2010 Frugal Fest & Summer Swap

Swap, Los Angeles, Swap.

( If you want to skip my rambling complaint’s about the lack of big swap events in So Cal and cut to the meat of this post - look down to the part about the 2010 Frugal Fe$t & Swap)

Did you know that there is a busy and thriving swapping community in San Francisco? Northern California in general has a lot more swap activity than we do here in Southern California.

Another big place for swapping --- England.   Lots and lots of swaps, or "swish" events - as they call them. And Canada- lot’s of Canadian swapping going on.

You can also find swaps in Australia, Scotland and  Ireland.

And in the US there are on-going events popping up in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as areas in Arizona, Texas, Nevada, Washington and Oregon.  It’s happening all over the place.

Swapping has been around forever , since the beginning of time. Smaller private groups or community gatherings have brought people together to exchange clothes and cookies - and that’s great.

But I’m talking about big swaps, with a lot of people and a lot of stuff - big selection. Social events with swapping as a big part of the theme, but there may also be other activities. Or - specialized swaps, with on-going events catering to specific groups or styles or activities. Like Plus Sizes or Crafting or Sports Equipment or the Metro sexual Man.  There seems to be a bit more effort around Childrens Swaps - and that’s good. At least there is that. But what about the rest ofus?

There are a few businesses' that have popped up to promote regular on-going swaps , but the *regular* part of it hasn’t been so regular(in So Cal)  I think there is only ONE that’s based in Southern California - Pandora’s Closet Swap Shop, but I don’t know WHEN they last had an event. ( If I am wrong - if there are any other SoCal Based groups or organizations promoting regular swaps in the area PLEASE let me know).

So want happened to all the LA natives living Green? Why don’t they represent?  It seems there should be a much larger swapping community in Southern California, with large reoccurring swap events all over the place - from the Valley to the City to Orange County and beyond.

Enter : the 2010 Frugal Fest & Summer Swap.  This is exciting.

Brief background. Local blogger www.BargainBabe.com  gives tips and tricks relating to all things budget friendly in Southern California - and the world.   Bargain Babe hooks us up with the Frugal Fe$tival  last summer , agreat little event celebrating all things budget friendly - including a SWAP. 

The Frugal Fe$t is BACK , bigger and better , and the Bargain Babe has teamed up with the gal’s at The Swapaholics to make this the biggest , bestist swap we’ve seen in this area! This event is family friendly, budget friendly, eco-friendly -and - dare I say, I’ll bet its even hipster friendly! 

This is a low cost , well organized , well publicized , sponsored large swap event. There will be free prizes. There will be other stuff worthy of the spotlight of an event entitled Frugal Fe$tival; and     *hopefully* -- this will become a regular thing. An annual event - at the very least. How cool is that!

The Frugal Fe$tival and Summer Swap is Saturday, June 19th in North Hollywood.

For event details - look at our calendar listing HERE.

For more information about The Frugal Fe$tival - see the website at frugalfestival.wordpress.com

For more great tips about squeezing the most out of your budget - visit the Bargain Babe at: www.bargainbabe.com

And to get your swap fix - you can try The Swapaholics and their Swap Sheet listings of swaps - everywhere ! at theswapaholics.com

Swapping is really gaining in popularity – and new fun ways to swap are popping up every day!  A great new option for families with children is Peace Love Swap.

This swap was founded by Meg Franz in Grass Valley, Ca.  The mother of 3 noticed the same thing a lot of mothers do – she had a lot of items her children had grown out of that were in perfectly good condition. Kids grow out of their clothing and toys at a fast rate –and you are left with items you don’t need any more. A lot of these things are in great shape and really shouldn’t be thrown away just because your kids no longer have a use for them.

 – You also have to keep up with the demands of growing children by getting them clothing for their new size and toys or activities to stimulate their growing minds… this can be costly.

A lot of families hand down items from older siblings to younger … that can help stretch the budget and help get full use out of things you spend your hard-earned money on. The only problem with this – is that you may not have children in the right age range to hand down to --- or your older girl’s clothes can’t be used for her younger brother. 

Another problem is that children might complain about getting their older brother or sister’s hand-me-downs… even if they are in perfectly good condition. Having seen the older sibling use the items, or even just knowing the item was originally purchased for someone else (even if it was never used!) may make the younger child feel they have nothing of their own –all their “stuff” is from someone else.

