expensive but love your ideas. I often pick up new sheet at secondhand shops, great backings. Look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future.

[@amydement.]

Thank you so much!

[@yvonneallan1020]

I love the mix it up method!

[@amydement.]

Me too!

[@strictlyscraps]

I shop and source the same as you!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Your quilts are so beautiful ❤️🩷💜

[@amydement.]

Thank You!

[@ConnieWallis-bc4km]

some thrift shop have what they call craft jeans for under a dollar estate sale have some material

[@mariedillon1403]

Love seeing your choice of fabrics. I gather used sheets too and duvet covers from sales. Keep every scrap but no room now so having to choose what am I going to make with all of this as to projects unfinished and getting distracted by the fabric about me. Any tips? Thanks 💐😊❤️

[@amydement.]

Thank you! I plan to explore how to stay focused and moving forward in future videos - thanks for the encouragement.

[@RNKoriginalss]

Depending on if you like large chunks or thinner scraps … would entice me to buy from fqs! Lol. Bet you would choose cotton cuts for your dcrap bins… you def are not Bonnie hunter tho! I like your quilts more organized scrappy… share more please! P S it’s now Sunday and time for a 4 kid quilts update!!!

[@user-vm4fv6oy9u]

Love this! But Hey!…. I’m a fairly new-bie, please explain what everyone knows about mens shirts!! I don’t know, but really want to. I thrift for fabric but haven’t ventured into clothing (I should though, the actual fabric can get $$$$….! Tell me all your tips and your whys! Subscribed and saved to rewatch again! Thanks much!

[@amydement.]

Wonderful to have you here and thanks for watching! Men's shirts are fabulous. Excellent colors and patterns, very fine quality fabrics, lots of yardage, and unique. I love including them in my work. Check out Bonnie Hunter's blog or The Catbird Quilts' channel for quite in depth information. P.S. Please tell them I sent you.

[@pamsauce8936]

In Greensboro, NC there is a store named "Reconsidered Goods. I went crazy buying scrap fabric in a paper grocery bag for $1. Do you know how much fabric can fit in that bag?

[@amydement.]

I do!😝😝😝

[@anunmaker]

And I think I need that green paisley!

[@amydement.]

I'll be down your way end of Sept - I'll bring you some!

[@anunmaker]

@@amydement. yay! Look forward to seeing you !

[@cherylrice3049]

Love your attitude! I do the same thing. Also I love your lipstick!! Would you share the brand and shade? It's gorgeous!

[@amydement.]

Thank you - It's probably the Gucci Voile in Goldie Red - usually my favorite, butI'll rewatch and report back if it's different.

[@kathleenswan4184]

Blue, blue, blue, who doesn’t love blue!?!

[@amydement.]

Hahaha! Truly it seems to be only me ;-)

[@karenspeedy4812]

I love how you think, a girl after my own heart !! Can you give me any idea where I could find scraps of lace fabrics and trims and white on white, stuff like that, I will look for clothing at thrift stores but beyond that I am clueless.

[@amydement.]

My daughter is always finding trims and lace and ribbons at garage sales and they cut it off clothing from thrift as well. Try FB marketplace listings also - lots of boxes of random crafty stuff available for cheap.

[@karenspeedy4812]

Thank you muchly for the information

[@SoPatch33]

Love where you get your different fabrics. I like your color bins. Where might I find some like those? Thank you

[@amydement.]

Those are free m the container store - large plastic bin I believe. There should be a link.

[@Dorcas70x7]

Are you my daughter from another mother?😊 Loving watching this. And would you mind sharing where you got your glasses? I am crazy for polka dots❤ and I need new frames.

[@amydement.]

Ha! Thank you. The glasses frame are Dolce & Gabana that I got YEARS ago and I keep having lenses refitted in them and a jeweler to repair the hinges if needed because I cannot give them up. I know Zenni Optical (online) has some cute polka dot frames.

[@Dorcas70x7]

TFS