Ragfinery, a new “jobs from waste” training business operated by the nonprofit ReUse Works, will host a grand-opening event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, at 1421 N. Forest St. in downtown Bellingham.

The 4,000-square-foot facility will allow low-income worker trainees to collaborate with local artists and textile designers to re-purpose donated clothing. The nonprofit business will sell products made from used textiles, as well as fabric supplies for artists and craft hobbyists.

Ragfinery also plans to host workshops and classes for people interested in sewing, cutting and weaving with recycled textiles.

The business will be the second job-skill training program run by ReUse Works, which also operates Appliance Depot in Bellingham.

The grand-opening event will feature a silent auction of re-purposed textile works, tours of the facility, a variety of fabrics for sale and refreshments.

Kathy Lehman, president of the Bellingham City Council; Kelly Hart, executive director of Allied Arts; and Seth Vedana, campus sustainability manager at Western Washington University, will join April Claxton, president of ReUse Works’ board of directors, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.