Hudson River Valley folks know first-hand how important it is to re-use and recycle for a healthy future world that is more sustainable and less wasteful. But if the ideas of “re-style” and “re-fashion” are new to you, you just haven’t been a part of Project Greenway yet! The FIFTH ANNUAL PROJECT GREENWAY RE-FASHION SHOW IS NOVEMBER 10, 2013 at Scarborough Presbyterian Church (on Route 9 between Sleepy Hollow and Ossining). All of this year’s proceeds from ticket sales go to Career Closet of Briarcliff Manor. And everything entered and shown is a Remarkable Re-do of something old.
Imagine: That worn-once-done(!) bridesmaid dress becomes a short and perfect party dress when a 10-year-old gets hold of it. How about a 14-year-old who collects used coffee filters (we’re talking more than two thousand of them), and crafts a full-length bridal gown with coffee filter rosettes? Then, there’s Barbara, who took a friend’s old dress and re-worked it into a stylish jacket and skirt. Or, how about the T-Skirt, the cereal box dress, the bedspread coat? Says co-chair Connie Curran: “It’s amazing the kinds of things that show up on the runway, but that’s part of what makes this event so much fun.”
Anyone can enter. Just send us a “before” photo of the items to be used by November 1st. The final creations are worn or shown on the runway by the contestants on the evening of the show. The rules are simple: At least 75% of the finished look must come from something old, rummaged, and re-used in a transformed and wearable new outfit. Or, a usable and decorative accessory. Contestants are from all ages and levels of experience (but none are professional designers), and compete in “under 19” and “19 and over” categories. There are cash prizes for winners in each age group and an overall “Best in Show” design award. Judges are from Briarcliff’s March Boutique, Gingko New York Jewelry and Adrianna Papell. Need some sewing help, or sewing lessons? It’s all available at Scarborough Church in the two weeks before November 10th. Entry is free for contestants. Just fill out the online form at www.aboutspc.org or contact the committee at projgreenway@gmail.com for information. Co-chair Patty Chapman loves watching the creative process in the communal sewing circles: “Groups like the Girl Scouts, the Ossining Children’s Center and youth and adults from all over the Hudson Valley have participated, and many of our contestants have returned each year because they’ve had such a good time. Some have even learned the useful skill of sewing, too!”
High School senior Conner Ives, creator of the wedding dress, will be vying for “Best in Show” for the fourth year running before he leaves us for college shores. “We’ve already seen his ‘before’ photo,” says Curran, “and I almost can’t believe it will become something for the runway. But I won’t spoil the surprise. You’ll just have to come and see for yourself.”
Tickets for the show are $15 in advance ($20 at the door) for adults; $5 for students, and include a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. Checks payable to “Career Closet” can be sent to: Scarborough Presbyterian Church, 655 Scarborough Road, Scarborough, NY 10510, for advance purchase. Many local caterers and specialty food shops will contribute a delicious variety of nibbles and sweets, all for a truly worthwhile cause. Career Closet of Briarcliff Manor provides clothing appropriate for the work world to women who have gone through Westchester County’s job training program to enter or re-enter the work force and help support their families.
Join us for our celebratory Fifth Year event! Project Greenway needs contestants and an audience. Mark your calendars, rummage through your attics, dust off the sewing machine, and join the fun! All are welcome: Scarborough Presbyterian Church, Sunday, November 10th at 4 p.m. Entry deadline for contestants (and “before” photos) is November 1st.
Photo courtesy of Dorothy Handelman
