May Day is Coming!

You may have thought the rainy season was over. Did you put away your waterproofs? Did you dig out your open-toed footwear for the season ahead? Well, you’ll have to pull out that rain jacket again, because your presence is kindly requested…

All of a sudden there’s a lot happening! We have some new interactive events on the calendar. We are also sharing news about some exciting happenings hosted by our comrade organizations, both in town and up on the UCSC campus.


Events at the Fábrica & Around Town:

UCSC Arts + Ecology Festival:

Protest Banner Sewing Bee

Wednesday April 22, 2026

Banner sewing: 1pm – 4pm
Festival: 10am – 10pm

@ The Digital Arts Research Center, UCSC

We’ll be out at the Arts + Ecology Festival: Creative Resistance later this month with a new banner to sew. Come by and add some stitches, and check out all the other presenters, workshops, films and more.


The kids are alright!

“Fashion Teens 2026”

Friday, April 24, 2026
6:30pm – 8:30pm

@ Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz

Use this link to reserve your tickets now!

This event is organized and supported by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and the Arts Council of Santa Cruz County. The Fábrica has provided work space for teen designers and makers whose work will be shown in this stunning show. Tickets are free but they’re going quickly.


In The Streets!

“Mend in Public Day”

Saturday, April 25, 2026
11 am – 1 pm

@ Pacific Ave and Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA (in front of the old O’Neill Surf Shop)

We will host a Mend in Public Day event in Santa Cruz! Everyone is welcome!

We will have a hand-crank sewing machine and some extra supplies for embroidery or hand sewing. Bring something to mend or a hand stitching project. Bring your own foldy camp chair if you can.


First Friday Art Show:

“My Mom Would Be Proud of Me”

Embroidery by Blaize Wilkinson

Friday, May 1, 2026
6pm – 9pm

@ The Fábrica, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA

This month we will feature new works from one of our long-time collective members and dearest friends.

“My mother was a guild-certified Master Embroiderer; I am not. She died almost two years ago, and these works are not about grief, but also aren’t not about grief. They represent things I find interesting, including time, geology, archeology, human labor, and the natural world. I don’t think my mom would understand what I’m trying to do, and it’s also obscure to me, but I think she would have liked the work itself.”


Community Event:

“May Day”

Banner Printing w/ LGC

Saturday, May 2, 2026
11 am – 2 pm

@ Little Giant Collective, 115 River St South, Santa Cruz, CA

This is our annual May Day event celebrating International Workers Day. Come screen print fabric pennants with slogans celebrating labor and liberation.

This event is free and open to the public.


The Workshop is Open!

Open Hours:

Saturdays 2pm – 5pm
Sundays 3pm – 6pm
Mondays 12pm – 3pm

Please check the Hours/Calendar page for the most current information.


Support The Fábrica !

Making a recurring donation of $5 or more helps us a lot! Thank you for your support!


Miscellanea:

  • If you haven’t done so already, save this phone number in your phone: (831) 239-4289. This is who you should call if you think you’ve spotted an ICE or DHS raid in Santa Cruz County. If you want to join the network of legal observers, you can find info about YARR (Your Allied Rapid Response) trainings on their website and socials.
  • Our lovely neighbors Subrosa are a small arts venue and meeting space that hosts concerts and classes almost daily.
  • Our other neighbors The Bike Church are like the Fábrica for bikes! If you’re new to bike maintenance, check out their monthly “Intro to Bikes” workshop.
  • Check out the Free Skool Calendar.

Follow us on Instagram!

April News from The Fábrica

Here’s the latest news from your favorite local, DIY, creative re-use project. Workshops, concerts, mending as performance art? Yes. All of that and more.


Events at the Fábrica:

A concert!

“Loom Music”

with Phoebe Vlassis

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
7 pm – 9pm

@ The Fábrica

Attention weavers, music nerds, yarn fiends, and art-lovers of all kinds! We are beyond excited to be hosting Loom Music, a concert in the courtyard with musician/weaver/artist Phoebe Vlassis, who makes music with her voice, loom, and electronics.

From her website: “Phoebe is a weaver and musician from Athens, Greece, currently based in New Orleans, Louisiana. … Her most recent project connects weaving with music, using the loom as a percussive instrument.”

