SWAP 2008

[RuthieK]

I cut out and started to sew up the skirt from the Wardrobe pattern I like the most right now. I reckon it can either become one of the advance pieces or just an 'extra' if I find I want to include other things as the advance pieces instead.

I have another piece I'd like some advice on from all you wonderful seamstresses. I bought a piece of lace when I was in Germany last weekend. Its chocolate brown and incorporates raised cording. I love it. I want to make an unlined skirt with it, and then have contrasting separate slips made from satin in cream, burnt orange, teal and chocolate which I can wear underneath to give different contrasts.
The lace does not stretch and has quite a lot of body. What suggestions do you have for the waist treatment and how to finish the side seams and hem? As I want to use separate satin slips with elastic waists I need something at the waist which is not as see through. A simple atriaght waistband in the chocolate brown satin and then satin bias binding on the seams and hem?

[peachykeeeeen]

Welcome Dorcus! You're a lot braver than me, departing with your stash. Even if I knew I didn't need it, I'm not sure I would be able to part with it. One great thing about the online fabric stores is that they offer swatches and/or swatch services. So for those of us who are touchy-feely fabric shoppers, it takes some of the guesswork out of buying what may otherwise be a mystery fabric. When looking for online sources, I did a lot of Google searches and found some great online sources, but it was here that I found the best sources.

Shorty, I think your choices are great and even though your original brown fabric is no longer available, I doubt you'll have too much problem finding a suitable replacement. As far as what to do with fabrics that the pattern doesn't call for: the "recommended fabric" list is more of a guideline than a rule. That being said, some patterns are designed for certain types of fabrics. For example, knit patterns and some patterns that call for stretch wovens have little or no ease built into the pattern because the fabric compensates for that. For the most part though, any pattern that calls for a woven fabric can be made with pretty much any woven fabric. Most of your basic blouse or shirt patterns are designed with the wearing ease needed for a non-stretch woven fabric and even if the pattern envelope doesn't specifically say cotton doesn't mean you can't use it. That's the wonderful thing about making your own clothes - you are the boss and get to make all the decisions!!

mamapicklejuice - that dress is gorgeous!! I have been eyeing that wool satin myself and think it would look fantastic as that dress!! In fact, that whole pattern is beautiful!!

Ruthie - That lace sounds wonderful. I really like your idea of using the different colors to give it a different look every time you wear it! I can imagine it will be lovely! To finish the seams, I would probably do french seams. If you think the edges need to be reinforced, you can always do a hong kong style finish and bind it with the satin binding that you mentioned. For the waistband, you can either make a waistband from the lace and underlined in a matching brown fabric (to hide interfacing but keep the lace look from top to bottom), or you can make the waistband from the satin you mentioned - especially if you bound the seams. If it were me, I would probably avoid a skirt style without a separate waistband because either the ribbon or facing needed to finish a non-waistband style would take away from the lovely contrasting slips you're planning. Does the fabric have a border? If it does, and you could incorporate it into the hem, that would solve that problem. Otherwise I would probably just do the scantest turned-under hem possible and hand-stitch it.

[RuthieK]

Ruthie - That lace sounds wonderful. I really like your idea of using the different colors to give it a different look every time you wear it! I can imagine it will be lovely! To finish the seams, I would probably do french seams. If you think the edges need to be reinforced, you can always do a hong kong style finish and bind it with the satin binding that you mentioned. For the waistband, you can either make a waistband from the lace and underlined in a matching brown fabric (to hide interfacing but keep the lace look from top to bottom), or you can make the waistband from the satin you mentioned - especially if you bound the seams. If it were me, I would probably avoid a skirt style without a separate waistband because either the ribbon or facing needed to finish a non-waistband style would take away from the lovely contrasting slips you're planning. Does the fabric have a border? If it does, and you could incorporate it into the hem, that would solve that problem. Otherwise I would probably just do the scantiest turned-under hem possible and hand-stitch it.

Jamie, yes of course, the lace does have a scalloped border so I'll just use that as the hem, in which case I need to pick a fairly straight style for the skirt.
Whilst I think the lace over a plain opaque fabric would be nicest for the waistband I think it might be rather bulky with the cording that's within the lace already.
If I do a Hong Kong finish on the side seams it would be simple to add a zip in the side seam and that avoids cutting into the lace more than necessary

[Karrol]

Ruthie, how abu a petersham waistband? That will give you some structure, but no bulk. And it should lie nicely over anything you put under it. I love your idea for the contrast linings! Chocolate lace with burnt orange lining? Yes!

