Fashion:Remix Street Team

The Fashion:Remix Team Celebrates Earth Day!

2011-04-21T15:55:00.001-07:00

Well, tomorrow is quite possibly the biggest day of the year for the Fashion:Remix Team! Tomorrow, April 22nd is Earth Day! A movement beginning in the U.S.A. way back in the 1970's has continued to grow and change over time. Earth Day was founded by a Wisconsin Senator in direct response to the devastation wrought by massive oil spill in California the year before.

Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor leaders. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. "It was a gamble," Gaylord recalled, "but it worked." -from Earth Day: The History of A Movement

Today, the destruction of the environment is recognized on a global scale and many groups seek to continue awareness and develop personal responsibility and stewardship for everyone. The reduce, reuse, recycle concept has received a boost thanks to the devastating slow down in the global economy following the culture of consumptions from decades prior. More and more households are beginning to realize their place in the new global economy and how each of us impacts many around the world. In 2011, frugality and thriftiness have regained their moral high ground and are celebrated. How will you celebrate your Earth Day this April 22nd?

The Fashion:Remix Team wants to encourage the creative reuse of reclaimed and recycled materials coupled with good design, hand crafting and an attention to detail. We want you to support sustainable fashion by purchasing a refashioned frock or am upcycled accessory. We encourage you to browse our shops by searching on Etsy for the tags, "fashionremixteam" and "earthday". We're each offering different discounts and sales so if you see something you like, be sure to check our shop announcements for coupon codes, or convo us for more information.

Here's a sampling of the beautiful, sustainable articles created by our team members:

Happy Earth Day!

The Uniform Project: Year 2

2011-04-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

In January 2010, I wrote a brief guest blogger article on The Uniform Project for The Great American Apparel Diet called, "The Uniform Project: Inspiration for those in the fashion doldrums". I had accidentally stumbled upon this while looking for inspiration for restyling my clothes. I love look books, they serve as great inspiration for refashioning clothes. This project took the concept of the look book and restyling to the extreme, all in an effort to raise money for educating children in India:

Thus, in May 2009, with fashion as her medium, and education her cause, U.P Founder Sheena Matheiken launched the Uniform Project, pledging to wear one little black dress for 365 days as an exercise in sustainability and a fundraiser to support the Akanksha Foundation— a non-profit organization providing education to underprivileged children living in Indian slums. And for the next year, Sheena reinvented her uniform by accessorizing with vintage, handmade, reused, or donated pieces.

This project was inspirational on so many levels. It proved that you can lift modestly, but do it with style and serve a higher purpose all at the same time. I really enjoyed watching the dailies and voting on them, at the end of the year when everything was auctioned off I tuned out. I decided to check back in to see what the U.P. is up to for year 2 and was pleasantly surprised.

TEDxDubai 2010| Sheena Matheiken from Giorgio Ungania on Vimeo.

Apparently, they've been very busy after all; now it appears that the project is even bigger than before. The video above is a speech that Sheena, the U.P. creator, gave in Dubai at TEDx last year. In it she explains the history and the future of the next evolution of the Uniform Project. They have moved to pilots, where individuals participate by making the U.P. their own. They follow all of the original rules of wearing only vintage or handmade accessories, and the same little black dress each day and raise money to support the cause of their choice. It's a series of pilots actually, and rather than an entire year, each person does a mini-challenge of one-month. You can follow each of the pilot dailies as well and track their earnings. I love this idea and may even get up the nerve to try this myself one day. If you would like to create your own challenge wearing the famous LBD, the U.P. has actually opened a store where you can purchase it in their new store or make your own using the pattern they've created. Naturally all of the proceeds are going to charity, so you can feel good about buying a new frock. Check out the U.P. LBD below with photos and information directly from the site.

Support the Kids

Contribute $14 USD from your dress purchase to the Akanksha Foundation for the education of underprivileged children in India. Learn more

Join the Movement

Let this LBD be your personal styling canvas. Wear it over and over, again and again. Take the U.P pledge and join us in changing our world one outfit at a time. Take the U.P Pledge

Order Now

We believe the only way to create a sizable and meaningful shift in consumption is to design products that are not only ethically sound, but also beautiful, imaginative, and inspiring. Hence we give you the new Classic U.P LBD. During her year long fundraiser, Sheena showed us just how far a dress can go by mixing social responsibility with styling prowess. When you buy this dress you will be supporting our cause, and adding a versatile staple to your wardrobe. Get the full details.

We're Advertising on WebEcoist

2011-04-07T05:18:00.000-07:00

As a follow-up to our earlier post about receiving a team grant from Etsy (Yeah!), I am happy to report that one of our advertisement's is live right now. We're on WebEcoist: Strange Nature, Rare Animals and Weird World Wonders. Why did we choose WebEcoist? Well, their site's "About" page sums up their awesome:

WebEcoist goes beyond being an ordinary ‘green’ lifestyle, design and travel publication. Sure, you will find articles on eco-friendly food, sustainable technology and innovations both good and bad but you will also discover a vast array of environmental oddities, natural disasters, fantastic plants and amazing animals. The site is thus a (free) one-stop shop for everything about our Earth – including great guides to eco-friendly facts, the sustainable web, our environmental history and the green movement.

How fun is that? So, in your time over the next seven days, be sure to head over to check out our ad and tell us what you think. Better yet, check out our team store and heart your favorite items. You can also find us on Etsy.com by searching for "fashionremixteam". Thanks for supporting sustainable fashion!

Featured Team Member: benddownboutique

2011-03-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

The Fashion:Remix Team member featured this month hails from the U.K. Please welcome Katherine Umunna of benddownboutique.

