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How It Works

We aim to operate three times a year. Our next cloth swap will take place in 2023... watch this space!   

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Breakdown of a Fabric Exchange:

  1. Sign up under the 'register here' tab.

  2. You will receive an email from us with a link to access your fabric questionnaire. We need this information to mach you up with your fabric exchange partners (one you will receive from and one you will send to).

  3. Our next email to you will contain your partner details and provide instructions on how to contact your 'giftee' (you are the 'gifter'). You are required to ask the giftee for their postal address so you know where to send their fabric parcel. We don't keep personal details and we won't share your email address without your permission. Ever. It's a great idea to get to know your giftee as they are as excited as you are to be receiving a surprise package of hand picked fabric goodies.

  4. Post the fabric parcel to your giftee on the designated Fabric Exchange date.

  5. Wait for your fabric parcel from your designated gifter to arrive.

  6. Send us a picture of your fabulous fabric goodies at admin@thefabricexchange.org or post to Instagram @fabricexchange ... we would LOVE to see what wonderful things are being shared.

Requirements to Participate

To participate in a fabric exchange you need to have a love of fabric and be committed to honour your giftee promise... it's that simple. You will also need an email address and (ideally but not essential) an Instagram account to connect with our family of textile tragics online.

When you participate in a fabric exchange you are required to send a minimum of 1.5 metres/approx 1.6 yards) of fabric to your partner. This could mean one single 1.5 metre piece, or multiple pieces that make up a minimum of that amount. The choice will depend on what your partners craft choice is (and whether you're good with a pair of scissors).

 

For example, if you are a quilter, you may request a mixture of different fabrics as opposed to a single piece. If you are a sewer, you may prefer a single 1.5m piece. This will all able to be preferenced in your questionnaire. We ask that you limit your package value to under $70 excluding shipping (estimated value for pre-loved/re-claimed materials is totally fine). This keeps the fabric exchange accessible to everyone.

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Shipping

In your fabric questionnaire you will be asked to nominate whether you would like a domestic or overseas partner to send to. Preferences aren't guaranteed, but we do our absolute BEST to accomodate your unique situation. Whilst you are responsible for shipping fees, the partner you send to is responsible for meeting their local duties (if any).

 

In regard to parcel tracking it is good to have a tracking number in case your parcel gets lost in the mail, but not strictly necessary as keeping your postal receipt will provide us proof you have sent your package. If you are shipping your parcel internationally, always mark your parcel as a 'gift' on your customs declaration form (as it is!)

Rules for Participation

We don't have many rules, but our two biggest are your agreed commitment and how we treat each other: 

1. On purchasing any of our plans under the 'register here' page you agree to abide by the rules for participation as set out in the details and explanations on this page ie 'FAQs'.

 

2. Please treat each other with respect and kindness. Period. Failing to do so will result in disqualification from participating in any future fabric swaps. We do not tolerate discrimination on any basis. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all clients and members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors and vendors. 

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