Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[kbenco]

What a fabulous idea. Thank you Elizabeth for starting this contest and putting up money. I love the no black rule! I am not sure if I will enter at this stage, but I will really enjoy watching. I found Julie's SWAP very motivating and it made me think a lot more about what I was sewing. I also fancy sewing a hat, as I have a great looking Vogue pattern that keeps calling to me that it is neglected. Karen

[ejvc]

You're welcome everyone!  This is going to be a lot of fun.

A few more rules and comments:

1 - just to be clear, grey is OK.  Only black is forbidden.
2 - one top, one bottom, one accessory, two other items that coordinate with what they could be worn with.  For example:  Should you choose to sew hot pink short shorts with turquoise piping as your bottom and a turquoise satin jacket as one of your tops, then any shirts you might make should go with both the jacket and the shorts -- so the lime green bowling blouse with turquoise piping would be in, and so would the canary-coloured halter top with the hot pink fringe -- but there's no requirement for the blouse and halter top to go together, because you wouldn't ordinarily wear them together.  All items would also of course co-ordinate with your snazzy bright orange sunglasses with the turquoise and pink hearts embedded in them, so your capsule would be legal.  Perhaps not tasteful, but legal.

E.

[ruthc]

I´m in - perfect timing as DH actually asked me yesterday why I wasn´t sewing.  This is a change from the end of SWAP when he was very fed up with me sneaking off to sew every evening.

I looked in my wardrobe today and did wonder how I could have just completed a swap of 11 items and still feel I have nothing to wear.  I need more tops and a dress and I will only have to buy a bit more fabric to get it done so a great excuse to visit the new fabric shop I found. 

Yay and thanks Elizabeth

[kiltsnquilts]

Ok, I am going to PM Elizabeth and join in also!  I have been very inspired and motivated by SWAP (thank you everyone!) and will use this as a jumping off board for taking part next year!

I have bought a little fabric lately - been trying to buy in capsules, I also went through and catalogued my stash - and I have got soooo much black!!   I love colour so can't understand how I ended up with so much black!!!??? 

I have just bought some beautiful denim that is a very loose weave and is almost 'linen' like, it is a dark colour thread woven with a red/purple thread and ends up looking aubergine - gorgeous.  I have some purple silk that goes beautifully, also some aubergine slinky knit and another piece of slub silk in a darker aubergine - I will look like an aubergine if I wear it all together  !!  But I might just use a couple of pieces and add a print, then I can make some more pieces with what I don't use for this contest and have myself a mini SWAP!!

I have spotted the same denim in a teal colour and might just have to get some for another capsule!  With my new hair colour - au naturel grey!! - I have just realised that I can wear warm teal and have some polar fleece that would be ideal for a casual top - something I am short of.  So... I already have two plans - now to choose just one!

I am so excited, glad I have made the commitment!  Thank you Elizabeth.

[ruthc]

Oh dear, I just realised that I promised DH that he would be next in line for some sewing attention.

So maybe I will do a capsule for him.

[mardel]

Count me in.  I think I can manage this.  I am about to leave for 12 days but will work out the details of my plan on my return.

[ejvc]

Hey, this is looking great!

I'm very very pleased to report that Ann from Gorgeous Fabrics has agreed to augment my prize!!!

So the winner will receive $50 from me AND a $50 gift certificate from www.gorgeousfabrics.com!!!

Also, there will be two other prizes:

a $20 gift certificate from www.gorgeousfabrics.com to the maker of the best single garment AND
a $20 gift certificate from www.gorgeousfabrics.com to the maker of the best accessory

Ann says that she would like to support the sewers on this site, and I'd like you all to know that this is an unsolicited prize offer.  Wow, how generous, thank you Ann on behalf of all contest participants.

