Things I Heart #3
This is something me and my best sewing buddy/coworker Heather often talk about. We totally heart Alternative fabric/material sources. Fabric by the yard is great and all, but when you get down to it, it is pretty darn expensive. We have some some alternative sources to get yards of fabric, and save some cash in the process. Here’s what I mean:
-Sheet sets. Marshall’s, TJMaxx, and Ross (and stores like these) carry sheet sets for under $20. I love using sheet sets because you get a wider cut of fabric than you would if you bought it off the bolt, and you already know the fabric will be comfortable on you skin because it’s sheets. I recently got a queen set that is a bright, beautiful aqua for around $15. Now that’s a ton of fabric. I made a couple beach cover-ups out of it (a couple because I messed up a few times). And I still have a ton left over. Here’s a dress I made from navy blue jersey sheets. It photographs a little prom-y, but it looks much more casual in person. This also happens to be the first dress I’ve made. 
I heart these straps. The one that comes across my lower back goes the full length of the dress down the side seam
- Pre-made curtains. Talk about a gold mine. You can often get a set of full length curtains for fairly cheap at the above mentioned stores. But here is the great part: You can get lined curtains. This way, you are spending 10-20 bucks, and not only are you getting the panels, but you are getting lining fabric. Which is something everyone can always use. I like to use it for pattern making and as pillow forms. Heather uses it to line her beautiful historic gowns.
I used curtains to add accents in my bedroom. I showed you the Necklace Peg Board last week. I made those side panels from a curtain set I bought a while back. It’s this really great woven fabric. Also, I covered the book shelf (that I use for pants) below with the same fabric. I then used it in some pillows on my bed to tie the whole room together.
-Speaking of pillows, one of my best tips for pillow making is look out in Target and Walmart for when their bed pillows go on sale. These can get as cheap as $2 a pillow. This is way way cheaper than you’ll every find the fluff for. Plus, you get the fabric from the actual pillow to make forms. I’ve also found great deals on body pillows, which have a ton of fluff. I actually prefer the fluff in these pillows to the polyfill anyways. So, there ya go… hope I’ve opened your eyes to a couple alternative material sources!