SerendipiT: You've been a member of our team for quite a while now and we'd all love to get to know more about you and your beautiful work. What can you tell us about yourself?

benddownboutique: Hi! I'm Katherine, also known as Kitty or Kat, and I'm a Londoner at heart, but I am currently studying a BA Textiles Degree at the University for Creative Arts in Surrey, so I reside here too! I have been recycling clothes since I was probably 16, where I made the most gorgeous jeans tote bag, accessorised with junk I found laying around the house! But I have been selling my designs for the past 18 months, and it is slow, but steady, I know I can probably do this full time once I graduate!

SerendipiT: Wow, well it sounds like you are definitely on the path to success. I know I speak for the whole team when I say that I wish you much success. You have really unique eye and a clear creative voice in your work. I've noticed that you feature a lot of patchwork and applique and the juxtoposition of patterns, colors and styles. What inspires you?

benddownboutique: Anything and everything inspires me; I could be watching the TV, or flicking through a Fashion Magazine, or I could really be into a type of genre and it would spur me to create all sorts of things. Everything I design is more of a "aspirational" perspective; say, if I was more stylish, I would wear this, or if I was more rebellious, I would wear that... come to think of it, I think it depends on my mood!

SerendipiT: You mentioned that you've been refashioning clothes since you were 16; how did you get started with that and why do you continue to refashion?

bendownboutique: I think its very important to choose the refashioned route. But I would do this because its a way of expressing yourself with the minimal materials that you have, and making your own stamp on the world, whilst impacting less on the environment!

SerendipiT: What drew you to our little team?

benddownboutique: I came across the Fashion Remix Team on Etsy, I thought that it was really cool that there was a group that appreciated the theory of recycling and creating the most amazing pieces. It also is such a privilege to work with such amazing designers! My favorite team member shop is Mountain Girl Clothing; the garments are so hippie-chic, and so quirky, and also very original, its like this is a trend in itself, and its amazing.

SerendipiT: Do you have a particular material that you prefer?

benddownboutique: I love working with cotton- its so much easier to work with when upcycling, and its easier on my sewing machine!

SerendipiT: Let's get personal...tell me a few of your favorite things.

benddownboutique: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Violet Bella's Etsy shop- I have been following her since last summer and I love the free spirited nature of her designs, and I love the fact that she is multi-talented; selling recycled clothing, art pieces, and creating jewellery, AND photography. She is my inspiration.

My favorite blog is probably either lune vintage/elsie cake, they are so cool, with their whimsical lives, and interesting views on life, and fashion. I just really enjoy their way of running a business. I must say, I'm tempted to migrate to America! :)

I love working with scraps when I'm designing for my shop, but when I'm not designing I love working with acrylic paint, its very theraputic to work with.

Favorite book: Leap of Faith, by Danielle Steel

Favorite movie: Juno!

Favorite Colour: Green- ALTHOUGH I have a lot of pink stuff... oh dear!

SerendipiT: Wow, well that's a lot of great stuff for me to check out. I love to shop among my teammates favorite stores; you meet so many cool creators that way. I've never really gotten into Danielle Steel, but I may just have to give it a whirl now. Juno was a great movie and I too love to wear all shades of green, but am secretly in love with pink and orange this year also.

So, aside from Etsy, where do you like to shop for materials and personal clothing?

benddownboutique: Hmm... I always go to the RSPCA charity shop in Farnham, they have the most cutest, and cheapest clothing. I love going there when I have next to no money because I know that they always have something for me, whatever my budget is!

Although I like vintage, I don't like to buy stuff from vintage shops, because I just really see it as "expensive second hand goods", and I wouldn't pay so much money for something I could get at a Charity shop.

Everyone must shop on ASOS.com; they have the most luxurious and eccletic clothing, and its all for a decent price, so everyone gets a benefit :)

SerendipiT: Ok, it's about to get weird so hold on to your seat....If you were an article of clothing, what would you be and why?

benddownboutique: If I was an article of clothing... I would be a dress; dresses are so free, and expressive and colourful, it really does make me feel so girly!

SerendipiT: Good call, and I've got to say that's a pretty popular answer to boot. For the record, I completely agree, dresses do make me feel free and girly and wonderful.

Are there any special Etsians out there that you'd like to send a shout out to?

benddownboutique: I want to give a huge shout out to:
Elizabeth at SerendipiT.etsy.com; without her adding me to the team, I think I would still be trying to figure my shop out on my own, but its really good to have a team of people to help me :)

I'd also like to thank Hannah at www.arliaflower.etsy.com for giving me that extra push to get myself out there in the etsy world, when I first started. She really made me see that I was doing a good thing with all the encouragement I got from her!

SerendipiT: Aw, really? A shout out for moi! That's so sweet; thank you very much. It's been a real pleasure having you on the team and I've really enjoyed watching your shop grow and mature. Keep up the great work because you are a real example of sustainable clothing that is fashionable and adorable.

Ok, last chance. What's the one thing that we should all know about you?

benddownboutique: I have never tried stuffing before. Don't judge me!

SerendipiT: I love it! That's the most awesomely random answer to a question that I think I've ever received. While I promise not to judge, you really officially have to come to the U.S. and try some good old fashioned stuffing, preferably around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanks for taking the time to share your story, your uplifting attitude and your beautiful creations with us today. We look forward to seeing what greatness you invent this year.

Check out more of Kat's great fashions:

Thanks!

The Fashion:Remix Team is Awarded a Grant from Etsy.com!

2011-03-31T20:25:00.001-07:00

The Etsy Community consists of buyers and sellers meeting in many ways including, forums, events and teams. The Fashion:Remix Team is a group of sellers within the Etsy Community united by our interest in creating eco-friendly fashion. Etsy helps support it's teams by offering a grant monthly to teams. In March Etsy awarded the Fashion:Remix Team a grant for advertising. As a global team this will help unite us through advertising as a collective to increase exposure for our individual stores, the team and Etsy as a whole. So, look for our future advertising announcements and support sustainable fashion and support handmade.