Elizabeth

[BeeBee]

Thanks, Ann!  That was very generous of you! 
This just keeps getting betterer and betterer.  I'm just excited to even try this, but I don't get out much .  Now I really can't wait to get this move thing done and get back to sewing.  All I can do right now is plan in my head, and that's a scary thing  . 
I'm sure my garments will be very simple compared to some of the stuff that's made, my goal is to have 4 finished items that coordinate and fit.  And not in black 

[Morzel]

Great idea, Elizabeth! I´m in. You are right, an official contest makes you wanting to meet the deadline!
Not sure what colour, there´s blue, teal or purple ( not again!!). I made up my mind to sew up some of my stash and there´s a lot of purple in it! I decided on safari style clothes from an OOP Vogue and Burda WoF. Towanda, I like the idea of a different capsule colour for each month. If the different capsules coordinate with each other, you got a whole Swap!

Also: Thank YOU, ELIZABETH and ANN for generously offering prizes! I would sew neverless, but how kind of you two! It is the icing on the cake for the winner.

[Karrol]

Thanks Ann for the extra prizes!  Even more motivating ~ I am working on handbags right now, but need the extra clothes for summer office wear. I pulled out my cream and tan pin striped linen, there's 5 yards. I'll make a jacket and pants from that, a pencil skirt from a yummy tan and cream tweed, and a cream blouse. Of course this isn't nearly as exciting as

hot pink short shorts with turquoise piping and a turquoise satin jacket

but I think it'll have to do. 
I'm using vintage 40's patterns for everything; I've been needing to get motivated to use those patterns and this is the perfect time. Pencil skirt is a basic, but I'm going to try and get a kick pleat from the fabric I have (not much). My handbag will be my accessory! Serendipity! Hooray! 

[Karendee]

Oh, how excited I am. After a many year hiatus from  beginner sewing, to being a SG member only since the end of November, to entering my first contest---am I excited and in awe of you other participants. But each entrant is a winner in my opinion, especially if they finish. Visions of patterns and stash are swirling in my head; they even popped in my head each time my ancient body woke up with a flash last night (some of you know what I mean.) So I must rein in my enthusiasm and narrow my selections to what I can accomplish (I've never done a muslin or really fitted a pattern-with the exception of adding to the garment's side seams.)

So, here we go with the JCC; I hope to master the posting of photos soon.

KarenD

[ElaineMC]

Thank you Ann & Elizabeth for the prizes.  I'm not doing for the prizes (I can't imagine anyone is!) but it's fun to know that the amazing garments (and their sewists) get recognition.

I got my grades turned in late last night.  Went to our department meeting today to find out that they weren't due until tomorrow!  Oh, well, if I had started planning this capsule in earnest yesterday, I probably still wouldn't be done with the grading . . .

So, I will work on a story board (I do like doing that part!) so I can start on a muslin for my jacket.   

This is fun already, and we're not even sewing yet!

-EMC

[Karendee]

Is a storyboard a requirement for this contest? It would be a good skill to learn, if it is. (If not, I will be relieved!)


KarenD

[LauraM]

I just got back from a quilt retreat weekend and saw this thread.  I am so excited about participating in it and I just PM'd Elizabeth to let her know I am in too.  This is so exciting, and thank you Elizabeth and Ann for your generous prizes.    

Wow, what wonderful company I'm in, too.  Hmm, inspiration or intimadation?        

Seriously, I am inspired by all of you and what you have done on SWAP and what I read in your blogs.  

I am going to do a storyboard (first time) and have pulled several fabrics already and they are in the wash.  I just bought a new pair of linen colored pants so they will be my purchase and I was already planning to make a bag - just have to rethink the colors.  I haven't sewn for myself in a very long time so some muslins are in order.

I like the idea of a mini-capsule type of wardrobe - I think it will be very do-able for me.  I work 10 days a month in sales (business casual) and these clothes would be for work.  

Off to make a storyboard (I hope)...........looking forward to chatting with you all...........

[LindaF]

I love seeing all the results from these wardrobes.  This sounds like one I could do too because it is definitely a good one for beginner organizers such as myself.

But this June is a bad one. My DD graduates this year and already I am busy doing stuff for her rather than working on my own wardrobe.

