Though they grew up just a short distance from each other in the Triangle, it took a move to New York City to unite friends and business partners Katie Covington and Janet Crowther.

Raleigh and Hillsborough natives, respectively, the two met in 2007 in the jewelry program at the Fashion Institute of Technology. As they made the career climb through the fashion industry, designing jewelry for everyone from Anthropologie to Marc Jacobs, they learned the ins-and-outs of the industry, as well as the best sources for supplies to create the perfect accessory.

It’s that knowledge, paired with a penchant for DIY projects, that inspired Covington and Crowther to start For the Makers, a subscription-based crafting business. For the Makers subscribers pay $29 to receive a box each month containing supplies to create four projects (previous projects include bracelets, earrings, candle holders, etc.) inspired by the latest runway trends. Step-by-step instructions for each project are on the For the Makers website ( www.forthemakers.com).

The business carries on a time-honored tradition of crafting that both women learned growing up in North Carolina.

“In the South, the notion of doing it yourself is part of our DNA,” says Covington. “Technology has made DIY more visible; where my grandmother showed her handmade quilts to guests, people can now share creations with other makers around the world. Sites like Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Tumblr have made it easier to connect online and share inspiration, techniques, and successes.”

For the Makers encourages sharing. The company offers party subscriptions, with all boxes shipped to one address along with a free project box for every purchase of five or more.

“A group of friends from my high school have started getting together at each other’s houses in Raleigh each month to make crafts and catch up,” says Covington. “The act of creating something together is very special, and For the Makers is thrilled to be a part of it.”

For the Makers has proved popular. The business has done well enough for the duo to run the company full-time, and For the Makers was recently featured on the “Martha Stewart Living” blog.

“It’s an exciting time for For the Makers, and we love that every day we are working on convincing the world that everyone can learn a new skill, share their knowledge and inspire others,” says Covington.

Night of fashion and fun

Some of the area’s most eclectic designers will showcase their latest pieces at the reFASHIONED fashion show at Motorco Music Hall in downtown Durham Thursday night. Put on by dtownMARKET (the twice-monthly downtown Durham arts market), the show features six clothing designers: Belindability, First Edition, Gypsy Witch, JenJen, Rocket Betty and Symbology. Four print designers will also display their work, and several local DJs will spin during the show and at the post-show dance party.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. and the dance party at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door and $7 in advance. Attendees will be able to buy many of the pieces they see in the show during an after-show market in the Motorco garage, and there will also be a raffle during the event with proceeds benefitting Dress for Success Triangle NC. For more information, visit dtownmarket.com/refashioned-a-durham-fashion-show.

A sweet sale

Dress designer resale boutique has a North Carolina-made jewelry line, Sweetie Pie, on sale for the first time this week. The collection, which includes colorful earrings, necklaces and more, will be 20 percent off during the sale. Dress is at 3528 Wade Ave., Raleigh, 919-699-6505, dressraleigh.com.

Send Stylin’ news and tips to jenniferbringle@gmail.com