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The Spring Swap-O-Rama

Learning crafts and recycling clothing.

by Staff Report (April 16, 2007)

(Note: What follows is an edited version of an example of the "underground" craft movement, a "Swap-O-Rama." This type of event will give you a glimpse into the thought process of this movement � and offer a partial explanation of why sewing in general and sewing-machine sales in particular have grown more than fabric sales.)

The Spring SWAP-O-RAMA-RAMA is Here!

Earth Day Sunday April 22nd, 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

In conjunction with NYU's Earth Matters

@ New York University Eisner & Lubin Auditorium

60 Washington Square South (at Laguardia Place), 4th Floor

$10.00 plus any size bag of your unwanted clothes

Sewing Machines are supplied by Janome

http://www.swaporamarama.org.

"There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness." Gandhi

Join in the communal process of reuse and celebrate our collective creativity! You're invited to Swap-O-Rama-Rama, a giant clothing swap and series of do-it-yourself workshops in which a community explores reuse and creativity through the recycling of used clothing. Reduce textile landfill, learn to be a creator instead of a consumer, and participate in community.

At this swap expect thousands of pounds of free clothing; sewing stations operated by local designers who are there to teach you how to modify your used clothing; on-site silkscreening and DIY Stations � where you can learn unique DIY tricks: Blanka Amezuca's DIY cloth doll making, Itsi Atkins bra to handbag transformation, Jessica Delfino's make your own maxi-pads, Lina Puerta's embelishments, Lisa Cresson and Doris's fabric painting, Madeline Nelson's sock darning, Tiffany Threadgould's sock-and-mitten conversion, Megan Nicolay's 101 ways to transform a t-shirt, Gerry Visco's old fashion clothing wash, and Kae Burke's pants transformation.

Once you're inside, all your creativity materials are supplied for you.

But of course the core of the swap is the gigantic piles of free clothing sorted into categories � pants, shirts, skirts, sweaters, etc. These piles are the collective total of each guest�s contribution of one bag of unwanted clothes. Take home as much clothing as you can carry. Remainders go to a local women's shelter.

What to Bring

Clothes in season: jackets, wallets, hats, pants, shirts, skirts, shoes, gloves, belts, accessories, jewelry, sunglasses, bags, costumes, lingere, pj's, etc. Only clothes please! Do not bring books, bikes, vases, lamps, etc. If you cant wear it, don't bring it!

Quantity is not important. Come with a little or a lot, whatever you got. Swap-O-Rama-Rama is for boys, girls, men, women.

Staff Open Call: If you have a DIY trick that turns anything that was junk into a wearable, or that revives an existing wearable to give it new life, consider offering it at Swap-O-Rama-Rama by running a DIY table where you can share your skills. Or, if you're a a great sewer who'd like to help people learn to modify used clothing consider joining our sewing team. Send an email to wendy@gaiatreehouse.com to join our crew.

Why We Swap: http://gaiatreehouse.com/unbounded.htm.

Swaps in Other Cities: If you have friends in San Francisco, please pass it on that Swap-O-Rama-Rama will be at Maker Faire May 19 & 20th. Please check our city-by-city swap list for more cities hosting Swap-O-Rama-Rama's.

xxx