Waste Not; Shirt Giveaway

Megan Franken is a girl after my own heart. Not only is she an aspiring Zoologist, but Megan is the owner and creator of a recycled clothing range available online; Waste Not: Recycled Clothing By Megan Franken. Megan is generously giving away one of her upcycled shirts to one lucky Recycled Fashion reader, but before providing you with the necessary details to participate in our giveaway, here is an interview with Megan, showcasing her store:

What is your shop/online store called and what do you sell?

I have an online store called "Waste Not: Recycled Clothing By Megan Franken" (Waste Not for short). For about a year now I've been producing one of a kind recycled clothing, sewn by hand and cared for in an environmentally responsible manner. My clothing can be hard to describe; I use recycled fabrics, patches and fabric letters to create unique designs, which I sew on to high quality recycled clothing. I'm always venturing in to new territory and you will always find something a little different around each "corner" of my store.

Tell us about you, and your motivation to start your store

I live in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Currently my business takes up the majority of my time, but I'll be starting at university in the fall (I hope to become a zoologist). As a huge environmentalist (and somewhat of an anti-capitalist) I decided an authentically environmental business was the way to go. I simply want to show people there is a way to run a business in such a way that there is virtually no impact on the environment. After having many of my friends start their own business' due to my inspiration, I truly feel I have achieved this goal.

When did you start trading? (when did you start selling your products)

I started selling my products about a year ago. As well as selling online I also sell at craft fairs and through consignment.

Is there any particular product in your store that is most popular?

Actually, I recently experienced my first huge traffic increase due to a shirt I made that says "I Heart Zach Galifianakis." I'm still a bit in shock after logging on to my computer to find I had 700 views in a couple hours. So we shall see what the future holds in store! (Pun intended).

I Heart Zach Galifiankis Upcycled T Shirt

PS if anyone is unsure who Zach Galifanakis is, lets see if this photograph gives you a clue

Image c/o: shockya.com

Would you like to show us some of the products you currently have for sale?

The first is a green men's tee featuring this beautiful patch that originally came from a Montreal Jazz Fest tee.

Jazz Nymphs in a Blue Moon

The second is a trademark patch of mine, the Orca Whale. A super simple patch to make, I create it using two pieces of recycled fabric and some matching cotton thread. I've added it to a black body suit for this item.

Orca Whale Upcycled Body Suit

Lastly is one of my favourite sweaters - I call it "sweet heart with a broken heart." It began with one of the coolest secondhand items I've ever found, a brilliant red sweater with a scalloped neckline. I've added a yellow and red "Broken Heart" patch to complete it.

Sweet Heart with a Broken Heart

Where can we find your store?

www.meganfranken.etsy.com
Facebook
Twitter @WasteNotRC

The giveaway is to win one of the following shirts, the winner will be able to choose between the two:

1. Harmonious Upcycled Top

A combination of two tops to create this one of a kind off the shoulder green tree blouse

The will fit an array of sizes differently. It is intended to be worn slightly loose and off the shoulder (in this case it would fit a size small or medium) but could be worn more tightly if you are inclined.

OR

2. Orca Whale In Bubbles Upcycled Men's T Shirt

This delightful recycled tee says "Save the Whales!" in its own subtle way, with Waste Not's trademark Orca Whale design

This shirt is a men's size small. It would fit a medium if you like a tighter fit in your t shirts

To enter this giveaway to win one of Megan's upcycled shirts, tell us which product you would choose, and do one or more of the following:

1. Leave a comment below
2. Become a blog follower on Recycled Fashion
2. Follow Waste Not on Facebook and leave a comment
3. Follow RecycledFashion on facebook and leave a comment
4. Follow Waste Not on twitter
5. Follow RecycledFashion on twitter and retweet the giveaway

Each activity above counts for one entry into the competition. Please leave a comment below when you do any one of the above, along with a way of contacting you.

National and international readers are all welcome to participate in the competition, which closes 24th July 2011, the winner to be drawn at random.

Good luck, and a big thank you to Megan.