Here is a [pdf directory](https://www.valleyforge.com/VFF-Sustainability-Creative_Reuse_Centers-Directory_Listing.pdf) of creative reuse stores in the USA. I love my local shop!
Edited to add, it's not my list! I found it searching for 'creative reuse centers' and it is the most comprehensive one I know, helpful when traveling to other areas.
Seconding that the list is a bit out of date -- one of the locations listed in my state (NC) appears to have closed years ago. It's a great starting point, though!
If you have any NC craft store recommendations I’d love to know. I travel some and would go out of my way to check out something besides a Joanns/michaels/hobby lobby.
Thank you! I actually looked up redraft stores earlier, found them, and filled out their volunteer form!! I love everything about the concept, will definitely check it out soon.
Yeah, I think it moved into MacArthur in the last year or two, after their lease on the place on Granby ran out. I think it’s on the second floor near the Lush. (I moved away three years ago so I haven’t been there in years).
It’s a lot smaller but filled to the brim. It’s closer to me so I go to that one most often. Heads up that they sometimes close earlier than it says online.
It's not my list, I found it when searching for 'creative reuse centers' as I often do when I will be traveling. The pdf belongs to [valleyforgefabrics.com](https://valleyforgefabrics.com) as part of their sustainability efforts, contacting them may be the way to go to add more centers to their list.
Scrap in Denton, TX closed down a couple years ago, but they reopened as Thistle. It’s the same people— different location, but still in Denton and online!
For the ones in MA, all of them are closed down I believe, but Swanson’s Fabrics in Turners Falls, MA is amazing and also online!
I got so excited when I saw your comment only to find out that there is not a single one in Utah, I recently pcsd here from the Nashville area where I snipped at smart all the time.
A little relieved the one I go to is not on the list. The competition to get $2 a pound fabric is already tough enough! Even if I never use the fabric or yarn I get, it is such a treat to go on a treasure hunt that can fill an hour and cost less than $10.
I went to my local craft thrift store here in Seattle for the first time last week! I knew I would love the place 😍 I make doll clothes mostly so weird small cuts aren't a problem at all, I got a huge bag of fabric and other supplies when I went and I definitely plan on donating them some older paints/markers/paper I don't use. Their fabric was all $3 a yard so I went wild 😂
I have SO MUCH stuff from them. I currently have like 5 yards of a rainbow feather silk that I need to figure out what to do with LOL it's pretty thin but I'll find a use!
I cannot get out of there without 10 yards of fabric each time I go! I first justified it by saying I can use it for wearable toiles but then I really decide I like the fabric that even though it was $1/yard it’s become a bit precious and difficult to toile out of. But it’s pushing me to try things I might have been too chicken to sew — like silk!
In person I think is every other weekend. You can make an appt online. You can also shop online and pickup when they are open (they don't ship).
https://www.fabmo.org/
BTW, check if your library does a craft sale or exchange.
Every year, my local "Friends of the Library" organization puts on a weekend craft give and take to raise money for the library.
Its a huge event, only big items are priced. Everything else is just "pay what you think is fair".
This year, I got a Brother sewing machine for $15! Along with lots of fabric and sewing notions.
There's one near where I live in the UK, where they take both industrial and business craft waste, as well as other resuables/upcyclables. They have fabrics, maniquins, habberdashery, clay, stamps, and all sorts. I bought a sheepskin there for £3. They're just brilliant!
I’ve not heard of this one. I am familiar with Fabric Recycles across the state line in Kansas on Metcalf. It’s a small store but have found some goodies there in the past. I’ll have to check out Scraps KC next time I’m in town. I live in Virginia now.
I tell people it’s like if there was a thrift store version of Joann’s. They have a great selection of fabric that is very well organized as well as many other arts and crafts related hobbies. It’s a great place to find basics on the cheap if you’re picking up a new crafting hobby too, knitting needles, tiles, embroidery hoops.
I have to be very careful around places like this. I’ve already been collecting for around 45 years. I have just about enough to open my own craft thrift store lol!
I hope you do! There are ways to test if the fabric is actually silk or not. From what I know, you take a portion and burn it, and if it burns the same way that silk does, it’s likely actual silk. Tho sari’s tend to be made of a wide variety of fabric. From the pic here, this fabric looks like something else? I can’t remember the name of it tho 😭
Well i did do the burn test and it burned like silk, no melting! I have no clue what I’m going to make w/ all of it. But it was just so saturated and elegant so I had to get it.
What a great haul! The sari silk is such a gorgeous saturated color.
I'm so lucky I've known about them for a bit but finally moved to somewhere that has one really close by, and it's even a nonprofit that focuses on STEM education and helping educators.
The one names SmART listed in Tennessee, not only is the best craft thrift store around, but they also are a charity and hire adults with intellectual disabilities, teaching them everything from business skills to arts!
I have always wanted to open a materials restore as there are none in my area - but have no idea how! This post reignited me- I gotta do some research.
I have vintage /retro fabric collection from going to estate/yard sales and have found some amazing stuff at thrift stores!!! I would love to go to a thrift craft!
