My mom used to buy formal gowns from the thrift stores, wash them, take them apart and make my dresses and petticoats when I was a little girl. I tell ya, I was the best dressed little girl at school and church. That was back into the day when a girl wasn’t allowed to wear pants to school. My mother was an amazing seamstress as well, so if I showed her a picture of a dress, she could easily make it and could fancy it up using those pre-owned gowns.
Wow how resourceful and thoughtful. I just would have not thought of using those for that reason. I see them beautiful dresses at yardsales all the time but I'm always thinking who could use this dress. It's beautiful and so cheap it's almost a sin to pass it up. But now, I'm getting some ideas!
My suggestion is if you need pattern paper because you need to make paper patterns go to a medical supply store and buy a roll of the paper they use in doctors offices to cover the beds. It's about $5 a roll, makes great pattern paper, and I can use it to cushion gift bag gifts or my fragile seasonal ornaments as well.
My favorite Dollar Tree find was precut parchment paper designed to go between hamburger patties. I used them for scrappy quilt I made. I used a tighter stitch count and it made tearing the paper easier.
No Harbor Freight in Australia but I visit the Auto shops for the telescopic wands, magnetic trays and also for dent pullers as ruler handles (much stronger than the craft ones) for a fraction of the price of the craft branded ones.
I bought two magnetic parts dishes for my pins. I spray painted them both in colors to match my sewing room. I love them. I also use them to run over spilled pins and they collect on the bottom and are easy to use.
Thrift store fabrics are great for historic-themed costumes. I once bought a new king comforter ( beautiful silver - blue color with baroque style pattern) in Goodwill Outlet and have made it into a splendid Tudor-era gown, adding some dark blue, golden, dark red silky fabrics, sourced also from thrift store curtains and place mats. There were so much seamless fabric in that comforter, that the other side with stripes and most of batting is still left for yet another costume. Also, I once bought two real silk taffeta large window drapery panels $ 4.99 each in another Goodwill, which later turned out to be of regular price $ 800 each (as per I-net research), since manufactured by one well-known company. I am going to make those into a Marie-Antoinette style ballgown for dancing in one of the Versailles historic reenactments.
I found a cute floral set of flannel sheets at a local thrift store years ago. Flannel sheets aren't really something you want in Texas, it's not cold enough even in winter but my mom said, "those would make cute PJ pants." We bought them, stopped at the fabric shop to find a pattern and that was my first sewing project.
Along with sheets, tablecloths offer extra large widths in pretty colors and patterns. You can buy new, at department stores, or used at thrift shops and yard sales. Don't forget church rummage sales! Super cheap prices, especially if they're having a bag sale, and the profits go to charities. And, of course, clothing can yield interesting fabric, as well as buttons and zippers.
I also loved the dog collar idea. I liked your storage idea. I use a large fishing tackel box for my sewing supplies and one for my art (penciles, pastels, ect.). I have found that it is made from stronger plastic and have ajustable compartments to fit the sewing supplies that I need.
I did the same thing and bought two tackle boxes years ago- one for art supplies and one for sewing supplies. They lasted over 30 years until we had a house fire and they burned. Literally lasted longer than the house.
Timothy, you out did yourself with these tips. I especially liked the 5 gallon bucket idea. We purchased a travel trailer recently and didn't want to spend a lot of $$$ changing out the curtains, so I used painters' drop cloths. I bleached them and I swear they look and feel like raw silk. Made all 3 windows for about $13. Thanks again for sharing!
I bought a whole roll of calico to make curtains. The interesting thing about calico is that the more you wash it, the whiter it gets. Also takes dye well, of course. Made some single bed sheets, so it also gets softer as it gets washed, and due to the original fibre, is very strong and long lasting. Painters' drop cloths I've used to provide a 'weather wall' for the outside catio. Relatively inexpensive to replace, and somewhat water resistant.
I am from the Tulsa Oklahoma area. I went into a Salvation Army Family Store and found 5 yards of a Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin material. The cost: a total of $3.00! I made a skirt with it.🙂
So wonderful! I love Tulsa. I got to speak for a very exclusive fundraiser at the Frank Lloyd Wright house there in Tulsa. What a cool town and a lovely (but huge) home. It’s still for sale too.
I made a wedding veil from a Martha Stewart valance from Walmart. It was a beautiful lacey satin and we were in the boondocks of Kentucky attending a family reunion which turned into an impromptu layed-back wedding. Yeah!😉... The bride looked beautiful! Who would have thought it possible!?! Thanks for your tips... really good ideas!
😂 you do know you've just furthered the joke that family reunions are hillbilly dating pools! Sorry but had to say it (part is my family is from TN). That was excellent catch for the veil!
I shop at Salvation Army for cotton sheets for my everyday house dresses, also I Check the clothes of all sorts. I can find a fabric I need to practice with before I sew a garment also look for trim on formal dresses.
My daughter and I bought a roll of upholstery fabric at the thrift store. She absolutely loved it!!! I made her two aprons with large pockets across the front. They are showing some wear now. She is on the lookout for more fabric. We lined them. Yes they were made custom to her 5ft tall. We put in a casing track (at the arm pit) to pass the tie thru and around her neck. I thank my mom and her best friend for showing me how to make my own patterns. So folks be sure to keep on sharing your talents. Mom and Aunt Bertha are both gone now but their skills are still being shared. I love that we have this "club''. I have spent my life looking at things from your varied perspectives.
The cutting glove...... EXCELLENT idea! About 10 years ago I was cutting fabric with a rotary cutter that had a dull pinking shear blade on it. I was using a regular ruler. You guessed it. I cut off the end of my left index finger! It bled for 6 hours! PLEASE! Take his advice and use a glove. Also, NEVER use dull blades... it isn't worth it. Use the proper set up. Thank you for telling people about this.
Harbor Freight has 3 pairs of scissors in one pack. I use them for paper, leather and batting. They also have magnetic bowls for pins, telescoping magnet wands to pick up pins and needles or metal bobbins. Small screw drivers, electrical tape for cord repairs. Fish filet gloves that stretch and can be worn on either hand. And cheap various sizes of masking tape for marking 1”, etc., while you machine quilt. Just sew along the edges. In the caroet cutting tool area you’ll find much cheaper rotary blades. Ps. In a thrift shop or $ store flannel backed table cloths. Hang the table cloth flannel side out on the wall, now you have a design wall. A thrifted XX XL mens shirt is nearly 3 yards of fabric once filleted. A toilet bowl cleaner at the Dollar store makes a super thread picker-upper for the carpets too! Enjoyed your ideas too! Thank you!
I just got one and a set of pillowcases in a pirate theme! I will make a quillow for my new great nephew ! Cases are great totes for toys n stuffies ! 🎉
I purchased 4 Yukon 3-drawer workbenches from Harbor Freight and put them together to use as a cutting table. My new table is 40” x 10’ and I have 12 drawers for all of my sewing and quilting notions. I also purchased a large container of Command hooks from Costco and stuck them to the legs of the tables. The hooks hold my quilting rulers and templates. Additionally, I bought 2 of the Yukon workbenches and use them as an ironing surface. The vise extends all the way out and holds the base of my iron. All of my ironing supplies fit either in the drawers or on the shelves below. :)
@@campwisdom4312 The tables were on sale for $140 each. I had to pre-order them and they arrived in a couple of weeks. No additional charge for shipping.
For those who occasionally need a lg cutting space for big projects, I bought plastic, height adjustable, foldable sawhorses for the table base( not very expensive as I recall. I used a regular flat interior door painted white do it was nice & smooth ( left over from a remodeling project as the top & a very lg cutting mat. Sets up & down in minutes. I keep the sawhorses in the garage & the door behind a hanging door that’s usually always open. I drilled two decent sized holes in the end of the cutting mat that line up with 2 long wood screws with heads placed in the wall studs behind a door. Very easy to hang up or take down, use this system all the time. Interior luaun doors are very light because they are hollow. System is strong enough for any sewing needs.