See a video of Phoebe’s Loom Music on Instagram and more on her website.


Community Event:

“Protest Banner Sewing Bee”

UCSC Arts + Ecology Festival

Wednesday April 22, 2026

Banner sewing: 1pm – 4pm; Festival: 10am – 10pm

@ The Digital Arts Research Center, UCSC

This Earth Day come help us create a new banner for the Protest Banner Lending Library! We’ll be out at the Arts + Ecology Festival: Creative Resistance later this month with a new banner to sew. Come by and add some stitches, and check out all the other presenters, workshops, films and more.


In The Streets!

“Mend in Public Day”

Saturday, April 25, 2026
11 am – 1 pm

@ Pacific Ave and Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA (in front of the old O’Neill Surf Shop)

We will host a Mend in Public Day event in Santa Cruz! Please join us.

We will have a hand-crank sewing machine and some extra supplies for embroidery or hand sewing. Bring something to mend or a hand stitching project. Bring your own foldy camp chair if you can.


Community Event:

“May Day”

Banner Printing w/ LGC

Saturday, May 2, 2026
11 am – 2 pm

@ Little Giant Collective, 115 River St South, Santa Cruz, CA

This is our annual May Day event celebrating International Workers Day. Come screen print fabric pennants with slogans celebrating labor and liberation.

This event is free and open to the public.


The Workshop is Open!

Open Hours:

Saturdays 2pm – 5pm
Sundays 3pm – 6pm
Mondays 12pm – 3pm

Please check the Hours/Calendar page for the most current information.


Support The Fábrica !

Are you interested in volunteering with The Fábrica? There are lots of ways you can help out around the shop or at events. If you have some free time you’d like to spend with us, fill out the volunteer interest form.

Making a recurring donation of $5 or more helps us a lot! Thank you for your support!


Miscellanea:

  • If you haven’t done so already, save this phone number in your phone: (831) 239-4289. This is who you should call if you think you’ve spotted an ICE or DHS raid in Santa Cruz County. If you want to join the network of legal observers, you can find info about YARR (Your Allied Rapid Response) trainings on their website and socials.
  • Our lovely neighbors Subrosa are a small arts venue and meeting space that hosts concerts and classes almost daily.
  • Our other neighbors The Bike Church are like the Fábrica for bikes! If you’re new to bike maintenance, check out their monthly “Intro to Bikes” workshop.
  • Check out the Free Skool Calendar.

Follow us on Instagram!

This Weekend: Art Show, Market, & Workshop

By Kai Dalgleish

This is just a reminder about all the lovely events coming up this weekend at the Fábrica. We hope you’ll join us!

Also, please think of us this year as you’re shopping for gifts or making charitable contributions. We have several holiday sales in the next few weeks where you can find homemade and sustainable gifts for friends, family, and kiddos. As always, we appreciate every contribution, no matter the size. Find more information on the Donation Page.


Events at the Fábrica:


First Friday Art Show:

“Tidelines”

Kai Dalgleish

Friday, December 5, 2025
6 pm – 9pm

@ The Fábrica, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

Kai Dalgleish is an artist and engineer who recently returned home to Santa Cruz after spending time in Oakland and Southern Oregon. Their art practice revolves around finding beauty in rust and rot, and creating immersive experiences through mixed-media storytelling. They have a deep appreciation for the cast aside, the softly decaying, the long-forgotten, and the constancy of change.

Read the full description on our Events page.


Night Market:

Holiday Bazaar & Craft Sale

Friday, December 5, 2025
6 pm – 9pm

@ Subrosa, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

We’re excited to host some local makers and vendors during the Frist Friday Art Show. This part of the even will take place in Subrosa, but we’ll have the door open between the spaces for maximum festive friendliess.

Stop by to peruse locally made jewelry and art, vintage clothing, and other crafts or grab a snack and a warm drink.


Class & Mutual Aid:

Cloth Pad-Making Workshop

w/ Campesina Womb Justice & The Fábrica

Sunday, December 7, 2025
11 am – 1pm

@ The Fábrica, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

Learn to make a set of washable cloth menstrual pads and waterproof storage pouch. Optionally, you can also create a set of pads for distribution by Campesina Womb Justice, a mutual aid project dedicated to reproductive and healing justice. You can find Campesina Womb Justice on social media @campensinawombjustice and Link Tree.