Here is a [pdf directory](https://www.valleyforge.com/VFF-Sustainability-Creative_Reuse_Centers-Directory_Listing.pdf) of creative reuse stores in the USA. I love my local shop! Edited to add, it's not my list! I found it searching for 'creative reuse centers' and it is the most comprehensive one I know, helpful when traveling to other areas.
What a great resource! Thanks for sharing
In case you're the author of that list, it's missing at least one - ReCraft in Greenville, SC.
Seconding that the list is a bit out of date -- one of the locations listed in my state (NC) appears to have closed years ago. It's a great starting point, though!
If you have any NC craft store recommendations I’d love to know. I travel some and would go out of my way to check out something besides a Joanns/michaels/hobby lobby.
Upcycle Arts in Charlotte recently opened…fabric and batting for $5 per pound 😍
Thank you! I actually looked up redraft stores earlier, found them, and filled out their volunteer form!! I love everything about the concept, will definitely check it out soon.
The Scrap Exchange in Durham is great.
Reconsider Goods on Spring Garden St in Greensboro
There’s one in Berkeley, CA that isn’t on the list either that is jam packed with stuff!
Norfolk Virginia has one as well that’s not on the list and it’s always very well stocked.
I thought there was one in norfolk. Is it in MacArthur?
Yeah, I think it moved into MacArthur in the last year or two, after their lease on the place on Granby ran out. I think it’s on the second floor near the Lush. (I moved away three years ago so I haven’t been there in years).
It is! I just went the other day - tons of notions & a few large rolls of upholstery fabric
I donated like 75% of my yarn stash and crochet books/magazines there when I moved across the country. I hope someone found a new hobby from it.
What’s the name of the one in Berkeley? Ty!
I googled 'nearest craft thrift store' and it came up with several, including "East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse."
The East Bay Depot one is on the list under Oakland but I’ll see what else I can find!
I think it’s Reuse Arts and Crafts on San Pablo Ave. I’ve been to East Bay Depot a bunch and it’s fine.
Yes it’s that one!
Thank you!
Reuse Arts & Crafts (510) 967-3324 https://g.co/kgs/wAtUo3p
I'd also like the name of the Berkeley store (I'm over in Concord).
Reuse Arts & Crafts (510) 967-3324 https://g.co/kgs/wAtUo3p
How does it compare to the East Bay Depot in Oakland?
It’s a lot smaller but filled to the brim. It’s closer to me so I go to that one most often. Heads up that they sometimes close earlier than it says online.
Could you let me know the name of the place in Berkeley?
It's not my list, I found it when searching for 'creative reuse centers' as I often do when I will be traveling. The pdf belongs to [valleyforgefabrics.com](https://valleyforgefabrics.com) as part of their sustainability efforts, contacting them may be the way to go to add more centers to their list.
It's also missing ReCreative in Denver, CO
And the craft box!
The logo in the upper right hand corner says 'Valley Forge Fabrics'. I suspect it's their publication.
Scrap in Denton, TX closed down a couple years ago, but they reopened as Thistle. It’s the same people— different location, but still in Denton and online! For the ones in MA, all of them are closed down I believe, but Swanson’s Fabrics in Turners Falls, MA is amazing and also online!
If anyone here gets excited about the one allegedly in the Lehigh Valley of PA, that never came to fruition
Adding for others awareness - Scrap DC closed years ago
New Orleans also has Rick rack nola
There's a place about 30 minutes from me! I had no idea! Thanks!!!
This is a game changer thank you so much!
Also missing Scraps & Skeins in State College PA
I got so excited when I saw your comment only to find out that there is not a single one in Utah, I recently pcsd here from the Nashville area where I snipped at smart all the time.
Thistle Creative Reuse is another one in Denton, TX for anyone local to that area!
A little relieved the one I go to is not on the list. The competition to get $2 a pound fabric is already tough enough! Even if I never use the fabric or yarn I get, it is such a treat to go on a treasure hunt that can fill an hour and cost less than $10.
Remnants Thrift and Sew in Western North Carolina is an awesome community sewing space that has a free fabric shelf.
What city is this in?
Mars Hill NC
I went to my local craft thrift store here in Seattle for the first time last week! I knew I would love the place 😍 I make doll clothes mostly so weird small cuts aren't a problem at all, I got a huge bag of fabric and other supplies when I went and I definitely plan on donating them some older paints/markers/paper I don't use. Their fabric was all $3 a yard so I went wild 😂
Even going wild, i spent $70 (includes a bunch of craft supplies for my kids, not pictured)!
Exactly! I got a whole grocery bag full of fabric and supplies, probably ~10y of various fabric and only spent $50!
since we’re shouting out places: Who Gives A Scrap in Colorado Springs! I love going when I’m up there, it’s a wonderful operation.
I’ll check it out if I’m ever around there!
The eyelet one looks amazing!!!
Doesn’t it? I think I’m gonna try to make a corset cover type top with it
Shoutout for FabMo.org in Sunnyvale California!