If you use less expensive sheets, make sure that you wash them AND your quilt top before you quilt them together. That way if your top is 100% cotton and the back is a polyester and cotton blend, they'll not shrink differently once quilted. Shrinking difference can leave you with an actual gap between the top and bottom.
I came across some pillow forms at Wal-Mart on clearance for $1.50. I grabbed several and used the stuffing for my memory bears I make. I'm always trying to think outside the box for craft supplies. Thanks for your tips.
I'm just learning how to sew. Thank-you for sharing all these ideas!! I'm struggling financially with having to drive my grandson 400 miles, round trip, for his many doctors appointments! He has a very rare heart condition. I thought if i could sew our clothes, his ideas (he's got an imagination!) I could save some money! All of you have been a Godsend 🥹💜❤️ Thank-you, bless you, and have a blessed day
Another place I get fabric and notions is Daiso. They are a Japanese 'dollar store'. They are not in all states yet. Loads of locations in CA, but also in WA, TX, AZ, NV, NJ and NJ. And it looks like there are several in Canada as well. Thanks for the video. My grandmother never bought batting for her many, many quilts. She always used flannel blankets.
The best stores are DIASO ESPECIALLY while in Asia. The Diaso stores in American are nothing compared to the DIASO in Asia. My favorite store while living in Asia!!!
@@Kittyququmber Visited several Daiso stores in Japan last year when we were touring. They are absolutely amaziing. Don't know about the stores in the US so can't comment or compare.
Yes Daiso has a sewing/craft section with really cute items too 🤗 The Daiso's closer to my area are quite small compared to the one in Japan Town Mall in San Francisco.
Timothy, these are great ideas for thinking "outside the box." I never would have thought about using dog collars for notions. I'm just getting back into sewing and your tips are so helpful - thank you!!
My mom and grandma also used sheets for quilt backings. In those days wide backing fabric was not available at any price. It was an amazing day when it did become available, but sheets are still the way to go if money is tight.
Went to a thrift store recently to look around for fabrics for backings and walked out with two King size ,100% cotton, Doona covers for $2 each. So I now have four king size pieces of backing to use. I also check out the handbag section for zips as well as for the D-rings and lobster claw catches and ornamental metal pieces, or to recycle handles and straps. Belts are also a good option for recycling parts, buckles and fabric/leather.
Yes sheets are wonderful for quilts! Sadly, Walmart used to have a very large selection of single sheets (twin size) for $5 ! Many colors an and prints to match! I make donation quilts for our church. Now they are $10 each and the selection is 4 colors!! Not progress!! Ugh!
I also use sheets for backing quotes as well as making capes for Halloween costumes. Both use so much material! Love the tips. Can't wait to use them 😊
Whenever I get sewing supplies at Harbor Freight or my local co-op hardware I always say to the checkout guy, "Bet when you came to work this morning you didn't know you working at a craft store." The reactions are precious! I've also noticed the selection of crafty things increasing in the co-op so maybe letting the folks know what customers are looking for is handy for all.
One thing I love to buy is the square washers I put two together and cover them with fabric as they are a little ruff to the touch. Once covered I use them as patten weights so that it keeps my pattern in place on fabric that you cannot use pins on while cutting around the pattern. They are also handy to keep the patterns in place while trying to workout the best layout on your fabric. Nothing worse than the patterns floating away when you’re placing down another one.
You are just the sweetest and most talented guy. Love your videos and tips. My favorite fabric store is here in Massachusetts near Boston. It’s a family run store and they have the greatest fabric and notions. There drapery and upholstery fabric is no more than $5.99-$6.99 a yard. There remnant table fabrics are only $2.49-2.99 a yard! You can’t beat their prices anywhere. I never leave there without fabric! I always refer all my clients to buy their fabric there for their upholstery and home decor sewing they hire me to do for them.
Here in Cincinnati there is a recycle/reuse place that is open twice a week where you can go and everything is free. They have tons of fabric, yarn, thread, tiles, and just about everything else. They do it to keep it from the landfill. I went a few weeks ago and scored a huge box of tapestry fabric that I donated to my local historical reenacting group. I'm sure there are places like it in other cities. I even found some vintage Stretch N Sew patterns!
Hello Tim, I was so interested to see your latest tips video. When you showed the cushioning floor mats, I realised that I had some in my garage, left over from a different use. I got them immediately and brought them to my sewing space (where I am now) and put them down at my ironing board. Ooh, it’s so comfortable underfoot, I love it! Ikea sometimes sell bolts of canvas fabric cheaply. So, thank you for your tips and tutorials. Best wishes, Louise, Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
So smart! And I love the IKEA detail about fabric. I’m gonna make a video about IKEA soon; so many people have never been there so it will be cool to share the sewing items from there!
Another good place to use those mats are in the kitchen, at the sink, the cutting bench and the stove are the 3 places I have mats best move I ever made as I use to do a lot of prep work for meals.
Your last tip to check out the Thrift stores for fabric is spot on! I have found many great buys at our local thrift store from upholstery material to fine silk! And sometimes the amount is incredible (8 yds of silk was donated there one time). Needless to say the sewists in our town are happy to check out the wonderful bargains.
@@timothytotten9409 don't turn your nose up at sheets, shower curtains, & other large swatches of cloth. As long as it doesn't have a lot of seams, those fabric items can be taken apart, cannibalized, & given new life very easily. I've made a few capes from curtains, lol.
@@timothytotten9409 I've also used Game bags (hunters use them for carrying back field dressed animals). They are made of canvas, are quite big and inexpensive and a bit thinner than painting tarps, so I make lighter weight, but still sturdy totes out of those. I just cut them apart at the seams and go for it.
I always have my eyes open for the unconventional sewing and craft item. My sewing table is a Husky work bench from homedepo. It adjust the height very easy, it has a great wooden top. The big plus is, it was a lot cheaper than the adjustable sewing table. ❤❤
I loved my first homedepot butcher block adjustable “sewing” table so much I bought 2 more in longer lengths. I ordered the drawers for the other 2 to store patterns. My room is complete and so much sturdier and cheaper than the junk particle board stuff craft stores sell.
The stuff meant for guys is always better quality and cheaper than sewing furniture. Lowe’s has some great furniture, stools, shelving meant for a garage wood working shop
Hi Timothy. I agree with the Thrift store idea. I was lucky to find two queen sized linen duvet covers for $5.99 each! I washed/dried them and will be making dresses out of them. Joann's wanted $15.99/yd. Use bed sheets as toilles.
So many useful suggestions! Love the hair ties for elastic, and getting hardware off pet collars. Sheets as backing fabric, brilliant. (My MIL does a lot of quilting, and she uses worn-out blankets as batting.) Thanks for sharing!
Thrift stores are #1 for me. I got my Kenmore 158.1757 at a thrift store, $20, complete, w/ cams, button holer, and original instruction book. I often find fabrics and useful patterns. One of the best things, as you suggested, is sheets. Brand new, still in the package. Another overlooked place is yard sales. They take a bit of time and effort but the payoff can be amazing. I found a box of miscellaneous Singer bits for $10, bobbins, needles, feet, button holer w/templates, including the elusive eyelet, lots more. It's an adventure.
Great tips! I’ve found many supplies at local thrift stores. 24x36 Olfa cutting mat like new $2.15. I’ve found Olfa pinking and wave rotary cutting handles and just bought new blades for them. I’ve also taken the long zippers out of those plastic bags sheet sets come in.
