Swap-O-Rama

Let’s all take a look in our closets. When is the last time you wore that pink plaid blazer or those red velvet bellbottoms? The EPA reports that we generate 16 million tons of textile waste annually, and that is just here in the United States. Approximately 700,000 tons of clothing gets exported and estimates for recycled clothing are near 2.5 million tons worldwide. These are huge numbers and it all can get a bit overwhelming, so let’s start small. 

You can begin by selecting some of your clothes that are in good shape, but just don’t bring you that much joy anymore. Bag them up and head over to the Arts Council to turn that blazer into a tunic and those bellbottoms into a fun new skirt for the spring. Swap clothing and materials with fellow attendees as you know what they say: “one’s trash is another’s treasure”.

We’ll provide some sewing machines, scissors, and limited notions to help you complete a one-of-a-kind upcycled ensemble.

This community event is part of a series of workshops led by knowledgeable instructors, ready to coach you through the DIY’d process. This Saturday afternoon session will be led by sewing-machine masters Carolina Firbas and Janak Tull.

The details:

• Beginners are welcome!
• Please bring at least five articles of clothing in good condition to the workshop. No stains or tears, broken zippers, missing buttons, etc.
• Outfits in progress must be taken with you at the end of each workshop.
• All unused clothing will be donated to the Nearly New Shop.