A unique fabric grab and charity is recession-proofing home fashion and clearing out closets from Wellington to Wairarapa.
Fabric-a-Brac founder Josie Brennan said the inaugural stallholders' fabric, patterns and buttons sale held in Wellington in April was wildly successful and now sewers and fabric-lovers in Wairarapa have a chance to get
involved.
"The event brings together fabric-lovers, who have too much fabric, with others looking for a unique bargain," she said.
The second Fabric-a-Brac is to be held on July 18 in Brooklyn and the maximum number of 20 stallholders has already registered, she said.
"There are many 'fabric-a-holics' out there, who have collected more fabric than they will ever be able to use," Ms Brennan said.
Ms Brennan, a keen sewer and fabric collector who by day works in public relations, said a Wairarapa stallholder at the first sale led to the establishment of a fabric drop-off point at Crafters' Heaven in Greytown for the second event.
She said the upcoming sale would also have a charity stall of fabric to raise funds for the Mary Potter Hospice as well as stallholders ranging from a professional upholsterer with off-cuts on offer to a 76-year-old woman who has collected buttons from throughout Europe.
"My mum was a sewer and so am I and this all started when I realised that between us we had collected tons of fabric over the years that we would never use.
"I thought that if I'm in that boat, who else?"
Ms Brennan said the event offers buyers a chance to get their hands on fabrics, buttons and vintage patterns that are rare and unavailable at retail today.
"The recession has a lot to do with our success as well I think because sellers have an opportunity to make money from unwanted goods and buyers are returning to sewing their own clothes and get a chance at a bargain to boot," she said.
"It's a win-win situation."
Fabric-a-Brac Mark II will be held at the Brooklyn Community Centre from noon to 3pm on July 18.
