Garage sales are great. There is such an endless variety, and you never know what you will find. If you're into crafting the garage sale can be a goldmine. The goldmine is the joy you feel when you see a table full of fabric, a box filled with skeins of yarn, dozens of frames and pictures, and all priced from 10 cents to a dollar.
I found these little frames 4/$1.00, in perfect condition. I could have put little pictures in them, but opted to place my pressed flowers in them and use them on top of gift boxes, in place of cards. It was a pretty touch, and cheaper than a card or a bow.
By Deb from East Brunswick, NJ
I recently purchased a tank top sweater with beaded fringe around the bottom edge at a local thrift store for $3.75. When I got home and carefully inspected it, I noticed that two strands of the beads were missing.
I just found a way to get free copper wire. I went to a construction dumpster. The contractor has to pay by the pound to have it hauled awayl
I'm looking for anything that has to do with sewing and quilting. I'm trying to start projects making blankets and bibs for Alzheimer patients. I don't have a lot of money as I'm doing this free for our local elderly. Please help me with ideas for where to find supplies. Anything will work thread, fabric, buttons, scraps, I mean anything. Even books on sewing would help as I'm always willing to learn new projects. Thank you very much for any and all help and just for reading this.
By nicole from Roseburg, OR
Hi Nicole,
If you have a local quilters guild, they may be able to help with this. Our local quilters guild is a service organization and makes quilts for all kinds of charities. It's fun and you can sew with other people. All or almost all of the material is donated.
Hancock fabric is involved in a lot of charities. Try your local store.
Another thing you can do is contact your local churches. The can get supplies from their members. I used to take my quilt pieces to a cancer research hospital where the patients used them.
Freecycle can sometimes be a good place to try. I have received lots of fabric this way for a project I do.
Also if you have any locally owned fabric stores talk with them.
I get free things often from freecycle.org. Try joining a local group in your area and around your area. All they ask is that you give something, (old clothes, shoes, yard sale stuff) and then after that you can ask for what you need.
It is a great way to keep things from going into the trash that other people can use!
I got a free ferret cage. Those are expensive.
Blessings,
Robyn
Go to the garage sales and ask for donations of unsold clothing or fabric. You will be surprised how many people will give stuff away for a great cause!
My dad has Alzheimer, and I just want to thank you for what you are doing for those people. Even if they don't understand, their family members will certainly appreciate your effort. You may want to try making stuffed animals too. My dad loves stuffed animals now. Thank you again and God bless you!
Have you heard of www.freecycle.org? It is free to join, and a recycling group can probably be found locally. To make or read posts, you must join.
Keep the used baby wipes and dryer sheets, for great backing for appliqueing. They should be washed first, by putting them in the mesh bag that you use for delicate clothing in for machine washing.
I have no money, am handicapped, have seizures, and have not worked for a year.
By Debbie
I need to donate a box of sewing supplies, including thread, and would be happy to send them to you. I no longer have the time or the space to use them.
I have sewing thread I would like to donate to you. I need permission from you and Thrifty Fun to have your address, I will send and pay postage even.
Do you remember the beaded car seats that were popular quite some years ago? My tip is for using the beads. I bought a couple of the seats just to tear apart for my crafts, and still have a good supply.
Alert all your crafter friends and family about a years end "craft de-stash" to clean out odds-n-end items or things you bought on sale and have no real need for. Swap the items by the bag or boxful by weight or item-for-item.
To cut your craft costs, it's best to stock up at Target during the summer when they have their back to school sales. White glue bottles, crayons, markers, rulers, and kid scissors are all the best price.
Where can I find costume jewelry that people are giving away?
By Finao I.
This is a shopping tip for beaders and other crafters who use beads in their craftwork. I always try to hit the after-holidays ornament sales and stock up on beaded ornaments.
