the story of
Past + Future Craft
yesterday's treasures, tomorrow's creations
We offer affordable, sustainable sewing supplies in an organized and welcoming environment.
Every seasoned crafter knows the reality of the "stash" - the hoard of materials taking up space in our homes, pieces we loved when we saw them and just had to have. For most crafters, not every piece ends up being used. Past + Future Craft Exchange is a home for those leftover materials.
The goal is to make crafting affordable and accessible for everyone. By keeping materials out of landfills and giving makers the option to buy second-hand, we are also helping reduce the environmental impact of crafting.
it started with Common Threads
Owner Jo Bell started the business as a program of Common Threads of Maine, a nonprofit professional sewing school. When the nonprofit closed in June of 2024, she decided to keep the store going as an independent business.
a business with a mission
Past + Future is an L3C - a business structure that is a hybrid between a nonprofit and an LLC. This model means that sustainability and giving back to the community is at the heart of everything we do - without the drawbacks of forming a nonprofit organization.
We give back by offering discounts and free fabric to local sewing teachers, and donating 1% of profits to charity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get there?
Our Address is 506 Main Street, Westbrook, Maine, inside the Stockhouse Station building. The parking lot entrance is right next to the railroad crossing. We are in Suite 18, at the Main Street end of the building.
Where do I park?
There is a large parking lot behind the building, and a few spots along the railroad tracks. There’s also parking along Main Street, and a bus stop close to the building. You can enter the building from either the front or the back door. Building management will be installing bicycle parking soon!
Do you have a restroom?
Yes, there are public toilets in the building. They are locked, and gendered. You will need to borrow one of the keys hanging from the window next to the door. Go down the hallway and take a left after Owlbear’s Rest. A little further down the hall, you can find a kitchen with a water cooler to refill your water bottle.
Is the building accessible?
Yes; there are dedicated parking spaces in the lot, ramps at both entrances, and wheelchair-accessible stalls in the restrooms.
Inside the store, the aisles are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. During your visit, if there’s anything we can do to accommodate you, please let us know!
Are children welcome? How about dogs?
Kids are absolutely welcome, with supervision. We try to organize the products so that hazardous things are out of reach, but it’s not a space that’s safe for little ones to explore freely. Please keep a close eye on your kiddos when you visit.
If possible, please visit without your dog if they aren’t a service animal. If you do need to bring your pet inside, keep them on a short leash and within your control.
Is it okay if I leave this here?
Please don’t leave things on the register counter, whether they are donations or items you plan to purchase. It makes it difficult and confusing to ring up other customers. Please use a shopping basket, or leave your things on the big cutting table instead.
Is it okay if I unroll this fabric or open up this bag?
Absolutely, yes, get in there! You are encouraged to open the bag, unroll the fabric, touch the yarn, etc. If you decide against purchasing it, please leave it on the cutting table for staff to re-shelve (we’re rather particular about how things are folded 😉)
Do I have to buy the whole thing?
It depends - if the fabric is labeled with a price per yard, then please bring it to the cutting table to have a staff member cut it for you. We will not cut the fabric if less than one yard will be left over. If the fabric only has a price, then that price is for the whole piece and we won’t cut it.
For bagged yarn, if the skeins are priced individually, you can split them up. If the price is on the outside of the bag, then it’s sold as a set.
Some things are priced by weight - how does that work?
Fabric scraps, yarn scraps, quilt bundles, wool strips, loose buttons, and loose ribbons are all sold by weight. If you’d like to check how much something is going to cost, you’re welcome to set your things on the scale at the register. We will not divide up scraps or quilt bundles - please take the whole thing.
Can you help me reach this?
Absolutely, yes! Our space is limited, and we’ve crammed in as much as possible, which means some things are higher up or lower down than is comfortable to shop. Please let us know how we can help you access everything you want to look at. There are two handy stools for sitting or stepping on. Many things are in bins that you can take off the shelf and set on a surface to browse through more comfortably.
Where does all this stuff come from?
Most of it was donated by community members, and some by local businesses. The two displays in the center of the store are the only new merchandise available. All of the fabric, yarn, sewing machines, and other materials are second-hand. Pretty incredible, isn’t it??
Do you accept cash/card/apple pay? Can I have a bag?
Yes, yes, and yes! We accept most forms of payment. Cash is always preferred, but if you only have a card, that’s absolutely okay!
Yes, we offer paper handle bags for free. We re-use second-hand bags from donations whenever possible. We love it when folks drop off their extra shopping bags for us to reuse!