[J Culshaw]

Ruthie, it sounds as if you might have re-embroidered lace.  If you can get Susan Khalje's book on Bridal Couture from the library,  she gives lots of tips for sewing lace, including this kind.  You are right, you don't want to cut it very much,  and I think your idea of finishing the seams with Hong Kong finish is probably the thing to do.  The lace will be thick, right?  and turning it under and stitching anywhere really won't work.  I think a satin waistband in the same colour would be gorgeous.   You could do the Hong Kong finish with the same satin for a real couture look.    Julie

http://www.timmelfabrics.com/swap.htm

[blue mooney]

Well, Shorty, I am in the same boat with you. The fabric I ordered 8 yards of, that was supposed to be the backbone of my plan, is sold out. I'll have to see if I can find another source...or re-think my plan. WAH! BTW, I think your plan, using lots of prints for the tops, with solid bottoms & jacket, makes an exciting swap.

Lots of first-time swappers are joining - that's great! Every year I do this, I learn more about myself, more about my craft, and have more matching clothes in my closet!

[LauraTS]

Ruthie, what about a simple bound waistband in a coordinating color? Just use some doubled satin or such kinda like bias tape and do a straight binding? That way it's not very wide and doesn't detract from the contrast slip portion. Sorry, I'm not describing it well, but I have some straight dress skirts that are made this way.

Welcome, Dorcus! Christian, I eyed that new Vogue knit wardrobe pattern too. Looks simple and comfy, just my style, though I'm not usually a fan of cowl necks.

[Gailete]

Christian, I just saw that pattern tonight too and got it as a free patteren from Vogue...not that I NEED any more patterns. I have my own stash plus about 10K+ that we sell, but when you see one that looks right it is time to grab it. I liked the casualness of the jackets with the top. Too many of the wardrobe plans don't have any plans for those of us with 'angel wing' arms. All the tops in so many wardrobe plans are sleeveless with a fitted/fancy jacket to go over it, something this homebody doesn't need.

I realized that until I get some curtains made for our new house, I really can't spend the time sewing for me (and at least not feel guilty) so tonight I started sewing the curtain linings. Sooooo many windows in this house and winter is coming fast, I need to get something over them.

Gail

[hilda]

Hello all.  I am about to embark on my first SWAP participation.  I decided everything must come from my stash expect for the one fabric purchase from Julie.  Especially after buying a ton from Christine Jonson when I went to the Novi show and also Haberman's.  The existing stash is sinful besides the new editions.  Had two possibilites for the SWAP and went to a sewing class on how to work with slinky on Tuesday.  So much from only using my stash!!!  I saw a slinky print I loved with two coordinates.  Actually I saw several prints I loved but the numbers are already melted off my credit card.  So now embarking on a slinky SWAP.  I sure hope I can actually sew with the stuff and not hate it    I hardly ever sew with solids and have lots of dearly loved orphans in my closet.  I'm hoping this exercise will help me plan better.  Next year I'm only using the existing stash - I swear.

[hilda]

One other question for those of you who have nice story boards - what software did you use?  Blue Mooney, I really like yours.  I need a definite plan layed out like that to keep me on track.

[kitnrose]

Hilda, I'm looking forwards to your SWAP!  I've sewn with sllinky before (I think - it was in the clearance rack and was tagless so it's a guess - but it FELT slinky!) and loved it, despite it and my old sewing machine having issues playing nicely together.  I'd love to hear some of your tips since I was just guessing the whole way and in a few places on my garments you can tell. 

And just in case you'd count my storyboard as "nice" I did mine on power point - I'm on a temporary 7 year-old laptop and don't want to install new programs while I wait for my new (to me - still 3 years old) laptop to arrive.  So I stuck with what I have. 

[xtiand]

Ruthie, I love the idea of the chocolate lace with contrast slips, I might have to steal that idea I can see it with black lace or burnout fabric over jewel coloured tafetta or shot silks (stop it must concentrate on SWAP already planned), I was thinking about the seams and wondered if overlapping seams would work if the lace doesn't fray. In one of my old Husqvarna manuals it showed how to overlap guipure (I hope that is the right spelling) lace for a wedding dress bodice by cutting round the motifs and laying them on top of similar motifs then zigzagging over the joins with matching thread. I remember I used it on some cream lace for my City and Guilds sample book and it worked fine. Never finished the C&G as I got a job so couldn't attend the classes but I still use the samples for inspiration sometimes.
Can't wait to see your SWAP with all these wonderful fabrics!

