You can't get something from nothing, and you can't make something from nothing, but you can definitely cut corners and reuse things when you don't have the money or the inclination to go out and buy more. Many of the things I've made over the years have been constructed out of recycled or reused fabrics. Bedsheets turn into petticoats and Regency frocks, curtains turn into 60's gowns, weird 1980's blouses become embroidered Zouave jackets - the list goes on.