One of the downsizing challenges for quilters and crafters alike is what to do with our piles of assorted materials. Like many of you, I have materials for quilting like cotton fabric and batting. As a crafter, I also have assorted materials like zippers, bias binding, ribbon, elastic and thread. My giant tub of neckties (cut apart and sorted by color) has become part of a night stand until needed for a craft project! Of course, lately my interests seem to have morphed into beading bracelets! Oh my!
My biggest concern has been what to do with all my stuff if I’m faced with the challenge of downsizing. Might not happen this year, but eventually I’ll need to make some decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of. I just can’t see all this stuff going in the garbage to live forever in a landfill!
In my ongoing quest to find local organizations that accept donations of household goods I’ve already explored the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and the CentrePeace Showroom. They are set up to accept clothing, small appliances and furniture and then offer these items for sale to the public. Each organization has a charity who benefits from these sales. You can read about them here:
https://marykisner.com/exploring-the-st-vincent-de-paul-thrift-store/
https://marykisner.com/exploring-the-centrepeace-showroom/
About Scraps & Skeins
Last week I took the time to explore the Scraps & Skeins shop in State College.
Their printed literature says Scraps & Skeins is a creative reuse store…meaning they accept donated items such as fabric, yarn, quilting supplies, knitting needles, books, patterns and even refurbished sewing machines! These items are organized and repackaged for resale to the public. This store provides employment opportunities for adults with mental health challenges. This is a win/win as far as I can see!
Scraps & Skeins was officially opened in 2015 under the umbrella of Strawberry Fields with the mission to create employment opportunities for adults with developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and mental health issues. All proceeds support Strawberry Fields Inc., a United Way affiliate.
Since 2015, Scraps & Skeins has grown from a single showroom and store room into the six-room shop and workspace located behind the Strawberry Fields’ administrative office. It now employs a store manager and multiple employees.
Exploring Scraps & Skeins for Donation Ideas
The colorful displays of fabric are enticing! It feels like a fabric store! I wanted to see what items they displayed compared with my pile of stuff so when the time comes to downsize, I’m donating the right things to them.
I found beautiful displays of fabric:
Even my sewing machines could be donated here!
Patterns are accepted too!
This would be a great place to donate my quilting and crafting books.
I have a whole bin of vintage fabric and I was pleased to see they displayed vintage items…looks like the stuff I have. I’m glad I can donate it here!
They had a whole room filled with notions…like thread, sewing needles and knitting needles. The room was crowded so I just peeked in…I don’t like to get between folks and their search for the perfect spool of thread!
I asked about donations of beading materials. They said they have found the resale value was too small to bother. After looking around, my bin of necktie material would probably not be accepted either. Good to know!
The Benefits of Donating and/or Shopping at Scraps & Skeins
Now I have a better idea of what I could donate to Scraps & Skeins. I also see the opportunity to go shopping for some lovely fabrics, books and yarn…when the need arises!
It feels good to support this store…I’m able to keep my sewing and crafting stuff out of landfills and by shopping here I’m supporting local adults who are learning valuable employment skills. You can do your part by donating and/or shopping at Scraps & Skeins in State College!
Finding Scraps & Skeins in State College
Their store is a little difficult to find the first time, but when you find it…you’ve found a treasure! Their address is 2766 West College Ave., State College, PA 16801. To get there I find it easiest to turn off West College Avenue onto Bristol Avenue and then turn right onto Enterprise. The first right takes you behind and between the buildings and when they are open, they put out a sign that really helps!
They even put out a bin for small donations in case you just want to drop off a small bag of stuff!
The store is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am to 2 pm, and every 3rd Saturday of the month from 10-2. Donations can also be dropped off Wednesdays from 10-2, although the shop will not be open then.
You can reach Scraps & Skeins at 814-234-1435; or email at scrapsskeins@gmail.com.
You can read more about them at https://scrapsskeins.shopsettings.com.
Helpfully, they also post regularly on Facebook to remind you of their hours and new stuff they have! Check them out!
I wish I knew how to so just so I could truly enjoy this shop! Such a brilliant way to reuse.
Thank you for sharing! I’m in the process of ridding myself of bits & pieces of projects that I will never get to. And good to know that if I’m inspired at some future time there is a big stash of supplies.
You are welcome! Many of us are thinking about downsizing…it’s an overwhelming task!
Thank you Mary for your kind words about Scraps and Skeins. It was very nice to meet you when you visited us.
Thanks for your service to our community!