We're Growing!

2011-03-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

While the Fashion:Remix Team has been enjoying steady organic growth among Etsy sellers interested in banding together with other members who refashion clothes and create recycled accessories, we've recently seen extraordinary growth due to our recent mention in the Etsy Teams newsletter. We've ballooned to 69 team member shops! This really allows some great diversity by location and a wealth of skills that will allow all of us the opportunity to learn and grow with the team. You can follow us by clicking on the link to our page on Etsy, but to help keep us all organized according to category I've added a new page. Check out the "Meet the Team" page on our blog where each seller is listed by product category and location so now you can view sellers by item or shop local too! So, come say hello and browse among the member shops and keep an eye out for future updates on the team.

Spring Fever

2011-02-19T07:58:00.000-08:00

As the weather begins to warm here on the East Coast I am already planning mountain biking trips, gardening plots and just a lovely day in the sun with no winter coat to weigh me down. This treasury is an ode to my spring fever.

Here's to sunny weather!

The Spring Cometh by Elizabeth of SerendipiT

2011-02-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

Well, it's hard to believe that winter will ever end, especially since the majority of the U.S. is being hammered by awful winter weather for the last week or so. Snow, ice and wintry mix, the forecast buzzwords that can be heard everywhere along the North East lately don't exactly call to mind fun in the sun. However, the folks at Pantone, who begin looking at fashion runways in the fall, analyze what they see and predict the colors for the next season. After, they post the Pantone Fashion Color Report filled with their predictions. What I find particularly exciting is that this year's colors have been themed, "An Exotic Journey". And seriously, who doesn't want to go on one of those? I can easily sit here at my desk and imagine myself being whisked away to someplace warm and exotic like Morocco, India, Egypt to name a few. It's likely that designers have tapped into our collective subconscious as they determine which colors will lead the next trends. In thinking of the U.S., where are we as a nation? Well, mostly we are depressed, anxious and weary as embattled consumers await the spring of our financial discontent. These colors represent our "need to escape" and perk up our wardrobes with "feel-good" colors like Honeysuckle pink. What I found most interesting is that they have tried to appeal to our newly found frugality by allowing us to work with the wardrobe we already have rather than encouraging us to toss everything and don something more avant-garde. The Pantone Fashion Color Report says, "By cleverly combining complementary colors, those that are opposites on the color wheel, they have created a striking intensity in the palette. These unique color combinations make it possible for consumers to pair existing pieces in colors traditionally associated with fall, with new favorites to punch up springtime wardrobes." That's certainly good news for women like me, who are always looking for new and interesting ways to work with what we already have. I was happy to see some of my very favorite colors included, variations of teal, turquoise, pink and purple. One color that I see myself adding to my wardrobe for the spring is mustard yellow. It is similar to the beeswax listed in the report, but a bit more earthy and is more flattering to my particular skin tone. Interestingly enough, sunny yellow has always signified optimism. Maybe that means that our collective consciousness has finally taken a sigh, decided that it can only go up from here and are trying to move past the anger, outrage and utter desperation that many of us have felt from the seeming bailout of Wall St. and the abandonment of Main St. I, for one, am happy to be moving to a sunnier side of the street.

I'll be incorporating these colors into my personal wardrobe and focusing on these color combinations for my Etsy store, SerendipiT and the Fashion:Remix Team Store as well.

In the meantime, enjoy my mustard inspired treasury.

Happy Travels to your faraway land of choice. Even if that exotic locale exists only in your mind and can only be accessed from your couch. Where will you be traveling?

*This post originally appeared on http://icouldsewdothat.com/archives/557.

Book Review: Alabama Chanin

2011-01-24T19:35:00.001-08:00

I frequently purchase books on crafting, recycling, sewing, knitting, crochet...you get the picture. Although I've only been crafting for a short time I have gone head over heels for craft books. My most recent addition is Alabama Stitch Book: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style. Let me say that I adore this book. I've already read it cover to cover. The photos are beautiful and inspiring. The projects are within reach for even the novice stitcher. What I love most are that she combines beautiful, well-crafted design with refashioning. She takes old tshirt, some dual-duty thread, and a few simple designs and makes art. I am excited to try nearly ever single project in the book, which is a rarity for me. Her clear instructions, easily accessible notions, included patterns and stencils ensure that you are ready to craft. My only complaint is that the patterns attached in the book are double sided and need to be photocopied, but unfortunately they are an unwieldy size and double-sided so the markings bleed through on the copies. However, this is easily corrected by using pattern paper and tracing over the top. You could even use copy paper and tape it together, then hold it all up to a brightly lit window an accomplish the same thing if needed. In the end, I can't heap enough praise on this book for it's beautiful, understated simplicity. With the guidance and inspiration from this book you can begin crafting your own heirloom pieces from reclaimed fabric. High fashion style can be had by everyone for just a few dollars. It's a reminder that fashion belongs to all of us and with some hard work and a little imagination you can make truly remarkable things. Most of all, the easy-wearing cotton jersey fabric is something that can be as a casual as a tank top or as fancy as a beaded formal skirt, everything is what you make it. Once you've picked up your copy of the book, be sure to check out the Alabama Chanin website which has DIY kits, projects, a blog and more.

Here's a project that was published by Ecouterre, a website devoted to sustainable fashion design:
DIY Nation
Refresh Your Wardrobe With Alabama Chanin’s DIY Circle-Spiral Appliqué
by Natalie "Alabama" Chanin, 06/30/10

Book Review by Elizabeth of SerendipiT.etsy.com, Fashion:Remix Team Leader.

