Thrift shops have always been a great recycling resource. Now the Chicken Alley Thrift Shop in Vineyard Haven is upping the ante through upcycling options. This winter, thrift shop employee Anna Marie D’Addarie will lead a series of crafting classes which will utilize useless items.
“The series was intended to recycle, renew, and reuse items that would otherwise be discarded,” Ms. D’Addarie said. “It’s not simply that we’re upcycling. We’re upcycling the stuff that would be thrown away.”
For example, for the first craft class, Islanders will learn how to make a dog (or cat) bed from old sweaters. “I don’t want to use something that I could sell or someone could use,” Ms. D’Addarie said. Luckily, the thrift shop has a stash of worn-out sweaters rescued from the dump.
“People donate things in good faith,” Ms. D’Addarie said. “But sometimes they’re things we would have to pay to dispose of.” The staff discourages donations of damaged or otherwise unusable items but, unfortunately, some slip through unnoticed. Those items end up as an expense for the nonprofit that is run by — and benefits — Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS).
You don’t need any skills or experience to participate in the crafting classes. “It’s the simplest thing,” Ms. D’Addarie said of the “Make a Pet Bed” class. “They’re going to be using a big tapestry needle and big fat yarn to do some very easy sewing.”
Furthermore, all of the supplies are provided. “They don’t need to bring anything,” Ms. D’Addarie said. “They do need to sign up, though. I want to prepare.” There are only eight spaces for the first crafting class. Printed instructions will also be available at the thrift shop for those who can’t attend but would like to try the craft on their own.
In future classes, people will learn to turn T shirts into grocery tote bags, use old books and scraps of fabric to create greeting cards, make aprons from discarded shirts, and recycle sheets into rag rugs using old picture frames as looms.
Some of these projects are of Ms. D’Addarie’s own design, others she has found on the Internet or elsewhere. A confirmed crafter herself, Ms. D’Addarie has completed all of the featured projects at one time or another. “I made the bed for my cat two years ago and it’s all he sleeps in,” she said.
Ms. D’Addarie teaches knitting, spinning, and weaving on-Island. In a former life, she worked in the theater, making costumes and doing other handiwork. She’s also a seasoned actress, who has made a few appearances in Vineyard productions.
Ms. D’Addarie started sewing her own clothes as a young girl. “My mother taught us the value of using your hands,” she said.
“I like to give people the skills to do things for themselves. I like to teach. It’s such a nice experience when people finish making something. They get such a feeling of satisfaction,” Ms. D’Addarie said. “This is doubly nice because we’re using things that are trash.”
It’s not surprising that Ms. D’Addairie has brought her talents and dedication to recycling to the thrift shop. In her previous position at the Oak Bluffs Library, she led a class in recycled cards, hosted a yarn and fabric exchange, and created many of the library’s decorations from cleverly designed recycled books.
Since joining the thrift shop staff, Ms. D’Addairie has already managed to introduce some new ideas. Last fall, she led an ugly sweater craft project.
“I would like to do little craft things that I could put together for kids around the holidays,” she said. “Just a little something so they can come in here and play.”
For the past few years, the thrift shop has endeavored to involve the community in unique and all-inclusive ways. “We are trying to utilize the space that’s heated in the wintertime for the community to use in ways other than as a retail space,” thrift shop manager Sandy Pratt said. “I think it’s in keeping with the mission of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.”
MVCS is comprised of seven core programs which provide necessary human services to Islanders. “There are people who need to get warm in the morning,” Ms. Pratt said. “At least they can come in, and somebody’s here and the heat’s blasting. Along with that mission, we’re trying to expand the use of the building and resources. Who knows where that’s going to take us?”
“Make A Pet Bed” class, MVCS Chicken Alley Thrift Shop. Sunday, Jan. 24, 2 to 4 pm. $5 materials fee. For more information or to sign up for the first class, visit the Thrift Shop on Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven, call 508-693-2278, or email chickenalleythriftshop@gmail.com.