FabMo Events

Monthly distribution of beautiful fabrics (and more)

The countdown timer above shows how soon you should expect the next distribution event in the mid-Peninsula of San Francisco Bay Area.  The tentative dates for the next one is also shown above. We are currently looking for a permanent location.  Click on the “Join Our Email List” link above to add yourself to our list for information about date and time or our events.

While we do not charge for the fabrics, we depend on donations from our guests to keep the organization alive and functioning. 

Magic happens, but appointments are required

A wonderful dynamic has developed over the years as we have formed more into a community.  A sharing of ideas, encouragement, and even scouting for fabrics for each other are regular occurrences.  People also frequently arrive with projects in mind, but soon find the fabrics “talking” to them, suggesting new projects.  To help make the magic happen we seek to manage the size of the crowd, neither too few nor too many.  Therefore we require appointments of our attendees.  Keeping in mind that we restock regularly, so fresh stock is always available, please choose the day/time combination that is most convenient for you.  Our confirmation email will also include location, map, and directions.

Email your request, including names of guests.

Bringing friends, kids

You are welcome to bring friends, but please advise us in advance, including names and email addresses where possible.  The best solution is to have them schedule their own appointments, however.  Children are a blessing, and are welcome as long as they are well-behaved and not too many at one time.  Please let us know ages and how many you might bring.  During our busier times strollers can be a challenge, so advise us in advance, please.

Making the magic happen for others

Prior to & during each event there are many opportunities to help organize & setup the distribution and to support those seeking fabrics. Our policy is that you should have attended an event as a “treasure hunter” at least once before volunteering to help.  The stars of our volunteers are the greeters who set the wonderful atmosphere of our distribution events.  Once you have helped as greeter or in other ways, there are opportunities to sort fabrics prior to the distribution event.  We greatly value those who can help us set up, and take down at the end.  If you have previously attended and wish to contribute to the success of this little effort, please request a time slot for assisting.

How are fabrics used?

Check out the Projects page for a few ideas, and check the FabriCrafting website for photos of these fabrics being put to use.  We also have a new newsletter that focuses only on the wonderful variety of items created by our talented visitors.

Special Events

For each of the last two years we have had tables and display at Earth Day events.  The first year we were at Coyote Point Museum for their first ever such event.  April, 2009 found us at Full Circle Farm in Sunnyvale where we had several children’s activities which were quite popular.  Where will we be in 2010?  Any ideas?

Maker Faire is the world’s largest DIY event.  Now in its fifth year, it will be held at San Mateo County Fairgrounds, May 22 & 23.  We are in process of putting together several projects that we can offer the kids attending, as well as organizing our presence there.  We had several meetings in February and early March to brainstorm and select possible projects.  See what we’re planning here. With the projects selected, we will begin to gather materials for them.  Click on the Email link above to self-subscribe, selecting FabMo Events list, and you will be included in the email discussion.

October 24 was the date for the first annual FabMo Art Exhibit, which was held at Quadrus Conference Center in Menlo Park.  The original idea was for the artisans and craftspeople to share their projects and expertise with each other, but as the idea developed it became an opportunity to offer our projects to the public.  Approximately 350 people were astonished at the variety, creativity and quality of projects presented by 32 artisans made with materials that would have been part of the landfill.  The energy and excitement in the Quadrus Conference Center was wonderful, and we are already planning for next year.  Tentative date is October 23,  once again at Quadrus.

User groups and Classes

If you are interested in developing or participating in user groups, drop a note with some particulars such as available days, locations, more specific area of interest, etc. 

There is regular interest in classes dealing with sewing in general, as well as specific types of projects.

FabMo sponsored a Nuno Felting workshop conducted by Remy Pessah on March 7th.  Her flier is here.  Other events are in planning stage.