FabMo — Local services in Sunnyvale

Question: What do you do with all the excess swatches/samples of fabrics, tile, wood, wallpaper, and other textiles that can be found at, say, San Francisco designer showrooms? Answer: FabMo. Instead of piling the remnants in landfills across the greater Bay Area, FabMo offers them to crafters for repurposing. Here, the only limitation is one's imagination (or skill level).

I think I heard about Fabmo last month from a woman at my church. From all she said, I was intrigued. So, I took my friend with me today, neither of us knowing what to expect. We were 15 minutes early, so we waited outside where shelves were filled with samples of what awaited inside: decorator swatch cases, patterns, crafting magazines, and odds and ends. My friend and I spent our time well. 😉

When we entered...oh, my gosh! A sewer's DREAMLAND! For lovers of fabric crafts, this place is paradisiacal! The entire center of the building is nothing but tables of fabric samples! (For those who're scratching their heads, wondering what in the world would one do with fabric swatches, think: quilts, throw pillows, purses, accessories, doll clothes, ornaments...) Along the perimeter of the building were sections that held other materials: tiles or needlecrafts or wallpaper, even sewing patterns and ribbon.

The most intersting part: Nothing has a price. All you do is offer a donation at the end of your visit, and that's it!

Here's a tip: Bring a bag! I had a HUGE one, which got filled quickly! I was a kid in a candy store, and my bag suffered for it. 😄

I could go on and on, but I'll just finish with this: If you're into crafts or sewing, look FabMo up online and go. You...

Thank you so much for the unbelievable maker-space supplies! We are really impressed by all of the great materials and crafty items. Perfect for our members whether young or old. So many different fabric patterns, prints, and colors; one is only limited by their imagination. I was really impressed by the leather samples as well, I know there will be some great change purses or super stylish wallets being made! I’m excited to try making pencil holders with the kids using the embroidered material. Our Makers also appreciated having the other supplies such as scissors and pencils. So cool! Can't wait to open our doors again and let the creativity breath. It’s amazing to think all this great stuff would end up unavailable and unappreciated without you guys doing all the hard work of obtaining and redistributing –...

Absolutely amazing fabric and craft store that’s focuses on sustainability, repurposing, and reusing. Inventory is constantly changing as it’s all donation based, but you can find so many amazing items for such a good price. They have lots of fabric - apparel, quilting, outdoor, upholstery, and more. Tiles, crochet, knitting, needles, yarn, paint, sewing machines, thread, buttons, notions, etc. you name it, they likely have it! They also have a huge selection of FREE items!! Check out the priceless treasures room. FabMo is a MUST VISIT for any crafter, sewer/sewist, DIY adventurer, parent, teacher, etc! They also accept...