Featured Team Member: BridgetGoette

2011-01-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

The Fashion:Remix Team has been working together to promote sustainable fashion on Etsy. In addition to our team store, each of us has our individual stores where we sell our handmade love. In 2011 we are continuing to grow and evolve, not only as team members, but also in our stores. Many of us have resolved to offer new products, sharpen our photography skills and focus on contributing to the team. However, as a reminder that each shop is special and has a unique designer at it's heart, the blog will feature bios and interviews with our team members. We are going to kick-off the 2011 series with Bridget of Bridget Goette Designs.

SerendipiT: Good Morning Bridget, thanks for allowing me to interview you as our Featured Team Member for January 2011! Why don't we start with a little information about yourself? Where in the world are you located and what makes you unique?

BridgetGoette: I live in northern Minnesota where I run a small creative business out of my home. I have been creating clothing for myself from the time I was a schoolgirl. I also enjoy sewing gifts for friends and family members.

I continually exhibited my creations at area festivals including:

The Harvest Moon Festival in Ely, MN
Weinachtsfest in Biwabik, MN
The Festival of Trees in Duluth, MN
Oktoberfest at Rutger's Lodge near Brainerd, MN

Last winter, my mittens were sold in The Duluth Pack Store in Canal Park, a fun touristy area of Duluth, right on Lake Superior.

SerendipiT: Brrrr....No wonder your shop features so many beautiful, recycled wool mittens! According to city-data.com the temperatures in your region are about 30 degrees below the U.S. average. So, other than the weather, where do you get your inspiration?

BridgetGoette: I love paging through magazines and cutting out pictures of fun ideas, articles of clothing, or color schemes that I can imitate in my own work. I like to give my items my own personal style, which usually involve bright, fun colors.

SerendipiT: Excellent ideas for inspiration. You definitely have many beautiful color combinations featured in your work. I love the bright and fun pinks and purples and the always classic black, red and white.

SerendipiT: So, why refashioned?

BridgetGoette: I see so much waste in the world. It makes sense to me, economically and ecologically, to buy used clothing, furniture, housewares, and etc. Why should I buy something brand new that has to be flown here on an airplane from China that is going to pollute the earth? I can find something created out of previously used materials that will contribute much less pollution to our earth.

SerendipiT: What materials do you use the most in your work?

BridgetGoette: My favorite clothing material is felted wool. It's hard to believe, but felted wool is even warmer than regular wool. This is because the fibers have condensed, making it nearly impossible for wind or cold to penetrate. Felted wool is a mandatory material in my winter wardrobe. How else could one survive Minnesota winters?

SerendipiT: Well, you've got a point there. Aside from crawling into a tantan, which isn't nearly as stylish or practical, I don't think you could find anything warmer than recycled wool mittens to keep you comfortable and cozy in Minnesota in the dead of winter.

SerendipiT: So when you do shop, where's your favorite place?

BridgetGoette: There's a great thrift store in St. Cloud, MN called Treasure Chest. I like shopping here because all the proceeds go to support Birthline. Birthline is a christian organization providing education, mentoring, support services and referrals to anyone affected by an unintended or crisis pregnancy. It makes me feel good, knowing my purchase will help someone else.

SerendipiT: I enjoy thrifting too! I really like the fact that the fun stuff that I find at my local Goodwill goes to help create jobs. There is so much that is great about buying used from thrift stores because it benefits you and your community. It's so great that you take the time to do the same thing in your neck of the woods. So, if you could be any article of clothing, what would it be?

BridgetGoette: If I were an article of clothing, I would be a pair of socks.On a chilly Minnesota morning, when nothing seems to combat the stinging climate, an extra pair of socks can provide warmth and comfort. My mom always said "if your feet are cold, the rest of you will be cold." It is true. That extra pair of socks warms your entire body, head to toe.

SerendipiT: Bridget, thanks so much for joining our little group of fashion remixers. As they say, it takes a village and our is a pretty cool little place thanks to people like you and the unique perspective that each person brings. Thanks for sharing a little bit about yourself with everyone else too.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Fashion:Remix Team Valentine's Day Remix

2010-12-29T19:52:00.000-08:00

A selection of valentine themed items from members of the Fashion:Remix team. Pinks, reds and florals abound.

Don't forget to check out the selections in the team shop!

Jeans and a Tshirt: A Classic Refashioned

2010-12-18T07:46:00.000-08:00

Whether you refer to this ubiquitous cotton fabric by the name jeans or denim, the origins of the name are from Europe. Italian sailors from Europe (Jeans) and serge de Nimes (a town in France) are considered to be the birth place of these fashion staples. However, denim as not always considered common, fashionable or even made from cotton. According to The History of Jeans, denim wasn't even made from cotton until the 18th century. As cotton production increased denim was produced from slave labor. Cotton in a Global Economy notes that after the invention of the cotton gin the production of cotton exploded from 156,000 bales in 1800 to around 4 million bales 60 years later. As a result of increased production in the United States Great Britain was able to support the entire population on cotton textile production. The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution began cranking out cotton clothing and shipping it all over the United States and Europe. Cotton became inexpensive and easy to produce and jeans began to appear as 100% cotton and dyed with indigo. However, jeans were not seen as a sign of status or high fashion, they were clothes for workers. They grew in popularity thanks to the California gold rush. The miners needed strong, sturdy pants and denim was the answer. The addition of rivets to hold pockets on made them the perfect heavy duty pant. Next, the cowboys starting wearing them, then the rebels without a cause in the 50's and finally the 60's brought flower children and hippies. They wore embroidered, patchwork hand embellished jeans. Jeans grew in popularity and became a symbol of Western decadence (The History of Jeans). Finally, jeans increased in popularity and grew in status through the 80's until finally the development of fashion designer jeans sealed their popularity among everyone from toddlers to The President.

