I just joined the cookbook site, looks like fun.
Also, I've been saying for years that old blue jeans will make the best "patchwork" or "re-formed" garments if TEOTWASKI ever happens. That's because, unlike most modern clothing (from a shop) they are no knit wear, they are sturdy, WOVEN, twill fabrics. Twill is a better weave than plain weave (threads are crossed in patterns rather than just in an out) so it lasts longer.
I've heard many women just say "oh if I could not get fabric I'd just do patchwork" (I mean ladies who have never done any, not experienced folks) and I ask them what they will use, they say "oh old clothing.." Not realizing that most of today's polyester-knit fabrics will just tear and stretch. Some would work OK for things like pillows or quilt lining, but for hard wearing clothing most won't. Exceptions would be things made from polar fleeces, other woven cotton/poly mixes or some sweaters.
But Jeans, you can re-make jeans into skirts, purses, quilts, vests and even tough garden bags (for harvesting apples etc). Really old ones will have weak spots to cut around, but you can patch those.
I have not done much jean stuff since I was a teenager, but I remember how to work with the fabric. Now that I'm a weaver, I can also see why it works. But so many people are likely to be staring at their knit tee shirts as they dissolve into shreds and not have a clue what to do next.
I just finished James Kunstler's World Made By Hand, and this is a problem for the townies. He does not address the fabric problem directly, just talks about the clothing falling apart etc.
Happy Homemade Holidays!
expatriate Californian living in rural Ireland with husband, dogs, horses. garden and many, many cats