Makers Mill celebrates creativity, sustainability, and community at 5th Annual Upcycled Fashion Show

WOLFEBORO — Nearly 200 attendees, including designers, models, volunteers, vendors, and audience members, gathered at the Kingswood Arts Center on April 26 for Makers Mill’s 5th Annual Upcycled Fashion Show, celebrating creativity, sustainability, and community through 46 unique designs created by 30 local designers.

The afternoon featured an extraordinary range of wearable art and everyday fashion created from repurposed materials. Designers transformed denim, quilts, curtains, neckties, coffee bags, tablecloths, pashminas, vintage garments, and even recycled CDs into one-of-a-kind pieces that showcased both artistic skill and environmental awareness. From practical garments to imaginative runway pieces, each design demonstrated the creativity and resourcefulness of the Makers Mill community.

Several pieces carried especially meaningful stories. Designs included garments and bags made with batik fabric from Ghana, a Sansa duster created from scraps collected from design students at Kumasi University in Ghana, and Japanese-inspired pieces that incorporated traditional textiles in new and personal ways. Other standout designs included a dramatic Futuristic Warrior made from 280 upcycled CDs, a rain poncho created from reusable shopping bags and a vinyl tablecloth, and youth-designed garments that brought fresh energy to the runway.

The event highlighted the power of creative reuse and the ability to see new possibilities in materials that might otherwise be discarded. Each piece told its own story of experimentation, craftsmanship, and innovation, inspiring attendees to look at everyday objects through a different lens.

A special highlight of this year’s show was a dedication to Carol Holyoake as she prepares to retire from her role as Makers Mill’s Program Director. For the past five years, Holyoake has been a guiding force behind classes and events, helping support the fiber arts community and encouraging countless makers, designers, and students along the way.

“This may have been the most innovative show we’ve had yet,” Holyoake said. “The creativity and craftsmanship on display were remarkable, but what meant the most to me was seeing so many young people on the runway this year. Watching kids and adults create, learn, and celebrate together is exactly what this event is all about.”

That intergenerational spirit was evident throughout the afternoon, with youth participants sharing the runway alongside experienced fiber artists, sewists, and designers. Their participation reflected Makers Mill’s commitment to fostering creativity, confidence, and hands-on learning for all ages.

Guests also enjoyed browsing vendor booths featuring handmade and upcycled goods before and after the show, including Makers Mill, By Jeeni, The Leather Shop, Batik Boutique, Oddities and Ends, Courtney Drake, and Six Legged Society. A raffle for a one-of-a-kind ice-dyed quilt added to the excitement, with Jen Noyer taking home the prize.

Those who were unable to attend can still experience the event through a recording produced by WCTV. The full show is available to watch at makersmill.org/2026fashionshow.