Herein lays the genius of swapping! Especially when it comes to families with children. With swapping – you take those items that are in good shape and have a lot of life left in them , and pass them on to others who can use them. At the same time – you are able to get new (to you) items for your children without busting your budget. 

It’s like taking the concept of hand-me-down, and extending it to the greater community – you are now tapping into the resources of multiple families, and it benefits everyone!  With a greater pool of people to swap with – you have access to a greater variety of items, which means you can now account for different likes and styles for your children rather than having to rely on the hope that what works for your older child will equally work for your younger child. 

If your children are spaced out in age enough to make it difficult for the younger child to use the older kids cast offs, or if you have a girl who has no need for items passed on from older boys…or if you have one child – this solves all those dilemmas and allows you to swap for many of the things you need for your children, instead of having to shop for them all.

Swapping will also benefit the children. These items are coming into your home for the first time for that child you got them for – so they will really feel like these things are their own. You will also be able to help your child develop their own sense of style and tailor your choices to their likes – rather than obliging them to use or wear things that they would never select for themselves – simply because they are still in good condition. 

Peace Love Swap has taken this truly useful strategy and turned it into a fun family event where the children can be included --- or they can play with other kids while you search through the swap stuff.

Oh – and, did you get that swapping is about recycling? It’s good for the planet. You keep items out of landfills and extend their use… thus potentially reducing the need to manufacture as many new items (and eliminating the taking of natural resources and pollution caused in said manufacturing of new items)!

So – pass on your gently used items to others who need them….extend their life and help the environment…. save some money and get something new (to you) for free ….. and pass on a cleaner world to your children in the process.  How’s that for a bargain!

Meg and Elle Beyer - her swap organizer / partner, are on a mission to keep gently used baby, kid and maternity items out of our landfills, and to donate to local charities by producing fun, affordable, family  friendly swaps on a regular basis.

Check their website for more information and event listings:

peaceloveswap.com

Join us at the PeaceLoveSwap event on June 11th in Arcadia CA

See the calendar listing or event page for more details!

Helping Neighbors Swap on May 1, 2010

- In Westminister, CA

Event Starts 12:00 noon

Since This Swap is at a Private Home - You Need to RSVP To Get The Address

You Can RSVP With a YES or a MAYBE and you will be emailed the address.

Just Reply to this Blog Post ( comment) 

with a [YES]  or  [MAYBE] and your Name

You Must Be A Member - So Sign Up if you are Not (It's Free) and RSVP.

You are welcome to bring people with you - they do not need to RSVP

BUT - HELP US GROW THIS SITE - Have your friends Sign Up / Become a Member - and RSVP

- While You Are Here... add a comment about this swap / event - any suggestions? Any requests? Any ideas about how to make this more fun or sucessfull? Let Us Know!

Give+Take Swap Boutique in Playa Del Rey, CA (that’s only few minutes out of LA) is a Permanent Clothes Swap Party with a large selection anda host with a discerning eye for the best fashion trades.

PLEASE NOTE – This Swap Boutique Accepts only High-End / Pricey/ Designer Items to Swap… Bring only your Best items --- and have access to the Best Items Available to Swap! 

Dora ( the friendly, fashionable and fabulous proprietor)has taken the concept of the clothes swap to the Next Level, with an actualbricks and mortar - permanent location for an on-going fashion swap.  It’s like a Swapping Store - but you don’thave to buy anything. 

You bring in your nicest unused fashion items to swap - and you are awarded points /or credit - based on the value of what you bring in. You then get to spend your credits on anything in the store.

There is a main room with most of the swap fashions, including the high end and designer stuff. A one-for-one trade room which is more like an equal exchange  [item for item] for things that are nice but not so high end.

There is even a FREE swap area with stuff that you can just take.

( And I saw some nice things in the Free Swap area - it’s not junk.)

There is a monthly membership fee to swap which is $20.00--- but that is MORE THAN FAIR - Because she’s got to pay the Rent!  In exchange, you get to be part of a great club which lets you step into the closet’s of all your new girlfriends ( the other members) ---and you get a great place to swap in with dressing rooms and a wonderful host to keep it all organized and fair.