The reasons that jeans became so popular are the very reasons that they are great for refashioning. They are sturdy, easy to embellish and can be found inexpensively anywhere. Everyone owns jeans and designers change the popular style constantly. As a result, literally tons of jeans end up in landfills, thrift stores and the back of people's closets. Luckily there are plenty of books and websites on the topic, so there is no excuse for tossing out those faded blues. So grab a pair of scissors, a little needle and thread and get to work refashioning those indigo cast offs into something fashion forward.

Resources for Denim Refashion:

A Year of Refashion

2010-12-11T10:06:00.001-08:00

As 2010 draws to an end each of us has the opportunity to reflect on our challenges, opportunities and accomplishments. The Fashion:Remix Team on Etsy was begun in early 2010 and since it's inception has grown to 27 members. We have team members from all over the United States canvasing North to New Hampshire and South to Texas. East from New York to Oregon on the West Coast. We've had some exciting growth in our international presence with shops in Canada, England and Lithuania. As both a team leader and a member, the most interesting part of the experience has been to see the unique perspective that becomes infused in our craft from each corner of the globe. Culturally we can celebrate our uniqueness and together we can celebrate our common goals of promoting conservation, personal expression, and art in all of it's forms. I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with and learn from some a creative, talented and resourceful group of Etsians. I look forward to 2011 and the future of our little team and all of the new and interesting ways that we can continue to support the handmade, sustainable fashion movement.

Green with Envy

2010-12-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

A new treasury on Etsy featuring members of the Fashion:Remix Team

look nook: EW: Wrap it up.

2010-12-09T05:04:00.000-08:00

look nook: EW: Wrap it up.: "They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover or a gift by its wrapping. I happen to disagree. The outside is an item's first impression ..."

Fashion: Remix Team Under $50 Gift Guide

2010-11-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

Click here to check out our newest team treasury.

Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sales on Etsy

2010-11-24T05:23:00.000-08:00

This weekend after many put down their turkey legs they will turn their attention to shopping around for the best deals. Etsy will be supporting sellers participating in the following three promotions:

Free Shipping Etsy
Black Friday Etsy
Cyber Monday Etsy

Each shop participating will tag one or more of their items with these promotional search tags. Be sure to read the shop announcement for more information about what the shop is offering in their sale. Many Fashion: Remix Team members will be participating in these promotions as well, so look for us by searching for our tag: fashionremixteam.

To everyone in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving!

The Fashion:Remix Team Celebrates Winter Treasury on Etsy

2010-11-12T05:10:00.000-08:00

Fashion:Remix Team Celebrates Winter

Leather Cuff Bracelet pers...

wallpusher

$9.00 USD
Eco-Friendly Recycled T-sh...

ragsbysockmo...

$18.00 USD
Green Felted Rose Brooch P...

zurdacrafts

$5.00 USD
BATMAN / ROBIN adjustable ...

teWEARABLES

$20.00 USD
Vino dress

Imburton

$33.00 USD
Lakshmi Tux

godswear

$59.00 USD
Ribbon and Bead Necklace i...

MRSdesigns

$12.00 USD
Dip Dyed Cable Knit Upcycl...

erinsapparel

$38.00 USD
TEAL FROST Upcycled Sweate...

Cubozoa

$42.00 USD
Confetti Tee Fringe Pillow...

ohzie

$35.00 USD
Recycled Felted Wool Slipp...

Michelemabel...

$40.00 USD
Mustard and Aqua Mix Hoop ...

benddownbout...

$4.00 USD
Pretty in Pink and Turquoi...

savagefrocks

$35.00 USD
All Neon Like Crochet Hear...

MountainGirl...

$55.00 USD
Plaid Wool Coat Upcycled i...

boehmek

$24.00 USD
20-Pack Eco-Friendly Gift ...

SerendipiT

$15.00 USD

No Trash Wrap

2010-11-12T04:49:00.000-08:00

In the U.S., an additional 5 million tons of waste is generated during the holidays. Four million
tons of this is wrapping paper and shopping bags. The individual members of the Fashion:Remix Team are committed to help fight the trash by offering promotional items tagged "notrashwrap". Search for each of our unique solutions for a greener holiday season.

Fall Fashion:Remix Treasury

2010-09-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

As summer comes to a close here on the East Coast of the United States I'm beginning to dream of comfy cardigans in anticipation of the cool autumn nights. I've created an Etsy Treasury featuring fall-themed items from members of the Fashion:Remix Team as my celebration of the end of steamy, summer nights.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c87e03722ac6d91c0d53eb0/fall-fashionremix?index=0

Visit our treasury and leave us a note to let us know what you think.

Swap for Good- Hold your own clothing swap!

2010-08-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

Alright, this post is inspired by my week-long No Impact Challenge, but I thought it would be great to share all of this information with you!
After doing my research with No-Impact Man, Colin, (not literally, but with his handy-dandy No Impact Challenge Manual), I ran across this fantastic idea- a Swap for Good to benefit victims of domestic abuse. Not only do participants go home with new (used) clothing, but the clothing that does not find a home eventually does, in a shelter of your choice.

The idea is to invite your friends to go through their closets and bring all of the clothing they would like to get rid of. Then, you can either have a free-for-all, or hold an "auction" where you hold up a piece of clothing and whoever wants it can shout for it! Super fun, free entertainment. If two friends can't seem to agree who receives the clothing, then have a "walk-off" to see who "wears" it better. All positive comments, please!

I have done this as a college student with all of my dance major friends. I have so many awesome pieces that I have received, and I love it when I see a friend wearing a pair of my pants!

Please check out my own blog, ragsbysockmonkey.blogspot.com, for more information about the No Impact Challenge. Although it started today, it's still not too late! It's worth it just to read through the manual that you receive for signing up to get great tips and reminders on how to lessen your impact on our Mother Earth.

