Ever Heard of a Fabric Thrift Store?!?

[@anncantlin9710]

When I was 8 my mother sent me to summer school because I failed my catechism class. The best thing that could have happened , I took to sewing,like a duck to water. I made my clothes,my kids , drapes etc. About 25 years ago I became a quilter. I am now almost 85 next month and still love sewing and quilting is my jam.

[@marymorris6897]

Hi, Anna. What a great story! I'm happy you found your love in life -- sewing!

[@micksan7052]

Happy Early Birthday 🥳🎂🎉 This is a wonderful story. Thank you

[@carolyndunn3183]

Wow I wish I could find a fabric stores around here I haven't seen one around here in years. I live in Guntersville Alabama if you know where to find a fabric stores let me know.

[@blackawana]

Lovely!!!!! I want to sew....after a lifetime of work....😊

[@zstar8]

❤ im 51 n my grandma taught me how to sew n crotchet to keep me busy while my mom worked 2nd shift ❤😊shell be 100 November

[@Dasburyfamily]

What a wonderful store! We need more of these in communities all over the USA. So many people can learn a trade or craft or helping others by sewing.

[@delopurcell]

@@Dasburyfamily 👍

[@Cindy-Williams]

Yes!!!

[@ChristineKrannich]

If the person/team who started Sew Green would be interested in sharing the nitty gritty of how they went from first thoughts to getting the store up and running, I’d definitely watch. I’m not able to initiate something like this in my community but do think it would do well if it were started.

[@FireyTinkerHell]

Yes!!! I wish they'd do a video on THAT!!

[@JunePiperBrandon]

I would love to open a shop like this. We have a shop called Bmore Crafty here but not to this level.

[@christinec3170]

I feel the same....what a beautiful way to practically help those who need skills with those who love sewing. Every person I ever met who loves sewing also loves to share ideas and help others learn.

[@JohannaVanWinkle]

Yes! I would love a video on the history and beginnings of this unique shop!

[@donnawilson7091]

I love this idea. The quilting community is an aging community with a lot of resources that might end up in a landfill. Family and others might not recognize the value of these resources or just can’t be bother to find a home for these things.I love that these things have a second chance at being used. I wish my community had a store like this to donate to and of course to buy from.

[@timothytotten9409]

It’s a great idea for most communities. I can imagine this would be a fun project to start for a quilt guild with a decent number of members.

[@KathrynTanner-t8f]

This is especially great because so many fabric stores have just disappeared. You are pretty much stuck with on-line ordering. Any fabricoholic knows nothing can replace shopping where you can actually see and feel the real thing. If I lived any where near Rochester I'd be there in a minute!

[@teresaschmidt5108]

Lots of new quilters emerged during the "pandemic." There is also a move with the younger generation to repurpose old clothes.

[@mmalsbur9579]

One of the best things I did in my 32years of teaching inner city children was to have them make a project out of fabric. It was only a small heart shaped pillow, all hand stitched, with a beaded charm that they made, and then stitched it at one corner. The class that really got into it, had requested to have a class after school, and make a bigger project. I had the project planned, they were each going to make a pillowcase, there were girls as well as boys who had signed up. Then COVID happened and all schools were closed.

[@lindabridges445]

Wish this kind of store was near me.

[@timothytotten9409]

@@lindabridges445 me too, but I think I’d probably spend too much money there.

[@lauraleecreations3217]

Same❤

[@saramanzo-leasure3251]

Yup

[@SparkyOne549]

Same

[@doreencrespo7133]

I would love to help get one started here! I could stock it quite well!

[@mtnmonamona842]

Love, love, love this! Every community should have something like this

[@Jen.O]

Remainders, a sew/craft thrift store in Pasadena, CA, started in a garage uses to teach sewing, and it grew from there. Start small with a room or alcove in an existing thrift store and outgrow that!

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

She was delightful. Thanks for taking us along.

[@JohannaVanWinkle]

Yes, what a wonderful woman!

[@jennifersdoglife]

The community outreach is fantastic. Making art and craft available to people that might not have access financially is tremendously important. Love this store. I live in Rochester.

[@treevaramsey3647]

I would enjoy a shop like this one. I have been buying sewing machines at thrift stores and fixing them or buying cords for them. I give them to young ladies who want to learn to sew. I teach them to use the machine and some have taken off from there learning by watching KZbin.