I think this boutique is the FIRST of its kind. It’s not like a consignment store where you get only a (relatively small) portion of thevalue of things you bring in - and the store gets the rest.

This Fashion Boutique doesn’t take a commission from theswaps - so it really is more of an equal trade. And you can swap as much as you want.  You can choose to swap one month andthen come again a few months later, or do it every month.  If you don’t find something you like  you keep your points and come back. You can bring in a number of lower credit items and trade up to one special designer piece --- or you can trade in that designer gown you wore once (and will not wear again) , and get a few new great outfits for it!

A lot of items still have the tags on them , and you can tell they have not been worn. Others look new and unworn even without the tags.  There are also items that havebeen worn - but they are in great shape and not like used items at all.

It’s not like a thrift store ( which I’m not knocking) ,it’s more like a good friend’s closet out on loan to you - a friend with great taste, designer and hardly worn stuff you get to tap into!

This Boutique is still new - so there is a limited selection of sizes right now. There aren’t many larger sizes or plus size items. ( Well- there are a few now - I took some in!) But as it grows and increases in membership, the potential is awesome. 

If you love to shop- or to switch up your look and change your wardrobe...if you get bored of wearing the same ‘ole thing- this boutique will be your new best friend.

Think of it - you can constantly swap your wardrobe and refresh it. You can swoop in and score a beautiful gown for a special event - and then swap it back after the event for more fabulous fashions!

And  if the shopping bug still bites you , you now have a wonderful solution to those lapses in judgment you can not return. You can swap them.

Everyone has things they are holding on to because they are Valuable - but you don’t wear them --- you might not even LIKE them. They may look TERRIBLE on you or just not be your style or size.

You might have some high end items that you Just HAD To Get because they were a STEAL! (Like that new little Coach bag I found on super double discount clearance after the holidays for $25.00! The original price was $160.00. I couldn’t pass that up! --- But I never used it. I have my favorites, and it’s never made it into the rotation - so it’s just sitting there. Unused.) 

NOW you can get credit for the full retail value of those unused  lonely items - and trade them for something you WILL use! (And if you don’t , you can trade THAT again!).

This is also a great way to get a bit more adventurous with your style and try on some new things you might not be willing to pay cash for because it’s a little out of your comfort zone. It’s a RISK FREE way to try out new styles!

This place is SO COOL! But it’s only going to work if WE ALL work together to keep it going and give it our support. 

So here is what you need to do:

1)      Get together your BEST fashion items - make sure they are all clean and in great condition. Bring them in and become a Member.

* Bring Clothes, Shoes, Bags,Belts, Jewelry - any fashion accessories. Bring it ALL.

2)      Tell all your friends about it and tell them to do the same. Tell your family - tell strangers. Put together your own little list of swappers who share your size or style and encourage the WHOLE GROUP to join.

3)      Keep going back, and keep up on your membership. If you have to skip a month or more - go back when you can. If you can stay a constant member and swap every month - do that.

4)      Help get the word out in any way you can - promote the place. Tell people about it. Put up flyers on public billboards. Talk about it on line. Ask Dora for some cards or promo materials to hand out or to leave out at places that let you.  Advertise it for us all so that it stays open and grows.  As it gets bigger - it will only get better - and it’s already pretty damn good!

5)      If you run out of things to swap , or if you don’t have many to start with ---raid the closet of your aunt / grandmother / friend... Offer to help people organize their closets or homes in exchange for some item’s you can take to swap.  Help people with garage sales or moving in exchange for getting some items to swap!  You don’t need to swap your own stuff - if you get your hot little hands on anything that is a great fashion find but it doesn’t fit you or it’s not your style ---- even if you get a designer item that you think is UGLY but it IS a high end piece...you can bringit in to SWAP IT! SO - be on the hunt for new swap stuff to keep it going... Swap your Skills for Fashions to Swap!

>Oh - and while you are at it - put aside everything else you have to swap that is not appropriate for the Fashion Swap Boutique and bring it to an HP Swap Party ( Or Host an HP Swap Party !) --- And you might as well let people know about US TOO - while you are telling them about The Boutique. Life can not be lived on designer clothing alone - so help us swap our target duds ( lot’s of those are pretty cool) or books, games, household items, kids clothes , sports equipment.... With HP Swap. Ask for some of our Postcards or Cards to hand out too. Help us grow.

