Re-Thread @ The ‘Shed 2026
“Park Picnic”
Support local textile reuse in Chicago by joining our quilting bee! The WasteShed is raising money for our creative reuse non-profit by hosting a community quilt fundraising bee. Help us make a scrappy quilt with 100% reclaimed textiles and support your friendly neighborhood creative reuse center in the process!
This year we’re celebrating Chicago’s patchwork of public spaces with the help of our friends at the Chicago Textile Center and the Garfield Park Conservatory!
What is Re-thread?
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What is Re-thread? *
Re-thread is the WasteShed’s and the Chicago Textile Center annual community quilting bee to raise money for the WasteShed. We invite people to participate in making a community quilt from 100% reused materials. Community members will be able to purchase quilt block packs starting June 1st at the link below!
Each quilt block will be included in a quilt that folks are invited to come quilt together at The Re-Thread Quilting Bee in August. This years bee will be hosted in August at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Join in the Bee by:
Purchasing a quilt block making pack to make a quilt square
Attending one of our free or paid events for quilt block assembly
Attending the quilting bee later this summer!
We had such a great response to last year’s Re-Thread Bee that we’re doing it again! This year’s Bee will include more quilting, additional community events, a bigger venue, and more fun!
Bee organizers Emily and Laura on WGN Spotlight talking about the Re-Thread Bee!
Timeline:
Quilt Pack Packing Volunteer Event:
May 31st, 1pm -3pm, @ The WasteShed Evanston
Volunteers will help pack quilt packs in preparation for the quilting bee!
Quilt Block Packs Sale Starts June 1st:
Donate a block to the community quilt! Each block is $50 and supports The Wasteshed’s educational programming. The quilting block pack comes with fabric, an instructional zine made by the Chicago Textile Center, and a fun bonus activity (shh! It’s a surprise!)
Quilt packs are available at both WS locations and online starting June 1st
Quilt Blocking Making Events:
Learn how to make a quilt block in-person with instructor Daliah Silver of the Chicago Textile Center during two $25 workshops in July.
Workshops are optional and NOT required to make and donate a quilt. Blocks made during the workshop will be included in the final Re-Thread quilt(s)
Quilt Blocks Due:
Quilt Blocks must be mailed to us by July 20th or submitted in person by August 1st
Re-Thread Bee in the Park on Sunday August 16th @ The Garfield Park Conservatory:
More details to come!
This event will be free and open to the public! All ages and experience levels welcome. Join us for light refreshments and some fun quilting! Making a quilt block is not required for attendance.
How it works
Step 1:
Quilt block packs will be up for sale June 1st. Click here to purchase a quilt pack.
Step 2:
Make your quilt block on your own or join us at one of our quilt block making events
Step 3:
Send in or drop off your quilt block.
Mail by July 21st or drop off by August 1st
Step 4:
Join us at the Quilting Bee to make a quilt together!
RSVP LATER THIS SUMMER
Our Partners
The Chicago Textile Center is a hub for learning, resource sharing, community development, and creative reuse, while honoring the traditions and history of textiles in the Chicagoland area.
Photos from our 2025 Quilting Bee held at The WasteShed Chicago!
Support the Bee Directly
Care about textile reuse in Chicago and want to support The WasteShed directly in addition to/instead of making a block? You can donate to the Re-Thread Bee Fundraiser at the link below!