[@wendydunham5053]

I loved stumbling across this video! I'm from Rochester, NY, the home city of Sew Green, and I LOVE this place! I've been there many times, taken classes, and purchased my sewing machines. The folks working and volunteering there are absolutely stellar, and the core mission is wonderful. Thanks for giving a shout out to Sew Green!

[@ameliapond1916]

Fabric thrift?? Yes, please!

[@candacenagle505]

We have a store in our community that was started to fund our senior center. It has grown and expanded over the past several years, run primarily by volunteers, and stock all from donations of people's cast offs. It is called The Legacy. It is truly a community hub for crafters and sewers and just about anyone working with textiles. Believe me when I say I NEVER by from retail stores now...everything I need is at The Legacy. It is just the best!

[@pilarmorgan9288]

Where?

[@candacenagle505]

Sebastopol CA

[@zoeemiko8149]

My grandmum got me interested in sewing when I was about 6 making clothes for my troll dolls. That interest flourished and I had my own 2nd hand sewing machine by the time I was 12. At that point I was making not only my own clothes but clothes for my friends. I even got hired to make several pieces. It was a fantastic confidence booster and really gave me a special spot with my peers.

[@timothytotten9409]

That’s awesome!!

[@teresaslo]

Wow Love this concept not only do I have shelves full of fabric but I have box's full of fabric from the 80's and 90's!

[@timothytotten9409]

Ooh, I bet you’ve got some fun stuff in there!!

[@teresaslo]

@@timothytotten9409 some of the most rewarding things to sew are very simple and do not require much fabric elastic waist skirts or drawstring pants!!!!

[@maryjanegibson7743]

I love old sewing machines. They are often real workhorses and will last almost forever. And new things seem to be designed to break soon. Old machines were built to be repaired again and again. My favourite sewing machine is one I've owned for over 50 years. And I just bought an antique treadle sewing machine that the seller thought would just be used as a decorator piece and was surprised when I said we would fix it and use it.

[@royannispullens7804]

I agree, I have 5 old Kenmores. Each one has an emblem that says 25 year warranty. So funny, because they are about 50 years old.

[@vickiew8642]

We need to have these stores in every city.wow!

[@vintagechild4418]

Detroit has Arts and Scraps. I have donated so much stuff, they even found someone for an old knitting machine from the 1990s. Great work!

[@timothytotten9409]

That’s wonderful!!

[@tiasdolls6165]

I live here and NEVER even knew about this hidden treasure! Thank you Tim!

[@timothytotten9409]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope you get to visit.

[@catinahoak3457]

Same! A friend shared this video. I live nearby, never knew this store was here!

[@1kings861]

This is so great! The next time I am up there to see family, I’m bringing you some fabric! That will make my husband very happy 🤣🤣

[@nonyabidness1623]

WOW! That we would all do our best to be what we can, not for us, but for others!

[@kaichisabre-saliste3905]

Love that store and the owners. So many hidden charms in that shop.

[@brendamyers7672]

Thank you! Wonderful interview. My daughter lives in the Rochester area and lives off limited income. She loves crafts. This store is a good resource for her.

[@lynniep1905]

I'm really excited to hear about this store. I live in Syracuse and can feel a road trip coming.😊

[@maureenlangerfeld8489]

What a fab idea!❤❤❤❤❤

[@annholstrom539]

Thank you Tim for helping to get the word out about this fabulous gem in Rochester!! I love this place! ❤

[@heidiespinola2669]

We have one in Westport MA. OMG I give myself at least 2 hours each time I visit. Such great buys especially vintage fabrics. If you ever get to visit your state will go on her visitors map. Plus, she consigns.

[@timothytotten9409]

Good idea! Thanks for the tip. If I’m in the area I’ll check it out.

[@sandydali699]

Thanks Timothy. I live in Rochester and didn’t know this place existed. I will be getting my excess non-used fabric and yarn and donate.

[@timothytotten9409]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JL-il6vk]

I also live in rochester my and work downtown and never knew this place was here!

[@charlenecassara5797]

Went there this week. What a wonderful store. The people were so nice! How about starting one in Central Florida!

[@timothytotten9409]

If I didn’t have eighteen plates in the air right now… lol

[@msmuffet1]

I have been sewing since I was child. I love thrift stores that sell unused pre owned fabrics. I now have enough fabric I would never have to buy any the rest of my life.

[@ruthdasch7636]

I want a place like this near me. What an incredible concept and place.