Can also salvage the plastic/vinyl bags some items are packaged in for the same purpose. I use the plastic/vinyl bags sheet sets, doona covers etc come in as project bags and to store and gift completed quilts in. Folk will quite often give them back so they can be re-used multiple times.
Great video, love the thrift store section as I love up cycling ideas. And the mention of your beloved grandma’s quilting for kids just touched my heart. My nana and Aunt taught me to sew and I treasure those times. My grandsons are showing interest in sewing, we shall see how that goes ❤️🙂
@@timothytotten9409 I agree! I have 5 grandkids and 2 of them are males. They sew too. All are teens now but it's like riding a bike. Can sew when sitting near a machine.
Great ideas!! Out my way in West Virginia, we have a store called Harbor Freight. Great for the same types of things in your Rural store. And I LOVE getting my fabric from the thrift stores. I pick up shirts on dollar day that have great patterns as well as getting vintage sheets that I use for the backing of my quilts..LOVE getting vintage sheets for $1-$2
My favorite place. Before I discovered them for sewing supplies I used to get impatient with my late hubby spending a long time there. How stupid was that?
At the thrift store a way to find fabric is to look thru the clothing section men’s larger shirts have large sections of fabric that can be recycled. You can also find smaller zippers and lace and buttons. Not big pieces but if making textile jewerly or children’s clothes. Just let your imagination go wild. Love your video’s so much information.
Zip ties can be used in place of boning, some gardening gloves for free motion quilting, tackle boxes to organize supplies, and hemostats used for turning fabric right side out are some things you can find at these stores also. 😁
I go to my local big box hardware and salvage the woven plastic package strapping they throw in the rubbish to use as boning or to keep the top of thread bags open, may sometimes need to glue two pieces together to obtain the stiffness required but it is free & keeps it out of landfill.
What a Bazinga moment this video was for me. In all my thinking outside of the box, I didn't think of using clearance sheets or thrift store curtains for the fabric or the hardward off of Dollar tree items! Excellent! My tip is to use oil & vinegar containers for candle holders. Appreciate all the craftiness shared!
I love getting large fabric pieces from Goodwill. I found a cute snowman sheet/blanket but before I could do something with it my son fell in love with it. He uses it every night. Great video with great ideas.
During the pandemic, I wanted elastic shoelaces but couldn't find them anywhere. I went to Dollartree and bought hairbands. They worked perfectly and I haven't had to replace them in four years.
Great ideas, Tim! My favorite hardware item from the tool section is the various magnetic steel bowls. Mechanics use them to keep track of all those nuts and bolts and smaller tools; we can use them in our work, too! Also, years ago I used a tarp to protect my couch from a new puppy. It tucked around the cushions nicely and was easier to launder than a slip cover.
I had a farmer friend who saw me using a seam ripper years ago and suggested I try a scalpel she used on her farm. I tried one and I have been using them as seam rippers for 30 years now and they are fantastic if you are careful.
Thrift stores are my go-to for fabric. I recently found a 100% linen queen duvet with pillow cases for $7! 😊 Then, at another thrift store, I found three yards of 100% linen yardage for $3.
I’ve made some great bags from tablecloths and curtains I’ve gotten at thrift stores. And dollar stores often have fabric placemats that make great pouches, makeup bags or bottle totes.
FYI: About using a sheet for quilt backing, some long arm quilters won’t accept a quilt that’s backed with sheet fabric because some sheets aren’t straight grain. I found this out early on. On small quilts that I finish myself, sheets are a great option.
Agreed! Right now there is a harbor freight 9 drawer tool box in the living room filled with sewing notions and a sewing machine and serger on top! Plus the magnetic power strip on one side and the magnetic rack on the other holding ironing aids 😂
I used the left over aisle runner from my daughter's wedding for practice fabric and pattern try outs. We had a 50% off coupon which made it very cheap.
Thrifting is how I get sheets for quilt backing and I LOVE to look at the tote and string bags for exactly what you mentioned. Handles, zippers, hardware, straps and strings. That stuff is very expensive so even if you pay a few dollars, if you get a couple of pieces off of it, it’s worth it! Did not think of the canvas and leather though, great tips!!!👍🏻
I find church rummage sales and estate sales the best. I can usually get a whole bag if zippers fur a dollar or two. Recently I found a whole large box of beautiful old lace fur three dollars. They always have containers and odds and ends things fur projects. I also get sheets at thrift stores fur quilt backing. It's always the thrill of the hunt
@ellenedwards7029 We don't have those here! The estate sales have lines forming before daylight and they limit # of persons inside They are usually way higher than thrift or Flea markets ! I've found all of those things at our thrift store s including bougie upscale yarn fir 99cents! Men's shirts have better quality fabric for quilting in a variety of colors ,stripes and checks than Jo Ann Walmart or Hobby Lobby! Imo
I like the fabric in flannel and plaid shirts! Since I reuse worn blue jeans in my picnic quilts, aa the backing or maybe as the front oatchwirk, I will add a pocket or two!
I purchased a thick New Zealand wool horse blanket from a horse supplier. I use it for ironing. It works great and only cost $20.00. It looks and acts just like my small ironing mat but 10x larger.
You're a GENIUS! I thought I was the queen of using items for uses other than what they were intended for, but I bow to you, Tim! Specifically the dog collars for D-rings and strapping. I just stared at those D-rings and other hardware for putting on bags I'm making for a craft fair in JoAnn's the other day and thought, wow, there's quite a mark-up on those!
Sometimes "antique" stores or junk shops have sewing notions too. There is this awesome antique store in Lockhart, Texas that has their stuff so well organized and they have all these drawer carts FULL of old sewing notions. Ribbons, zippers, buttons, you name it. You can also find old sewing patterns at places like this. I dug through the plethora of ones they had at the aforementioned store and found a pattern that had the right shape I was looking for for a garment I was making. I wasn't sure how to make the arms and top but there was this old dress pattern that had the shape I was looking for and I was able to use it as a guide to make a viking style under dress.
I love using and making pillows. The inserts are ridiculously priced... so I buy pillows at Goodwill and other thrift-secondhand shops and reuse them as inserts into my new covers. So much cheaper (except Goodwill which is pricing itself out of business)
Estate sales! I've not only found fantastic vintage machines there, but sometimes gorgeous vintage fabrics. Also thread, notions, accessories and other fun stuff.
Bought several thru the yrs. I have one on my mending pile that I used as a sweater instead. I turned up or rolled the cuffs. They have worn out were fold was. It is a lovely medium grey plaid. Don't recall the quilt I was going to use it in. Fond memories of it keeping off the chill while stitching at the longarm. ThkU
I routinely get my rotary cutter blades from my local Harbor Freight Tools. I get my quilt backings from thrift store sheets. I even found a sheet and curtain combo to make myself a duvet cover... thanks for all your suggestions!😊
Another great place for fabric is if you have a Goodwill Bin store close by, pay by the pound instead of per piece. Plus if you go to the thrift store remember closes are FABRIC too, I have made a few quilts for womens Extra Large dresses I found and cut up for fabric. Mens shirts are great too.
I get 1/4" masking tape at the hardware in bright green meant for pin striping. I use it for marking quilting lines and is way cheaper than what you find in fabric store.
Can I add a couple? Harbor Freight has lots of tools. I have purchased their magnetic bowl for my pins. They sell hemostats, they are used in hospitals. But I use them to hold the ends of elastic. When you are making a pair of shorts or PJ bottoms. You can clamp the elastic together and try them on for fit. Harbor Freight sell inexpensive tarps and microfiber towels. My local Saver's does a great job selling fabric. They stuff a bag full of fabric, it sells for $7, cheaper on Senior day. If I don't like a certain fabric, I donate it back.
