About Us
Swap-O-Rama-Rama is a clothing swap and series of do-it-yourself workshops in which a community explores creative reuse through the recycling of used clothing.
Swap-O-Rama-Rama is a non-profit, Creative Commons event that takes place in over 100 cities throughout the world. Welcome!
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The Swap
When you attend the swap bring at least one bag of your unwanted clothing and a small donation (each swap varies depending on available funding). Every swap begins with a giant collective pile of clothing, the unwanted clothing of all who attend. Everyone is welcome to dive in and find their next new/used items from the pile. Take as little or as much clothing from this pile as you like, it's all free.
DIY Workshops
After you have chosen your new clothes slide on over to one of the sewing stations and attend a workshop. Learn to make modifications or totally transform your finds. Each swap features a variety of workshops by local artists who are there to share their sewing and modification secrets with you. All the materials you need to sew, embroider, bead, fix, repair, knit etc, are supplied. Swap-O-Rama-Rama will often offer a variety of on site DIY stations with skilled artists to help you get started. You'll find designers with sewing machines ready to teach you how to make modifications to your new/used duds. Or you might try the hand sew area and decoration station where you can learn to embroider, knit, crochet, etc. A silk screen station offers many amazing designs for immediate transfer and as always " Modified by Me" tags to attach to your creations.
Show and Tell
Some swaps host a participatory fashion runway we dub the "Trashion Show" featuring the silly and the sophisticated. All are invited to take a playful spin down the runway in their most fabulous finds. Ask the audience for their opinion on the outfit you just plucked from the pile. The runway can also feature up and coming local designers who are dedicated to re-purposing, upcycling, and producing sustainable options in a wasteful industry.
The Bay Area Swap-O-Rama-Rama crew created the Textile Lounge so fellow Makers could share their ideas, experience, and expertise with others in a relaxed setting, on a comfy couch.
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All Swap-O-Rama-Rama events are volunteer produce and community supported. Your participation keeps us going.
Wendy Tremayne,
Creator & Author
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