Fabric fans on high alert

Excitement is growing within the the local craft community as the annual Fabric-a-Brac fundraiser for Hospice Marlborough takes place at Connect Blenheim on Saturday 16 August.

Nineteen stallholders are booked in to sell their collection of fabric and sewing treasures, on top of donated supplies, to the Hospice’s shops.

Fabric-a-brac Marlborough co-ordinator Tracy Johnston says the fundraiser ties in nicely.

“When we set it up here in 2021, I thought the alignment was great for Fabric-a-brac nationally as when people lose loved family members, at times it comes with precious collections of craft materials.

“Fabric-a-brac is a great way for those collections to find new homes while supporting Hospice, rather than material going to landfill, and also exciting people to create.

“This year we’ve got someone coming with their Gran’s collection to have a stall which is quite lovely, a stall from our refugee community showing they’re engaged with it, and there’s an incredible amount of curtains, cushions, furnishing equipment, plenty of quilting and lots of kids fabrics too.”

With Fabric-a-brac raising more than $27,000 since the first Marlborough event in 2021 for the local Hospice services, Tracy says it’s a true team effort which continues to grow each year.

“Hospice volunteers give plenty of amazing support to the event in preparations, folding and labelling all of the fabric pieces for people to pick through.

“We’ve got Tim the scissor sharpener and sewing machine repairman, a dozen bakers, a barista supplying the pop-up cafe, raffles to win a consultation with Cinnamon House Designs - which all contribute to Hospice Marlborough.

“People have been able to try and win the Golden Tickets for entrance 20 minutes early while everyone else watches on with jealousy, but there’s also the ‘Mop up Pop-up’ at Hospice Redwoodtown from Monday to Saturday for those who can’t make it on the 16th.

“But my favourite part is seeing people show one another what they found and what they’re going to do with it, because it’s always inspirational, interesting and a lovely community day,” Tracy added.