Microfiber towels are not good as backing for items like bowl cozies bec they are not 100% cotton, but would be OK as an extra layer in hot pads between the top n bottom cotton pieces.
I have kept some of my clothes for barbie and doll clothes fabric. It would be very expensive to buy these fabrics, and the clothes look more real than those out of cotton. Blouses make great gowns, khaki pants make great totes for Barbie. I’ve made an entire quilt from plaid shirting fabric, I used a brown cotton that looked like leather strips for the backing, sashes and binding. The plaid, scrappy 9 patch is so beautiful. I have always looked at fabric in this way…I thought I was an oddball….but there are other oddballs ! My people ❤️👍
Thank you, I especially like your idea of the bucket with the storing compartments inside! Could use to store items that you are already using working on for a small craft project. ❤
The canvas drop cloths are just lovely to work with or to use as curtains after washing. They become much softer and take paint and dye so much better.
Great ideas! I hadn't thought of Rural King! I live on the Treasure Coast of FL, but I will definitely be scouring the Rural King next time I visit Ocala!! I'm currently on the hunt for a lesser expensive grommet tool and snap tool because they're so expensive at JoAnn's and Walmart. (Btw: Walmart does have nice fabrics, stuffing, and threads at much better prices. I wish JoAnn's would go back to the old days of concentrating only on sewing, fabrics, and notions instead of trying to compete with Michael's and Hobby Lobby.
yep love that except when the people running the shop are sewers too and price it for what its worth .... they sell them for just l a little ower that what youd get brand new
Grrrreat video! I’m also in Central FL and I also struggle to say “Rural King.” Lol! But they have so much stuff there. Love this video - thanks for sharing.
Thank you Timothy, for your willingness to share such great finds and ideas. I am starting to get into jewelry making and your tip on the leather laces from the store that sells things for animals was a hit. Just returned from Tractor Supply (the store where I live) and for less than $10 I nabbed a bag of leather laces. Blessings.
Some great ideas. I have elastic, cording ,lace,material from dismantling clothes too small, bras, bathing suits, blankets,sheets,etc.and donated items from apartment complex etc.
This was a great video. Never thought of Tractor Supply (or the one you mentioned). I do frequent thrift stores. I found a beautiful piece of Sari fabric on my last trip, and lots of XXXL mens shirts to cut up for fabric.
I don't disagree with the glove idea. I cut the pad of my index finger off with a rotary cutter. I still need to buy my gloves, so I haven't gone back to the project yet. Safety matters.
Some really great tips - I was raised to use flat sheets for the backs of quilts, so much cheaper than any material and works so great. I have a magnetic bowl that I got from Harbor Freight for almost nothing - I saw one at JoAnne's for $17. just last week
In Canada, we have a Dollarama. It has fabric table clothes (52 x 72) for $4.50. Very pretty in several different patterns and I needed several for a long table to seat 24. A friend who is a high end couture seamstress loved the print. She suggested I then use them and make a very beautiful summer dress.
The purchasing of of tote bags for zippers truly is inspired. As, of course, your insightful takes on & uses for's are invaluable, as well. Thank you. Stay pretty.
Nice video. I get most of my craft supplies at a Mennonite thrift store, a local auction house, estate sales and Ebay because I love to use vintage materials.
My mom used to buy formal gowns from the thrift stores, wash them, take them apart and make my dresses and petticoats when I was a little girl. I tell ya, I was the best dressed little girl at school and church. That was back into the day when a girl wasn’t allowed to wear pants to school. My mother was an amazing seamstress as well, so if I showed her a picture of a dress, she could easily make it and could fancy it up using those pre-owned gowns.
🎉🎉🎉🎉❤
That's so smart! I might give that a try for my daughter's prom.
That's awesome!
Wow how resourceful and thoughtful. I just would have not thought of using those for that reason. I see them beautiful dresses at yardsales all the time but I'm always thinking who could use this dress. It's beautiful and so cheap it's almost a sin to pass it up. But now, I'm getting some ideas!
My mom the same - so talented! I’ve done the same for my girls when little and now my 6 granddaughters.
I purchase inexpensive bed pillows for the fiberfill they are stuffed with. Cheaper than a bag of fiberfill!
Such a good idea!!
OOOoo such a great idea!!
Wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing.
I have bought cushions from the op shop and used the filling!
I do too. I was at Walmart and a bag of stuffing was 10 and a big pillow was only 2.50.
I bought a beautiful satin outer shower curtain It had shoes 👠 and handbags 👜 printed on it. I cut it up and made it into shoe bags for travelling!
Such a great idea! How lucky that it had that print!!
Love love love this idea! Will be watching for these type curtains!
I like to use the zippered bags that sheets and comforters come in. They are sturdy and are great for keeping projects in.
I use them for packing for trips and for my various sewing and yarn projects
Same
Yes! I do, too!
My suggestion is if you need pattern paper because you need to make paper patterns go to a medical supply store and buy a roll of the paper they use in doctors offices to cover the beds. It's about $5 a roll, makes great pattern paper, and I can use it to cushion gift bag gifts or my fragile seasonal ornaments as well.
My mom, a nurse, used to bring these home when they got low, when I was a kid, for me to draw and do finger painting.
I have always used brown craft paper or ackage wrapping paper.
My favorite Dollar Tree find was precut parchment paper designed to go between hamburger patties. I used them for scrappy quilt I made. I used a tighter stitch count and it made tearing the paper easier.
Mum used to, in the 1950-69..used newspapers! Why not!
I get a coloring book at the dollar store for the paper. Works great
I have gone to Harbor Freight for my notions. Canvas tarp, telescopic magnet stick, and a magnetic tray.
Such a good idea!!
@@timothytotten9409 I believe you purchased velcro there about a year ago.
Yes!! I got some rulers there too. My aluminum one is great for ironing a hem over.
No Harbor Freight in Australia but I visit the Auto shops for the telescopic wands, magnetic trays and also for dent pullers as ruler handles (much stronger than the craft ones) for a fraction of the price of the craft branded ones.
I bought two magnetic parts dishes for my pins. I spray painted them both in colors to match my sewing room. I love them. I also use them to run over spilled pins and they collect on the bottom and are easy to use.
Never thought about using dollar tree dog collars for the hardware! Word!!!
Same with buying purses at a thrift shop - use the hardware.
Thrift store fabrics are great for historic-themed costumes. I once bought a new king comforter ( beautiful silver - blue color with baroque style pattern) in Goodwill Outlet and have made it into a splendid Tudor-era gown, adding some dark blue, golden, dark red silky fabrics, sourced also from thrift store curtains and place mats. There were so much seamless fabric in that comforter, that the other side with stripes and most of batting is still left for yet another costume. Also, I once bought two real silk taffeta large window drapery panels $ 4.99 each in another Goodwill, which later turned out to be of regular price $ 800 each (as per I-net research), since manufactured by one well-known company. I am going to make those into a Marie-Antoinette style ballgown for dancing in one of the Versailles historic reenactments.
Great finds!!
Sounds great!! I'd love to see it when it's all finished!!
I found a cute floral set of flannel sheets at a local thrift store years ago. Flannel sheets aren't really something you want in Texas, it's not cold enough even in winter but my mom said, "those would make cute PJ pants." We bought them, stopped at the fabric shop to find a pattern and that was my first sewing project.
It's too bad that you can't share photos on RUclips because that would be fantastic to see!
How lovely!
Along with sheets, tablecloths offer extra large widths in pretty colors and patterns. You can buy new, at department stores, or used at thrift shops and yard sales. Don't forget church rummage sales! Super cheap prices, especially if they're having a bag sale, and the profits go to charities. And, of course, clothing can yield interesting fabric, as well as buttons and zippers.