I hope that this trend continues, even without a prize.  One of the best prizes are the coordinating outfits one gets.  I am working on try to put something together like this, but won't get it done in June.

I look forward to seeing what everybody else makes.

Linda

[ElaineMC]

Is a storyboard a requirement for this contest? It would be a good skill to learn, if it is. (If not, I will be relieved!)

I don't think it's required - Elizabeth didn't mention it.  It's just something I like to do - kind-of like playing with paper dolls.

-EMC

[cmarie12]

Ann & Elizabeth - can I chime in and say thank you too for offering up such wonderful prizes!  Whooo weee!  It's a contest now! 

[Zoubida]

Yes, thank you Elizabeth and Ann. These are generous prizes.

I'm toying with ideas and semi-plans and plans and... Ok, this is going to be fun and the preparation part seems to be as fun as will be the finished capsule I think.

 

[Johanna Lu]

I just want to say cheers to Elisabeth for this great initiative. I am very much looking forward to following your creations from the spectator seat. The format is brilliant and I love the "no black"-rule.

This is going to very exciting!

[ejvc]

Hi, storyboard not required but appreciated by all.  Also, if you have a blog or photo site, feel free to post it or to PM me and I'll try to compile a list like Julie did or assemble them all into an RSS page (v convenient...)

Just to let you know there are 24 official entries so far.

Lots of people are new, here's what I've observed and experienced SWAPpers please chime in:

-- I think it is good to consider which of your pieces will be the "wow" piece, especially considering there is an individual item prize.  Often this is the jacket (if you are making one) -- it helps to focus the mind.
-- In May it would be possible to trace, cut out and tissue-fit patterns (if any of you have used the Palmer-Pletsch method, Fit For Real People etc).  You might find this would save you some grief when it comes to assembling.
-- I recommend croquis rather than or in addition to storyboarding.  Ruthie K posted a nice tutorial on the SWAP 2008 storyboard thread.  For me, this has helped sort out neckline issues and pick more flattering patterns.  I think it would help work with the accessories as well.  My first storyboard looked great together but actually I couldn't make that many outfits I really liked from it.

Remember, one item made entitles you to vote!

Elizabeth

[KayB]

I, too, would love to participate, especially since I have a little bit of time for it and didn't do much for the last 6 month! Thank you Elizabeth for this lovely idea and both (Ann included) for the prices!

[Zoubida]

This would be my first ever SWAP so forgive the maybe very candid questions.

I suppose a coat would count as a "top" and a dress as a "bottom" ?

Thanks,

Zoubida

[ejvc]

Yes, a coat is a "top" and a dress is a "bottom" for the purposes of this contest.

[NancyK]

I think that I am going to do this too.  I have enough non black, gray or silver fabrics to make a nice capsule.  I think that I can make all 4 items in June, especially if I make a couple of muslins before hand.  I will add a purchased accessory, probably jewelry.  Unless I am inspired!.  But, this is a good excuse to buy some cool colored beads. 
Can't wait to see what everyone plans.  I think that I will do a croquis like Ruthie's this time.  I already have them made up.

[Robin]

Wow, I din't even see this thread til I read Carolyn's blog.
My internet surfing has dropped significantly - no ISP yet at the new condo, and work has been CRAZY busy.

I am definitely IN!

One thing I learned from Timmel SWAP is that 11 pieces are just too much for me.  While my pieces fit the rules, technically speaking, I don't really wear every combination possible.  So, when I sewed my patternreview wardrobe, I concentrated on lots of basics in a new colorway for me (brown).  Again, these are not pieces I wear together, they are peices that I mix with other separates.

So, anyway, yeah!  Count me in!
Thank you Elizabeth and Ann for providing prizes, and I am really excited to see all the others who are joining in.

