in which our plucky heroine is the group moderator, which means that this year, I get to make up The Rules! (and answer questions, and keep track of what is going on in the message board threads)
11 pieces, in two groups:
- 9 or 10 that may coordinate (be worn together) to form outfits
- 1 or 2 that MUST coordinate (be able to be worn with all of the others) (1 if you make 10 other pieces, 2 if you make 9)
- no required garments
- no required colors
- You may include one garment that is knitted, crocheted, or handwoven
SWAP sewing will begin December 26th, and all garments must be finished by April 30th, 2010. Pattern fitting and cutting may be done whenever you're ready.
You may include 1 garment you had already sewn prior to the rules announcement and 1 purchased ready-to-wear garment,
or 2 pre-sewn garments made prior to the rules announcement. (I encourage either of these options, as integrating your SWAP sewing with your current wardrobe increases how versatile your self-sewn clothing will be). In addition, you may include one additional garment that is sewn
after the rules have been posted and
before the official start SWAP sewing date of December 26. If you include these three garments, that gives a total of eight more to be sewn before SWAP ends, for a fairly reasonable 2 per month.
You
must choose a theme for your collection to act as a focal point - something that inspires you and will help give your SWAP wardrobe a cohesive "feel"; it could be a verbal phrase, a photo, a location, an artifact, or even an accessory (like a scarf). You must post what you have chosen as your theme.
You
must include, as part of making one (or more) garments, a technique that both stretches your skill set and is something you have been wanting to learn. For example: someone who is a beginner might choose zippers, someone who is further along on their sewing journey might choose Hong Kong seam finishing or welt pockets, someone who loves embellishment might try making an Alabama Chanin style reverse applique garment, etc....
For the purposes of this SWAP, a sewn "garment" is one that consists of more than one pattern piece, stitched together. A poncho (one piece with a hole for the neckline), or a wrap (one piece of fabric) are not. Some knitted or crocheted garments are made in one piece, but involve careful shaping, so they count as garments.
SUGGESTIONS:
It often helps to choose a limited set of colors as well, that relate to your theme. While I myself like to choose from the palette of colors already in my wardrobe; that certainly isn't required, though it does make your SWAP sewing more versatile if the new pieces will coordinate not only with each other, but with previously sewn or purchased garments. The original SWAP concept had a very limited group of colors and a very limited number of simple-to-sew patterns, in order to get the maximum useful combinations with a minimum amount of difficulty and sewing time. For some, that will still be an ideal way to approach SWAP, while others may wish to really dive into a challenge instead. Both approaches are commendable.
The more separates you include in your SWAP, the more combinations you will be able to create, but if your wardrobe preference is single garments such as dresses (or jumpsuits?) you can still participate.
Using simple patterns, or TNT patterns, will increase the likelihood you will complete a whole SWAP. That said, choosing to also add a challenging pattern or technique can allow you to stretch your sewing skills - I chose the rules this year to encourage a mixture of both in your SWAP, as simple patterns in quality fabrics can be great building blocks for wardrobe versatility, and improving your sewing skills and vocabulary will gradually increase what you are comfortable sewing.
Here are a few, but certainly not the only, possible examples of "recipes" for groups of garments that all fit this years SWAP criteria
- 9 knit tops + skirt + pants
- 5 tops/shirts + 2 pants + 2 skirts + jacket + cardigan
- 6 tops/tee + 2 pants + dress + jean jacket + hoodie
- 9 dresses + jacket + cardigan
- 5 tops + 2 tunics + 3 pants + vest
- 4 tops/shirts + 3 pinafores + 2 leggings + vest + cardigan
※※※
October SMART goals (x=extra)
| # | THINGS MADE | THINGS FIXED | THINGS GONE |
| 1 | 6 jars grape syrup | moar apple pruning | grapes harvested |
| 2 | Maeva undergown | wool fabric sorted | yard waste bin |
| 3 | Maeva overdress | AC put to bed | yard waste bin |
| 4 | Maeva wool gollar
| quinces picked | red fence slats |
| 5 | Maeva wusthalbe | x | excess mustard |
| 6 | Maeva steuchlein | x
| - |
| 7 | calligraphy letter | x
| - |
| 8 | SWAP rules | x | x |
| 9 | x
| x | x |
| 10 | x | x | x |
| 11 | x | x | x |
| 12 | x | x | x |
| 13 | x | x | x |
| 14 | x | x | x |
| 15 | x | x | x |
today's gratitutude - confidence to take on being moderator, and the appreciation from my sewing peers for my efforts
.