I also loved the dog collar idea. I liked your storage idea. I use a large fishing tackel box for my sewing supplies and one for my art (penciles, pastels, ect.). I have found that it is made from stronger plastic and have ajustable compartments to fit the sewing supplies that I need.
That’s a great idea! They do seem to be made in a sturdier way.
I did the same thing and bought two tackle boxes years ago- one for art supplies and one for sewing supplies. They lasted over 30 years until we had a house fire and they burned. Literally lasted longer than the house.
Timothy, you out did yourself with these tips. I especially liked the 5 gallon bucket idea. We purchased a travel trailer recently and didn't want to spend a lot of $$$ changing out the curtains, so I used painters' drop cloths. I bleached them and I swear they look and feel like raw silk. Made all 3 windows for about $13. Thanks again for sharing!
Such a good idea for the curtains!!
I bought a whole roll of calico to make curtains. The interesting thing about calico is that the more you wash it, the whiter it gets. Also takes dye well, of course. Made some single bed sheets, so it also gets softer as it gets washed, and due to the original fibre, is very strong and long lasting. Painters' drop cloths I've used to provide a 'weather wall' for the outside catio. Relatively inexpensive to replace, and somewhat water resistant.
@@Kayenne54 Cool!
You can get 5 gal buckets at bakeries or ice cream parlors.
I am from the Tulsa Oklahoma area. I went into a Salvation Army Family Store and found 5 yards of a Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin material. The cost: a total of $3.00! I made a skirt with it.🙂
So wonderful! I love Tulsa. I got to speak for a very exclusive fundraiser at the Frank Lloyd Wright house there in Tulsa. What a cool town and a lovely (but huge) home. It’s still for sale too.
Thrift store handbags often have interesting hardware as well as zippers. Thanks for these tips!
I made a wedding veil from a Martha Stewart valance from Walmart. It was a beautiful lacey satin and we were in the boondocks of Kentucky attending a family reunion which turned into an impromptu layed-back wedding. Yeah!😉... The bride looked beautiful! Who would have thought it possible!?! Thanks for your tips... really good ideas!
That is awesome!
😂 you do know you've just furthered the joke that family reunions are hillbilly dating pools! Sorry but had to say it (part is my family is from TN). That was excellent catch for the veil!
@@Pepper-i2c bwahahahaaaaahaha 😂
That is truly some creative thinking there. Great job!
I shop at Salvation Army for cotton sheets for my everyday house dresses, also I Check the clothes of all sorts. I can find a fabric I need to practice with before I sew a garment also look for trim on formal dresses.
So smart!
My daughter and I bought a roll of upholstery fabric at the thrift store. She absolutely loved it!!! I made her two aprons with large pockets across the front. They are showing some wear now. She is on the lookout for more fabric. We lined them. Yes they were made custom to her 5ft tall. We put in a casing track (at the arm pit) to pass the tie thru and around her neck. I thank my mom and her best friend for showing me how to make my own patterns. So folks be sure to keep on sharing your talents. Mom and Aunt Bertha are both gone now but their skills are still being shared. I love that we have this "club''. I have spent my life looking at things from your varied perspectives.
The cutting glove...... EXCELLENT idea! About 10 years ago I was cutting fabric with a rotary cutter that had a dull pinking shear blade on it. I was using a regular ruler. You guessed it. I cut off the end of my left index finger! It bled for 6 hours! PLEASE! Take his advice and use a glove. Also, NEVER use dull blades... it isn't worth it. Use the proper set up. Thank you for telling people about this.
😮 oh my. Good warning. Thanks
Harbor Freight has 3 pairs of scissors in one pack. I use them for paper, leather and batting. They also have magnetic bowls for pins, telescoping magnet wands to pick up pins and needles or metal bobbins. Small screw drivers, electrical tape for cord repairs. Fish filet gloves that stretch and can be worn on either hand.
And cheap various sizes of masking tape for marking 1”, etc., while you machine quilt. Just sew along the edges. In the caroet cutting tool area you’ll find much cheaper rotary blades.
Ps. In a thrift shop or $ store flannel backed table cloths. Hang the table cloth flannel side out on the wall, now you have a design wall.
A thrifted XX XL mens shirt is nearly 3 yards of fabric once filleted. A toilet bowl cleaner at the Dollar store makes a super
thread picker-upper for the carpets too!
Enjoyed your ideas too! Thank you!
That magnetic bowl is the bomb. I have a metal table and most of my craft tools and my pins have metal.
I love the thrift store for sheets to be used in many ways!
Same here! Some of the most beautiful prints can be found in thrifted sheets. 😊
Love getting sheets at the thrift store to use as the backing of a quilt.
don't forget cloth shower curtains, tablecloths, and regular curtains.
@@tinasitz6742I've done this often.
I just got one and a set of pillowcases in a pirate theme! I will make a quillow for my new great nephew ! Cases are great totes for toys n stuffies ! 🎉
I purchased 4 Yukon 3-drawer workbenches from Harbor Freight and put them together to use as a cutting table. My new table is 40” x 10’ and I have 12 drawers for all of my sewing and quilting notions. I also purchased a large container of Command hooks from Costco and stuck them to the legs of the tables. The hooks hold my quilting rulers and templates. Additionally, I bought 2 of the Yukon workbenches and use them as an ironing surface. The vise extends all the way out and holds the base of my iron. All of my ironing supplies fit either in the drawers or on the shelves below. :)
So smart!
How much were the Yukon tables? Thanks
@@campwisdom4312 They’re normally $180. The day I went to order them, Harbor Freight was running a special so I got them for $140 each.
@@campwisdom4312 The tables were on sale for $140 each. I had to pre-order them and they arrived in a couple of weeks. No additional charge for shipping.
For those who occasionally need a lg cutting space for big projects, I bought plastic, height adjustable, foldable sawhorses for the table base( not very expensive as I recall. I used a regular flat interior door painted white do it was nice & smooth ( left over from a remodeling project as the top & a very lg cutting mat. Sets up & down in minutes. I keep the sawhorses in the garage & the door behind a hanging door that’s usually always open. I drilled two decent sized holes in the end of the cutting mat that line up with 2 long wood screws with heads placed in the wall studs behind a door. Very easy to hang up or take down, use this system all the time. Interior luaun doors are very light because they are hollow. System is strong enough for any sewing needs.
If you use less expensive sheets, make sure that you wash them AND your quilt top before you quilt them together. That way if your top is 100% cotton and the back is a polyester and cotton blend, they'll not shrink differently once quilted. Shrinking difference can leave you with an actual gap between the top and bottom.
Good tip
I came across some pillow forms at Wal-Mart on clearance for $1.50. I grabbed several and used the stuffing for my memory bears I make. I'm always trying to think outside the box for craft supplies. Thanks for your tips.
So so smart!!
I use bed pillows from Wal-Mart to make my pillow forms.
I'm just learning how to sew. Thank-you for sharing all these ideas!! I'm struggling financially with having to drive my grandson 400 miles, round trip, for his many doctors appointments! He has a very rare heart condition. I thought if i could sew our clothes, his ideas (he's got an imagination!) I could save some money! All of you have been a Godsend 🥹💜❤️ Thank-you, bless you, and have a blessed day
Another place I get fabric and notions is Daiso. They are a Japanese 'dollar store'. They are not in all states yet. Loads of locations in CA, but also in WA, TX, AZ, NV, NJ and NJ. And it looks like there are several in Canada as well. Thanks for the video.
My grandmother never bought batting for her many, many quilts. She always used flannel blankets.
