MONROE, CT — Bins overflowing with yarn, fabrics in colorful patterns and notions were on display at the Monroe Historical Society’s annual Textile Sale, held on the lawn outside Beardsley Homestead, 31 Great Ring Road, Friday. The fundraiser, which also includes a small tag sale, is still going on this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nancy Johnson, of Danbury, was among the shoppers perusing the tables Friday.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been here,” she said. “A friend of mine knows that I sew and said, ‘this thing is going on. You might be interested,’ and he was right. I think it’s great with all the crafts and stuff, there’s something for everything.”
Johnson said she makes quilts and gives them away, a hobby of hers for about 15 years. After experiencing the Monroe Historical Society’s Textile Sale, Johnson said she will definitely be back next year.
The Christmas Fair is the historical society’s biggest fundraiser, but Karen Cardi, the nonprofit organization’s president, said the Textile Sale is also a popular event.
Society members are trying to raise $15,000 to receive a matching Connecticut Historic Preservation, Survey and Planning Grant.
Funds are used for the nonprofit’s programs and speakers for community events, as well as the maintenance and upkeep of the historical buildings it owns, including Beardsley Homestead, the East Village Meeting House and the East Village-Barn Hill Schoolhouse.
“We had to replace the roof of the one-room schoolhouse about three years ago,” Mary Kellogg, secretary of the society, said of one recent expense.
The maintenance is in addition to paying for heating and other utilities.
Shopping for deals
Kellogg said shoppers at the Textile Sale can find some deals.
“We’ve marked some prices down from last year,” she said, “and we did get some new donations of fabric and yarn this year. There’s stuff for scrapbookers, knitters, crocheters and quilters. We also have a small collection of tag sale items and crafting books and patterns.”
Cardi said everything for the sale is donated.
Among the merchandise was a Baby Lock sewing machine for $25. A sign on it said, “foot needs adjustment.”
Robin Shaw, of Seymour, walked around with some items in her shopping bag Friday. Though she said the selection was larger the last time she came to the Textile Sale — before the COVID-19 pandemic — she still found materials she liked.
“Oh yeah, I found some things,” Shaw said, “and I talked my girlfriend into coming with me. She came all the way from East Hampton.”
Those interested in joining the Monroe Historical Society or in making a donation should send an email to Karen Cardi, [email protected].
