Immerse Yourself in the World of Sewing at Annual Fabricland Trade-In Event

Each week, Patch brings you an idea of something to do to enjoy some free time for yourself, or with friends and family. Here is this week's choice:

We grew up as the proud granddaughter of a tailor. When he was alive, he headed up the alterations department of a major regional department store chain, but the man himself could sew like no one's business. He was a true artist: He would make special-occasion clothing for us, for instance, using his own two hands and his trusty Singer, he created the most beautiful Easter dress each year for his only granddaughter and a handsome suit for our brother. Grandpa taught us to appreciate the beauty of working with fine fabrics, the wonder (and economic benefit) of creating works of wearable art and the majesty of the sewing machine.

With the recent resurgence of home arts, sewing is coming back. And this weekend in nearby North Plainfield, you and your family can take part in an event that promotes the pro-recycling ethos and allows people to meet likeminded sewers, save or make some money and do some good for the community.

On Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fabricland hosts its yearly Fabric and Sewing Machine Trade-In Event at its storefront at 855 Route 2. Your assignment is to bring in any unused fabric remnants of more than one yard in length. In return, you'll receive 25 cents per pound in store credit up to a maximum credit of $25 per family or household. 

You can also trade in used sewing machines for a $100 credit toward the purchase of a new machine valued at $1,000 or more. 

Nonprofit organizations interested in receiving donations of fabric and sewing machines are encouraged to visit the store website or call 908-755-4700, ext. 195.