What Makes the Sewing Basket So Special

The Sewing Basket has been around for 27 years, providing craft enthusiasts with affordable, donated materials while supporting employment opportunities for people with disability. Over that time, it has become much more than just a shop it’s a place where people gain skills, independence, and a sense of belonging. 

Jenny (pictured)  has worked at the sewing basket for 25 years and enjoys a variety of roles, from sorting fabrics and buttons to assisting with donations and greeting customers. She loves the independence meaningful employment gives her from the buses and trains she takes to get to work, the sorting and learning new things and the power of the people she works with.  

According to Jenny “what makes the Sewing Basket truly remarkable isn’t just the craft—it’s the people” . Staff, volunteers, donors, and customers all come together to create a vibrant, inclusive space. Every folded fabric, every jar of buttons, and every sale contributes to something much greater: a community where creativity meets purpose, and where inclusion is woven into every stitch. 

The Sewing Basket is powered by a unique blend of people. Alongside Jenny there are two other part-time employees, Nathan and Lisa, who bring their own skills and enthusiasm to the team. Together with an incredible group of 35 volunteers, they ensure that donations are sorted, shelves are stocked, and every visitor is welcomed with a smile. 

Donations fuel the store’s shelves, and every sale supports Achieve Australia’s mission of inclusion and opportunity. Fabrics become quilts, yarn turns into jumpers, and buttons find new homes on countless creative projects. Customers not only take away supplies but also a sense of being part of something meaningful. 

One of the highlights of the year is the Annual Big Basket Sale, to be held at Marrickville Town Hall on October 3rd and 4th, 2025. The event is always filled with energy, excitement, and happy faces. Tables will be laden with wool, fabrics, patterns, tapestry, and embroidery supplies, a true celebration of creativity and community spirit.