SPECIAL  SWAP DEAL ! Right Now - you can join and swap in February at the Give+Take Fashion Swap Boutique for FREE!

The membership fee is waived. So now is a great time to check it out and get started.  Bring 5 to 10 of your Best swap fashions and give it a try. Bring some friend’s with you and have them do the same.

Where:

200 Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey CA 90293

Upstairs, above Tanner’s Coffee 

- There is a parking lot on Culver - go up the stairs at the back of the building to the top floor from the parking lot to get to the boutique.

Phone: 310-482-3398

Email: giveplustake@yahoo.com

Website: http://giveplustake.com/ 

Swap Hours:

Saturday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Monday through Friday:

Wardrobe Consultations and Swap Parties byAppointment Only.

This is not an event hosted by HPSwap - so it doesn't have its own page....but we wanted you to know about it.

ClothesSwap Details!

Here are the details for theupcoming clothes swap for Los Angeles:

Public Transportation: Either take the Yellow/Gold Line tothe Pico Aliso station or the Metro Bus Local Line 31 to Mission/1st Street.

$10 donation for food catering. Catering service TBD (please give suggestionsby all means).

Clothing racks and hangers are available on a first come, first serve basis.Tables and clothing racks are provided.

Items chosen must be tried on to be seen as acceptable unless the donor deemsit unnecessary. If it doesn't fit, it can go to the next person. Choices are ona first come first serve basis unless the item doesn't fit or the first personto choose it decides they don't like it.

Please keep "like new or just bought" items separate from"gently worn" items. If you want something to be donated, please putit in the donation boxes before the swap begins. You have the ability to donateonce more after the swap.

"Gently worn" items can be freely swapped. "Like new or justbought" items are one for one unless the donor deems it unnecessary.

See the Website for All Details : CLICK HERE

On Line Clothes Swap Service – thredUp is launching thredUp Kids, and they are extending an invitation to HPSwap Members to become Founding Members of the new site and get the first swap for FREE!

Here is the invitation:

thredUp is an online kids clothing exchange community for parents.  They are offering HPSwap members an exclusive invite to become founding members of  thredUP kids.

With thredUP moms can easily exchange clothes that no longer fit their children for items that will.  List gently used clothes online, tell us what youare looking for (brands,sizes, gender etc), and we'll make the match. It's all done through pre-paid mail and home delivery.  Think Netflix meets kids consignment.  Affordable,fast, easy and fun!

We are launching the service in February.  The 1st 1,000 thredUP Kids members get the first swap for free!  (a $20 value).

To get in on this – you need to use this link to signup:  (CLICK HERE),

HPSwap members will have a chance to swap their first boxf or free.  First 1,000 founding members get their first swap for free.  If you’re getting to this late and  you don't make the 1,000 founding member cut –they will offer a 50% discount and allow you to swap their first box for only $10.  But this offer won’t last – once the service is up and running … this offer is over – so JUMP on this NOW.

Oh – and the original thredUp site is worth a mention  as well ---

thredUp is an on-line Clothing Swap Community and Service –where members take their quality swap items and exchange them with others by mail.  Here is how it works:

1)      Members give thredUp information about their size / style / brands / and fashion preferences… they also give descriptions of the items they have to swap ( photo’s are not necessary.)

2)      thredUp takes the member information and swap item information and uses it to set up matches of Members to particular swaps.

3)      Members are instructed where to send their swap items (via the pre-paid envelope they purchase from thredUp)--- and they will receive an item by mail from a thredUpmember in return.

If you love getting a surprise in the mail – and you love to swap – and you love to recycle…this service sounds like a lot of fun.  It’s like having your own personal stylist pick out items for you to replace those things you have that are great items –but just not for you.  This service is only for your best swap items – what HPSwap calls “top swap” stuff.  To find out more about thredUp go straight to the source at : thredUp.com

HPSwap members that sign up and try it out – give us a shout and let us know how it goes…. Add a comment to this post or write a review and post it yourself.  If you do – we will add your name to the drawing for a TOP SWAP ticket at the next HPSwap event!

P.S…. if you aren’t an HPSwap member you can still use the link to try and get in on the deal – but RIGHT AFTER you do that you should go to  hpswap.com and sign up (register)right away….. You Really Should.  You canuse this link to go straight to the sign up page:   SIGN UP HERE

Alternative  Fashion &  Swap   --- SHOP and SWAP HOUSE PARTY!

