Project Bikeway

As part of Bike to Work month 2011, Project Bikeway will showcase designs "which can make transitions between the bicycle, the office, and evening events, while still keeping the wearer comfortable, stylish, and visible". The Kick-Off event will run from 12pm-3pm, with Project Bikeway showcases at 12:30pm and 2:00pm.  Designers will be present at the event and available for discussion after the 2nd showcase.

Designers include 2 past Redress Raleigh designers - Christy Michal and Kristen Martinez - and one current designer - Matthew Mahler!

There will also be a "Raffish Ride" where you can get all dolled up for a group bike ride to the runway!

More info on the event can be found on the Project Bikeway website.

Save your lunch money, The Congo needs a sewing machine

One local college student is taking a break from the cafeteria today, and says you should do to the same. NCSU Textiles major Will Taylor isn't dieting to lose the freshman 15 or shake a couple pounds for spring break - he's fasting to buy a sewing machine. Sound strange? Some might think so, but Will is one of over 600 fasters contributing to an network called Global Fast, a non-profit organization with a pretty simple idea: Give up one meal each month and donate the money you save to those who need it.

In four areas - water, freedom, opportunity, and relief - Global Fast is hosting teams that raise funds for specific causes. As a textiles student, Will could appreciate one cause in particular - sending a sewing machine to The Democratic Repulic of Congo. As Will puts it, "This support can help families obtain income...It is an attempt to put a small dent in poverty. As a whole, Global Fast has impacted so many lives - I hope more individuals become involved to further eradicate poverty."

This project has the potential to impact 50 lives in a community that deserves some positive change. So let your stomach growl over lunch today - we promise it will forgive you later. 

Support the Sewing Machine Project

The Upcycle 02 : Mari Urban Renewal

Mari Santos and the amazing things she can do with oversized t-shirts. 

Unfortunately, the above blog post is pretty outdated, so a lot of the links don't work, but I couldn't help sharing the Awesome things Mari Santos has created from large oversized t-shirts. From these designs, she was picked in '07 to be a part of Urban Outfitter's Urban Renewal line.

You can start your own Urban Renewal projects coming up at the end of the month at our Redress Raleigh / Heather Productions Clothes Swap. Bring what you can, take what you want. 

The Upcycle 01

In lieu of our upcoming Clothes Swap event, I thought I would start making posts to give all you clever DIYers out there inspiration for all the new goodies you'll acquire.

First up is a post I saw awhile ago on Ecco*Eco, showing this fabulous dress Xing-Zhen Chung Hilyard wore to the  of  The GreenShows' opening night last September. Totally repurposed from a shirt found in a Bushwick clothing bin:

Incredible, right?

Now Accepting 2011 Designer Applications

Become a part of Redress Raleigh this year as a designer! 
Complete a designer application by January 3, 2011 to be considered for the 2011 show. 
Redress looks forward to seeing your innovative, eco-friendly work!