SWISHING OR SWAPPING CLOTHES PARTIES…

Clothes Vintage

Some call it swishing and others swapping, either way it’s the latest way to either buy, sell or swap your clothes. Some have been set up as online stores but they are mainly being run at your own home. There are also some companies which are organising these types of events as well.

Running a Swishing party is simple, just follow the Rules of the Rail:
1) Everyone must bring at least one item of quality clothing.
2) You will have half an hour to browse before the swish opens.
3) No item may be claimed before the swish opens.
4) As soon as the swish is declared open, everyone may take what they want.
5) Remember no scratching, spitting or fighting.

Jess Cartner-Morley from the magazine Marie Claire said “The latest craze sweeping the country is ethical, eco-fabulous, social and fun. Welcome to the future of fashion.

Some good websites that I found are –

http://posh-swaps.com/ is an online swapping shop where you can buy, sell or swap your clothes.

http://swishing.com/ is another online company who organise swapping or swishing parties for you all over the UK.

http://www.swishing.co.uk/ is an online swishing service, and the UK’s only clothes swapping website where you can instantly order any item showing on the site. Unlike other clothes swapping websites, you don’t have to hunt around for someone to swap your item with, or end up waiting months to swap your item …if at all.

http://www.mrsbears.co.uk/Default.aspx With everyone feeling the pinch in the current climate, Mrs Bear’s clothes swapshop is themed on a World War II “make do and mend” ethos. The simple idea being you can exchange your unwanted clothing, shoes or accessories with someone else’s. Swap your way to a new wardrobe at little cost to you and the environment! It’s also aimed at re-gaining a sense of real community whilst reducing your carbon footprint.

BUTTON UP YOUR CLOTHES…

duttons

The easiest way to update or create a vintage style on your clothes is to revamp them with some new buttons.

Duttons for Buttons has more than 12,000 designs to choose from, the largest selection in the United Kingdom.

They have buttons from around the world, including children’s, diamante, wooden, mother-of-pearl, leather, enamel, glass, Swarovski and metal buttons.

They will even post you a selection in case your not sure of the size. Just pick the one you want, return the rest, and then they will send you as many as you need.

This service only costs £2.99 (plus return postage) so a new look for your outfit for under £5 could be easily achieved.

BECOME A DOMESTIC SEWING GODDESS…

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If you fancy becoming a domestic sewing goddess then you should join Mia Jafari this May at The Papered Parlour as she helps take the fear out of fabrics and sets you on your sewing way.

From the basics of hand stitching through to threading your machine, we’ll have you replacing buttons, taking up trousers, and revamping old clothes in no time.

With tips and advice on how to upcycle your garments with simple alterations, you’ll learn how to extend the life of your clothes and save well-worn favourites from the recycling bin.

Perfect for complete beginners – no experience necessary. Bring your own machine and let us help you get it started or borrow one of our vintage singers.

Make Me a Domestic Sewing Goddess
Sunday 13 May 2012 12 – 5pm