I’ll check next time I’m in one of those states. Sounds like a cool store concept
Went to one in Los Angeles, plan a whole day! It was massive and had stuff in every square inch! 🤣
The best stores are DIASO ESPECIALLY while in Asia. The Diaso stores in American are nothing compared to the DIASO in Asia. My favorite store while living in Asia!!!
@@Kittyququmber Visited several Daiso stores in Japan last year when we were touring. They are absolutely amaziing. Don't know about the stores in the US so can't comment or compare.
Yes Daiso has a sewing/craft section with really cute items too 🤗
The Daiso's closer to my area are quite small compared to the one in Japan Town Mall in San Francisco.
Timothy, these are great ideas for thinking "outside the box." I never would have thought about using dog collars for notions. I'm just getting back into sewing and your tips are so helpful - thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
I use the tea towels to make a purse/ bag for my wheelchair. With the buckles I got at a thrift store. ❤ your channel!!!
My mom and grandma also used sheets for quilt backings. In those days wide backing fabric was not available at any price. It was an amazing day when it did become available, but sheets are still the way to go if money is tight.
Went to a thrift store recently to look around for fabrics for backings and walked out with two King size ,100% cotton, Doona covers for $2 each. So I now have four king size pieces of backing to use. I also check out the handbag section for zips as well as for the D-rings and lobster claw catches and ornamental metal pieces, or to recycle handles and straps. Belts are also a good option for recycling parts, buckles and fabric/leather.
Yes sheets are wonderful for quilts! Sadly, Walmart used to have a very large selection of single sheets (twin size) for $5 ! Many colors an and prints to match! I make donation quilts for our church. Now they are $10 each and the selection is 4 colors!! Not progress!! Ugh!
I only use thrifted bed sheets for my backings. It saves on cash and the environment
@@Ebbs-i1p13:35
I also use sheets for backing quotes as well as making capes for Halloween costumes. Both use so much material! Love the tips. Can't wait to use them 😊
Sheets are wonderful to make curtains out of. Especially, if you have amatching bedspread.!!. 😊
So smart!!
My mother used to do that when I was growing up.😊
Ō@@colettemcwilliams1325
Also for lining tote bags and purses!
Great ideas!
I love thrift stores for fabric, notions, and even vintage patterns ❤
Whenever I get sewing supplies at Harbor Freight or my local co-op hardware I always say to the checkout guy, "Bet when you came to work this morning you didn't know you working at a craft store." The reactions are precious! I've also noticed the selection of crafty things increasing in the co-op so maybe letting the folks know what customers are looking for is handy for all.
I bought a lot of my sewing supplies at Harbor Freight. I love that store.
No man working at the hardware store wants to be called precious. 😮😊
At Harbor Freight I have picked up rotary cutter blades for a fraction of the cost, in their rug cutting section.
Good, because Hobby Lobby is squeezing out craft items for cheap home decor from China. It’s getting harder to find what I want or need there.
@@ginnylawson8533. I had no idea they had sewing supplies.
Love everyone sharing their thrifty ideas as well! ❤
One thing I love to buy is the square washers I put two together and cover them with fabric as they are a little ruff to the touch. Once covered I use them as patten weights so that it keeps my pattern in place on fabric that you cannot use pins on while cutting around the pattern.
They are also handy to keep the patterns in place while trying to workout the best layout on your fabric. Nothing worse than the patterns floating away when you’re placing down another one.
What a great idea!
Love this idea
You are just the sweetest and most talented guy. Love your videos and tips. My favorite fabric store is here in Massachusetts near Boston. It’s a family run store and they have the greatest fabric and notions. There drapery and upholstery fabric is no more than $5.99-$6.99 a yard. There remnant table fabrics are only $2.49-2.99 a yard! You can’t beat their prices anywhere. I never leave there without fabric! I always refer all my clients to buy their fabric there for their upholstery and home decor sewing they hire me to do for them.
give a name i live in mass please address too if you can
Yes - please share the store name. Thanks
Here in Cincinnati there is a recycle/reuse place that is open twice a week where you can go and everything is free. They have tons of fabric, yarn, thread, tiles, and just about everything else. They do it to keep it from the landfill. I went a few weeks ago and scored a huge box of tapestry fabric that I donated to my local historical reenacting group. I'm sure there are places like it in other cities. I even found some vintage Stretch N Sew patterns!
So cool. I will try to check it out next time I come to Cincinnati. I have good friends there and it might work out to visit the place. Thanks!
I love this idea and would like to open something like this in my town. How do they cover the cost of the shop and labor?
What is it called? I know of the Indigo Hippo for secondhand fabric but this sounds like a different place
In Austin, Texas, there is a similar store called Austin Creative Reuse. In San Antonio, Texas, there is one called Spare Parts. :)
Love stretch & sew patterns.
Hello Tim, I was so interested to see your latest tips video. When you showed the cushioning floor mats, I realised that I had some in my garage, left over from a different use. I got them immediately and brought them to my sewing space (where I am now) and put them down at my ironing board. Ooh, it’s so comfortable underfoot, I love it! Ikea sometimes sell bolts of canvas fabric cheaply. So, thank you for your tips and tutorials. Best wishes, Louise, Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
So smart! And I love the IKEA detail about fabric. I’m gonna make a video about IKEA soon; so many people have never been there so it will be cool to share the sewing items from there!
Another good place to use those mats are in the kitchen, at the sink, the cutting bench and the stove are the 3 places I have mats best move I ever made as I use to do a lot of prep work for meals.
Hi Louise Foster, from Louise Foster! 😂🤣
Your last tip to check out the Thrift stores for fabric is spot on! I have found many great buys at our local thrift store from upholstery material to fine silk! And sometimes the amount is incredible (8 yds of silk was donated there one time). Needless to say the sewists in our town are happy to check out the wonderful bargains.
I wish my own thrift stores would put out fabric. I have never seen raw bolts of fabric or anything other than big blankets and sheets.
@@timothytotten9409 don't turn your nose up at sheets, shower curtains, & other large swatches of cloth. As long as it doesn't have a lot of seams, those fabric items can be taken apart, cannibalized, & given new life very easily. I've made a few capes from curtains, lol.
I’ve been using painters cloths for years to make grocery totes…you have some great ideas❤️
That’s a great idea!
My foyer, ceiling to floor, curtains are Harbor Freight chic. 😂 Drop cloths are great.
@@timothytotten9409 I've also used Game bags (hunters use them for carrying back field dressed animals). They are made of canvas, are quite big and inexpensive and a bit thinner than painting tarps, so I make lighter weight, but still sturdy totes out of those. I just cut them apart at the seams and go for it.
I always have my eyes open for the unconventional sewing and craft item. My sewing table is a Husky work bench from homedepo. It adjust the height very easy, it has a great wooden top. The big plus is, it was a lot cheaper than the adjustable sewing table. ❤❤
I loved my first homedepot butcher block adjustable “sewing” table so much I bought 2 more in longer lengths. I ordered the drawers for the other 2 to store patterns. My room is complete and so much sturdier and cheaper than the junk particle board stuff craft stores sell.
The stuff meant for guys is always better quality and cheaper than sewing furniture. Lowe’s has some great furniture, stools, shelving meant for a garage wood working shop
Hi Timothy. I agree with the Thrift store idea. I was lucky to find two queen sized linen duvet covers for $5.99 each! I washed/dried them and will be making dresses out of them. Joann's wanted $15.99/yd. Use bed sheets as toilles.
So many useful suggestions! Love the hair ties for elastic, and getting hardware off pet collars. Sheets as backing fabric, brilliant. (My MIL does a lot of quilting, and she uses worn-out blankets as batting.) Thanks for sharing!
