Crazy quilting supplies can be expensive! Here are my favorite ways to collect all the “bits” that go into my CQ pieces.
www.freecycle.org – People with items to offer and people looking for items can hook up online. There is a small group in our town, and every so often I ask if anyone has fabric, buttons, beads, etc to give away. I did receive a large load of fabric when I was making quilts for charity. Be sure to follow the freecycle rules, be polite and grateful, and don’t misrepresent yourself (I asked for fabric for charity quilts and I did use it all for quilts to give away).
Thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales – great sources of buttons, beads, broken jewelry, bags of fabric and yarns, doilies, slightly damaged linens (you’re going to cut it up anyway!). It’s often worth buying a hideous bridesmaids’ dress for the many meters of fabric, or a shirt for the unique buttons. Check the clothing racks when you are looking for a particular type of fabric (velvet, satin, cotton) or a particular color. Find out when they have bag sales, you can get a lot of clothing for a little cash.
www.ebay.com – There are deals to be had on eBay IF you don’t get carried away in a bidding war. Check payment details and shipping prices BEFORE you bid, and don’t bid until the last few minutes of an auction. Key words – buttons, sewing notions, broken jewelry, fabric remnants
Relatives and friends – Once my older relatives saw my first CQ piece, which was embellished with old dog licences, bingo chips, small toys, vintage buttons and old watch parts, they offered me all kinds of small treasures. Whenever someone gives me CQ supplies, I make them a small CQ gift such as a pincushion or small framed piece.
Dollar stores – a great source for inexpensive jewelry, beads, yarn, embroidery floss. I have used dollar store jute twine in a rustic art piece, and the cotton dishtowels (a linen-type weave) can be cut up for fabric. Doilies, as long as they are 100% cotton, dye beautifully, as does cheesecloth, which adds dimension if it is layered or gathered. Artificial flowers can be taken apart, and the petals mixed and matched to make multi-colored fantasy flowers. Also, check the scrapbooking section, for ribbons and charms, and paper ephemera (only if the piece will not be washed).
Don’t forget the items you already have in your home – small toys, stray earrings, coins, dice, items of clothing your children have outgrown, cheesecloth, string, fabrics and bits of trim that can be overdyed or bleached or coffee-dyed for a vintage look. Old shell buttons can be dyed with fabric dye or even food coloring.
Yes, there are websites and craft and quilting stores galore, with an endless variety of beautiful supplies; but why not supplement those with found treasures and unbelievable bargains.