Clothing Exchange / Art Showing / House Party 

  -i recycle clothes-- cut up old things and make dresses,aprons, bandanas, purses, backpacks, skirts, tote bags, etc.  Mawed says: Re-Use! Re-Cycle! You design your world. Makethe choice.

Reconstructed clothing is used or vintage clothing that has been redesigned and resewn  into a new garment  -  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Call it Recycled or Restyled Fashion, Altered Fashion…Dismantled, Deconstructed or Reconstructed Fashion. Other names include Reused, Refashioned, Worn Again, Reworn, Reworked, Remade, Restyled or Reclaimed.

It’s a fashion trend that has been labled Eco Couture / Cast-Off Couture or Trashion.  It’s SUSTAINABLE STYLE – and it makes a statement.

The general idea is taking something previously used or worn– including something that might be thrown away … and creating something new and fabulous.  It’s not just about recycling  - it’s also about style.  It’s been described as Upcycling – as in “ plain old sweater ‘upcycled’ to a covet worthy new scarf or bag.”    There is even a Reconstructing Clothes for Dummies book!

So – while Swapping is a great way to recycle clothes and fashion (re-using items, extending their life and keeping them from a landfill.)  Another great way to recycle clothes and fashion is to reuse them or their parts and materials to make NEW fashion. 

It’s a great way to reclaim vintage fabrics and findings, buttons and trim.   A used formal dress can be transformed into a new one of a kind accent pillow. An old pair of jeans turned into a skirt or bag. Fabric scraps can be combined and used to make a new quilt.  Even worn or damaged clothing or fashion items can be taken apart and reused.   It helps to avoid the use  of  raw materials and energy needed to produce a new item or it’s components, and helps prevent waste or negative by-products that go along with that production.

This is exactly what Los Angeles Based Designer Mawed does to produce her one of a kind versatile fashions.  Her line includes adorable adjustable fit wrap skirts, purses and backpacks , hankerchiefs – all made from recycled fashions.  --And the designs are not ho-hum…each piece is a little work of art, like a collage of memories put together into a new idea.  Some of the pieces are themed or have quirky and cute names – like Practical Rooster PatchSkirt or Dark Love Bandana.

Mawed’s “Ol’ Lady Purse” has the feel of a classic tapestry fabric bag, but it’s put together in a modern casual way.

Description: this purse is made from recycled fabrics,  it has two internal pockets and a flapclosure which can be left out or tucked in.  Decorative light pink stitching detail with raw edges.   The interior is made from soft tee shirt cotton.   Measurements are roughly 12" x 9"

Some of the pieces literally make a statement, like theApathy is the Enemy Wrap Skirt or the Recycled Skirt.

 

Her Wine Jungle Wrap Skirt is fun with it’s frayed edge waistband, contrast stitching and jungle scene patch.

 

The Pink People Wrap Skirt is a soft and girly collage of pastel fabric paterns and shapes – young and cute.

 

Want to claim one for yourself?   Mawed host’s Open House Parties where you can pick up one of these treasures.  She also includes a “swap” aspect to these gaterings – where guests bring items to swap for free …. And something that’s left in the swap bin may find it’s way into Mawed’s work and be reincarnated into a future fashion-art find!

If you can’t make it to a party  - or you can’t wait to get your hands on this stuff – you can do it now at her etsy shop :

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mawed 

 

But you should really try to come  and see what it’s all about for yourself – in person. Meet the artist. Mingle with others. Participate in the recycling fashion world ( even if all you can do ist ake a *new piece of Mawed’s work – and leave some clothes for the swap or for future creations.)

 

Here’s the Low Down:

Home Made ReCycled Clothes for bargain prices! 

Everything is for sale, and at LOW prices. Most things are adjustable and made to fit any size. 

The holidays are coming up and there a lot of good little things for gift giving.

Available- homemade aprons, skirts, dresses, purses,backpacks, dishtowels,

tote bags, belts, bandannas, scarves, hot pads, wine bags, wood and yarn jewelry.

Also- please bring any clothes, purses, fabrics, threads that you are disposing of and throw them in the FREE bin.  The bin is already overflowing because some of my girlfriends have dropped off full bags of really cute stuff.  This way anyone who attends might be able to pick something up without spending any money.