That's all, folks!

Interview with Garage Couture

2010-06-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

Lovely Erin Stevens of Garage Couture shared the nuts and bolts of her clothing design with me, and so it is with pleasure that I share this interview with you!

Tell me a little bit about your shop. Where are you located?And how did you come up with the name for your shop?

My shop is located in Vilnius, Lithuania (I am American, but currently live in Vilnius). Recently, I changed my shop name to “Garage Couture”. I like how it sounds. I can’t make “Haute Couture”, but I can make awesome “Garage Couture”: one-of-a-kind, detailed, fashionable and affordable upcycled clothing.

How long have you been making reconstructed, recycled clothing?

For about ten years. At first, I made clothes out of vintage and retro fabrics I found on ebay and sold them at various boutiques in Seattle. Lately, I have been focusing on using recycled clothing. I love it. I like starting with a piece whether it is a button, shirt, necktie or whatever and creating something around it, from it, with it, etc. It is my canvas.

What was the first item that you sold for your business and how did you feel when you sold it?

On Etsy, it was a necktie camisole. Happy and honored that someone liked my creation and wanted to buy and wear it. The customer was from Seattle, and since I lived there for many years, I thought for sure it was a friend of a friend of a friend who bought it. But it turned out that she just found my clothes on Etsy and liked them.

What makes you excited about reconstruction or upcycling instead of using new materials? What inspires you to create? What is your creative process if you have one?

I like to fantasize that I am Andy (Molly Ringwald) in “Pretty in Pink” (teen movie from the 1980’s) and I am making the coolest prom dress ever and going with the hottest guy in school. No really, I am excited to know that the pieces I use have a past as well as a future. Plus it feels good knowing that my customers and I are playing our little part in helping preserve the environment.

Garbage [inspires me to create]…when I see so much waste, I try to think of ways to reuse things or make something from something. Just to clarify, I do not use any garbage in my creations, it is just my inspiration. As for my creative process, rarely do I have the end result mapped out in my head before I start my project. I usually just start with something and see where it takes me.

How do you balance you business with other things in your life, including other jobs, family, friends, or other interests? Do you find it difficult or have you found that you are able to balance everything?

I can’t do it, had to quite my day job first.

What has most surprised you about creating and running your own business?

I am surprised at how much I enjoy interacting with customers, helping them choose the correct size, color and even doing custom work. I love the fact that I have control over merchandising, product shots, copy etc. Everything is my vision.

Favorite kind of summery dessert?

Favorite summery dessert would have to be a margarita although I can’t get good tequila in Lithuania. Next best thing is dark chocolate, good anytime of the year and luckily widely available in Lithuania.

Where can we find your work?

www.erinsapparel.etsy.com

www.twitter.com/erinsapparel

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erin-Stevens/299828797649

I have my work in a Boutique in Vilnius, Gedimino 9.

What is your favorite way to connect with others?

Word of mouth. It is nice when someone tells me they saw my top on someone and want one too.

Last thing, what is one tidbit of advice you would give to anyone starting their own business?

I need advice. Anyone want to offer some?

Sweaters for Penguins- Crafters and Oil Spills

2010-06-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes as an artist I wonder what I would have done had I become a marine biologist or environmental scientist. Could I be of better assistance in times like today, when oil spills threaten and ice bergs are melting?

So, instead of bemoaning my lack of a science degree, I decided to do some research on practical ways that crafter and artisans can and are helping the environment, particularly related to the BP Oil Spill.

Of course there are the obvious ways.

Money is helpful.

Spreading awareness and writing to your local and federal representatives helps too.

Protests also are effective in getting out a message.

But there are other surprisingly useful ways that crafters can lend a hand to the cause.

Penguin sweaters, for instance.

After listening to an eye-opening report done by Nell Greenfieldboyce of NPR questioning whether oiled birds should be cleaned in the aftermath of an oil spill, I began to wonder the same myself. You can read the report yourself here. Some scientists argue that it does more harm than good, while others say it is better than letting them suffer.

However, these sweaters were created after a 2000 New Year's Day oil spill off of the southern tip of Australia. The sweaters helped the birds to stop preening their feathers, which causes them to ingest the oil, one of the most difficult parts of rehabilitation as it causes illness. The sweaters also kept them warm until they were well enough to be cleaned, and also helped to build up the natural oils in their feathers. Not too bad for a little sweater.

You can read more about these penguin sweaters at this website. You can also find a pattern for penguin sweaters at this website.

But, how can crafters and artisans who are now experiencing the BP Oil Spill help out the loons and pelicans affected? Not only this, what about other sea life below the surface? I am not sure of the answer yet... a new crochet pattern for pelicans may not work like it does for the penguins. However, I can continue to do the other things listed above to do something to contribute. Or, like Elizabeth of SerendipiT, I can donate proceeds from my sales towards the effort (Props to you, Elizabeth! I shall soon follow your example!)

So, do what you can, in whatever way you can, whether it is creative or mainstream. Every bit helps!

June: Save Our Seas Sale at SerendipiT

2010-06-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the recent Gulf oil disaster and in recognition of the official United Nations' World Oceans Day I have committed to donating 50% of sales proceeds in June from my Etsy Shop to http://www.mission-blue.org/. Thank you for supporting the Save Our Seas sale! Want to learn more about What Mission Blue Does? Keep reading...

About Mission Blue
Mission Blue's purpose is to explore and care for the ocean. We are committed to inspiring a sea change in public awareness, access and support for marine protected areas worldwide, ranging from the deepest ocean to sunlit reefs, and from the seamounts of the high seas to coastal seagrass meadows.

We draw inspiration from the vision evoked by our founder, Dr. Sylvia Earle: to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas--hope spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.

