April 28, 2010

Swap-O-Rama-Rama spells SUCCESS!!!

I want to take a moment to tell you about the success of the...

First Annual Swap-O-Rama-Rama 
Due to our sponsors, donors, and tireless volunteers we were able to not only save over a thousand pounds of clothes from being wasted when there was so much more life and potential within them, but we inspired 200 people to reuse their clothes in many different ways. These people learned how to turn an old pair of pants into a hat, learned to use the sewing machine (some for the very first time), and got hands on experience with a screenprinting machine. There were so many great local crafters available working with the attendees and workshops available. Everyone who we have spoken with since felt so empowered and cannot wait for the next one. I am even receiving requests to do it in 6 months rather than a year. We will see. :)
My favorite moment was when I got a chance to sit down with a girl of 8 years and make a skirt with her. She had never once used a sewing machine before. As much as I am catering my events to adults, seeing the kids who are so receptive to this lost art get excited about sewing really excites me. It makes me believe that new generations will adopt sewing as a way of life and be more likely to create rather than consume. The message is for everyone. I encourage you to e-mail me, comment on this blog or any of our other forms of social media and let me know your story of inspiration or your favorite moment at the Swap-O-Rama-Rama. Also, check out the links below for both the media that covered event and wonderful pictures that document what a great time was had by all.
I have to send a special thank you to Rob Appell who brought out 9 sewing machines for everyone's use and spent the whole day tirelessly helping people create. Also a huge thank you to the media who featured us. We were in The Tribune, The Mustang Daily, Dave Congalton Radio Show, and Fox News came to the event. Also Information Press will be running a story next month so check that out.
Last but not least, I will include some numbers here for you so you can fully grasp the success of the event.
  • Swap-O-Rama-Rama made a $1578 gross profit and a net profit of $1074. Our main expense was the venue but were helped out tremendously in this aspect with the $350 we received in event sponsorships so thank you to all of you.  Our main expenses were the venue, printing, and craft supplies so next year we will be looking for specific sponsors to cover the costs or donate these items so that more money can go towards EcoSLO. This is an amazing first run and and I am overwhelmed with the success of it all.
Peace, Love, and Crafts!
Jennifer Alexander
Event Coordinator for Swap-O-Rama-Rama

Media:





Pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/upcycleslo/sets/72157623767393573
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1 comment:

  1. KnittingBlueContentApril 29, 2010 at 12:44 AM

    Us knitters had a swell time teaching people how to 1) unravel a sweater in order to re-purpose the yarn, 2) turn t-shirts into new fiber for knitting or crocheting and, best of all 3) share the joy of knitting - from our local knitting community to all the fabulous resources online.

    Thanks for such a great venue!

    Rob (Appell, from The Cotton Ball in Morro Bay) was a force to watch from afar, so we can only imagine how dynamic he was, up close & personal.

    Paul Howell's information on sewing machines was very well-received also.

    As the group that did *darn* well in the door prize arena :grin: we can say with all honesty the prizes were so very good! Amy O's cupcakes rocked, for sure.

    Thank you to EVERYONE that put this event on. It's so awesome to share all this craftiness with everyone in the SLO area.

    Let us know when the next one is in the pipeline. We'll be there with our sticks & string for sure.

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