It's like a Clothing Exchange / Art Showing / House Party  - and its a lot of fun.

I will also have food and drinks available, and we are often playing cards or other games too. 

Doors open at 12 o' clock noon and the event goes through about sundown. Anyone and everyone are welcome, bring your children or your parents, your co-workers,neighbors, strangers…

I have these parties about once a month.

The next event will be on Sunday, December 13thfrom 12 noon through 8 pm.

Location: 11452 Killion Street, North Hollywood, CA 91601 

 

If you have any questions for Mawed – she’s a member at the House Party Swap n Shop Website– you can send her a message there.

Here is a link to her profile:

MAWEDs HPSwap PROFILE

 

 

Facebook group Los Angeles Women Clothing Swap - Swap 'n' Style Party holds regular on-going swap events in the Los Angeles area.

Check out the group page for more information and to see photos from past events:

CHECK OUT THE GROUP PAGE HERE

The group is organized by Photographer/ Entrepreneur and Social Networker Extraordinaire and Renaissance Woman / Facebook Member Moriah Diamond.

Moriah hosts the events in her own space  and the events can last days. She encourages drop off of items ahead of time to allow for set up of the swap items. She sets a date (sometimes two days) and time slot for the event  but allows people to drop in the following days to replenish the swap and go through items they may have missed their first time around.

The swapping is not limited to clothing and wearables  but includes household items and decor and other items.

This months event is set for Wednesday, September 9th from 6pm to 9pm. Moriah is hosting this event at her photo studio Om Photography in Los Angeles. Check Out the Event Page for all the details at:

CHECK OUT THE EVENT PAGE HERE

OH  and while you are there on Facebook Become of the House Party Swap n Shop page at :

SEE THE HPSWAP FACEBOOK PAGE HERE

And Friend Me. My Facebook page: SEE THE HPSWAP FACEBOOK PROFILE PAGE HERE

Swap O Rama Rama founder Wendy Tremayne with http://www.hiplinemedia.com/ sent out a call for Help to Vote for Swap O Rama to win a Grant to Keep On Swapping.

Here it is:

 Wendy Tremayne, the founder of SWAP-O-RAMA-RAMA is up for a $10,000 grant that will be used to provide events like ours with advertising, supplies and personalized sewing labels. Please read her message, below and VOTE!

Swap O Rama Rama

Founder Wendy Tremayne

Grant for Change Nominee

In the 5 years since Swap-O-Rama-Rama began we've produced 100 events and they now take place on most continents in the world including Istanbul, Jerusalem, Perth Australia, Argentina, Panama and all over Europe.

Who could have anticipated this!?

As many of you probably know Swap operates as a non-profit creative commons so that it can be kept free to all and also protected from corporate greenwashing. We've gone to battle with Toyota (they tried to green wash with it) and turned down $100,000.00 from companies wishing to do the same. As such Swap-O-Rama-Rama has been my "hobby" never providing any income or funds to pay for itself.

Today Swap-O-Rama-Rama is a nominee for a Grant For Change in the amount of $10,000.00. This grant would be life changing should Swap-O-Rama-Rama win it. The process is largely vote based and I'm currently in 3rd place with 29 days to catch up and take the lead. For this I NEED YOUR HELP.

Please take a minute to vote at: http://www.nau.com/collective/grant-for-change/ At the top of the page click register (you wont be put on a list, this is only to prevent double voting). Under nominations click view all and you must page through until you find Wendy Tremayne. Click rate/share and Rate Swap 5 stars.

Much Love to Ya'll and Thanks, Wendy Tremayne

VOTE NOW  http://www.nau.com/collective/grant-for-change/

Swap O Rama is the lovechild of the classic clothing swap event combined with the hip modern craft circleintroducing age old practical arts from your grandparents’ day as the chic, radical trend for today. 

Bring all your underused and underappreciated clothes and accessories and let them mingle with others of their kind.  Come combine, rework, or recycle them intosomething totally new, surprising, and fun. …and LOOK MA, I did it myself!  

Well …with the help of the gracious knowledge and assistance of Swap O Rama volunteers whose master craft skills will help you put your creations together.

