Donating a Loved One's Fiber Arts Collection
We make this easy for families. You don't need to know what you have. We'll help with the rest.
Clearing out a parent’s, spouse’s, or friend’s sewing room is hard work, and it’s often emotional work too. Many families have no idea which books are rare, which tools matter, or where any of it should go. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Fiber Arts Houston is a nonprofit lending library. Instead of a thrift store or a dumpster, your loved one’s collection joins a catalogued library where makers borrow it, study it, and carry the craft forward, and whatever we can’t use finds a good home elsewhere.
How We Help.
- 1
Reach Out. You Don't Need to Know What You Have.
Most families don't, and that's fine. You don't need to sort, clean, identify, or list anything. Just tell us roughly how much there is and where it is.
- 2
We Come to You, or You Ship.
In the Houston area we schedule a pickup, usually at least a week out, and we do the lifting. Outside Houston, you can ship from anywhere in the United States.
- 3
We Sort It All When It Arrives.
We assess everything against our curation rubric once it reaches the studio, not before. Books are catalogued with a full library record; tools and equipment go to the studio and classes.
- 4
Nothing Goes to Waste.
What the library can't use is either sold to fund more book and equipment acquisitions or passed along to other nonprofits that can use it. We handle those transfers so you don't have to.
- 5
Your Loved One Is Remembered.
Unless you ask otherwise, every donor is acknowledged by name in the library catalog. You'll also receive a donation receipt. Fiber Arts Houston is a 501(c)(3) (EIN 42-2979986).
Collection Valuation
Wondering what a collection is worth before you decide? We can value it for you. Valuation is included when materials are donated; for collections that aren’t donated, it’s a paid service. Contact us for a quote.
Help With Everything Else
Yarn, fabric, and other materials the library doesn’t collect don’t have to be your problem. We help facilitate their transfer to other nonprofits that can put them to use.
How We Handle Your Donation.
Assessed When It Arrives
We assess fit against our curation rubric once materials arrive, not before you ship (unless we're doing a paid valuation project).
Acknowledged by Name
Unless you ask otherwise, every donor is acknowledged by name in the library catalog.
Nothing Wasted
Materials that don't fit the collection are either sold to fund more book and equipment acquisitions or donated to other nonprofits. If you'd like excess materials returned, just ask; return shipping is at the donor's cost.
See what we prioritize in our curation rubric. Tools and equipment: please contact us before donating so we can make space. We are not accepting yarn, thread, fiber, or fabric right now.
Frequently Asked Questions.
I don't know what's in my loved one's collection. Can I still donate it?
Yes. Most families don't know what they have, and you don't need to. We sort and assess everything once it arrives, so there's nothing to prepare.
What kinds of fiber arts items can I donate from an estate?
Books and magazines on embroidery, knitting, crochet, weaving, lace, quilting, sewing and tailoring, textiles, and fiber art, plus pattern collections. Hand tools such as needles, hooks, shuttles, hoops, and frames, and equipment such as looms, spinning wheels, and sewing machines, are welcome; please contact us first about equipment so we can make space. We are not accepting yarn, thread, fiber, or fabric at this time.
What happens to items the library can't use?
Materials that don't fit the collection are either sold to fund more book and equipment acquisitions or donated to other nonprofits. If you'd like excess materials returned, just ask; return shipping is at the donor's cost. Nothing is discarded without cause.
Can you tell me what the collection is worth?
Yes. When materials are donated, we value them as part of our intake at no cost. If you'd like a valuation of a collection you are not donating, we offer that as a paid service. Contact us for a quote.
Will you pick up a large collection in Houston?
Yes. Pickups are available in the Houston metro area for multiple boxes, looms, spinning wheels, and other equipment. Please schedule at least one week in advance.
Can I ship a collection from another state?
Yes. Ship to Fiber Arts Houston, 2000 Edwards St, Studio 302, Houston, TX 77007, and email us when you ship. There's no need to send a list first; we assess fit once materials arrive.
Will I get a receipt for tax purposes?
Yes. We provide a receipt describing what was donated and when. Fiber Arts Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 42-2979986. For an appraisal for tax purposes, please consult a qualified appraiser and your tax advisor.
How will my loved one be recognized?
Unless you ask otherwise, every donor is acknowledged by name in the library catalog. Tell us whose name the collection should carry, and we'll talk about recognition for significant collections.
We’re Here When You’re Ready.
Email library@fiberartshouston.org or call 832-465-4935. Donating your own books and tools instead? Start here.