Under Dr. Earle's leadership, the Mission Blue team has embarked on a series of expeditions to further this vision and shed light on these ocean Hope Spots. We also bring the discoveries and stories of a network of ocean experts to the public through documentaries, social and traditional media, and innovative tools like Google Earth's "Explore the Ocean" layer. Additionally, we support the work of many conservation NGO’s with whom we share the basic mission of ocean protection and public awareness, most notably our global partner IUCN (the International Union for the Conservation of Nature).

Act Now

There is time, though not a lot, to take action to stabilize and reverse the global decline of the natural ocean systems that keep us alive. Although humans pose grave danger to the health of the ocean, we also represent hope.

Experts agree the major threats facing the ocean are overfishing and destructive fishing practices; trash pollution, especially plastics; habitat loss due to development; acidification; dead zones; and insufficient protection of sensitive areas. Mission Blue focuses on increased protection because it offers hope for alleviating many of these issues. While approximately 12% of land is protected through national parks and reserves, less than one percent of the ocean is under any kind of protection. More than 99 percent is under threat.

The ocean is our planet’s blue heart, yet we are protecting only a fraction of it. We can do better. Help establish a network of protected areas by creating a strong community of people who care.

Easy Refashion: Dress + Tshirt = Fold-over Waistband Skirt

2010-05-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

Easy Refashion: Dress + Tshirt = Fold-over Waistband Skirt

May Day Sale!

2010-05-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

May is going to be a very exciting month for the Etsy Fashion: Remix Team because we are offering our first collective sale! Search for us by typing "MayDaySale" and then read each shop announcement for the sale items. Here are a few examples of sales available now through the end of May:

ErinsApparel - ATTENTION: Celebrate May with the Fashion Remix Team! We are all offering a "sale" during the month of May. My sale is a GIFT WITH PURCHASE plus FREE SHIPPING. Receive a VINTAGE Soviet barrette with any purchase. Visit my facebook fan page for barrette choices. They are listed in the album "Gift with Purchase". Thanks!

Refab - Refab is offering Buy One Get One Half Price for our May Day Sale. Check out your items and pay with PayPal and I will refund half the item cost of the lesser priced garment! This sale includes ALL INVENTORY ON REFAB!!

SavageFrocks - *I am offering free shipping and a free gift (handmade flower pins!)for the entire month of May. Just type "May Day Sale" in the convo to seller at checkout.

SerendipiT - Get a free t-shirt tote bag with every purchase through the end of May. Just type "MAYDAYSALE" in convo to seller during checkout.

ZurdaCrafts - One free brooch of your choice with a purchase of $20 or more. Just type "May Day Sale" in the convo to seller at checkout.

So, if you haven't checked out the Fashion: Remix Team yet, May is a great month to do it. Happy Spring!

Interview with Elizabeth of SerendipiT

2010-04-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hey, this is Molly Kay of "Rags by Sock Monkey". This is the first of a series of interviews that I will be featuring on our Team Blog. Our first interview is with Elizabeth of SerendipiT. She not only features fabulous refashioned clothing but beautiful yoga bags and recycled gift wrap bows. She also founded the group Etsy Fashion Remix Street Team, and so the team has decided to feature her in our first interview. Thanks for chatting, Elizabeth!

Tell me a little about your shop and how you came up with the name of your shop.

I am the creator of SerendipiT of Baltimore City, Maryland. I started reconstructing my own clothing about a year ago and opened my Etsy store in October of 2009. I wanted to come up with a name that expressed that I used T-shirts in new and interesting ways. I frequently use T-shirts because there are just so many of them available and they don't fray. As a new refashioning crafter this material is a real dream to work with because it is inexpensive, abundant, comfortable and looks so good on everyone.

I thought of the name SerendipiT because I had just cleaned out my closet and realized that I had about 25 t-shirts that I had no intention of wearing. I knew that there were a bunch of things that I did need though....a backpack, a comfortable and stretchy shirt, a cardigan, etc. It was one of those Eureka moments when I realized that I could use T-shirts to make all of those things. I turned to Megan Nicolay's series of books on how to refashion T-shirts and learned how to sew, how to work with the fabric and began to build from there. It was truly a fortuitous discovery that I could reduce, reuse and recycle just by cleaning out my closet.

What was the first item that you sold for your business and how did you feel when you sold it?

Well, I've only sold 2 items, so I remember both vividly. The first item I sold was a refashioned t-shirt tote that my very good friend purchased from my shop. I remember being so excited that someone really understood, appreciated and wanted to support me.
What makes you excited about reconstruction instead of using new materials?

I am really focused on reducing the consumption of raw materials as a way to positively impact my environment. I also love being thrifty and it is much less expensive to make or purchase refashioned clothing than to purchase something new.

What inspires you to create? What is your creative process if you have one?

I don't consider myself to be terribly creative, but I am pragmatic. I often gravitate towards clothing that is comfortable and accessories that are practical. I was tired of squeezing into tight, ill-fitting clothing and started making my own comfortable and casual wear. My creative process usually involves me rummaging through my fabric bin, at a local thrift store or clothing swap and finding a really cool looking garment that just doesn't fit me. I then look at the fabric and decide where it looks best on me to showcase the pattern or shape. Finally, I shop around in my closet for other items that fit me well and I remake the garment into something comfortable and fun.

I'm also an avid mountain biker, snowboarder, gardener, yoga practitioner, mom, etc. so I need practical clothes that move with me through multiple activities. When it comes to choosing a color palette I often just look at nature. In short, I'm inspired by what I see and experience in my own life and make things that I need because I suspect there are other women out there like me.

What has most surprised you about creating and running your own business?

Honestly I just didn't think I could do it. The thing that has surprised me most is how much I really enjoy it. It rarely seems like work and I try to have as much fun with it as I can. I enjoy creating far more than I ever realized and I have far more creativity than I knew.