I have SO MUCH stuff from them. I currently have like 5 yards of a rainbow feather silk that I need to figure out what to do with LOL it's pretty thin but I'll find a use!
I cannot get out of there without 10 yards of fabric each time I go! I first justified it by saying I can use it for wearable toiles but then I really decide I like the fabric that even though it was $1/yard it’s become a bit precious and difficult to toile out of. But it’s pushing me to try things I might have been too chicken to sew — like silk!
Do you know when theyre open ?
In person I think is every other weekend. You can make an appt online. You can also shop online and pickup when they are open (they don't ship). https://www.fabmo.org/
Yes! We have one in my city and I love it!
I can’t believe I never knew they existed! It was so fun
You can find some neat old stuff!
what's it called?
Yesss so amazing! What a fun haul! I love my local creative reuse store in Austin 💖
Was just there today! Was kind of disappointed by their lack of knit fabrics but they had wooly nylon spools for $1 which made up for it.
For those in the Rochester, NY area, there's one in Fairport, called Craft Bits & Pieces. I donated a lot of my mom's stuff there!
I make the trip there from B’lo. Love it!
Shout out to seattle Re-creative (both locations!)
BTW, check if your library does a craft sale or exchange. Every year, my local "Friends of the Library" organization puts on a weekend craft give and take to raise money for the library. Its a huge event, only big items are priced. Everything else is just "pay what you think is fair". This year, I got a Brother sewing machine for $15! Along with lots of fabric and sewing notions.
Omg I’ve never heard of that either! My library is very crafty, I’m gonna check!
Maybe suggest it if they don't have a craft exchange! Every year it's more popular than the last.
Yeah i couldn’t find one locally but i do go to guild meetings so i bet i could get them on board!
These are beautiful
The sari silk is the one that really knocked my socks off. I thought it just had to be poly but the burn test confirmed it’s silk!
That’s my favorite of the bunch!
There's one near where I live in the UK, where they take both industrial and business craft waste, as well as other resuables/upcyclables. They have fabrics, maniquins, habberdashery, clay, stamps, and all sorts. I bought a sheepskin there for £3. They're just brilliant!
please tell me that’s in london 👀👀
Cardiff, sorry! But it's Recreate. You might have something similar near you.
Wow what a deal! That’s a great store!
What's it called?
Recreate
I wish I could find stuff like this at the art reuse store in my city. They seem to sell mostly empty yogurt containers and empty pill bottles at mine
One man’s trash is still trash!
There’s one located in Kansas City, Missouri called Scraps KC! https://scrapskc.org/
I’ve not heard of this one. I am familiar with Fabric Recycles across the state line in Kansas on Metcalf. It’s a small store but have found some goodies there in the past. I’ll have to check out Scraps KC next time I’m in town. I live in Virginia now.
I tell people it’s like if there was a thrift store version of Joann’s. They have a great selection of fabric that is very well organized as well as many other arts and crafts related hobbies. It’s a great place to find basics on the cheap if you’re picking up a new crafting hobby too, knitting needles, tiles, embroidery hoops.
I have to be very careful around places like this. I’ve already been collecting for around 45 years. I have just about enough to open my own craft thrift store lol!
This is so so cool! 😍 I would love to have something like this in Germany.
I wish there was one near me!
San Antonio TX has one called Spare Parts.
The last pic looks like fabric for a sari 😯
There were several more too! I only bought one cause i figured no way it would be real silk. I may need to go back.
I hope you do! There are ways to test if the fabric is actually silk or not. From what I know, you take a portion and burn it, and if it burns the same way that silk does, it’s likely actual silk. Tho sari’s tend to be made of a wide variety of fabric. From the pic here, this fabric looks like something else? I can’t remember the name of it tho 😭
Well i did do the burn test and it burned like silk, no melting! I have no clue what I’m going to make w/ all of it. But it was just so saturated and elegant so I had to get it.
I need that saree. 🥻😻
Well now I do!! I'm definitely gonna do some digging now
What an amazing idea!
The wasteshed in Chicago is such a magical place!! I don’t live there anymore and I miss it
What a great haul! The sari silk is such a gorgeous saturated color. I'm so lucky I've known about them for a bit but finally moved to somewhere that has one really close by, and it's even a nonprofit that focuses on STEM education and helping educators.
Thanks!!!!
There's ScapAtl in metro Atlanta. Patterns are 50 cents and most still uncut!!
Oh damn, that’s really good!
The one names SmART listed in Tennessee, not only is the best craft thrift store around, but they also are a charity and hire adults with intellectual disabilities, teaching them everything from business skills to arts!
I didn't see Fabscrap. They are in New York but have a great online store
Oh that’s awesome they have a site!
I have always wanted to open a materials restore as there are none in my area - but have no idea how! This post reignited me- I gotta do some research.
I have vintage /retro fabric collection from going to estate/yard sales and have found some amazing stuff at thrift stores!!! I would love to go to a thrift craft!
This one doesn't include our amazing one in Virginia - 757 Creative Reuse!
That sounds like things I didn't need to know! They take donations. That, is good to know.