Category: re-design

Tips from Our Goodwill Re-Design Contest Winner Kirsten Irwin

Introducing 2014 Goodwill Re-Design Contest Winner of the Accessories Category, Kirsten Irwin

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How did you get started in re-designing clothing and why do you shop at Goodwill?

I really needed a creative project to get me through the long winter! I had noticed the signs for the Re-Design Contest at Goodwill and read the article in the newspaper, and I thought I would try it this year. I’ve been interested in art my whole life and thought this would be a fun way to try something different – sewing!

I love shopping at Goodwill because there is such a wide variety of styles available for bargain prices. I’m constantly amazed at the quality of the items. I know the money from these purchases provides jobs and training for people with special needs. My stepsons both have special needs and my one son worked for Goodwill last year.

 

What Goodwill locations do you shop at and what items do you typically look for when considering a re-design piece?

I usually shop at the Shillington store because it is so convenient, but I will check out the other Goodwill stores in Berks County sometimes. I try to find fun fabrics, interesting colors, or unusual details in the items for re-designs.

 

How do you create your re-designs?

The tote bag is my first re-design piece.

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I used an upside-down, perforated-leather skirt for the outside of the bag. The lining is made from 4 orange, striped placemats and a man’s plaid suit coat.

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The stripes in the plaid include orange and brown that tied the colors together and added some pattern to the mix. I kept the pocket of the jacket and used it for the inner pocket of the bag.

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I found a great, wide belt with grommets that became the handle for the bag.

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I hope to buy a sewing machine and start practicing with that for next year’s entries!

 

What was your experience like at the Goodwill Runway Show?

I had a wonderful time! Everything was executed very well and I think the show was incredibly enjoyable for participants and audience members alike. It was great meeting all the finalists in the Re-Design contest. My friends and I really had a fun evening; I can’t wait until next year!

 

What advice do you have for aspiring re-design artists? 

Enjoy the creative process and take some chances! Have a good time making something unexpected!

See all of the 2014 Goodwill Re-Design Winners on our Facebook Page, click here.

Introducing 2014 Goodwill Re-Design Contest Winner of the Avant Garde Category, Jeanette Diebold


 

Introducing 2014 Goodwill Re-Design Contest Winner of the Avant Garde Category, Jeanette Diebold.

JeanetteDiebold - AvantGarde

JDiebold_web How did you get started in re-designing clothing and why do you shop at Goodwill?

I got started in re-designing after I went to my first Goodwill Runway Show three years ago. My good friend, Kirsten Keim-Shendge was a model and re-designer at that show. Also, fashion design runs in my family. My grandfather, George Louis Diebold, was a designer for Venus Foundation Garments in Chicago and my mother used to make my sisters and I clothes, costumes and even prom dresses for many years. It was always great to have an original!

What Goodwill locations do you shop at and what items do you typically look for when considering a re-design piece?

I shop at Goodwill because it benefits a large group of people and you can’t beat the great bargains on designer fashions.
I have shopped at the Phoenixville, Royersford, Frazer and Morgantown locations. When creating a re-design, I typically look for an eye-catching item or something with an intricate detail or texture.

How do you create your re-designs?

I love a great dress! My dress designs are simple but elegant and the details give it that extra flair.

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The one-sleeved purple gown was made from an old piece of velvet, embellished with handmade flowers and a short train from a fabulous pleated silk dress (Goodwill), and the final touches were a handmade flower and accordion waist detail from pages of Mark Twain’s book, Huckleberry Finn (Goodwill).

The Japanese Paper Parasol was a great find at Goodwill.

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It had a tear in it. I returned later to purchase it and it had been removed from the floor. Luckily, they still sold it to me – for $1! I used the remaining fabric from the pleated silk dress and book pages to create the flower and lining of the parasol.

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The burgundy dress ensemble was made from a curtain (Goodwill).

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I created a simple dress and saved the best part for the skirt. The skirt had such beautiful detail which also converted to an optional cape. I loved the multi-function of casual and formal.

What was your experience like at the Goodwill Runway Show?

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The Goodwill Runway Show is always a fun experience. It’s a great evening for a great cause, enjoyed by the company of people with the same mission – to give back to the community.

What advice do you have for aspiring re-designers?

For aspiring re-designers – use your imagination. The most simple things can turn into something so appealing.

See all of the Goodwill Re-Design Winners on our Facebook Page, click here.

Introducing Hayley Linette – Goodwill Re-Design Contest Winner – Social Media Fan Favorite


 

Introducing 2014 Goodwill Re-Design Contest Winner of the Social Media Fan Favorite Category, Hayley Linette.

HayleyLinette - Accessories

How did you get started in re-designing clothing and why do you shop at Goodwill?

Hayley Linette I have always believed in the idea of “trash to treasure”. I see potential in an item that may not be in style or what you would consider attractive. I shop at Goodwill because of the diversity in the items they display. I like knowing that every week there is going to be new product on the shelves which means new inspiration for me.

What Goodwill locations do you shop at and what items do you typically look for when considering a re-design piece?

I shop at many Goodwill locations because they all have different items. I typically look for shoes that can be easily painted. This means no crazy textures or layers of fabric. I look for shoes that are smooth with a cotton, leather, felt or suede material.

How do you create your re-designs?

I find shoes, preferably heels that are beat up, scratched, or unattractive and I paint them.

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I look at the material that the shoe is made with to see if it is “paint-able”.

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The easiest heels to paint are ones made with cotton, leather, felt or suede. I use acrylic paint to bring the shoes back to life.

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With my art I make the shoe feel new again.

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Every shoe I paint is unique and considered a walking work of art. Everyone wants shoes that no one else has and I give that to them.

What was your experience like at the Goodwill Runway Show?

This was my first year going to the Goodwill Runway Show. I am so grateful that I was able to participate in such a great show with great people. I loved getting to know the models, staff and people who came to watch. I will definitely be applying for the Re-Design Contest again next year!

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What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Do what you love, express yourself and be unique. Do not let others bring you down and make you feel like your work won’t get anywhere. If you keep trying then there is no doubt that you will be successful in your art.