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FAQ: Bring it in, repurpose or donate?

I’ve heard great things about Upcycle Newcastle, where are you and when are you open?

We are in the creative heart of Newcastle, the 50 Clyde Street Precinct. A map and our opening hours can be found here.

I have some things to donate, do you want them?

Upcycle Newcastle accepts a changing list of donations, dependent on the season, demand and turnover of stock. While we appreciate the effort that it takes for people to donate, due to limited storage facilities, please check ahead of time before donating.

Upcycle Newcastle is not currently accepting donations (please do not leave things at the front door).

Where else can I send my donations?

The Makers Place in Anzac Parade, Teralba, which is an incredible resource for creators, and regularly takes a diverse range of donations (although give them a call first if you are not sure) as they only accept donations at certain times.

Rewearing and Repairing, what’s the point?

Extending the life of your clothes is easy. Simply increase the number of times you wear your clothing items, and repair when needed. Many clothes with holes, points of wear and damage can be fixed using different techniques. These life skills can be learnt and shared, and we’ve got workshops for this! Can’t get to a workshop? Bring it along to a local Repair Café which currently runs first Saturday of every second month. This service is free, please check our social media pages for details.

Clothing, can I get something fixed or altered?

Yes possibly. Bring your clothing items in and our team will let you know how they can be fixed and how long it is likely to take. Alternatively, come and see us at the next local Repair Café (see previous question). 

I don’t sew, does Upcycle have any workshops and classes for me?

Yes! Not quite ready to get behind the wheel of a sewing machine? No worries, we have workshops and classes that teach hand stitching techniques, finger crocheted rag rugs and macrame.
Or come to one of our beginning sewing classes, where we make sense of all those bobbins, threads, pedals and dials. If you haven’t sewn before or need a refresher as it’s been a while, this is where to start. We will cover everything you need to know to get you started on your creative sewing journey.

Do you take unused sewing machines and overlockers?

If they are fully working and have recently been serviced, we would love to see what you have; but please give us a call first, as we prioritise some brands.

I’ve got an old sewing machine that doesn’t work and I’m not sure what to do with it.  

Check in with your local metal recyclers.

Do you take random things that I’ve inherited and are tricky to rehome?

Probably not. You can always check with us though.

Do you sell things besides sewing items at Upcycle Newcastle?

We have an ever-changing array of upcycled products for sale including bags, hats, homewares and clothes, along with our regular stock of $2 jeans and $1 T-shirts. Some items are available both instore and online, and some only in store.

What is the Upcycled Jeans Guarantee?

If you have bought one of our one-of-a-kind upcycled jeans it comes with a guarantee. Upcycle Newcastle is known for creating one offs that dare to be different and we want to ensure that continues. If you have just bought one of our pairs of upcycled jeans, not only are you buying an excellent pair of jeans, but you are also buying into the circular economy. If a hole or wear and tear pops up we, we would love to fix that for you, in the same way the upcycled jeans were created, with some upcycled pizzazz! Don’t want those jeans anymore? Bring them back in to us.

I’ve heard volunteering at Upcycle is rewarding and I would love to know more.

Along with the community benefits, research shows volunteering is associated with higher levels of happiness and better mental health and wellbeing. If you would like to join us and volunteer some time, we would love to hear from you.

I love the work you are doing; can I donate cash to your registered charity?

Sure can, it's tax deductible, and you can do so by donating cash here.

I am involved in a group that would love to do a workshop with Upcycle Newcastle, is that something you can do?

We offer a range of workshops for groups and organisations, both in our premises and off site. Please email us with your request and we will aim to meet your group's needs!

Phone: 0493 026 704 (opening hours)