Yarn sold by the pound. Hundreds of bins packed with fabric, buttons, beads, and the occasional sewing machine.
That’s the kind of place that makes a crafter grab the car keys without a second thought.
Everything inside comes from donations. Somebody’s unfinished quilt stash or abandoned scrapbooking phase becomes your next project.
I like how one person’s clutter turns into another person’s spark.
The shelves change constantly, so what you spot today may be gone by next week. That keeps every trip feeling like a hunt.
It also means you can never quite promise yourself a quick stop.
This gem of Southern California craft culture runs as a nonprofit, too. Your bargain supports a bigger mission.
So what happens when a thrift store is built entirely for makers?
A Thrift Store Built Just For People Who Make Things
Crafters in Southern California have a favorite stop that feels like a garage sale built just for them. Remainders Creative Reuse is a nonprofit craft store that sells donated art and craft supplies at friendly prices.
The concept is simple and kind of brilliant. People donate materials they no longer need, and the store passes them along to new makers.
That means half-used yarn, fabric remnants, and forgotten craft kits skip the landfill. Instead, they land in the hands of sewers, painters, teachers, and costume builders.
Remainders sits in Pasadena, so it’s an easy day trip for much of Los Angeles County. One shopper even described it as a pillar of the local crafting community.
Think of it as a regular thrift store with a very specific obsession. You won’t wade through racks of random sweaters to find one good spool of thread.
Nearly everything here exists to help somebody make something. Clothing, jewelry, and home decor show up too, but supplies run the show.
For anyone who has ever winced at retail craft store receipts, that focus feels like a relief. It also feels a little like discovering a secret club.
Why Your Old Craft Stash Matters Here
Every bin in the store starts as someone else’s leftovers. Donations keep Remainders Creative Reuse stocked, and they come up often when shoppers talk about the place.
The store’s own team gives credit where it’s due. They’ve said their amazing prices exist thanks to generous donors of materials.
That setup turns the whole store into a loop. You can drop off supplies you’ll never use, then shop for ones you actually need.
One shopper loved feeling more sustainable and contributing to the circular economy. That’s a fancy phrase for keeping good stuff in use.
As a nonprofit charity, the store also ties its work to community causes. At one point, it sold handmade bags to help donate to fire victims.
I believe that’s what makes a bargain here feel extra satisfying. You’re saving money while helping a local organization keep its doors open.
Before you load your trunk, it helps to check what the store currently accepts. Donation needs can shift, and a quick look ahead saves an awkward return trip.
Your abandoned macrame phase might be someone’s dream project. That’s a pretty good reason to clean out the closet.
Fabric Hunters Will Want To Clear Their Afternoon
Fabric is the star of the show, and it’s not even close. It’s the topic shoppers mention most, and one called the selection enormous.
You can find everything from vintage prints to large upholstery remnants. One shopper hunting for upholstery pieces found lots of beautiful choices for a project.
The mix is unique and constantly changing. A pattern you love today may not be waiting next week, so hesitation can cost you.
Pricing works in a couple of ways. Some items sell by weight and some by the yard, and everything is clearly marked.
That clear labeling matters when you’re digging through stacks. Nobody wants to fall in love with a fabric and then guess what it costs.
Shoppers have also praised how clean the textile bins are. One noted finding no dirt or debris while digging through the secondhand fabrics.
Sales pop up too, so timing can help stretch your budget even further. Quilters, costumers, and home sewists all have reasons to linger here.
Bring measurements for your project. Your future self will thank you when that perfect remnant turns up.
Yarn Sorted By Color Is A Knitter’s Happy Place
Rainbow shelves of yarn tend to stop knitters in their tracks. At Remainders Creative Reuse, the yarn is sorted by color and material, which makes browsing feel surprisingly calm.
That organization is a gift if you’re matching an existing project. You can scan for the right shade instead of rummaging blindly.
Wool, blends, and mystery skeins all make appearances. One shopper scored a few skeins of 100 percent wool at a very friendly price.
Tools show up here too. Knitting needles and crochet hooks turn up among the supplies, which helps beginners build a kit without overspending.
For new knitters, that’s a big deal. Learning a craft is easier when the starter materials don’t feel precious.
Experienced fiber artists get something different from the store. They get the thrill of the find, plus the freedom to mix and match materials creatively.
Stock rotates constantly, so a dream skein can vanish quickly. If something catches your eye, it’s probably smart to grab it.
Crocheters, consider yourselves warned. Your yarn basket may need a bigger basket.
Buttons, Beads, Cards, And A Thousand Odds And Ends
Sewing machines sometimes appear on the floor, and luck plays a big part in finding one. That’s the fun of a store stocked by donations.
Beyond fabric and yarn, the shelves stretch into nearly every craft corner. Shoppers mention buttons, thread, beads, and jewelry-making supplies.
Scrapbooking gear, clay crafting materials, and painting supplies are part of the mix too. One shopper didn’t expect to spot gouache and was pleasantly surprised.
Greeting cards are even separated by occasion. That’s handy when you need a birthday card and refuse to pay full retail.
Craft kits of all kinds turn up as well. So do wrapping paper, party supplies, and sewing patterns.
All of this could feel chaotic, yet shoppers keep praising the organization. Most bins are clearly marked, and materials are grouped by category.
You’ll still want time to poke around. Hundreds of bins reward patience, and rushing means you might miss the best surprise.