Have there been any major challenges or even smaller struggles that you have overcome or are learning to deal with?

Space, time and money. I have a very small work area and only an old 1960's sewing machine. It can be very frustrating to work on such a limited budget, with little spare time. If it was up to me, I would work at home and create every day, but it just isn't practical at this stage in my life. I'm also learning to finish one project before I begin another, which has always been a struggle for me. I'm also learning to pace myself and not to take anything to seriously.

Silly question, but chopsticks or forks, and why?

Ohashi! I prefer chopsticks because they are just so much more practical and I'm less likely to shovel food into my face which helps me with portion control and to eat only until I feel full.

Last thing, what is one tidbit of advice you would give to any artist out there trying to share their work?

Have fun, love what you do and your passion will shine through.

Thanks Elizabeth!

You can find Elizabeth's shop on Etsy at www.SeredipiT.etsy.com. Also, check out her blog at icouldsewdothat.com where she shares fabulous videos, recipes, and other great diy projects. Come back for more interviews in the future!

Treasury East is Open for Business

2010-04-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

Etsy has added a new wider format Treasury that users can curate at any time called "Treasury East". In the past users have had to wait for the main treasury to drop below 333 (which rarely happens) in order to submit their choices. In addition, users were restricted to only one treasury at a time. Many users have mixed emotions about the new treasury format because many feel that "winning" a treasury makes it more fun. Personally, I enjoy the ability to create at my convenience and since it isn't flash based I find it easier to use and I can view it more easily from a variety of devices. It was announced in the forums that the Treasury East was open and I immeidately created my first treasury. See it here; then create your own! (Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think about my new treasury of eco-friendly fashion).

Book Review: “The Sweater Chop Shop”

2010-04-07T00:23:00.001-07:00

The Sweater Chop Shop is my favorite book on clothing recycling and wardrobe refashioning. It’s well written with clear instructions and illustrations. It has a wonderful balance of introductory information and let’s-get-started enthusiasm.

Crispina ffrench’s basic method is to create felted fabric from good quality wool sweaters in your washing machine and dryer, and then using the resulting fabric to create garments and household items.

You can make the Renaissance Top with Bell Sleeves pictured on the book cover. Or a Basic Pullover, or an Empire Vest with Gathers. For the home, how about this:

The processes involved are so simple that one doesn’t even need a sewing machine. All the projects are designed to be sewn by hand; in fact, the hand sewing is a design element.

Also—and this is important—the designs in this book are just cool, fresh, and funky. There are some truly new, innovative ideas here.

Crispina ffrench photo from her blog, www.crispinaffrench.blogspot.com

Best of all, the designs are adaptable to pretty much any body, personality, age, or gender. The author gives detailed instructions on how to make basic garments, then follows with a chapter on individual elements to personalize them, such as hoods, various pockets, etc. If you don’t care for the rough-hewn, handmade look that’s pictured in the book, it would be easy to refine the designs by using a sewing machine and hiding the stitching.

Enjoy!

posted by Barbara from Blue Kimono Studio.

Threadbanger Tutorial: Make a Halter Dress from Old Tshirts

2010-04-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

If you don't know about Threadbanger, but you are interested in joining the DIY scene or are just looking for a great way to "green" up your life then check out their website for great tutorials on refashioning clothes and recycling. It's free, fresh and fun. For those of you who are interested in a great tutorial for making a hip halter dress out of old-tshirts read on!

Threadbanger had a great episode this week titled, "Halter T-Dress How-to". This t-shirt refashion is an excellent way to turn some over-sized concert tees into a rockin' dress or bathing suit cover-up. It's soft, stretchy, lightweight and comfortable; everything you need and want in casual summer clothes.

We Won! The Etsy Fashion:Remix Street Team is Awarded a Grant for April, 2010

2010-03-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

Although recently formed, our team is continuing to grow in numbers. The Fashion:Remix Team now boasts 12 Etsy stores who focus on fashion-forward design featuring recycled materials. Be sure to check out our page and learn about each of our team members and take a look at what they have to offer. Our team represents a diverse offering of clothing and accessories and we have members from Baltimore, Maryland and North to Toronto, Canada and all the way west to Seattle, Washington! We held our first team meeting in the Etsy Virtual Labs and gave each member the opportunity to share why they chose to become crafters, designers, and ultimately sellers. We also discussed how each of us can contribute to the success of our team's goal of promoting refashioned clothing and accessories globally.

Now, onto the news I am most pleased to announce...drum roll please...our team was awarded an Etsy Team Grant for April! (Hooray!) I know that each of us is excited and busy planning how best to use our newly offered funds to generate lots of excitement and the opportunity to share our craft with others. This grant will afford us the chance to work together as a team to provide some really creative promotions for the handmade, refashioned movement. Look for our future updates on how we plan to use our grant and our resulting success.

If you have suggestions on how to spend our Etsy Team Grant, or if you have experience with promoting your Etsy Teams , please share your success with us in the comments below.

A New Street Team is Born!

2010-03-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

In 2009 I began crafting refashioned clothing and accessories and offered my handmade creations for sale on Etsy.com, a well-known website devoted to the purchase and sale of handmade products. Etsy offers many great opportunities for the global crafting community to learn from each other and callaborate within the Etsy community. I began searching for a team to join so that I could learn new techniques and tips and work collectively to promote the sale of clothing and accessories crafted from previously loved clothing. I did join several groups with similar goals, but ultimately chose to create my own team to ensure that the core concept of recycling materials to create environmentally-friendly fashion and The Fashion:Remix Team was born. New members have been joining weekly and I am thrilled with the possible growth and opportunity, but even more the fellowship that I share with my fellow team members. This blog will be the home to our ideas and creations, that will celebrate the handmade, recycled fashion we create.