[@alldaymusiclover107]

Love this! Yay Rochester! This is a win-win for all involved. I don't think I could find a charity like this here in Southern California. Keep up the good work. I was reminded that I have beautiful pinstriped wool fabric that I purchased 20 years ago and never used. I'm afraid to find it now. That was expensive moth food.

[@beckyransom5504]

Love this idea! Teaching basic sewing, so needed these days! Hope more community’s will give this a try.

[@timothytotten9409]

It’s a wonderful resource!

[@Lisa-ql5wr]

We need a shop like this in the KCMO area. What an awesome idea.

[@digging4roots]

Would love to know how to start a store like that here in Oregon! Our little community could really use this.

[@RomyHouston-y9v]

Where are you in Oregon? I just retired and moved to Tigard and what something to commit to! Maybe we can join forces?

[@digging4roots]

@@RomyHouston-y9v I'm in Albany.

[@jeanetteharrington8591]

I'm in Sprague river, oregon. I love this idea! I buy all my fabric online except for a small amount from a local quilt shop.

[@digging4roots]

@@RomyHouston-y9v Very odd ... I know I replied before but it's missing now. Oh well. I'm in Albany, half way between Salem and Eugene.

[@shellyhansen5279]

I do have fabric from when I worked at Minnesota Fabric Store in 1990-92. I make all sorts of things. I learned how to make mittens from volunteering to make them for the homeless.

[@MichellesHandmadeCreations]

This is so AWESOME! Every community needs something like this store and the lady you interviewed. I have a boatload of fabric and other things for crafting they could use, if only I was closer. I'm in S.E. Idaho, so the cost of freight to NY would be prohibitive for me. But, you've got my creativity wheels spinning, thinking about what might be feasible in my small town community. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@annholmes9650]

How fantastic is this store. Every town should have one, even in the UK X X X

[@nynurse2]

WOW! Rochester is my hometown and I never knew about this store! ❤ I can’t wait to go there!

[@rosemaryhanderson6122]

I’m glad to find you. I live way kitty corner from you in The Pacific Northwest. Love your show. I am 80 can’t see very well but still love to make quilts. I will be keeping track of you. Welcome into my life

[@timothytotten9409]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind welcome.

[@soniatriana9091]

This store’s mission is brilliant in so many way!! It truly needs to become a Non Profit chain like Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. That way they’re in every county of every state!! Tim - great video!! Glad you filmed here!!!

[@cherylhuot4436]

Goodwill is not a non Profit!!! They are a for profit company and most are franchise, purchased from the parent company. It’s damn near all profit! People give them their stuff and when they sell it, it’s pure profit!!! They do hire a few folks with handicaps,but that’s about as much as they actually "do" for the community. It’s a scam. Always has been. Now days, they pick through the stuff and remove anything of value, and sell it on EBay. Very little quality stuff goes into the stores. Plus the prices they charge are outrageous!! Give your donations to Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity, or any other organization.

[@JL-il6vk]

They are 501c non profit

[@kaytucker5128]

I love shopping at sew green!❤

[@purplesnowdrop]

Thanks for sharing such a great place with us all Tim They obviously do great things for the community around them. 💐💜

[@pamkenniston2128]

What a phenomenal concept. More communities should adopt this model to help new sewists & crafters or those who don't have fabric stores nearby. I love teaching kids - I did an after-school workshop in the elementary school. They loved making something for themselves. Keep up the good work❤

[@taminorton8807]

This is awesome. Wish we had one in my area. I have sewn my whole life and my Mom bought me my own machine when I was 14 because I used hers all the time. ❤

[@RKusmie64]

I'm nowhere near NY, but you inspired me to search for a discount fabric store near me - and I found one! Well, it's a bit of a drive (but everything is from where I live anyway 😂), and SO worth it! Thanks, Tim! ❤

[@timothytotten9409]

So exciting!!!!

[@PatDoran-n9n]

There should be a store like this in every town!

[@bobbiotis6856]

First time viewer here, and yes, I subscribed😃. This concept is so wonderful. I’m so glad you shared.❤

[@christy8130]

My 10 and 8 year old boys LOVE that store! We are in Auburn NY for the summer. Come and down and check out Sew What, same premise with all volunteers too. Right in their back yard is Willard Chapel with Tiffany windows

[@Wallflower-62]

This is just awesome!! I am so far from Rochester, but if I were closer, I know I would visit every week!