[karent]

I'm in too!  I just sent my PM.  Thanks so much for the prizes, but I'm doing it for the satisfaction of getting an organized project done.  June stinks for me actually, I am out of town in an island condo through the eighth, then in a hotel at a meeting from the 23rd through the 27th.  And one of the weekends in between I have to work, which is a non-stop affair generally.  But I figured out what I'm going to do.  I started recently knitting an "oregano" (dark sage/light olive) cardigan in cotton.  With the plane/airport/hotel time I have coming, I'll get that done.  Then a tank, and two skirts (LH Swing, I'm thinking, I love them and they are easy.)  For the accessory, I have a knitted bag I want to make, Brighton Bag off Knitty, that, I'll work in hopefully.  K

[NDumas]

Hi everybody,

I am been reading this site for a long, long time and I am going to participate in the contest too. I think I can "try" at least. Wonderful people to be with.

Nohemi  form Dallas,TX

[Melinda_B]

I'm joining in!  I saw this on Carolyn's blog, and had to join the site just for the contest!  Oh no, another forum to spend time at!

I have some dark chocolate wool blend fabric here that needs to be made up, so that will be the basis of my capsule.  It's winter here (Australia) so wool blend will be good!  And I'm also just about to start a new job that I need some nice clothes for, so the timing is great!

The accessory could be interesting, I haven't done much jewellery making, and I'm really not into wearing accessories much.  I'll have to do some thinking on that and see who I have around to help!

[Ladyslipper]

Hello everyone,

I am joining in, too.  I need summer clothes badly so this contest is the perfect thing to get me focused.  Thank you, Elizabeth, for organizing this contest.  Thanks to Ann, too for generously adding to the prizes. 

Sue

[blue mooney]

Elizabeth, how wonderful of you to make up and organize this contest, complete with prize! Looks like it's a wildly popular idea.

I can't play along on this one, but am really, really looking forward to checking in here regularly and seeing what you all come up with! Go, girls!

[heatherbelle]

Elizabeth, I really appreciate you organising this and donating a prize, and thanks to Ann as well for the generous prizes.

I am definitely in on this. I was thinking about doing the PR mini-wardrobe as a phase 2 SWAP-type-thing but it is really too soon for me.

My mini-wardrobe will be all casual clothes to extend the running around after children side of my wardrobe. I'm planning wide-leg cords, a denim a-line skirt and a couple of very warm tops that I could wear to the playground on a cold day without looking like I slept there....at the moment this is the plan anyway. I think the accessory will be a warm hat, maybe a little merino beanie or similar if I can get one the appropriate colour (I'll be buying this). Of course this may all change completely....

[Melinda_B]

could wear to the playground on a cold day without looking like I slept there....

Oh, I can so totally relate to this sentiment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  LOLOL!

[Zoubida]

I made a preliminary version of my storyboard.



My plan is to choose Couture outfits I like (Valentino and Elie Saab) and find a pattern which I could tweak a little to approximate the outfit style. I certainly can't make a "knock-off" of the garements, I'm not competent enough for that. I'll take inspiration from them rather and try to make an idea of it.

Here I have 2 dresses (the ensemble on the right will actually be a dress), a jacket and a coat. I still have to find an accessory.

I intend to draw sketches of my plans too. And I need to decide on colors. I'll print my story board and will take it with me to fabric stores and I hope to be inspired by suitable fabrics which coordinate well.

This is my first ever SWAP. I just love it !!!

Zoubida

[Karrol]

I don't want to offend anyone, but we need to not call this a SWAP. A SWAP (Sewing With a Plan) is an 11 piece wardrobe brought to us in concept and as a contest by Julie Timmel. This is a caspule of 4 pieces. Elizabeth is calling this June Capsule Contest.  I just don't want to see Julie's contest getting short shrift by us making a wrong reference.




eta: taking out references to anyone specifically.

[ejvc]

Zoubida, your plan looks amazing!  I am in awe of people who can sew to couture level quickly.  Are you planning on using the couture colours?

There is a lot of interest coming in -- sorry I'm not responding to everyone individually, but I can tell you there are 37 people who've officially registered!  Wow!

Elizabeth