I took an oldT-shirt and skirt and - earnestly trying to act like I understood the instructions from the nice girl behind the sewing  …. I waited appreciatively as she transformed that old T & skirt into a new cute peasant top!  ….But, hey, I helped too! I took it to the screen printing station and picked out a cute design to put on the front of the top. I love that top!

This event was held last year at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the FELT CLUB Craft Faire and SWAP-O-RAMA together under one roof. I went with my sister and a friend.

My friend grabbed an old, gaudy gold lame top and turned it into an adorable littlepurse, adding a green velvet ribbon and leather belt!  My sister had brought that gaudy, gold top(what was she thinking?), and was astonished to see it reborn and as an eye-catching evening bag!  Inspired, she grabbed an old velvet skirt and turned it into a Christmas stocking.

We had so much fun. Everyone around us had so much fun. It was contagious. You might come with a skeptical scowl but  you won’t leave with one. Swap-O-Rama draws you into the thrill of making something with your own two hands. It unleashes your creativity.

Women,children, even men…everyone was totally into it.

After we were finished with the swap we went down to the Felt Club Craft Faire to peruse the creations of our fellow crafters and artists. (Yah – I’m an artist. Did you see that top?)

This weekend the Swap O Rama on July 11, 2009 is happening in conjunction with the RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR at the California Market Center in Los Angeles. 

If you can make it – you HAVE to go.  There will be silk screen stations,a tote making station, and tons of wonderfully helpful and patient master crafters to help you.

Now, for my inside tips on how to navigate the Swap O Rama to get the most out of your experience:

Get there early. Wait in line if you must – the best time to be there is when it starts. 

There will not be a lot of clothes to look through at first – but that’s ok. What YOU need to do is go check out the crafting stations – see what is there and what appeals to you.Then decide on a few things you’d like to try. This swap is really more about re-crafting or recycling old clothes into something new and exciting, more than it is about exchanging clothes with others (of course, there is plenty of room for that too!).

If you want to make sure to get something in your size, or if you’d like to be really well prepared and make the MOST of your time, bring some items you’d like to restyle for yourself rather than just hoping to find items from the swap to use. This will not only ensure that you will have items with the right fit, but you can add to, embellish, or restyle them — transform them into that new one-of-a-kind masterpiece!  Bring a few T-shirts, some old faded jeans…whatever will work as your own personal blank canvas.

Another great way to prepare is to take a look at the designers who will be there and look at their web sites, reviews of past Swap O Ramas, or any info to see what kind of craft stations have been there before.  Look online for inspirations, and have a few ideas in mind for what you might want to craft there.  So, if you know there may be a tote making station, brainstorm some ideas on how to make a great tote! 

Get creative with your materials.  If you don’t like the style, or it’s the wrong size, but you LOVE the fabric, print or color --- see what you can restyle it into! Buttons, lace, and trim – even accessories can be used to make an amazing new item.

Make sure to also bring a bag of good stuff for others to go through. If you’re not getting some use out of it, I guarantee someone else will. Contribute whole items, or look at them as pieces that can be re-used in different ways. Don’t let anything go to waste.

So – show up with your ideas, have some items you can work with right away, and then scan the room to map out the craft stations to see what you want to do. Then --- jump right in!  Start making, crafting, reworking,and restyling stuff as soon as you can. That way you can get a lot done before the crowds come in.  Once the crowds arrive, you can take a break and go look through all of the clothes and items that have come in with them. You might be able to pick out some additional things to re-style. Then hit the craft stations again. Or maybe you can just treasure hunt through the stuff coming in and pick through the best of it. 

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to easily to try on things over or under them. Unfortunately, there will be no dressing rooms or change areas. Dress coolly – it will probably get hot. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. And bring a big bag that is easy to carry and can hold a lot.  You will need a bag to hold your items (the raw materials you will use to re-style with) while you’re crafting. You will need to hold the things you have created.  And you will need room to grab up that great new coat, pair of jeans, and funky t-shirt that you just might find and want to wear “as-is”.

THEN… go shop the Renegade Craft Fair and see how the pros do it. Support your fellow artists &crafters. Or just spy on the designs for inspiration and see YOU would like to do next…at the next Swap O Rama!

Go straight to the sourcefor the details. See the official website at : 

http://www.hiplinemedia.com/swaporamarama.html