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Hedberg Library to host 'Refashion Fair' event

JANESVILLE — We used to live in a throwaway society.

Too old? Not fashionable enough?

Into the garbage or off to Goodwill.

Now we live in a keep-it-for-as-long-as-possible society because nobody can afford to throw anything away.

From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, the Hedberg Public Library will host its first "Refashion Fair."

The program will consist of three elements: a "demo drive," "inspiration point" and "clothing swap circle."

The demo drive will feature demonstrations on how to "repurpose"—reuse and renew—old items, said Linda Belknap, library adult services associate

There will be fabric dying demonstrations, T-shirt embellishment ideas, no-sew bandana totes, fabric punching, basic jewelry and beading techniques and a variety of other crafty presentations.

"We're going to have demonstrations from quite a range of skill levels, from no-sew to highly artistic," Belknap said.

Eileen Daniels of Brodhead will bring her sewing machine and demonstrate needle punching using old neckties.

Needle punching involves using a sewing machine attachment with six needle-like devices that push the fiber from one material into the fiber of another.

"It combines the two clothes together," Daniels said. "It doesn't use any thread at all."

Another participant will be Patty Dwyer Wanninger, who makes beaded jewelry.

At the demo drive, she'll show how to replace broken clasps on wire jewelry, help beaders finish up half-completed projects and show ways to make new beaded jewelry pieces from old ones.

The second part of the program, the clothing swap circle, will give people a chance to trade in gently used clothing.

"It all started with Swap-O-Rama-Rama , and now it's a national movement," Belknap said.

At a swap, people bring in gently used clothes and get tickets for other items of clothing.

"For our fashion swap, we're asking for teen and women's seasonal—fall and winter—clothing," Belknap said. "People will then receive a paper token to shop."

Here's a cautionary note: Just because you bring in clothes doesn't mean you'll find something in your size or to your taste.

Any leftover items will be donated to charities.

Finally, "inspiration point" will feature informational books and instructional DVDs about refashioning clothing and other items.