RePurposing Designer Materials

FabMo demonstrates that one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

At least 40 tons of high quality designer materials are diverted annually from the waste stream by our all-volunteer organization.  These exquisite discontinued textiles, wallpapers, tiles, etc. are generally not otherwise available and are welcome for creative repurposing by teachers, students, artisans and craftspeople.

The materials are great for all manner of useful projects (purses, pillows, tote bags, quilts, table linens, dolls, art projects, and more).  Though fabrics can’t be sold as they are, projects made with them are frequently provided to help foster kids, battered women, homeless, etc, or sold as part of fundraising for non-profits or to support individual initiatives.

We set up monthly Selection Days (see Calendar) at the FabMo Creativity Center in Mountain View.  There is no direct charge for most items, though our continued existence depends directly on your donations to keep our effort going. 

Appointments help us manage crowd size because when conditions are right - neither too few nor too many at one time - the magic is wonderful, with networking, sharing of ideas, suggesting solutions to others’ sewing issues, even the fabrics themselves “talking” to our guests, suggesting projects.  Starting a week ahead of the scheduled event, you can schedule yourself for your most convenient time. We put great emphasis on replenishing stock regularly throughout the event, so those coming toward the end are still seeing fresh materials. 

Especially welcome are people with projects that benefit churches, charities, schools, or other non-profits as well as those with a creative drive.  We have heard some life-changing experiences from some of our guests as a result of gathering fabrics.  Do you have a story to share?

The Third annual FabMo Textile Art Boutique drew at least 600 guests, up from the 350-400 folks who attended last year, who were amazed at the variety, creativity, and quality of projects made from materials that would have otherwise gone into the waste stream.  The energy and enthusiasm at Quadrus Conference Center was amazing and promises to be so again!  We’re now building toward the Fourth Annual Textile Art Boutique.  Start plans now for October 27, 2012!

There are many opportunities to repurpose materials otherwise destined for the waste stream.  We began with textiles but now get wallpapers, tiles, trims, leathers, carpets, even furniture!  What discards do you see in your communities that can be repurposed?  So often it’s just a matter of asking!  Rather than having to pay someone to haul good stuff away, there are willing folks who will pick it up free for repurposing.  We know it works, and there are organizations like Re-Art on the San Francisco Peninsula, Re-Create in Roseville, and The Imagination Factory in Columbus, Indiana who are doing wonderful work. Do you know of more?  We’d love to feature them.