[Licarrit]

Julie and I had talked about an article in the current Lucky magazine on 30 days worth of looks from 21! pieces. You can find all the pics here http://www.luckymag.com/style/2007/10/month_outfits_20071003 Thought everybody would find it interesting.

Now that is alot more pieces than we sew and while yes they probably could get more looks out of it, at the price of more than $11,000US, most of us wouldn't be able to pay the mortgage, I bet! BTW that is just for the clothes, the accessories will set you back more than $7,000US more!

They did have a Chanel dress in there at over $3,000 and they were kind enough to include a GAP shirt for a mere $40 so stuff did span the gamut but I was boggled when I added it up.

I don't buy many clothes anymore so I may be out of touch but does ANYBODY ,who is not a fashion editor, really spend that much for a season's worth of clothes

I will not feel guilty about spending the time it takes to sew really nice stuff now, that is for sure!

[J Culshaw]

Face it,  most of us sewers are cheap!   I know I began sewing to have things I couldn't afford to buy,  now I sew for the pleasure of it.   Although I could buy good clothes now,  (kids are gone, more $$$ around) very little fits and what I do buy has to be altered.  But over the years, sewing has become my most pleasurable activity and I hope it will remain that way for years to come.   Julie

http://www.timmelfabrics.com/swap.htm

[cmarie12]

Ruthie, I love the idea of the chocolate lace with contrast slips, I might have to steal that idea I can see it with black lace or burnout fabric over jewel coloured tafetta or shot silks (stop it must concentrate on SWAP already planned),

And that is one of the dangers of SWAPping as a group, all of these creative minds coming together tossing out ideas, can be a little distracting!  So write the good ideas down and concentrate on your SWAP 'cause it is so worth it when you cross the finish line with new garments in hand!

BTW Ruthie, I'm stealing that idea too! 

[Lisa Laree]

I'm still waffling over whether I'm going to officially SWAP this go round...I'm mulling over whether or not I really *need* another full-out SWAP wardrobe at this point. (Is anyone else trying to decide whether To Swap or Not to Swap?) Suddenly, an Idea occurred...

Perhaps an interesting side line to SWAP would be a Phase 2?  That is, for those of us who have a completed Phase One, a side sew-along to do Phase 2 (or even 3?).   That way, we'd still be using SWAP guidelines to build the wardrobe, without necessarily starting all over again in a new direction.  If there are bunches and bunches of people doing the official contest, perhaps it could even eventually be split into two categories.

Just a thought!

Actually, I think I'm looking for inspiration in form of a print element.  If I find one that clicks, I'll probably be in. 

[Licarrit]

  Aw, come on Lisa, You know you wanna!

[Fox Valley Patti]

Shorty - I really like your print tops and solid bottoms - I may percolate on that for a while!

I have lots of prints in blouse weight, and I like prints so much more than solids!  Plus all my prints work with Navy, and I have a prodigious amount of Navy fabrics.

[kitnrose]

Julie and I had talked about an article in the current Lucky magazine on 30 days worth of looks from 21! pieces. You can find all the pics here http://www.luckymag.com/style/2007/10/month_outfits_20071003 Thought everybody would find it interesting.

I confess to loving Lucky and scrutinizing every page for ideas - of course I really need to sew up those ideas before they're five years out of fashion ... but anyway.  I figure that it's not too bad since it usually takes a year or two for high fashion to trickle down to my part of the world anyway.

The 30 days of fashion was really interesting but it was definitely geared towards a fashion-conscious New Yorker - no surprise there.  Lots of layering (which is a clothes hog), 4 or 5 coats, multiple styles (artsy, business, cocktail, theater), and a few "wow" pieces that only got pulled out three or four times.  I think a more normal-to-me wardrobe would have had far more classics, less layering and coats (I'm in TX!  We're still using the AC!), and less styles - I'm either in class, at work, or at home and work and classes use the same "looks."  Not so many cocktails or art shows for me.    What I really appreciated was how they used accessories to really change the looks - lots of scarfs and belts.  As seamstresses, scarfs are a half-hour project that could do a lot. 

Lisa, I'd love to see a phase II - I really like your style and would love to see what an expansion to your previous SWAP would look like!

In totally other news, has anyone started?  I've at least tested my new sewing machine and figured out how to wind a bobbin and thread it!  Beyond that I've just pulled out the patterns I'm using and looked at them.  That counts, right? 

