This Maine Discount Store Is A Crafter’s Goldmine For Dirt-Cheap Fabric, Yarn, And Sewing Supplies

A Maine store got famous for a slogan about regret. The line goes, “I should have bought it when I saw it,” and crafters take it very seriously.

The fabric here comes from surplus, closeouts, and liquidations. That means quilting cotton, outdoor fabric, vinyl, and felt can show up one week and vanish the next. You can’t even shop it online.

I had no idea a discount store could double as a full sewing room. Zippers, buttons, thread, crochet hooks, and upholstery foam all share the space with mattresses and work boots.

That mix caught me by surprise. A bolt of home decor fabric and a new rug could leave in the same cart.

The Fabric Department Is Where Your Budget Goes To Stretch

Bolts of fabric in every color sit waiting at Marden’s Surplus and Salvage in Lewiston. Most folks just call it Marden’s, and crafters call it a reason to clear the weekend.

The Lewiston store is one of the Marden’s locations that actually carries fabric. That matters, because not every branch has a fabric department.

Quilters and sewists in Maine know which doors to walk through.

The selection covers a lot of ground. You can find quilting and crafting cotton, home decor fabrics, outdoor fabrics, vinyl, and felt wool.

Each type opens up a different kind of project.

Fabric is sold by the yard here. There’s a half-yard minimum cut, so small projects still work.

That’s handy for pillow covers, tote bags, or test pieces before a big quilt.

The prices are the real story. Marden’s buys surplus, closeout, and overstock goods, then passes the savings along.

The store itself calls its prices shockingly low, and the business model backs that up.

Bring your project list and your measurements. Bring a little flexibility too.

The fabric you planned on might not be there, but something better could be sitting right next to it.

Notions, Buttons, And Zippers Hide In Plain Sight

Small stuff adds up fast. One trip to a regular craft store for thread, zippers, and buttons can cost more than the fabric itself.

Marden’s tackles that problem head-on. Along with fabric, the Lewiston store stocks sewing patterns, buttons, zippers, and thread.

These are the bits that turn a pile of cloth into a finished jacket or bag.

Patterns are a sneaky win. If you’re learning to sew, a cheap pattern lets you practice without feeling guilty.

Mess up the first try, and you haven’t lost much.

Buttons deserve a slow look. Surplus stock can bring in styles you might not spot elsewhere.

A fun set of buttons can make a plain cardigan look brand new.

Zippers are another smart grab. Keep a few in your stash for repairs.

Broken coat zippers never wait for a convenient moment.

Thread is the easiest thing to forget. Grab colors that match the fabric you just picked out.

Your future self will thank you at the sewing machine.

Think of this aisle as your backup supply closet. Stock it once, and your next project starts smoother.

Yarn Lovers Get Their Own Treasure Hunt Too

Knitters and crocheters, this part is for you. Marden’s carries knitting needles and crochet hooks alongside its sewing supplies.

That’s a big deal for anyone starting out. A first set of needles or hooks can feel like a pricey gamble.

At a discount store, trying a new hobby feels a lot less risky.

Experienced crafters benefit too. Needles get lost, bent, and borrowed by family members who never return them.

Having a cheap place to restock keeps projects moving.

Maine winters make a strong case for this hobby. Long, cold evenings practically beg for a scarf or blanket in progress.

A basket of yarn and a good hook can fill a lot of snowy nights.

Since inventory shifts with each shipment, the tools available will vary. One visit might bring bamboo needles.

Another might bring a full hook set.

Here’s a tip that works well. Check the craft area every time you stop in, even if you came for something else.

Pairing new tools with supplies already in your stash is half the fun.

Upholstery Projects Suddenly Look A Lot More Doable

That faded armchair in your garage just got a second chance. Marden’s sells upholstery foam, and it also carries home decor fabric and tough cordura.

Reupholstering can sound intimidating. The supplies are usually the scary part, because foam and heavy fabric aren’t cheap.

Lower prices take a lot of pressure off.

Home decor fabric is built thicker than quilting cotton. It works well for cushions, chair seats, and headboards.

It also holds up better with daily use.

Outdoor fabric opens even more doors. Porch cushions and boat seats need something that can handle weather.

Maine summers on the water make this one especially useful.

Vinyl is another option worth noticing. It wipes clean, which makes it great for kitchen chairs and kid zones.

Spills become a quick fix instead of a disaster.

Cordura is the tough guy of the bunch. It’s popular for bags and gear that take a beating.

Start small if you’re nervous. A single footstool teaches the basics fast.

After that, the couch might not seem so scary.

