Although you can expect to pay less for material you should be prepared to make up for it in labor. If you decide to take the plunge I have a few starting suggestions-

1) Become a regular at your local thrift stores.

2) Be prepared to spend time sorting through a lot of undesirable stuff. Dig in to bins, good stuff is often at the bottom.

3) Most thrift stores have a half price day, find out what day it is and GO.

4) If you see something that really speaks to you buy it on the spot for it will be gone when you go back.

5) Have a general idea of what you are looking for, but be flexible.

6) Bring a tape measure

7) Look over the garment and don’t dismiss stained or otherwise damaged items since they may have trims, buttons and the like that you can employ.

Happy Hunting!