[Gailete]

I found the Lucky article interesting in light of the an article I read in my latest AARP magazine on how to look 10# lighter (of course they used the skinniest model possible). Anyhow, AARP is a magazine geared for retired people many of whom are on a fixed (SS) budget. The model was wearing around $500 worth of clothes for just the one shot! Who do they think can afford these clothes? I'm glad I sew and don't need all the fancy stuff.

Since finding this site, I've done a lot of people watching when I get out of the house. I think I live in slobsville as it is rare to find anyone wearing normal coordinated clothes with their hair combed. Most are overweight wearing sloppy clothes. I'm not sure if it is due to finances or just not caring or both, but it sure encourages me to try harder not to look like a slob myself. One of the many reasons that I am looking forward to doing my SWAP whether officially or unofficially.

Gail

[Fox Valley Patti]

I really liked the Prada blouse on the Lucky site.  That was very interesting, layered look in one piece.

And I liked the way they used the tweed shift a number of ways.

The accessories were great!

[Licarrit]

Kit, I've got tons of house cleaning to do (Oct. is one of the months when we can put furniture and stuff to the trash) but I am going to reward myself for all the manual labor by making a whizz bang storyboard. Croquises and all to show all the possible combinations. I want to test out a lot of my ideas in winter fabrics so I will end up with a mini SWAP in black and grey before I start the official SWAP.

I have to say I did like seeing all the different accessories too. I feel like my wardrobe is really boring but mostly its just classic pieces that I never bother to accessorize.

Gail,, you should hear/read Tim Gunn! he swears none of us knows how to dress anymore. For the most part, I think he's right at least in the US. We have lab people wearing flip flops to work, ignoring the obvious safety issues, why would someone think that was appropriate? Jeans  are fine but beach wear? And this is at an ivy league medical school!

[Gailete]

Before I became disabled, I worked as a nurse and even then I would be appalled at the cleanliness and fit of uniforms. Flip-flops in a lab -- should be fired or kicked out of med school (take your pick). Those are people that don't have proper common sense to work in medicine.

Can't watch Tim Gunn--we are not hooked up to TV/cable. We canceled cable several years ago as a cost savings measure and found that we don't miss is. We have lots of DVDs/VHS to watch and I prefer to read. But I agree that people don't know how to dress anymore, all it takes to confirm that is seeing the immodest dress in church on Sunday mornings. If you don't know how to dress modestly in church, then where will you know how to dress modestly and appropriately?

Not actually a subject for the SWAP discussion I suppose, but it is nice to see that the women particiapting are all planning wardrobes that are appropriate for their lifestyle.

Gail

[RuthieK]

That's the great thing of sewing for yourself, you can say I want the skirt a little longer as its more flattering, and so you just cut it like that, although I think there is a lot more scope for sewing things which are lovely garments but are not flattering. My previous SWAP and wardrobe attempts contain things i wear a lot and other that never make it out of the house :-(

[J Culshaw]

LIsa,  I am thinking that we are almost ready for phase 2 of SWAP.   But I think I need to plan it a bit more in order to see how it would work  - two contests running concurrently?
Perhaps those who are interested in doing that eventually should plan this year's SWAP with an eye to making phase 2 next time round,  or if you finish phase 2 in the spring/summer, then you could be on phase 3 next year.   
It would take a lot of planning,  because you would really have to love your choices from phase 1 in order not to get completely bored with it.  But Lynn did introduce new colours and prints in the second phase and the mixing and matching becomes a little more relaxed. 
Perhaps Lisa, you might want to pick out the items from your last SWAP, get it up to scratch this year and then lead the pack next year with phase 2.    I bet there are a few people who would be ready to do that along with you.   
Or there might even be some die-hard folks (I think of Shannon - I wonder why!) who would be willing to do all three phases in one year.  A longer time frame perhaps,  but for some it is possible.   (not me for sure - I sew like a tortoise)
I also think that would probably really appeal to Lynn Cook,  as she wants to do  a combined SWAP with us next year  -  Stitches and SWAP together.    Julie

http://www.timmelfabrics.com/swap.htm

[blue mooney]

hilda, I used Photoshop for my storyboard, but as kitnrose noted, the Microsoft office stuff works, too. I think some folks have also used Paint in the past? The best software is always the one you already know, IMO.

[Karla]

I finalized my order with the very friendly, helpful Julie today.  I think I've done the easiest part of the SWAP - buying more fabric. 

