It has been a long time since I have written a Sunday Stash post. Maybe because I have been buying fabric constantly over the past months for my shop and it would be really boring if I wrote about each addition. Technically, that isn’t my stash, but it is fabric and I do acquire it on a regular basis.
But today I want to share a couple of finds I had at the thrift store over the last several weeks. Every once in a while, I get lucky and find nice quality duvet covers in the thrift shop. I remember finding one a couple of years ago and using one half of it to back a scrappy quilt I had just made.
Duvet covers tend to be a quality cotton with more heft than quilting cottons. Thicker than sheets, they can be really durable. The first one I found is a pretty green color, maybe sage green or a dusty green? It has a gingham pattern on both sides, one check larger than the other. After separating the fop from the bottom and removing the hemmed or finished edges, both of these pieces netted out at 77″ x 84″. I should be able to back two lap size quilts with these and I paid a whopping $5.00 for the entire thing. There are no worn spots or stains – they look wonderful.
This is the next one I found. It is heavier than the green gingham – maybe similar to ticking or duck cloth? I took it home and laundered it. Then after removing buttons along one open edge, I split the top from bottom and removed the finished edges. It is a bit smaller, finishing at 60″ x 76″. As with the green pieces, it is free of spots or worn areas. I am thinking of a few different projects I may use these for. I am not sure if I will back a quilt with it because it is a little bit narrow. The neutral taupe color will be easily worked into a number of projects, I am thinking I will use this for some Christmas projects I have yet to begin. You’ll have to wait until later to hear about these. 😉 For whatever reason, this duvet cover was a little bit more expensive but I happily paid $9.50 for it. It is still a lot of great fabric for the price! (Side note: I no issue paying a little more for items like this because the main thrift shops I frequent are in support of our local Hospice organization and I am very happy to support such an important group of caregivers.)
Anyway – that is the latest with regard to my stash. If you venture into a thrift store, take a quick peek at the linens area – I am thrilled when I find something like this because backing a quilt can be an expensive part of the project!
That was a good find . I’ve been looking again with s fresh eye recently at my spare duvet covers
For sure – if you aren’t using them as duvet covers you could certainly re-purpose them! Good idea. 🙂
Wow, did you get lucky! I love the larger green check. That will make a lovely backing, and I can also see it just quilted up with a print on the other side for a quick quilt. Those heavier fabrics might make a nice table cloth, especially with Thanksgiving right around the corner. I definitely want to visit that thrift store! Have a lovely day!
Ooooh, I hadn’t even thought of a tablecloth. That is a really good idea Mari. Thanks so much! 🙂
Never thought of looking at duvet covers for fabric … especially backing size! Thanks for the suggestion and what great finds for you.
Totally works — so great to have such a large piece of fabric. No need to piece the backing. 🙂
Duvet covers as backing or table clothes. I have one up in the closet that didn’t get much use. May be time to re-purpose it. Thank you for an educational post.
You’re welcome Kate. I am glad it was helpful. I really advocate using all sorts of fabric – from new (like in my shop) to re-purposed or recycled. There are all sorts of fabrics we can use in our quilts and other projects!
I always have an eye out for backing fabrics. You found some great pieces and for a fantastic price too! Just goes to show that quilting materials can be found in many different places. 🙂
For sure! I have used vintage sheets for lots of projects in addition to the duvet covers. It feels good to re-use something, giving it a new look altogether. Take care Beth. 🙂
That’s a great idea to use duvet covers for backs. My first quilts, made years ago when I was a teen, used bed sheets for the backings. Sadly, those quilts have fallen apart from too much love, but the bed sheets were a great savings for me back then. Nowadays, I use better fabric for the backing since I like my quilts to be as comfy as possible. I admit to being tempted sometimes to cut up fabric from clothing around the house. One of my sons’ has a gorgeous button down shirt that would be stunning in a quilt. If it’s ever missing, he shouldn’t look far!!
Great finds! I came across a guy selling bolts of fabrics during the local 100 mile yardsale. He obviously didn’t know what it was worth because I got a 12 yard bolt of houndstooth plaid for $3! I need to remember to look for things like this for quilt backs. I usually have to buy or piece fabric for a backing.
oooh, that is a great find Kristie. Last week I found a roll of a nice knit fabric in a mauve color at a thrift store for twelve dollars. It is 60″ wide and I haven’t measured how much is on the bolt but I figure even on a great sale, I might get the fabric for $6 per yard and there is much more than two yards on it. Score. I love the hunt!
and you got buttons out of it!
I LOVE my thrift store by my work. They have a fabric bin area. I was going once a week but I have been trying to show some restraint until I make a dent in my boxes of fabric I have now lol.
I totally get this. I love thrift stores and sometimes it makes me crazy because it all seems like a great deal but I need to be choosy or I will end up with a ridiculous fabric stash!