Our History
How we got started
Today’s successful social enterprise started as a fundraising idea back in 1998 from Don and Jo McKerrell and some friends.
The couple wanted to create an annual fabric and needlecraft sale to raise funds for Crowle Home in Meadowbank, a residence and school for people with disability run by the Crowle Foundation. The couple’s daughter Vicki had attended training courses at Crowle.
The McKerrells talked to other parents and their contacts to source stock to sell. They received a huge boost when a fabric store which was closing down in Eastwood donated a large amount of stock.
The first sale was a great success and many more followed each year for a decade generating more donations as well as loyal customers.
In 2008, a dedicated shop called the Fabric Cave and Needlecraft Emporium opened at Crowle House. In 2009, the Crowle Foundation merged with the Achieve Foundation to create Achieve Australia. Two years later the store moved to a larger site in Meadowbank and was re-named Fabric, Needlecraft & More.
Where we are now
Eventually the venture was renamed The Sewing Basket, with job opportunities for people with disability to be trained and mentored by Achieve staff and work alongside volunteers from the community.
Incredible donations have kept rolling in including items that had passed through many generations. Donating is often a way for families to honour a loved one by sharing their love of craft and sewing with other enthusiasts.
In 2017, our volunteers were named Volunteer Team of the Year Midwestern Sydney Region at the NSW Volunteer Awards. And in 2018 the shop moved to more contemporary premises in Newington. A pop-up shop started in Balmain was replaced by a permanent store in 2019.
In 2020 a new store and adjacent sorting warehouse opened in Kincumber on the Central Coast. The Kincumber shop and 400 square metre warehouse created 20 volunteer roles and 25 paid roles for people with disability.
In 2021 there were more successes with wonderful online sales and events keeping customers engaged in periods of lockdown.
In 2024, The Sewing Basket community continues to thrive and grow. A great success was the inaugural Big Basket Sale at Marrickville Town Hall which brought over 1500 shoppers hunting for donated items.
Meet some of our team
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Jenny
"I've been working with The Sewing Basket for over 25 years. I love craft and helping people find things to put in their basket"
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Nathan
"I enjoy creating fashion displays, meeting new people and making new connections with colleagues"
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Narelle
"I'm passionate about supporting a great cause and recycling and repurposing fabrics and wool rather than sending them to landfill."