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Member since 7/7/08
Posts: 111
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Posted on: 6/30/11 8:23 AM ET
I've been organizing and cleaning out my fabric stash and have come up with lots that I would like to donate to a charity or guild. Some of it is very nice quilting fabric and some is definitely just for garments. Trouble is, I would like to make sure that it goes to someone who will use it and not just sitting on a table waiting for someone to purchase it. I tried contacting a local quilt guild, but didn't get a response. I don't want to sell it, because there is so much and it would be expensive to ship anywhere. I'm not familar with any church quilting groups, although I live in a metropolitan area. Does anyone have any suggestions? Surely. I'm not alone in this quest.
  
Member since 9/24/06
Posts: 551
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Posted on: 6/30/11 8:38 AM ET
In reply to SewKrazie
What about a local 4H club? That's my first choice, but then again it's also close to home and not much effort. There may also be a local high school or vo-tech where there may be students that don't have the money to purchase supplies who would appreciate your stash. Sometimes theater groups and retirement communties also take donations.
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wino
  
Member since 5/20/09
Posts: 86
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Posted on: 6/30/11 8:52 AM ET
Sew Krazie
I looked at the member listing for some folks near me and actually found a couple and offered to meet them somewhere with the fabric in my trunk. I gave a lot of it away and made a couple of new friends in the process. I also gave a lot to the local charity thrift shop and it sold quickly. Then, I gave some to the local theater costume mistress (whom I knew from water aerobics) and she was thrilled. Many schools and churches would appreciate the donation or may know someone who would use it. Also, if there are any women's homeless shelters there are frequently artsy type classes there that could us it.

HTH
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 2683
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Posted on: 6/30/11 8:57 AM ET
Linus blankets uses quilt fabric!
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JanieV
  
Member since 7/7/08
Posts: 111
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Posted on: 6/30/11 9:48 AM ET
In reply to Janie Viers
Who or what is Linus blankets? I'm assuming they make quilt for kids in need?
  
Member since 7/25/08
Posts: 11056
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Posted on: 6/30/11 10:20 AM ET
Some immigrant ladies from countries sew a lot--especially if they wear sari-type garments they can't find here, so if you have those organizations in your area, I'd check them out too.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 422
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Posted on: 6/30/11 10:28 AM ET
I've put notices on freecycle specifying the types of fabric and have gotten enthusiastic responses. I generally separate quilting fabrics, lengths of fashion fabrics and then scraps of fashion fabric....which I note as useful for new sewers or someone making things like doll clothes. I don't have to be home, just leave the bags on my porch for a pick up date. I also have some very nice fabrics that I'm planning to donate here on PR if someone would pay the shipping. But that means photos and posting and will have to wait a while.
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www.luckysewandsew.blogspot.com
  
Member since 10/30/10
Posts: 7702
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Posted on: 6/30/11 11:04 AM ET
In reply to Janie Viers
Quote: Janie Viers
Linus blankets uses quilt fabric!

Project Linus is a charitable organization that provides blankets - homemade mainly I think - for children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or in need (like when they are taken from their homes by social services.) The blankets are made by volunteers. Blanketeers they call themselves.

If any of your stash is suitable for that - I think they would love your donation.

If you go to www.projectlinus.org. you can find out more about this organization. There is a tab for chapter listings. Once you select that tab you can select your State you will get a listing of the chapters and a contact name, phone number, and e-mail for that chapter. You can contact and talk to him/her about donating your stash to their cause. If they can't use any of it - they might know an organization who can.
  
Member since 12/18/02
Posts: 1867
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Posted on: 6/30/11 12:06 PM ET
I donate everything that is sewing and craft related to a local Mennonite Central Committee thrift shop. www.mcc.org I have found no other organisation that appreciates fabric, and machines. Often with machines they retrofit them to handcrank and send them on missions. (they get all the orphan machines and bits I pick up here and there) They make quilts, and with strip scraps from fabric and clothing also make rag rugs. Check their website, if there is one close to you because I think they know how to make the best out of every scrap of fabric.
  
Member since 1/8/10
Posts: 1500
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Posted on: 6/30/11 9:34 PM ET
About Project Linus.. they mention "free from contaminants" and that washing can make contamination worse and that they don't accept anything with wool.. but their list of contaminants seems to only include smoke, chemicals, and mold.

So what about pet hair/dander? I imagine it could be a big problem, but I'm not sure to what extent washing eliminates that, and they don't seem to mention anything specific about it.
  
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