[@debrapaulino918]

Wow this is IT. Just last week i wanted to thrift for possible fabric finds. Didnt go but here is this video!

[@lindahildebrand9572]

What a wonderful idea!!!!

[@geritavares6031]

Excellent idea……bravo…need more like this and include cross stitch

[@geritavares6031]

Thank you tim

[@timothytotten9409]

They have plenty of needle art items in the store. I didn’t record every corner.

[@SharonRStudio]

Oh my gosh. I live in Florida and don’t know any where like this in my area. I would love to find a shop like this!

[@bonnieelliott5656]

Seminole, FL. "Bottom of the Bin".

[@cherylhuot4436]

What a fabulous idea! And a much needed resource for the community!! I wish there was such a place in my city.

[@peggysmith8346]

This is a fantastic shop. It is so needed everywhere. I know so many who would love to sew and do crafts but can't afford big craft or expensive fabric stores.

[@cherylbajangem]

Awesome concept Awesome store❤❤ thank you!!

[@tandycorbin5601]

In my town it's called Who Gives a Scrap!

[@timothytotten9409]

@@tandycorbin5601 that’s wonderful! What town is that?

[@tandycorbin5601]

@@timothytotten9409 Colorado Springs!

[@kayazer2885]

Thanks Tandy! I was hoping we lived MUCH closer. I’m in California.😊

[@JohannaVanWinkle]

What a fun name!

[@crystallbell5545]

@@kayazer2885 Remainders in Pasadena CA is similar

[@susanstancliff2937]

Looks like you’re wearing sewing machine earrings! Love this idea! It helps everyone afford to create and enjoy hobbies! Meet new people and selling sewing machines that have been reconditioned for very little money! What a fantastic idea! You guys are great! Yes they should have these stores everywhere! Plus your teaching people do do crafts!

[@LindaEmad-wz4pu]

It’s a cute place I found 5 years ago and need to go back

[@Moona1966]

What a lovely program! My only wish is that they had their fabrics available online, so I could purchase from down here in Virginia. Regardless, I salute these fine folks for all that they do! 😊

[@RoseOriginals]

Timothy, thank you for sharing! What a wonderful idea and shop! All communities should have something like this!

[@teresarichmond7752]

Such a great concept! I hope it catches on and spreads across the country. I’d love to shop and donate there, unfortunately I’m in Texas so distance is a problem. Keep up the great work SewGreen. Thanks for sharing this great shop on your channel.

[@RomyHouston-y9v]

And I see a lot of natural fibers which are harder and harder to find and more expensive when you can find them!

[@dakin7612]

This is wonderful. I hope more of this type of store spread to other areas.

[@tracyruth4247]

Such a great concept! I hope it catches on and spreads all over the world! I'm about 90 minutes away and will definitely check it out the next time I'm in the area. Also, when it's my turn to leave this Earth, I'll make sure my stash of fabric and craft items go to a store like this!❤

[@joanbryant1494]

Thank you so wonderful. I hope this spreads all over.

[@mirtaPR]

🤗🤗🤗🤗WOW wonderful great store n sewing machines 35-100$ w warranty n you can upgrade if you want Awesome 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@galewatkins3880]

Wow that is awesome I wish there was a wonderful store like this in my neighborhood

[@nuvoflo]

Brilliant!!! I'll have to find a way to get up there. Love the mission.

[@pennykoncz9683]

WOW! This is WONDERFUL on so many levels! Wish there was something like this near me. (MI near Detroit)❤

[@cassandraknight8804]

Love it, sew great 👍 😊

[@prettysimplesara]

Oh I wish I knew about Sew Green six months ago! I've absorbed my late mother's cash into mine this summer, but at some point I'm sure I'll thin it down again!

[@kathymckay5630]

I agree with everyone I loved to have a shop like this in East Texas

[@McJulieO]

Not exactly on the same single purpose scale, but Austin Creative Reuse (ACR), a 501c3 organization in north east Austin has a nice sized part of their large store dedicated to fabrics and sewing, notions, trim, patterns, machines, etc. The rest of the store is loaded with art & craft supplies, jewelry, ceramic, papercrafts, ephemera, etc. Every time I go I get inspired, and leave with tons of goodies….for cheap! It has been a great place to buy quilting cottons and patterns for Project Dress A Girl. Totally recommend! Spare pArts, in north San Antonio, is a similar but much smaller store than ACR, but also has fabrics at bargain prices.

