Stitch, swap and support: Sewing market coming to the hinterland

Since its beginning in 2019, the Brisbane Sewing Destash Market at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds has become a firm crowd favourite each March and September. And now it’s coming to Nambour in May.

“As all fabric craft lovers will know, it is very easy to accumulate a ‘stash’ of fabrics, with the plan to use them at some point down the road,” said Market Manager, Leesa Simspon.

“These markets are an awesome way to share your love of all things sewing and textile related, and ‘destash’.”

The markets have fast become a haven for small business and personal vendors, bringing together sellers and buyers to resell, reuse and recycle fabrics, textiles, notions, trims and haberdashery.  

“This much loved event has a proven formula of sharing to grow the circular economy,” Leesa explained. 

“It prevents a lot of these materials from going into landfill. We have over 100 stall holders at each event and we pride ourselves on being an amazing genuine sewing and textile market with genuine clearance stallholders and bargains for all.

“Textiles and textile crafts of all kinds both new and vintage are available at each market and I think our ethos of renew, recycle, reuse and remake absolutely resonates with visitors to our events.

“This year we are bringing the Sewing Destash Markets to the Nambour Showgrounds on May 31, and we are very excited to take this concept on the road,” she said.

Leesa and her team are inviting applications from businesses in the industry, and quality food vendors and coffee vans to cater to early market customers. 

“Approval will be dependent on your offer and our food mix for the event,” said Leesa.

“We offer a set fee for Food Vendors, 10/15amp power, and easy access. We are extremely proud to be able to offer the best ratio of customers to vendors. Seating, shade and bins are all provided by the market.”

The Sewing Destash Market has a very strong commitment to the community, with sewing charities in Brisbane making up a vital part of the markets.

“If you are a not for profit organisation and would like to be part of our market - please contact us and we will provide you details of how we can help with a free site at our event,” Leesa said. 

Patterns For Charity is a cause that is particularly dear to Leesa and her team, as it has enabled them to raise over $12,000 since 2019 for a range of charities.

“We collect sewing patterns all year and sell them at the markets for $2 each, with all of the proceeds going to various charities,” she said. 

“Patterns for Charity allows our community to make a financial contribution to people in need as well. We have been wonderfully supported by visitors to our events and I think that attendees at our Nambour market will enjoy the energy of our event.”

You can contact Leesa to register your interest at hello@togethereventco.com.au