If you’ve got a cache of Beanie Babies or teddy bears lying around staring at the walls, this might be their time to shine again. Philly AIDS Thrift is teaming up with Pennsylvania artist Lyssa Current and Design Philadelphia to throw a plushie party Oct. 9.
And no, it’s not some weird fetish thing. It’s a lot more wholesome and cool.
The event is a workshop that will give attendees the opportunity to used stuffed animals and other fun fabrics and items to create grown-up patchwork renditions of clothing, messenger bags, hats, jackets or whatever else their imaginations and a lot of thread can conjure up.
Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou, Philly AIDS Thrift cofounder, said she was inspired to host the event to coincide with Design Philadelphia when she stumbled upon Current’s whimsical designs.
“We usually do something with recyclable goods just because obviously we have plenty of that and it’s a great space to use what we have,” she said. “I was looking for someone to conduct the workshop and asked around. One of my volunteers had a friend and I checked out her website and, oh my God, she was the most talented creative young person in the world.”
Kallas-Saritsoglou was particularly impressed by a photo of a quilt-like coat that was made entirely of stuffed animals.
“I just fell in love with it and I asked her if she would participate. As we talked, it grew into us being able to use the stuffed animals that we get. We created it into a way to make fashion as well as fun, mismatched creations,” she said. “The beauty of that coat is that it is childhood toys and pieces of material. So if someone has their favorite little puppy or bear toys, then they can use it and incorporate it into something they can use every day like a book bag. Anything goes.”
Kallas-Saritsoglou said participants don’t have to be the next “Project Runway” contestant or particularly skilled in making clothing in order to have fun and create something amazing at the party.
“It’s very basic and we provide everything: the needles, the thread and everything,” she said. “If you have something that you really dig, bring it, but we’re going to try and provide as much as possible. Maybe someone is feeling a little daring. Maybe it gives them a touch of nostalgia being around stuffed animals. I would think [participants will be those] who [are] really creative and carefree, want to have fun and create something colorful.”
Design Philadelphia presents the Plushie Party 2-5 p.m. Oct. 9 at Philly AIDS Thrift, 710 S. Fifth St. For more information on the event or artist Lyssa Current, visit www.2016.designphiladelphia.org/events/plushie_party or www.lyssacurrent.com/.