by Silver Flower

Created on: December 21, 2009

I am a fabric junkie.  I had fabric of every fiber you can imagine.  You know how it is when you see fabric you have to have.  You don't know what it will be just yet, but you just have to have it. Then the day came when I had to get rid of all of it because I moved from Kansas to Texas.  I had bins of fabric in storage, plus what I had stacked in all the available space in my tiny apartment.  Okay ... so then I went through withdrawal ... no fabric.  I even left my sewing machine behind! What was I thinking?!?

Okay, so now I'm in a different state.  Stores do not carry fabrics like I was used to.  In fact, I only know of two - Walmart and Hobby Lobby.  And not all the Walmarts carry fabric!  So what am I to do?  Since I had to start all over again replenishing fabric and needed household textiles, I thought the best I could do was go to Goodwill and buy used sheets, pillow cases, etc.  The sheets cost abt $2.50 for a twin, and up for the bigger sizes.  Goodwill has specials also.  The merchandise in the store has color coded plastic tag thingies.  At the beginning of the week, a certain color will be 50% off for that week.  One day during week seniors get a discount.  If you are careful in your selection you can really save a load of money!  I have walked out of the store with bags of clothes and old linens for less than $10.00.  On my budget (on social security fixed income)  that is priceless!

So, now I am replenishing my stash to start sewing!  But, I don't have a sewing machine.  I volunteer at a local charity organization.  Some of the perks include buying/trading/whatever for merchandise their thrift store carries.  I have gotten used bed sheets from them also, in addition to a sewing machine!  I am now set to start sewing projects out of old bedsheets.  I started by buying patterns at JoAnne's Fabrics when they had their patterns for .99 cents to $1.99 each.  A tremendous savings, at that price I was able to scoop up several.  The patterns were for children's (toddler girl) clothing, aprons, and woman's tops.  My little granddaughter is 2 yrs old, and loves whatever grandma makes for her.  I have made dresses and skirts for her.  I am planning on selling at craft fairs so I am also sewing aprons, adult clothes protectors, tote bags, pillows and coasters.  Quite an inventory that will keep me busy for a long time. 

 I enjoy making quilts, but I do not follow any pattern.  I  enjoy making crazy squares and assembling to make a most interesting quilt.  I made a tote bag, that could be used as a purse, using that method.  A woman from Nebraska that belonged to a quilting bee bought it to take back with her to show her fellow-quilters.  I was very proud that she found my work to be high quality, functional and funky.  I plan to do the same thing using old bed sheets this time for pennies compared to the cost of previous projects. 

Out of necessity, I accidentally became "green" in my sewing.  I know that I will be doubly proud of my designs and finished projects from recycled fabrics.  If only had I looked at using old bed sheets in the past, I would have saved a ton of $$$.  I am proud to show-off my "new" green merchandise.  Necessity provided the option for using recycled fabrics from used bed sheets for green sewing.  See you at the craft fairs!

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