Thrift stores are #1 for me. I got my Kenmore 158.1757 at a thrift store, $20, complete, w/ cams, button holer, and original instruction book. I often find fabrics and useful patterns. One of the best things, as you suggested, is sheets. Brand new, still in the package.
Another overlooked place is yard sales. They take a bit of time and effort but the payoff can be amazing. I found a box of miscellaneous Singer bits for $10, bobbins, needles, feet, button holer w/templates, including the elusive eyelet, lots more. It's an adventure.
Great finds!!
Great tips! I’ve found many supplies at local thrift stores. 24x36 Olfa cutting mat like new $2.15. I’ve found Olfa pinking and wave rotary cutting handles and just bought new blades for them. I’ve also taken the long zippers out of those plastic bags sheet sets come in.
I forget how ingenius crafters are. ❤
Bravo to the shower curtain for plastic for bagmaking! Really original and definitely cheaper!
Can also salvage the plastic/vinyl bags some items are packaged in for the same purpose. I use the plastic/vinyl bags sheet sets, doona covers etc come in as project bags and to store and gift completed quilts in. Folk will quite often give them back so they can be re-used multiple times.
Yes! I thought the same thing about the pet collars at the Dollar tree! Great place to get hardware cheap.
Great video, love the thrift store section as I love up cycling ideas. And the mention of your beloved grandma’s quilting for kids just touched my heart. My nana and Aunt taught me to sew and I treasure those times. My grandsons are showing interest in sewing, we shall see how that goes ❤️🙂
Yes! Teach them. It’s a power tool for fabric and is such a useful skill to learn!
@@timothytotten9409 I agree! I have 5 grandkids and 2 of them are males. They sew too. All are teens now but it's like riding a bike. Can sew when sitting near a machine.
Great ideas!! Out my way in West Virginia, we have a store called Harbor Freight. Great for the same types of things in your Rural store. And I LOVE getting my fabric from the thrift stores. I pick up shirts on dollar day that have great patterns as well as getting vintage sheets that I use for the backing of my quilts..LOVE getting vintage sheets for $1-$2
My favorite place. Before I discovered them for sewing supplies I used to get impatient with my late hubby spending a long time there. How stupid was that?
At the thrift store a way to find fabric is to look thru the clothing section men’s larger shirts have large sections of fabric that can be recycled. You can also find smaller zippers and lace and buttons. Not big pieces but if making textile jewerly or children’s clothes. Just let your imagination go wild. Love your video’s so much information.
Great idea!!!
Zip ties can be used in place of boning, some gardening gloves for free motion quilting, tackle boxes to organize supplies, and hemostats used for turning fabric right side out are some things you can find at these stores also. 😁
I go to my local big box hardware and salvage the woven plastic package strapping they throw in the rubbish to use as boning or to keep the top of thread bags open, may sometimes need to glue two pieces together to obtain the stiffness required but it is free & keeps it out of landfill.
@Debee109 I have done the plastic strip thing too.
I would not have thought to disassemble a collar for the hardware. That's brilliant. Thank you!
The pet leashes are great for handles on tote bags. And there is a great color selection
What a Bazinga moment this video was for me. In all my thinking outside of the box, I didn't think of using clearance sheets or thrift store curtains for the fabric or the hardward off of Dollar tree items! Excellent! My tip is to use oil & vinegar containers for candle holders. Appreciate all the craftiness shared!
I love getting large fabric pieces from Goodwill. I found a cute snowman sheet/blanket but before I could do something with it my son fell in love with it. He uses it every night. Great video with great ideas.
Yes, thanks for sharing Timothy.
During the pandemic, I wanted elastic shoelaces but couldn't find them anywhere. I went to Dollartree and bought hairbands. They worked perfectly and I haven't had to replace them in four years.
Such a good idea!
Great ideas, Tim!
My favorite hardware item from the tool section is the various magnetic steel bowls. Mechanics use them to keep track of all those nuts and bolts and smaller tools; we can use them in our work, too!
Also, years ago I used a tarp to protect my couch from a new puppy. It tucked around the cushions nicely and was easier to launder than a slip cover.
Great tip!
I had a farmer friend who saw me using a seam ripper years ago and suggested I try a scalpel she used on her farm. I tried one and I have been using them as seam rippers for 30 years now and they are fantastic if you are careful.
Thrift stores are my go-to for fabric. I recently found a 100% linen queen duvet with pillow cases for $7! 😊 Then, at another thrift store, I found three yards of 100% linen yardage for $3.
Wow! Great finds!
I’ve made some great bags from tablecloths and curtains I’ve gotten at thrift stores. And dollar stores often have fabric placemats that make great pouches, makeup bags or bottle totes.
I have used clearance cotton table clothes to cut up and make quilts,especially the ones with bright colors.
I've shopped for craft/sewing supplies at some of these places, but you've added to my list of possible sources for supplies. Thanks!
FYI: About using a sheet for quilt backing, some long arm quilters won’t accept a quilt that’s backed with sheet fabric because some sheets aren’t straight grain. I found this out early on. On small quilts that I finish myself, sheets are a great option.
I make denim quilts that I tie off and use a flannel sheet for the backing. Kids love them and they are so warm in winter.
Some long arm quilters are just too precious!
Harbor freight has a ton of items you can use in the sewing room. Tool boxes, rulers, magnets , magnetic dishes for pins to name a few.
Agreed! Right now there is a harbor freight 9 drawer tool box in the living room filled with sewing notions and a sewing machine and serger on top! Plus the magnetic power strip on one side and the magnetic rack on the other holding ironing aids 😂
I used the left over aisle runner from my daughter's wedding for practice fabric and pattern try outs. We had a 50% off coupon which made it very cheap.
Thrifting is how I get sheets for quilt backing and I LOVE to look at the tote and string bags for exactly what you mentioned. Handles, zippers, hardware, straps and strings. That stuff is very expensive so even if you pay a few dollars, if you get a couple of pieces off of it, it’s worth it! Did not think of the canvas and leather though, great tips!!!👍🏻
I buy the totes with zippers for knitting and small zipper bags for notions ! Can't make em for that ,even with coupons at Jo Ann ! 😊
I find church rummage sales and estate sales the best. I can usually get a whole bag if zippers fur a dollar or two. Recently I found a whole large box of beautiful old lace fur three dollars. They always have containers and odds and ends things fur projects. I also get sheets at thrift stores fur quilt backing. It's always the thrill of the hunt
@ellenedwards7029 We don't have those here! The estate sales have lines forming before daylight and they limit # of persons inside They are usually way higher than thrift or Flea markets ! I've found all of those things at our thrift store s including bougie upscale yarn fir 99cents! Men's shirts have better quality fabric for quilting in a variety of colors ,stripes and checks than Jo Ann Walmart or Hobby Lobby! Imo
I make Log Cabin quilts out of men's shirts n nurses uniforms. It's good quality cotton n doesn't fade.
First time watching! Great tips and I think I read every single comment! What a beautiful community you have created!
I like the fabric in flannel and plaid shirts! Since I reuse worn blue jeans in my picnic quilts, aa the backing or maybe as the front oatchwirk, I will add a pocket or two!
I purchased a thick New Zealand wool horse blanket from a horse supplier. I use it for ironing. It works great and only cost $20.00. It looks and acts just like my small ironing mat but 10x larger.
Wow! I love it!!
Great idea with the dog collar. New to quilting so I need all ideas that you have.
You're a GENIUS! I thought I was the queen of using items for uses other than what they were intended for, but I bow to you, Tim! Specifically the dog collars for D-rings and strapping. I just stared at those D-rings and other hardware for putting on bags I'm making for a craft fair in JoAnn's the other day and thought, wow, there's quite a mark-up on those!