Read the full description on our Events page.


Fundraiser

Holiday Art & Gift Sale

Saturday, December 13, 2025

@ Little Giant Collective

We’ll be selling all sorts of handmade and sustainable gifts, including stuffed animals, totes and tees, zipper pouches, hankies, ornaments, and vintage clothing. More info coming soon!


The Workshop is Open!

Open Hours:

Saturdays 2pm – 5pm
Sundays 3pm – 6pm
Mondays 12pm – 3pm

CLOSED 12/23 /25 through 1/2/26 for Winter Holidays

Please check the Hours/Calendar page for the most current information.


Miscellanea:

  • Our lovely neighbors Subrosa are a small arts venue and meeting space that hosts concerts and classes almost daily.
  • Our other neighbors The Bike Church are like the Fábrica for bikes! If you’re new to bike maintenance, check out their monthly “Intro to Bikes” workshop.
  • Check out the Free Skool Calendar.

Support The Fábrica !

Are you interested in volunteering with The Fábrica? There are lots of ways you can help out around the shop or at events. If you have some free time you’d like to spend with us, fill out the volunteer interest form.

Making a recurring donation of $5 or more helps us a lot! Thank you for your support!


Follow us on Instagram!

November News

It’s getting colder and darker lately. The holiday season is upon us! It’s time for rest, sharing meals with loved ones, and finding a cozy place to knit or sew.

And yet, we are in the midst of some busy months, both at the Fábrica and in our own lives. The shop will be closed for some holidays, but we have events and classes coming up too.

Please think of us this year as you’re shopping for gifts or donating money. We have several holiday sales in the next few weeks where you can find home-made and sustainable gifts for friends, family, and kiddos. As always, we appreciate every contribution, no matter the size. Find more information on the Donation Page.


Events at the Fábrica:


First Friday Art Show:

“Tidelines”

Kai Dalgleish

Friday, December 5, 2025
6 pm – 9pm

@ The Fábrica, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

Kai Dalgleish is an artist and engineer who recently returned home to Santa Cruz after spending time in Oakland and Southern Oregon. Their art practice revolves around finding beauty in rust and rot, and creating immersive experiences through mixed-media storytelling. They have a deep appreciation for the cast aside, the softly decaying, the long-forgotten, and the constancy of change.

Read the full description on our Events page.


Fundraiser:

Holiday Night Market

Friday, December 5, 2025
6 pm – 9pm

@ Subrosa, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

We’re excited to host some local makers and vendors during the Frist Friday Art Show. This part of the even will take place in Subrosa and the courtyard, but we’ll have the door open between the spaces for maximum festive friendliess.

This will be a cozy holiday sale featuring hand-made gifts and sundries, supporting local artists and community organizations. Prints, jewelry, vintage, baked goods, herbal remedies, knit/crochet, stuffed toys, and more!


Class & Mutual Aid:

Cloth Pad-Making Workshop

w/ Campesina Womb Justice & The Fábrica

Sunday, December 7, 2025
11 am – 1pm

@ The Fábrica, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

Learn to make a set of washable cloth menstrual pads and waterproof storage pouch. Optionally, you can also create a set of pads for distribution by Campesina Womb Justice, a mutual aid project dedicated to reproductive and healing justice. You can find Campesina Womb Justice on social media @campensinawombjustice and Link Tree.

Read the full description on our Events page.


Fundraiser

Holiday Art & Gift Sale

Saturday, December 13, 2025

@ Little Giant Collective

We’ll be selling all sorts of handmade and sustainable gifts, including stuffed animals, totes and tees, zipper pouches, hankies, ornaments, and vintage clothing. More info coming soon!


The Workshop is Open!

Open Hours:

Saturdays 2pm – 5pm
Sundays 3pm – 6pm
Mondays 12pm – 3pm

CLOSED Sunday 12/2 for La Peña Alegria (BIPOC event at Subrosa)
CLOSED Saturday 11/29 and Sunday 11/30
CLOSED 12/23 /25 through 1/2/26 for Winter Holidays

Please check the Hours/Calendar page for the most current information.


