This may be old news, but I was just cleaning out my e-mail files and came across this newsletter article from Cheapskate Monthly by Mary Hunt.
Every Bit Counts
Who knew my readers were so perplexed by leftover fabric? When I recently included a reader question about what to do with fabric scraps that are just too good to throw away, it prompted more reader responses than any other question or topic. Interestingly enough, the answers have less to do with money than with recycling!
Nearly 400 of you sent suggestions, which range all the way from "Give them to me!" to "Send them to the missionaries," with all kinds of terrific ideas and specific resources in between. Before I list off suggested recipients, a cautionary note: It's best to check with any organization or individual first before mailing or dropping off a load of fabric scraps to make sure they're still in need. This column generates a sizable response whenever we give specific resources. Already we have one organization begging for mercy due to a severe case of S.O.S. (scrap overload syndrome).
I heard from quite a few church groups that make quilts for inner-city ministries and missionaries serving around the world. They assure me they can always use good quality fabrics left over from larger projects. A phone call or two should locate a church in your area with such a group. Family and Consumer Science (once known as Home Economics) teachers can often use fabric scraps for class projects.
A local fabric store may have the information on quilting groups or guilds in your area. Avid quilters are always on the lookout for useful fabric scraps. Women's prisons can use scraps in their rehabilitation programs. Many retirement homes also have quilting circles. Girl Scout groups, 4-H clubs, YMCA chapters as well as senior groups are all taking up quilting these days, and the "scrappy" look consisting of random patchwork is quite popular. A phone call or two should put you in touch with a grateful recipient.
More than a few readers reminded us of a terrific organization with chapters in nearly every community: Freecycle. Simply go to
www.freecycle.org and click on your area and post what you have to give away. Freecycle is a terrific way all of us can make sure serviceable items do not end up in landfills.
Here are a handful of other organizations:
-- Lutheran World Relief (
www.lwr.org), through local Lutheran churches, makes thousands of quilts to be distributed throughout needy areas of the world. Check with a Lutheran church in your area for more specifics and to learn of their immediate need for fabric.
-- Wrap Them in Love (
www.wraptheminlove.com) is a nonprofit organization that collects and distributes quilts to children around the world. They make quilts, too, and are anxious to receive leftover quilt blocks, finished quilt tops, unfinished projects, and useable scraps of cotton and flannel fabric and batting. You can ship your fabric pieces to Wrap Them in Love, 401 N. Olympic Ave., Arlington, WA 98223.
-- Project Linus does similar work. Check
www.projectlinus.org for a local chapter that can use your scrap donations, or call (309) 664-7814.
-- The Child Protective Services office in your community may know of organizations and individuals that could use scraps.
-- Other organizations for your thoughtful consideration include Endless Possibilities (
www.ragweavers.com/contact.html); Arts & Scraps (
http://artsandscraps.org/information/friends.asp); Scrap Exchange (
http://www.scrapexchange.org/index.php); Newborns in Need (
http://www.newbornsinneed.org/index.html); and Threads of Love (
www.threadsoflove.org).
Socially Conscious Things to do with Your Scraps
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