Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Two shirts for a great cause

Hello, all! With the permission of our lovely editors, I’d like to tell you about a cause that is very important to me (with a couple of related refashions, of course!)
This June, I am participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This disease has affected many women in my life, including my mom. She is fine now, thanks to the excellent care she received. That is why I am committed to walking 39 miles in 2 days and raising at least $1,800 to help others get the screenings and care that they need.
When I signed up for the Walk, they sent me a t-shirt to advertise the cause while I did my training and fundraising. Like most free t-shirts, it was boxy and not very stylish.

So, of course, I refashioned it! I took in the sides for a more fitted shape through the waist and took a few inches off the hem. To add some interest to the sleeves, I sewed on elastic hot pink ribbon. I stretched it as I sewed it on, creating nice gathers and a slightly puffed sleeve. It has a lot more flair now.

I also wanted to make my own version of an owl-themed breast cancer awareness shirt I had seen. I used freezer paper stencils and fabric paint to make a pink owl on the front of a plain white t-shirt.

It was an interesting conversation when I had to explain this slogan to my 6-year-old daughter!

Now I can raise awareness of this important cause in style. If you are interested in helping out, you can donate at www.avonwalk.org. Just click the pink “Donate Now” button and search for me by name (Amy Minster).
I am also selling handmade jewelry in my Etsy shop to raise money for the Walk. Until May 30th, the FULL purchase price of ALL items will go to the cause. I am donating the materials and the time it takes to make everything. Please check out my shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/amykalbster and consider helping out.
Thanks for listening.

4 comments:

Dominique said...

Good job on the cause and on the shirt ! Very inspiring !

La La Lauren!!! said...

Nice job amy! Here's to saving the tatas! :)

LaLaLauren EOD

Unknown said...

I love how encouraging the words ‘powerful,’ ‘bold,’ ‘passionate,’ and ‘unstoppable’ sound. It makes me feel energized and want to join that run, only it’s over. ;) It’s a great way to raise awareness among people of the increasing risks of having breast cancer. A good reminder, too, of how important it is to keep an active lifestyle for overall wellness. I like what you did with the shirt, by the way. It looks more feminine. Very appropriate since the run was for women. ;)

- Linda Fox

Unknown said...

This is the kind of shirt that I would want to wear again and again, not just because of its great design, but for its wonderful and empowering message. And when you take it out on the street, there’s guaranteed to be at least one person who will notice it. It’s not about just fashion; it’s about sending a simple and inspiring message.

Madeleine Truman