The Swap-O-Rama-Rama this past weekend was a lovely manifestation of the warmth and friendliness of this small Midwestern city. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center provided a fantastic venue, the most wonderful staff and the bounty of the "Treasure Room".
We had a veritable feast of buttons, trims, zippers, appliques and other goodies laid out to work with.
Brand new Janome sewing machines were generously provided by Daryl of The Sewing Machine Shop in Sheboygan Falls.
Yoko, recently of Kyoto Japan, made a fiesta skirt.
Mom and daughter came early and sewed for hours.
High school students Willa, Libby and friend made frothy tutus.
Claire came from Chicago and created this very cool shirt.
A.J. arrived thinking there wouldn't be anything to do, found this vest, altered it to fit, silkscreened a patch, then not only went on to make a tie and another vest, but also modeled in the fashion show!
The Kohler's fabulous Elsa Lenz not only made everything happen, she found time to sew this shapely Alabama Chanin corset top!
Karen shows off her top. She said her husband really liked the way it fit!
Tracy made an elegant black and white version.
I made one out of a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt and kids Pokemon pullover. (It wasn't my size though, so adorned the welcoming mannequin.)
And I saved the best for last - the people of Sheboygan proved they have great hearts and lots of nerve, and totally rocked the participatory fashion runway. I was thrilled - we are always trying to get participants up on stage but they always beg off. But the magic happened in Sheboygan, the gauntlet has been thrown. I can't wait to see the DIY fashion show pics from YOUR town!
If you do happen to be in Sheboygan this summer, a mini Swap will be happening through July and August in the Artery at the Kohler. Two sewing machines will be set up, lots of goodies to work with, and the lovely art intern Kara to help.
I love those shirts! I wanna make one!!
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