[Licarrit]

My stuff came today, my stuff came today!!!! Yeah!!!

[Susan in Saint John]

That's the great thing of sewing for yourself, you can say I want the skirt a little longer as its more flattering, and so you just cut it like that, although I think there is a lot more scope for sewing things which are lovely garments but are not flattering. My previous SWAP and wardrobe attempts contain things i wear a lot and other that never make it out of the house :-(

This is so true.

When you first think about a SWAP you think about fabrics and patterns--that's what everyone has been posting about.  This year's requirement for 3 different garments from a wardrobe pattern will mean that at least 3 garments will coordinate well together in terms of proportions/lengths, collars, sleeve lengths, etc. because they've been designed to do that.  When you start thinking about a SWAP in more detailed terms, you have to think about what's going to be flattering.  The garments look wonderful on the model but I don't look like a model!

What proportions are going to work? e.g. what jacket length is going to work with both skirts and pants?  what skirt/dress lengths are going to look best with the jacket?  Is the jacket hem going to land across the widest part of my body?  Will the jacket work with cropped pants?

How does the choice of the jacket limit the choice of tops which will go underneath it?  Does it rule out tops with asymetrical necklines?  Are there any collars that will work?  Will certain choices of sleeve style not go under the jacket?

Decisions, decisions, decisions!

I had a brief look at the Lucky site posted earlier today.  It made me realize the importance of accessories--belts, purses, shoes, hosery, jewellry, scarves, etc.  in pulling an outfit together.  The choice of shoe heel height is going influence the length of pants/skirts and maybe change the proportions of an outfilt.  There are quite a few patterns for making purses/handbags so maybe some of us will do that.  Belts and scarves can be made too and may pull colours together.

I think I may be getting a case of paralysis by analysis!

[J Culshaw]

I don't know why, but Lisa's suggestion of phase 2 of SWAP broke some boundaries in my head as far as planning my own wardrobe this year.   The majority of my stash is black, red, and grey and I really need some nice looking clothes for those occasions when I am not sitting on the computer. 
I had to go out this evening and all I could think about was phase one and phase two of SWAP.   I had at first thought that the red/black boucle would be a Chanel type jacket,   but it  really should be in phase two.   So I am going to follow the plan to a tee and begin with a skirt and blouse in a print,  not that I will ever wear them together.  That is just too matchy and somehow 80's to me.   But then I may be wrong, perhaps I will wear them all the time together.  But that doesn't matter. 

The print is red and charcoal with a touch of black and I have a zillion fabrics that will work with it.   So tonight I sat down and made up a plan with no problem, pulling out patterns and fabrics - in less than half an hour, I had 11 pieces figured out.   The print called for a jacket in solid red wool melton, almost like an outerwear jacket.  That led to black and charcoal pants and a charcoal wrap skirt,  figuring out the tops was easy, black - red - white both blouses and knit tops. And one gorgeous red wool knit that should be the Boat Neck Top from Loes Hinse.   Some fabrics seem to tell you what they should be.   

The beauty of this plan is that it is neither dressy nor casual but can be both, depending on what shoes, etc. I wear with it. 

Now phase 2,  this is where I can bring in that boucle I have, the glen plaid charcoal, the other grey wools that I have been stashing for several years now.     And most of this stuff is in my stash, in fact all of it is.     Thanks Lisa for opening up my mind - somehow being able to think of more than 11 garments actually helped me to narrow down the choices.    Julie

http://www.timmelfabrics.com/swap.htm

[shorty]

That's the great thing of sewing for yourself, you can say I want the skirt a little longer as its more flattering, and so you just cut it like that, although I think there is a lot more scope for sewing things which are lovely garments but are not flattering. My previous SWAP and wardrobe attempts contain things i wear a lot and other that never make it out of the house :-(

This is so true.

When you first think about a SWAP you think about fabrics and patterns--that's what everyone has been posting about.  This year's requirement for 3 different garments from a wardrobe pattern will mean that at least 3 garments will coordinate well together in terms of proportions/lengths, collars, sleeve lengths, etc. because they've been designed to do that.  When you start thinking about a SWAP in more detailed terms, you have to think about what's going to be flattering.  The garments look wonderful on the model but I don't look like a model!

What proportions are going to work? e.g. what jacket length is going to work with both skirts and pants?  what skirt/dress lengths are going to look best with the jacket?  Is the jacket hem going to land across the widest part of my body?  Will the jacket work with cropped pants?

