Textile Centers massive garage sale is a destination for bargain-hunting makers

The Minneapolis Textile Center's bi-annual garage sale has attracted thousands of makers for 25 years, offering a treasure trove of fabric, yarn, and sewing machines. This year's sale features two floor looms, 60 sewing machines, and a popular $15 grocery bag of fabric. Tickets for the Friday preview are priced at $35, while weekend sales range from $2 to $5, culminating in a free entry on Sunday when items are half-off. Erin Husted, the center's director of operations, noted the intriguing unfinished items, or UFOs, donated, including a quilt inspired by the Minnesota-made Oregon Trail game. The community aspect of the sale shines, with shoppers brewing coffee on camp stoves and holding impromptu fashion shows.

The Textile Center has seen increased attendance due to the popularity of the garage sales, with the Stashery, its year-round secondhand supply store, set to reopen on October 1. This initiative has introduced more fiber fans to the center's classes and gallery. The event exemplifies the growing interest in eco-friendly crafting as local fabric stores close, further highlighting its significance.