Party planners love it for inspiration. A quick run for streamers can easily end with a cart of ideas.
Teachers Can Stretch A Tight Classroom Budget
Teachers often buy classroom supplies with their own money. Here, that pain gets a little easier to handle.
Office and classroom supplies are a regular part of the inventory. One teacher-focused shopper called it the place to come for cheap, sustainable supplies.
The store caters to all kinds of projects. That flexibility works well for art lessons, bulletin boards, and hands-on class activities.
Small quantities are another quiet win. One shopper loved that supplies come in practical amounts, since many projects need only a little of something.
That beats buying a giant pack of googly eyes for one afternoon. Your supply closet stays manageable, and your wallet stays happier.
Creative educators also get inspiration from the mix. A random bag of corks or ribbon can spark an entire lesson idea.
Of course, the same warning applies to teachers as everyone else. You’ll probably buy more than you planned.
Back-to-school season is a natural time to stock up. Any time works, though, since new donations keep arriving throughout the year.
Sewing Classes Happen Right Upstairs
Shopping is only half the story. Volunteers teach classes in an upstairs studio space, and sewing classes are always on the schedule.
Class offerings change every month. That keeps things fresh for repeat students who want to try something new.
Beginner sewers seem especially welcome. One student who took a sewing class said she learned a lot and planned to return for another.
Since volunteers teach, each class can feel a bit different. The experience depends partly on who’s leading it that day.
There’s also open studio time. You can use the space and the machines, which helps if you don’t own one yet.
Getting upstairs involves a long staircase. Anyone with mobility concerns may want to contact the store before planning a class visit.
Shoppers also mention different events and activities happening every week. It’s a great way to meet other makers nearby.
Learning a skill in the same building where you buy materials is wonderfully efficient. Finish class, head downstairs, and grab fabric for your next try.
An Uplifting Vibe That Feels Like A Crafting Third Space
Energy matters in a shop like this. Shoppers describe the overall mood as uplifting and crafty, with excitement you can almost feel.
One person called it a sustainable crafting third space. That’s a spot that isn’t home or work, but still feels like yours.
Staff and volunteers get plenty of credit too. Shoppers mention helpful, friendly service and patient answers to questions.
A rewards program adds another reason to come back. Frequent shoppers can get a little extra value from their habit.
Who fits best here? Crafters of any kind, from total beginners to seasoned costumers, will find something worth digging for.
Thrifters who love the chase will feel right at home. So will anyone trying to live a little more sustainably.
Families with creative kids may enjoy it as well. Small budgets go far, and the bins offer plenty to spark ideas.
Allergy-sensitive shoppers should know one older comment mentioned some dust. A mask might be worth tucking in your bag, just in case.
Bargains That Make Retail Craft Stores Look Pricey
Price tags here tend to make people do a double take. One shopper even felt the prices beat Goodwill.
Another shopper left with a big haul for a fraction of retail. That’s the kind of story that spreads quickly among crafters.
Exact costs vary, and pricing can shift over time. Some items go by weight, some by yardage, and others carry individual tags.
Sales also show up now and then. Watching for them can turn a good deal into a great one.
The low prices come straight from community generosity. Donated materials let the store keep costs down while funding its nonprofit work.
Here’s the funny part. Saving money often means spending more time and buying more stuff than planned.
One shopper joked that a quick stop for one thing can end with a full cart. Another admitted to spending a lot of time and money, yet still praised the prices.
Consider setting a budget before you go. Then consider bringing a second tote, because you probably won’t stick to it.
Hours, Parking, And Smart Timing For Your Visit
Plan around the weekly schedule first. Remainders Creative Reuse is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and closed Monday and Tuesday.
You’ll find the shop at 787 E Washington Blvd Ste 101, Pasadena, CA 91104. It’s an easy addition to a day in Pasadena.
Parking takes a little strategy. A lot sits in the back, but it can fill up, and street parking may be your backup.
One shopper even pointed out a quirky extra spot near some shipping containers. Keep your eyes open when you pull in.
Give yourself time once you’re inside. With hundreds of bins to explore, a rushed visit will leave you wondering what you missed.
Weekday visits may feel more relaxed, though that’s just a hunch. Either way, earlier arrival gives you first crack at the day’s stock.
Planning to donate? Check donation guidelines beforehand so your drop-off goes smoothly.
Bring reusable bags and project measurements. A short list helps too, even if you’ll ignore half of it.
Why This Pasadena Treasure Deserves A Day Trip
Some shoppers drive 45 minutes and call it worth every mile. With a 4.8-star rating from more than 200 reviews, that enthusiasm clearly isn’t rare.
Remainders Creative Reuse blends thrift shopping, craft supplies, and community learning under one roof. That combination feels genuinely special in fast-changing California.
You get fabric by the yard, yarn sorted by color, and odd treasures waiting for a second life. You also get classes, open studio time, and friendly people.
Best of all, every purchase supports a nonprofit mission. Your bargain helps keep useful materials out of landfills and in creative hands.
Crafters often wish more stores like this existed. Several shoppers have said exactly that, hoping for more locations someday.
Until then, Pasadena holds the prize. It’s the kind of California secret makers love sharing with friends.
So grab a tote, pick a free afternoon between Wednesday and Sunday, and start hunting. Something in those bins is waiting for you.
Maybe it’s vintage fabric or a perfect skein. Maybe it’s your next big idea.