How does the choice of the jacket limit the choice of tops which will go underneath it?  Does it rule out tops with asymetrical necklines?  Are there any collars that will work?  Will certain choices of sleeve style not go under the jacket?

Decisions, decisions, decisions!

I had a brief look at the Lucky site posted earlier today.  It made me realize the importance of accessories--belts, purses, shoes, hosery, jewellry, scarves, etc.  in pulling an outfit together.  The choice of shoe heel height is going influence the length of pants/skirts and maybe change the proportions of an outfilt.  There are quite a few patterns for making purses/handbags so maybe some of us will do that.  Belts and scarves can be made too and may pull colours together.

I think I may be getting a case of paralysis by analysis!

Ladies I first want to thank you for all your comments!  I am so looking forward to this swap, but am scared to pieces at the same time!!! 

Now I have the jacket to think about.  I never thought about that.  I knew I would want to slightly lengthen the jacket to hit me better.  But I didn't think about collars.  I was wanting to make two shirts with collars.  How do you know if your jacket will work with collars?  So many things to think about!  Here I thought my planning was almost done!

Is my brown suit too dressy for the rest of my swap?  Can I wear that kind of jacket with a denim skirt?  I look at it but can't seem to visualize well.  I wasn't sure if denim and sateen would go together.  What do you all think?

I would love to do a phase two this summer.  I don't understand a phase two much, but to have more clothes in my closet would be great. 


Shorty

[reformfabric]

It is so great to read about everyone's plans especially that after much procrastination Julie, you have come up with your plan in half an hour! I too have had a bit of a eureka moment when my Boden catalogue arrived on Thursday. They have some suggested mini wardrobe plans! I love this jacket: http://www.boden.co.uk/col.asp?segname=Women&styid=WE170&segid=6&gpname=Coats+%26+Jackets&desname=Washed+Velvet+Jacket&gpid=11&gen=1# and would love to combine a berry red version with a charcoal/black and white plan like this: http://www.boden.co.uk/boden-clothes-outfits.asp?segid=6&outfitgroup=7&sc=a7.

There areseveral plans given, go to www.boden.co.uk. I love their smart casual clothes. which is what I want for my plan.

Definitely feel I am getting nearer to a plan, I I procrastinate much longer I think I would be sewing without a plan.

[RuthieK]

Julie, I too have so many co-ordinating fabrics in my current chosen colour set that I have enough for a SWAP and a SWAP 2.
I am making up some of these in advance, and would add others later on. I'm quite pleased about that actually because it means I can sew now whilst my fingers are itchy without finding I have done too many things early and can't complete the SWAP in the timeframe.

The Lucky Month of Outfits is very interesting, although lots of it way to trendy and pretty much all too expensive for me. The sheer variation in accessories is very interesting and encourages me to use the ones I already have! The palette contains a lot of neutrals I noticed - black, grey, cream, brown with only a few print pieces and one or two strong colours - red, rust, which is something I'll try to remember. I love to sew colours and prints, but I wear more plain things in real life.

'reformfabric' thanks for the outfit ideas at Boden.

[Johanna Lu]

Hi!
I am long time SWAP-lurker that has finally found the courage to join the challenge. I will focus mostly on casual daywear (t-shirts and pants), since that is stuff that I will actually wear. I am working on a storyboard right now and the colors will be different shades of blue and grey with some blacks thrown in for the basics. The biggest challenge  so far has been the wardrobe pattern. Finding three different styles in one pattern that suits my taste and design vision has been a real struggle. I have finally settled for Vogue 2988 http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V2988.htm?tab=sportswear_br_suits_coats_jackets&page=1 . I was thrilled to see that a few others are also pondering that pattern. It will be great to see what personal variations that will come from that one.

I will admit that I am still a little bit weary of the commitment to a SWAP. I normally sew just 1 or 2 items a month, so I really need to kick up a few gears in order to make it to the end. I work full time and have two young children so the time factor will most likely be my biggest challenge. Therefore I will focus on fairly easy basic styles, and using design details and prints to make the clothes look more distinct.

[Karla]

Johanna, I've been struggling with the same issues you have - finding a wardrobe pattern and worrying about finding time to sew these things.  Finally I decided that I'd go back to what I spent my teen and twenty-something years doing: hacking into patterns to turn them into something else.  And if I run out of the time needed to sew this many things (even if I try to keep them simple), well, at least I'll have made a few things that go together, even if I don't have a completed grouping to submit. 

Good luck to all of us!