I am sure you know the paradoxical saying “if you want something done, ask a busy person”. The Quilters at First are living, breathing examples of this quote. I have written about the quilters who prepare a meal for 120 persons at the Open Door Homeless Resource Center once a month, but this post is about one of the Quilters who gives approximately eight hours a week to the ET Cetera Shop in Newton, KS.
The ET Cetera Shop was started in 1976 as a way to raise money for the Mennonite Central Committee. Since then, they have donated more than $4 million! Currently there are about 130 volunteers and one of those volunteers is Elaine S.,a member of Quilters at First.
After working in the shop and serving on the Board for almost four years, she still feels passionate about the shop’s mission. Elaine listed three different positive aspects of the shop. 1. Money is raised for relief work around the world. 2. The shops serves everyone, but for those with a limited budget, it is a means of getting items at a fraction of the original price. and 3. It keeps useable items out of the landfill! “One man’s trash, is another’s treasure.”
The ET Cetera shop operates on a five week cycle. Items do not stay on the floor longer than five weeks. If they do not sell, even after reducing the price, they go to the “free room”. The items are free to anyone…hmmm, might want to check that out!
The Quilters at First receive many boxes of donated fabrics and craft items. The items we can’t use, we give to Elaine to take to the shop. Elaine, is also our scout of specific items we do need for a particular project.. Most of the ric rac I use on tea towels is from the Et Cetera shop. I don’t feel I am breaking my fabric “diet” if I buy something from the thrift shop!
I particularly like that they recycle much of the unusable items. So, in addition to shopping at the store, it is a “feel good” place to donate.
Here is my unbiased recommendation…Check out the ET Cetera shop in Newton. It was clean (very important to me) and well organized. The staff was helpful and the shop is easy to find on the Main Street. The shop is open 10 am to 5:30pm every day except Sunday. Who knows what you may find…for pennies!
What did we have new this week?
A set of four placemats that could be reversible.
The placemats measure 12″ x 18″ and are machine quilted. The back, which could used as a placemat, has multi-colored polka-dots. $40. SOLD
This wall hanging would make the birthday person feel special. It could hang on the wall or serve as the centerpiece but “Yea!, it is your day!” $25. 13″ x 18″
Can a tea towel make you happy? This one does with its bright unique flowers. $9
The Easter Bunny came through with this piece–well, actually it was Shirley, but you have to agree, this is special!
Bunny is smiling as he sets on top of the “Court House Steps” (that’s the traditional name of the block). He has a good supply of delicious carrots, so he is ready to move to your home.
Shirley added machine quilted carrots in the border. The block has a medallion quilting pattern.
The backing is the same fabric as the binding.
Measures 17″ x 23″, $50
You won’t find anything like this is the big brand name craft stores!!!!
Hoping and praying for a good soaking rain in Kansas. And as everyone knows, the best days for sewing are rainy days!
Quilts, Etc. 