This year, we’re celebrating 15 years since the fabric market and upcycling event started up in Newtown in 2009. Since then, Fabric-a-brac has raised an incredible $80,000 in support of Mary Potter Hospice.
“Fabric-a-brac Wellington have been incredibly supportive of Mary Potter Hospice over the years, and it is a relationship that we cherish. The work they do in promoting the Hospice and fundraising on our behalf to fund better patient care is amazing” says Phillip Harris, Senior Fundraiser for the Mary Potter Hospice.
Fabric-a-brac is a market that is about ‘things to make things – focused on fabric and sewing-related items. Stallholders take a table to sell their unwanted items, there will also be tables selling donated fabric, patterns, sewing supplies, and a pop-up cafe selling delicious sweet treats and tea and coffee. All profits from the Wellington event go to the local Mary Potter Hospice.
“Wellington is where Fabric-a-brac started and we’re delighted to bring the event to Wellington again. It’s always great to see familiar faces, as well as people discovering fabric-a-brac for the first time” says Stella Thorp, one of the Wellington organisers.
The event is volunteer-run, and it is their passion for sewing and fabric, and the work of Hospice, that brings the event to life.
“It’s a lovely, positive supportive atmosphere, people are sharing stories of their mothers or grandmothers that have left a stash behind, of their memories of fabric remnants and what they were made into, or just sharing project ideas for fabric finds. It’s a wonderful creative event that also has sustainability at its core – helping fabric and sewing items find new owners to turn them into new creations” says Deb Dornbusch, one of the Wellington organisers.
Every event is different, but there’s always a huge variety of items on sale: everything from vintage and modern fabric, patterns and buttons to antique lace and vintage sewing machines. In total, the event has raised $140,000 for hospices across New Zealand.