Protest Banner Lending Library

We gathered a bunch of friends and comrades on Halloween to help document some of the Protest Banners. Here’s a few of the photos.


Support The Fábrica !

Are you interested in volunteering with The Fábrica? There are lots of ways you can help out around the shop or at events. If you have some free time you’d like to spend with us, fill out the volunteer interest form.

Making a recurring donation of $5 or more helps us a lot! Thank you for your support!


Miscellanea:

  • Our lovely neighbors Subrosa are a small arts venue and meeting space that hosts concerts and classes almost daily.
  • Our other neighbors The Bike Church are like the Fábrica for bikes! If you’re new to bike maintenance, check out their monthly “Intro to Bikes” workshop.
  • Check out the Free Skool Calendar.

Follow us on Instagram!

(Handmade) Spooky Season w/ The Fábrica

Hi everyone! Happy Spooky Season to all who celebrate. We’ve been very, very busy during open hours at the workshop lately. Lots of friendly new faces are showing up to look for costume-making supplies! There are a few more days to come in for supplies before the big day! Of course, big day = Halloween! Stop by this weekend: Saturday, Sunday, or Monday for costume supplies & support!

As you know, the Fábrica is a community project run by a collective of volunteers and supported logistically and financially by its users. That means you! And us! As always, thank you for subscribing and for supporting us. Please share this newsletter with anyone you know who might enjoy spending time at The Fábrica or hearing about what’s going on in the Santa Cruz fabric arts scene.


The Workshop is Open!

Open Hours:

Saturdays 2pm – 5pm
Sundays 3pm – 6pm
Mondays 12pm – 3pm

CLOSED Sunday 11/2 for La Peña Alegria (BIPOC event at Subrosa)
CLOSED Saturday 11/29 and Sunday 11/30

Please check the Hours/Calendar page for the most current information.


Events at the Fábrica:

Halloween x Aulinta

Banner Procession

Friday, October 31, 2025

Meet at 5:15pm @ The Fábrica
Procession at 5:45pm Pacific Avenue

2023 Halloween

Join us for a spooky parade through Downtown Santa Cruz on Halloween night. The streets will be closed for trick-or-treat, so we will have a silly, small, low-key parade to show off the protest banners and mingle with the spirits. There’s more info on the Events page.


First Friday Art Show:

“Leaky Bodies, Vadose Zones”

Joy Schendledecker, Ann Altstatt, and Avi Conant

Friday, November 7, 2025
6 pm – 9pm

@ The Fábrica, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

At the heart of the project is fluorite: a cosmic mineral refined into PFAS, the toxic “forever chemicals” now found in soil, water, fungi, plants, animals, dust, rain, snow—in everything, everywhere.

Through textiles, mixed media, collage, found objects, specimens, field stations, and visual poetics, this work invites you into an electrical ecology of tears, spores, and signals—where healing metabolizes through sympoesis, seeping, recombining, and remembering.

Read the full description on our Events page.


YARR: Documentation and Resistance in Solidarity with our Immigrant Neighbors

Last month we helped Your Area Rapid Response (YARR) to design and create an adorable, durable, and purposeful fabric banner.

Now more than ever, it’s a great time to connect with YARR to see how you can stay informed and lend support to our immigrant neighbors. You can find more info on their website.

We highly recommend saving their number in your phone so you can report an ICE raid or other incident that merits legal observers. You can also join their email list or sign up for a legal observer training.


Support The Fábrica !

Are you interested in volunteering with The Fábrica? There are lots of ways you can help out around the shop or at events. If you have some free time you’d like to spend with us, fill out the volunteer interest form.

Making a recurring donation of $5 or more helps us a lot! Thank you for your support!


Textile Arts Events Around Santa Cruz:

Socialist Stitch & Bitch w/ DSA

Every third Saturday, 2 – 4pm

@ Lúpulo
233 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz

This event is organized my our comrades at the Santa Cruz chapter of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).


Miscellanea:

  • Our lovely neighbors Subrosa are a small arts venue and meeting space that hosts concerts and classes almost daily.
  • Our other neighbors The Bike Church are like the Fábrica for bikes! If you’re new to bike maintenance, check out their monthly “Intro to Bikes” workshop.
  • Check out the Free Skool Calendar.

Follow us on Instagram!