Our Story
Why I Built Sew Thrifty
From cluttered fabric stash to thriving marketplace—Michele's mission to connect makers and save materials from landfills
Our Story
Why I Built Sew Thrifty
From cluttered fabric stash to thriving marketplace—Michele's mission to connect makers and save materials from landfills
Chapter One
The Beginning
I first learned to sew as a kid watching my mom at her machine. Life got busy and I stepped away from it for years, but when COVID hit in 2020, I picked it back up. A borrowed sewing machine, a YouTube tutorial, and one fraying but wearable maxi dress later, I was hooked! I wanted to make everything: clothes, gifts, home decor. And to do that, I needed fabric.
So I bought fabric... a LOT of it.
Chapter Two
The Problem
My fabric collection quickly outpaced my ability to use it. I quickly amassed bins, baskets, and drawers all overflowing with remnants I couldn't throw away, thrifted sheet sets "just in case," and specialty fabrics waiting for the perfect project that never came.
Chapter Three
The Moment Everything Changed
Then I met a woman selling her entire crafting stash. Mary was moving to Boston to live with her children and couldn't take any of it with her. I ended up buying most of what she had — beautiful materials she'd collected over years. Before I left, she asked if I knew anyone who might want the rest.
Part of what I brought home from Mary that day
I didn't.
And it broke my heart. Here was this woman's treasure, and there was no easy way to connect her with people who would actually appreciate it. Her stash would probably end up donated, forgotten, or thrown away.
Chapter Four
The Solution
So, I built Sew Thrifty. The concept was simple: a marketplace where sewists can sell their extra fabric and supplies to other sewists who will actually use them. No wondering if your materials will end up in the trash, just makers connecting with other makers that will cherish your treasures and make really cool stuff!
And there's a bonus: It's also better for the planet. Every yard of fabric that gets reused is a yard that doesn't end up in a landfill. And honestly, shopping secondhand means you find way more interesting stuff than you'd ever find at Michael's (WHY are they so expensive?!) or Joann's (R.I.P).
I'm still figuring this out as I go, but that's kind of the point. Sew Thrifty is growing the way my fabric stash used to (and still does) — a little chaotically, but with good intentions. If you've got fabric sitting around that you're never going to use, or you're looking for something unique for your next project, you should join.
Get in Touch With
Michele
Questions? Just want to say hi? Email me anytime.
michele@sewthrifty.com