Blame The Shipping Truck For That Ever-Changing Inventory

Insurance losses, bankruptcies, and overstocked warehouses all feed the shelves here. Marden’s buys from salvage, closeouts, liquidations, and even natural disaster stock.

That explains why no two trips feel the same. The company says no day is the same and every store is different.

For crafters, that means the fabric wall keeps reinventing itself.

It also explains the famous slogan. “I should have bought it when I saw it at Marden’s” is a real warning, not a joke. If a print grabs your heart, it might not be there tomorrow.

Here’s how to shop smart in a place like this. Keep a running list of projects on your phone.

Note the yardage each one needs.

That way, a surprise find becomes a solved problem. You’ll know if three yards of that floral will cover your curtains.

Another tip helps a lot. Stop in often, even for quick looks.

Frequent short visits beat one giant trip, since new stock rolls in regularly.

Treat it like a treasure hunt with snacks optional. The thrill is part of the deal.

A Mail Carrier Started This Whole Bargain Empire

Back in 1964, Harold “Mickey” Marden opened the first store in Fairfield, Maine. Before that, he worked as a mail carrier for the U.S.

Postal Service.

Mickey had a talent for buying, selling, and trading. He went to auctioneer’s school and ran a small auction house in Fairfield.

That background shaped everything that followed.

Early on, prices were famously loose. The store used what was called from-the-hip pricing.

Customers made offers on the goods Mickey brought in.

His philosophy was refreshingly simple. Buy great stuff and sell it cheap.

That approach clearly worked. Marden’s grew from one Fairfield shop into 14 locations across Maine.

The Lewiston store is part of that statewide family.

Knowing the history makes the fabric hunt feel a little warmer. Every cheap bolt traces back to one guy who loved a good deal.

It’s a very Maine kind of success story. Practical, a bit quirky, and focused on helping people stretch a dollar.

Your Cart Might Leave With Way More Than Thread

Fair warning for anyone with weak willpower. The Lewiston store sells much more than craft supplies.

Shelves here hold clothing, footwear, hardware, housewares, and even food. The Lewiston location also carries furniture, mattresses, and flooring.

It’s basically a whole house in one building.

That variety can actually help your craft life. Sewing a new set of throw pillows?

You might spot a couch or rug to match while you’re there.

Hardware is surprisingly handy for makers. Many craft projects need tools, hooks, or small fixes.

Grabbing those in the same trip saves a second errand.

Housewares are useful too. Storage bins can tame a messy fabric stash.

Baskets work great for holding yarn by color.

Flooring might seem off topic, but sewing rooms need floors too. A fresh look under your sewing table can make the space feel brand new.

Just plan ahead before you go. Make a budget and stick near it.

Those low prices have a funny way of convincing you that one more thing makes total sense.

Skip The Browser And Grab Your Car Keys

Online shopping won’t help you here. Marden’s doesn’t sell its merchandise online, so every deal lives inside the store.

That makes the trip part of the fun. You’ll find this location at 750 Main St, Lewiston, ME 04240.

It’s easy to work into a day of errands around the area.

Hours are pretty friendly for busy schedules. The store opens at 9 AM and closes at 8 PM Monday through Friday.

Saturday runs from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Sunday is a little shorter. Doors open at 10 AM and close at 5 PM.

Weeknight evenings can be a great window for a post-work fabric run.

Getting there is simple, and there’s customer parking on site. That’s a relief when you’re hauling out bolts of fabric or a stack of foam.

Bring a tote or plan for cart space. Fabric gets heavy faster than you’d think.

Since stock changes so often, the website only offers a glimpse of what’s available, and the best way to explore the full selection is to visit in person.

Comfort Features Make Long Browsing Sessions Easy

Long craft hunts need a comfortable home base. The Lewiston store covers the basics so you can browse without rushing.

The building is wheelchair accessible. That’s important for shoppers who need wide, easy access to every department.

Everyone deserves a fair shot at the fabric wall.

Air conditioning keeps things pleasant in summer. Maine gets warm in July, and digging through bolts in a hot room is nobody’s idea of fun.

Cool air helps you think clearly about yardage.

Restrooms are available too. That might sound small, but it matters on a long visit.

Nobody wants to cut a treasure hunt short.

Paying is simple as well. The store accepts credit cards, so you don’t need to carry a wad of cash.

A few planning tips make the trip smoother. Wear comfy shoes, since there’s plenty of ground to cover.

Bring fabric swatches if you’re matching colors from home.

Snap photos of anything you’re unsure about. Then decide quickly, because the slogan exists for a reason.

At Marden’s, hesitation can cost you the perfect print.