Baglini is getting ready for Swap-O-Rama-Rama in the spring where participants bring clothes they don't use and creative volunteers update the garments.
"We talk about taking fiber trash and making it into wearable treasure," said Katie Hawkey Swindler, Swap-O-Rama-Rama.
At a recent rehearsal, they ripped into Baglini's sweater - literally. And her old faded t-shirt is on the chopping block.
While the crafty get to work, take a look around. What do you have around the house that may be collecting dust?
Sarah Manongdo-Joya hasn't been shopping for books or DVDs for over a year since she found SwapTree.com. She offers up items she's ready to shed and makes a list of items she'd like. She packages up the item she doesn't want pays to mail it and in return gets something she actually wants.
"It's like opening a present when you get it in the mail. It's like, oh I've been waiting for this book so it's really fun," said Manongdo-Joya.
How about those big ticket items that may be taking up space in your basement and monthly rental fees in a storage locker? We found a place where buried antiques and get new life, plus makes the owner a little cash.
Millionaire Rejects was supposed to be temporarily fix clearing out the owner's storage locker, then Carol Brody's friends began emptying their storage lockers and ridding themselves of used fine antiques and home furnishings. When a piece sells at considerably less than any retailer Brody shares the proceeds with the consigner.
"It's detoxifying cleansing purging to rid yourself of a burden but on a financial level it just doesn't make sense to keep a storage locker," said Carol Brody, Millionaire Rejects.
There are a couple of antique French pieces left from Myrna Kulp's storage locker. She paid thousands of dollars in storage fees over the years. When she discovered Millionaire Rejects, she decided it was time to let go.
"I've lost weight. It feels like I've lost weight," said Kulp.
Now Kulp is making profit but, more important to her, her beloved pieces will find new homes.
"I don't have the concern of the storage locker and I'm helping hopefully somebody else," said Kulp.
Back at the Swap-O-Rama-Rama rehearsal, Baglini's old sweater was reborn into a cute new winter hat; and that boring old shirt, after silk screening and adorable fabric florals, it's a one of a kind gem.
"I have some exciting new additions to my wardrobe," said Baglini.
Swap-O-Rama-Rama
www.swap-il.com
Swaptree
www.swaptree.com
Millionaire Rejects
1009 W. Armitage, Chicago
