Nine To Noon Fundraiser stitches together $250,000 for hospice
Mar 23, 2026
Josie Brennan, founder of Fabric-a-brac and long-time organiser of community fabric markets, talks about building a nationwide sewing market that supports hospices. She shares how it grew from her mother’s stash into events with rare fabrics, patterns and a pop-up café. The market attracts cosplayers, students and families and has reached a $250,000 fundraising milestone.
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Founder Turned Family Stash Into Community Market
- Josie Brennan started Fabric-a-brac after inheriting mountains of her mother's fabric and patterns and feeling emotionally attached to them.
- She hired a community centre in Brooklyn, Wellington, the first market 'went crazy' and was dubbed a fabric mosh pit, which launched the event's community energy.
Market Fills Gap Left By Declining Paper Patterns
- Fabric-a-brac preserves sewing culture by offering items no longer widely produced, like paper patterns and vintage textiles.
- Josie notes major companies stopped printing paper patterns, making the market one of the few places to find them alongside 1950s bark cloths.
Event Attracts Wide Range Of Makers
- Fabric-a-brac attracts diverse makers including cosplay, steampunk, fashion students and families, offering unusual haberdashery like buckles and buttons.
- The event functions both as cost-saving for sewers and a source of unique vintage finds that spark creative projects.