Swap-O-Rama Rama!

The Swap in Raleigh on September 5th was great, thanks so much to everyone who participated!

We thought we'd post some pictures so people who haven't been able to make it yet can see what goes on at one of our Swaps.

Of course the main point of our Swap-O-Rama Ramas is to put clothes that are languising in closets back into circulation -- so all of us can get new (to us) stuff!




But it’s also to promote “creativity over consumerism.”

So we have stations for ...






And even a station where you can turn clothes into wall art (thanks, Ruth!).



It’s all tons of fun.

You can take whatever you like from whatever other swappers have brought in, and wear it as-is or bring it over to one of the stations for further embellishments.

We have staff and volunteers on hand to help with the sewing and screenprinting ...




And we have other fun stuff going on like a raffle...


And a fashion runway for swapper to show off their finds and creations.



It's awesome!

Board Member Blog by Jenna

I joined the Scrap Exchange Board in August 2008 and immediately felt like I needed to have more creativity in my life. I started poking around in the store and thinking about what I could make and quite frankly, I got overwhelmed by the possibilities. I had heard about the yearly warehouse fabric sale and decided to check it out in October 2008.

When I got there and I started searching through the bins of fabric, it came to me - pillows - I would make pillows for our bed. I was not deterred by the fact that I had never made a pillow before or that I had no idea how much fabric I would need. I picked out my fabric, got it home, and proceeded to do absolutely nothing with it until July 2009.

Why did it take so long? I got busy. I found other “projects” that needed doing. The truth is I was missing a key piece of knowledge to make my pillow dream a reality. I know how to do basic sewing but I had no idea how to put in a zipper. I waited to see my mom in California so that she could teach me how to do it. Once I knew how to put in a zipper, there was no stopping me. In one afternoon, I was able to make three pillows for our bed.

I must say, I love them. I think what I love even more is that I was able to make some beautiful things I look at everyday with $5 worth of fabric that, if not for the Scrap Exchange, would have ended up in the landfill. So if you have a pillow dream or any other dream that involves fabric (or really anything else), you should definitely check out the Scrap Exchange before you head anywhere else.

Thanks, Part One

Just a quick “Thank You” to everyone who participated in the Swap-O-Rama Rama in Raleigh on Saturday 9/5 -- sorters, greeters, designers, silkscreeners, national Swap sponsors Singer (who provided sewing machines for use for the day) and Yudu (who provided silkscreen machines and screens), our host Marbles Kids Museum, and last but not least, everyone who came to swap!

We took lots of great pictures and will put some up soon.

Thank you, everyone!!