[@lisaneuscheler772]

What a fabulous idea on so many levels! I'll stop by on my next trip up to Rochester. (Go RIT Tigers!)

[@Cindy-Williams]

What a wonderful store! We absolutely need more of them scattered across the country. I’m too far away to help them but I would donate fabric to one that is closer to me. I even have a couple of machines I’d donate. I’m in Oklahoma (only 30 miles from Texas) I’d love to know of anything like it near here.

[@indirarimkeit6644]

It's so cool to see this! We have a very similar store in Sebastopol, CA, run through the Senior Center, called The Legacy. Yesterday, I bought the fabric for a dress and a shirt for $8.00!

[@CarolMcCracken-r8g]

Wow I’d love one here in Canada…..quote “ you built it, we will come” I’d be there to help ..I like to play ❤

[@christinafisher6244]

Vancouver BC has Our Social Fabric. They do online orders as well as in store shopping.

[@DoriONeal]

We had a similar store in Schenectady, I was so sad when they closed. Good to know I can day-trip on a day off to Rochester. Thanks so much!!

[@charlenecassara5797]

What?. Rochester? I am from ROC City and going there next week! I will definitely got to Sew Green!

[@christy8130]

@charlenecassara5797 it's on west main right by TAHOES near Ford st

[@kevinanddeb8829]

Craft Bits and Pieces in Fairport too. I go to both stores.

[@lizpaton4456]

I am so stinking excited because I live outside of Buffalo My and I see a road trip!!

[@timothytotten9409]

Have a great time! Super nice people there.

[@carolynhowe9223]

I live only an hour from Rochester! Never knew about this shop!

[@djbc64]

Hi, watching from area of Martha Lake, WA. Thank you for highlighting that amazing nonprofit!

[@dianehuntley2493]

Great idea! Awesome implementation😊

[@suno8911]

Their values are exactly what we all need everywhere around the world! A place where to connect, circular economies, practical ways to up-cycle, and the sharing of knowledge that bring people freedom and joy.

[@annebarden4179]

That was a lovely interview she is very sweet that lady…I love your style of getting people to chat…it’s very natural…I’m in US in September but miles away from NY state in southern GA…I’ll have to organise a holiday there sometime!

[@meletiawike3766]

Excellent video Timothy. Thank you for sharing.

[@lauraleecreations3217]

I've been sewing since the age of 4. Im 52 now. It's been a great love of mine since! I also crochet and knit. It's also therapeutic ❤❤❤❤

[@nz-nz]

It is indeed therapeutic! One of the last videos on the FruityKnitting show, they interviewed a psychologist who spoke exactly that 👍

[@stephenboyd7244]

Rochester is actually my birthplace. We moved away from there 44 years ago. I would like to visit

[@debraclogston9379]

I love this attitude! Awesome!

[@pennyc11]

Very cute. I need to look for something like this near me. My old sewing machine just needs a tune up and can be used by someone. I probably have some fabric too that could be donated. Sewing is one of the best talents to have. You can always have what you want if you know how to sew. When times were tight? I bought designer patterns to make wonderful clothes for my young children. I never wanted to have them wearing something that looked homemade or poor.

[@RobertaHowe-vh5nn]

Awesome, I'm from the area and never heard of this place but will definitely make it one of my future stops!

[@harryburkett7754]

If only, there was a store like that here. I would have a blast hunting for batiks or Christmas fabric!

[@imeldabanda1128]

I just came home from Rochester. I wish I had known about this wonderful resource! I'll visit next time I'm in ROC!

[@eileensorochty3270]

I love this store!

[@kbell662]

What a fantastic idea. I wish this would speed to the other cities, states.

[@krisharris-d8t]

I shop there as often asI can. Love sewgreen

[@pamhopkins9640]

What a lovely idea.

[@smileytow1925]

That absolutely was SO GOOD! Thank you! ❤️💕

[@deloresrabalais1809]

Wow! What a great store! Wish I had one close to me.

[@joycewoodson7417]

I live in the Syracuse NY area and didn't know that this store existed! There is a similar concept store in Auburn NY - Sew What. Can't wait to check out Sew Green! Thanks for the tip!

[@timothytotten9409]

Awesome! I was in Syracuse for a symposium with the AIA at the Everson Museum. Ate at Dinosaur BBQ but didn’t get to spend much more time there. Can’t wait to get back next summer!