#MakeFriday

For four years my friends and I have gathered together on Black Friday for a day of sewing. The day after Thanksgiving has become synonymous with shopping and sales and we want to transform it into a day about making.

We gather together in a rented gallery space and start the day by catching up with each other over coffee, tea, and Thanksgiving leftovers.

We sew for a full day — usually starting at around 9 AM and stopping at around 7PM. Originally we challenged ourselves to sew an entire outfit and wear it out that evening but over time we’ve loosened the rules. Some of us do mending and hemming projects that’s we’ve saved up all year.

Sewing clothing is really hard. We create an environment where we are surrounded with support and laughter. We push one another to finish projects that we might otherwise set aside. Because of that, the day is a mix of anxiety and laughter.

For this year, I decided to construct a dress out of secondhand scarves. I found it extremely challenging to work with this type of fabric but I pushed myself to finish. I guess I’m happy with the color and print juxtapositions but the construction is horrendous. 🙈

No matter what transpires on Make Friday, I am left with a deeper appreciation for what it takes to design and construct clothing and that helps me to be more in tune with what it should cost for a quality garment. It recalibrates me to make mindful choices for my wardrobe.

We’d love for Make Friday to spread. Start planning for next Black Friday. You don’t need to rent a space. You can work from home or gather with friends. And you don’t need to make clothing. Make jewelry! Make ceramics! Make whatever you want! Share your projects online and add the hashtag #MakeFriday so we can follow along!

xo Recovergirl

CALL TO DESIGNERS – PROJECT UPCYCLE 2019

Get ready to stretch those creative muscles, fashion designers!

3S Artspace, Recovergirl & Goodwill of Northern New England are once again joining forces to promote regional designers and sustainable fashion in the 2nd Project Upcycle design competition.

If you are ready to meet other inspiring designers and put your design skills to the test, please apply to compete in this wildly creative and fast-paced design challenge, transforming secondhand clothing into a gala-worthy outfit!

TO APPLY, VISIT 3SARTS.ORG

Eight designers will be chosen for Project Upcycle which takes place March 28-30 and culminates in the highly anticipated Project Upcycle Runway Event on March 30, 2019.

ABOUT PROJECT UPCYCLE:
Project Upcycle brings emerging designers together to foster connections, encourage creativity, and inspire growth. We are helping to plant the seeds for sustainable fashion brands in New England and beyond, and developing an audience that will support you on your design path.

PRIZING:
A cash prize will be awarded to the top three designers. Prizes come with no strings attached. Winners can use the funds as they wish!
First Prize: $1,500
Second Prize: $1,000
Third Prize: $500

Local Maker Spotlight

I finally got to meet the woman behind Ersilia Designs at the Portsmouth Farmer’s Market today. Her name is Luca (pronounced Lootza) and she lives in Portsmouth. I think she said she is originally from Hungary. She hand knits face clothes, hand dyes and sews bento and produce bags, and knits adorable pixie hats for children. Follow her on Instagram and buy her stuff on Etsy.

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I also met ceramic artist Zane Tillinghast. I am so in love with his work. He makes mugs, plates, vases, toothbrush holders, and ceramic strainers for fruits and vegetables. He is a graduate of the Maine College of Art. On his website Zane says this about his work:

“My pots capture the essence of a good time. Through the use of form, I illustrate the irregular and sometimes pear-shaped reality of what it is to celebrate with other human beings, — The act of eating and drinking with this tableware and with the people you wish to spend time with, make the ceramic objects a backdrop for the performance of life to happen around.”

Pear-shaped reality. Love that! Follow Zane on Instagram and buy his stuff on Etsy.

There are 87 days until Christmas. Buy handmade and local! #sustainablestyle