Born out of inspiration with the drive to provide Sacramento women an alternative to a healthy, more minimalist, green lifestyle, the Stitch Swap will be held on April 3rd. Hosted by Liz Franco, Ashley Gray and Ashlee Gadd at The Urban Hive, Stitch Swap is a community-driven event that allows participants to spring clean their wardrobe and find new pieces to spice up the season.

This is Liz Franco’s second local event—the first given last October that was a huge hit—and her third Stitch Swap after co-hosting her first with Gwen Bell and Sarah Bray in Boulder, Colorado. Liz knew Sacramento was looking for something that would not only give women in a difficult situation a broader selection of clothing, shoes and accessories, but allow for an opportunity for community involvement and to donate to a good cause and help reduce carbon footprints. That was when the first Sacramento Stitch Swap was coordinated in October and was a great success.

The $5 admission will be donated to the Relay for Life and any leftover clothing that isn’t swapped out will be donated to the St. John’s Shelter for Women & Children. In order to participate, bring at least one gently loved item to swap. It’s a green and frugal way to shop for closet boosters and a great way to recycle the clothes no longer in your regular rotation. Even if you only bring one item to swap, there is no limit to what you can take home as long as what you’re giving will help provide for the community and charities involved.

All types of businesses and industries create carbon footprints and the fashion industry is no different. Individuals alone produce on average 7.5 metric tons of carbon a year. To have a low-carbon wardrobe is to have a small wardrobe. Events like the Stitch Swap help offset fashionistas’ sartorial desires by providing a stylish alternative to second-hand shopping. When buying new, consider the life cycle cost of an item—purchase timeless pieces that will last a few years.

Liz and her co-hosts Ashley and Ashlee are all active local art and fashion community bloggers. “It’s my way of giving back; every little bit helps,” says Liz about Stitch Swap.

The Urban Hive is located at 20th and H Streets, and the Stitch Swap starts at 1pm with live music.