Hello, all —
I’m sure everyone has faced this issue, so maybe someone knows: I have lots of leftover fabric which I’d like to recycle (i.e. give away). I mostly make dresses and pants, so there are lots of wools and heavy cottons; patterns are dull middle-aged-lady style, not “cute” or pastel. These fabrics are not going to be of interest to quilters or to people who make baby or kids’ clothing, and few pieces are more than half a yard long. No schools around here have home ec programs which could use the scraps for practice (yes, that is a tragedy).
In the old days, one could give such scraps to thrift stores, which would recycle the fibers (probably in some underdeveloped country) into rugs or something. Does anyone have an idea of who would be interested in my leftovers? I am not trying to sell them, but would like to keep this out of the landfill if possible. Thank you for your suggestions.
Replies
Some ideas for your scraps:
Check with your schools again to find out if they have craft projects in the lower grades--most do! Primary school teachers often need scraps for crafts or as rags, and they can work wonders with even dull fabrics.
Many senior activity centers also welcome scraps, for bazaar items, craft therapy, and crafting classes.
Our animal shelter routinely requests scraps for making the holding pens more comfortable for the animals; the Vet school and vets use them for the same reason. Wildlife rescue centers use them for birds and other animals.
High school and college art and design departments often have scrap bins for their creative students to use, and their drama/theatre departments often need scraps to repair, alter, and create costumes, props, and scenery.
High school and technical schools with auto repair programs always need rags.
Several states have online surplus swap websites that allow you to post for free, and many communities have similar clearinghouses through their recycling/garbage services. Keeping fabrics out of the landfill is important--good for you!
There is a lady in New York who is looking for fabric scraps. You can find her on the http://www.patternreview.com
She is in the things wanted area.
I am not sure yet but my "quilting" group (we do all kinds of things) may be able to use them. We are in west Houston, TX. We have a sewing co-op in Honduras (sp?) and have discussed extra fabrics for them. It is a way for women raising children alone to support them and the children. Before they can be in the organization they learn to sew on paper bags. There is always someone who figure out a use for fabric scraps and such. I will check with the leader when she returns from her father-in-law's funeral.
How about donating to people that hook rugs? They are always looking for good wool.
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