Sometimes "antique" stores or junk shops have sewing notions too. There is this awesome antique store in Lockhart, Texas that has their stuff so well organized and they have all these drawer carts FULL of old sewing notions. Ribbons, zippers, buttons, you name it. You can also find old sewing patterns at places like this. I dug through the plethora of ones they had at the aforementioned store and found a pattern that had the right shape I was looking for for a garment I was making. I wasn't sure how to make the arms and top but there was this old dress pattern that had the shape I was looking for and I was able to use it as a guide to make a viking style under dress.
Great! What’s the name of the store?
@@bizzybits1918 Fields Stable Antiques
I love using and making pillows. The inserts are ridiculously priced... so I buy pillows at Goodwill and other thrift-secondhand shops and reuse them as inserts into my new covers. So much cheaper (except Goodwill which is pricing itself out of business)
Such a good idea!
Estate sales! I've not only found fantastic vintage machines there, but sometimes gorgeous vintage fabrics. Also thread, notions, accessories and other fun stuff.
Great tip!
Thanks for sharing this information with us and have a blessed day 🙏
I found an embroidery machine for $49.00. I was so happy.
Where? What a find
Wow! My library has one for checkout in it's Library of Things but I'd rather have one at home! :)
Wow! What a score. 🎉
Does it work?
Large men's shirts are a great source of fabric for scrap quilts. You can always find lots of them at most thrift stores.
Thanks for the tip!
Bought several thru the yrs. I have one on my mending pile that I used as a sweater instead. I turned up or rolled the cuffs. They have worn out were fold was. It is a lovely medium grey plaid. Don't recall the quilt I was going to use it in. Fond memories of it keeping off the chill while stitching at the longarm. ThkU
I routinely get my rotary cutter blades from my local Harbor Freight Tools. I get my quilt backings from thrift store sheets. I even found a sheet and curtain combo to make myself a duvet cover... thanks for all your suggestions!😊
I hadn’t thought to look at harbor freight! Are they good blades?
They cut pretty well, I could easily cut 4 layers of fabric. 😊
Another great place for fabric is if you have a Goodwill Bin store close by, pay by the pound instead of per piece. Plus if you go to the thrift store remember closes are FABRIC too, I have made a few quilts for womens Extra Large dresses I found and cut up for fabric. Mens shirts are great too.
I get 1/4" masking tape at the hardware in bright green meant for pin striping. I use it for marking quilting lines and is way cheaper than what you find in fabric store.
I also use garden gloves for machine quilting. The rubber one work great. Lots of good ideas.
Great tip!
Can I add a couple? Harbor Freight has lots of tools. I have purchased their magnetic bowl for my pins. They sell hemostats, they are used in hospitals. But I use them to hold the ends of elastic. When you are making a pair of shorts or PJ bottoms. You can clamp the elastic together and try them on for fit. Harbor Freight sell inexpensive tarps and microfiber towels. My local Saver's does a great job selling fabric. They stuff a bag full of fabric, it sells for $7, cheaper on Senior day. If I don't like a certain fabric, I donate it back.
Such a good list of extra ideas. Thanks!
Microfiber towels are great. But never use fabric softener. They loose the ability to absorb.
Microfiber towels are not good as backing for items like bowl cozies bec they are not 100% cotton, but would be OK as an extra layer in hot pads between the top n bottom cotton pieces.
@@ellenpowell4155I use the hemostats to turn my bowl holders right side out.
I'm totally using the bucket storage seat suggestion! ❤
It's so good!
D rings and buckles from the dog collars!!! FABULOUS IDEA!!! Thank you thank you for sharing!!!
You are so welcome!
I have kept some of my clothes for barbie and doll clothes fabric. It would be very expensive to buy these fabrics, and the clothes look more real than those out of cotton. Blouses make great gowns, khaki pants make great totes for Barbie.
I’ve made an entire quilt from plaid shirting fabric, I used a brown cotton that looked like leather strips for the backing, sashes and binding. The plaid, scrappy 9 patch is so beautiful. I have always looked at fabric in this way…I thought I was an oddball….but there are other oddballs ! My people ❤️👍
Great tip to make doll clothes from adult clothes. You’re so right about the fabrics being more realistic!! Welcome to the club. Lol
Thank you, I especially like your idea of the bucket with the storing compartments inside!
Could use to store items that you are already using working on for a small craft project.
❤
The canvas drop cloths are just lovely to work with or to use as curtains after washing. They become much softer and take paint and dye so much better.
Great tip!
I use hair ties to combine with a large button for closures on purses or totes.
Such a good idea.
Another idea for the padded seat/bucket use is for gardeners. You can store your tools, etc. and bring them to the garden and have a seat. Thank you 😃
Great ideas! I hadn't thought of Rural King! I live on the Treasure Coast of FL, but I will definitely be scouring the Rural King next time I visit Ocala!! I'm currently on the hunt for a lesser expensive grommet tool and snap tool because they're so expensive at JoAnn's and Walmart. (Btw: Walmart does have nice fabrics, stuffing, and threads at much better prices. I wish JoAnn's would go back to the old days of concentrating only on sewing, fabrics, and notions instead of trying to compete with Michael's and Hobby Lobby.
I use the seasonal wooden shapes for templates. They can be used to make pot holders to put on a counter for hot dishes
Our thrift stores are amazing at stocking fabric, yarn, embroidery, and loads of other items.
That is awesome!
yep love that except when the people running the shop are sewers too and price it for what its worth .... they sell them for just l a little ower that what youd get brand new
Grrrreat video! I’m also in Central FL and I also struggle to say “Rural King.” Lol! But they have so much stuff there. Love this video - thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!
😊 home design centers. Sample fabric books that have been retired.
Thank you Timothy, for your willingness to share such great finds and ideas. I am starting to get into jewelry making and your tip on the leather laces from the store that sells things for animals was a hit. Just returned from Tractor Supply (the store where I live) and for less than $10 I nabbed a bag of leather laces. Blessings.
Some great ideas. I have elastic, cording ,lace,material from dismantling clothes too small, bras, bathing suits, blankets,sheets,etc.and donated items from apartment complex etc.
This was a great video. Never thought of Tractor Supply (or the one you mentioned). I do frequent thrift stores. I found a beautiful piece of Sari fabric on my last trip, and lots of XXXL mens shirts to cut up for fabric.
Table cloths, placemats, and thin bedspreads & duvet covers are good fabric sources too… I get them at discount stores and when on clearance😉
I don't disagree with the glove idea. I cut the pad of my index finger off with a rotary cutter. I still need to buy my gloves, so I haven't gone back to the project yet. Safety matters.
Yeah, same with the finger! 5 stitches to put it back on and 15 years later, still don't have feeling in that finger! 😢
Some really great tips - I was raised to use flat sheets for the backs of quilts, so much cheaper than any material and works so great. I have a magnetic bowl that I got from Harbor Freight for almost nothing - I saw one at JoAnne's for $17. just last week
Great tip!
In Canada, we have a Dollarama. It has fabric table clothes (52 x 72) for $4.50. Very pretty in several different patterns and I needed several for a long table to seat 24. A friend who is a high end couture seamstress loved the print. She suggested I then use them and make a very beautiful summer dress.
That is awesome!
Thank you for some new sources and ideas. The reusable zipper bags, and the bucket inserts are on my shopping list.
The purchasing of of tote bags for zippers truly is inspired.
As, of course, your insightful takes on & uses for's are invaluable, as well.
Thank you.
Stay pretty.
Nice video. I get most of my craft supplies at a Mennonite thrift store, a local auction house, estate sales and Ebay because I love to use vintage materials.
That’s awesome! Especially since you love vintage fabrics!