For many quilting and fabric art projects, we don’t need the most expensive fabric.  Odds and ends from various souces will suffice.  Also,  you may find some very nice fabric as you accumulate it from your non-traditional sources.
At Quilted Paradise, I found an article about Fabric Finds for the Frugal Quilter which contains some very good ideas for acquiring fabric for your projects.  Mentioned here:
Bandanas
Neckties
Thrift Stores
Garage Sales
Yard, garage and church sales
My daughter and I’ve found many fun fabrics and embellishments  from these sources over the years.  Let your creativity soar and you’ll discover many interesting ways to use items found this …read more

Currently under way, until noon of May 10, 2006, is an online mini quilt auction with the proceeds donated to the Alzheimer’s Association for Alzheimer’s research.  Mini quilts, no larger than 9-12 inches, have been donated by various quilters for this fund raiser.
Quilter Ami Simms organized the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative to raise awareness and fund research for finding a cure for Alzheimer’s.  More information about the auction and other projects is available at www.alzquilts.org.