Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[ejvc]

Calling all SWAP stragglers, second-phasers, and just-getting-started folk,

I'd really like to continue sewing co-ordinated wardrobe stuff a la SWAP, and I'm really terrible at motivating myself, so I wonder if people would care to join in in a June capsule contest (JCC). 

The contest will run June 1 - June 30.

Rules:

1.  The capsule will consist of four garments and one accessory (purse, belt, headband, jewellery, etc).  One of the garments must be a top, one must be a bottom, all the tops must co-ordinate with all the bottoms and the accessory must co-ordinate with them all.

2. One of the items can be purchased and one can be made before June.

3. All the other items must be sewn, knitted, crafted etc during June.

4. Twist: no black items.

5. Everyone who tells me they want to enter the contest and makes at least one item can vote on the winner.

6. At the end of the contest people can send me photos and I'll post them in sets on Flickr.  We should have four photos - one showing all the garments (composite or hanging or whatever) and three of the wearer modelling the items.  No flat photos of the clothes please.

I will stump up the equivalent of 50USD to be paid into a PayPal account, or in gift certificates to a retailer of your choice, to the winner (caveat - it needs to be a retailer who will take UK credit cards).  I'm thinking fabric or pattern purchases, fitting books, more accessories, etc. would be great ways to spend the money, but whatever... 

EDIT: there is also a 50USD gift certificate to Gorgeous Fabrics for the overall winner and 20USD gift certificates for best item and best accessory.  Also there are 30 10USD gift certificates to Fine Fabrics for the first 30 finishers.  Thank you very much to Ann and Susanne respectively for offering these additional prizes.

Anyone who wants to participate can private message me here at Stitcher's Guild.  I won't enter the contest obviously but will sew along.

I hope some of you will be interested and participate!

EDIT TO ADD RULES FOR OFFICIALLY SAYING YOU'RE DONE:

1) When you are ready, please send me an email at ejvc0000 at googlemail dot com    I've set up this address just for this contest.

2) Send me (as specified in the original instructions) four photos - one showing all the garments (composite or hanging or whatever) and three of the wearer modelling the items.  No flat photos of the clothes please.  You may attach the photos to the email or send me a link to your photosharing site and I will download them.  Don't send more than four.  I don't want to pick.  You pick.

3) ALSO send me the pattern numbers of each of the patterns and a description of the fabrics you used.  Help me out here - don't just say "vogue 1222" but "watermelon silk tee from Vogue 1222 view A" so it's clear which pattern goes with which garment without me having to look.  Tell me which item (if any) was purchased and which (if any) was made before June.

4) ALSO send me your blog address if you have one so that people can go to take a closer look.

5) ALSO send me a short amount of text describing your collection, giving it a name, and saying why you should win.  Seriously - why do you think this collection is great.  I'm sure you can think of something.

6) ALSO send me your Stitchers Guild ID, so I can match emails to ID's.  I won't reveal your name or email.

I will post the pics in groups on Flickr.  This way I can keep track of who wins the 30 first finisher gift certificates.



ETA correct email address

[marciae]

Sounds like a great idea - but June I'm in the Mtns.  While I take my SM it's the time I do purses and bags as I don't have all my pressing, serger, etc.  But, on the days I come down to pay bills, check SG, mow, etc - I'll be cheering for all that do enter!!

[ejvc]

Ooh - i hadn't thought about vacations.  Have fun in the mountains anyway!

Elizabeth

[tumblina]

I'm responding so that this shows up in my "replies to your posts", as I'm a definite maybe .  Let me see if I can clear my plate...

[MargoH]

Hi! I finally managed to get logged in again!--I LOVE the idea of a mini-swap, but June is out for me due to holiday travel.--I was hoping to take part in the patternreview.com mini-swap, but I guess you have to be a member for 3 months or more to enter..is there a possibility of organising a mini swap from May to June?

[LauraTS]

I'm currently planning to do the mini-wardrobe contest on PR in May myself, too, so I'm not sure I'd be up for both. I like the idea of having more contests here, though - much more mellow 

[BeeBee]

I'd be in for June.  Couldn't do May or July, but June's good.  Especially with the can purchase one and make one before.  No black?!? That's tough, but if them's the rules, them's the rules.  I just heard I should be looking at different colors....

[Karendee]

Elizabeth,

I'd like to participate; thanks for organizing the JCC. This will really be a stretch for me, because as I've already stated, I only wear black on the bottom (pants, skirts, etc.) No because I'm opposed to other colors, but just to simplify my life while still looking coordinated. But, hey, I'm sure I need a change. This sounds fun! I will need help posting pics, however I'm sure I can learn.

Karen (Karendee)

[KathrynT]

Sounds like fun.  I think I could fit 4 more items in my closet, but only just!  I haven't thought of what I would sew yet except more tops than bottoms, but I'll be devil's advocate and ask:  Does charcoal or dark grey count as black?
Kathryn

[ElaineMC]

Another question:
Is a print with a black background allowed?
-EMC

[karent]

I'm "pulling a Jenna" and replying here as well, so as to officially count myself in as a maybe.  I'm on vacation the first week, then I have another week I'm away at a meeting.  And I work one of the weekends I'm home.  Puts a crimp in my time, what with trying to deal with the yard and all, but I'm going to look at my stash and think about it. 

A question:  would knitted socks, if they go with everything, count as an accessory?  That's something I could work on while on planes/in airports, which would extend my work time for the month.  K

[ejvc]

Hi,

OK - sorry to those for whom the timing is not convenient - it's still fun to watch - but May is the PR mini-wardrobe and in July I'm on vacation.  However someone else may wish to organise something else later, why not?

Let's see:

1) dark grey and charcoal.  Well, I think in *spirit* they are sort of black but they aren't black really so they're allowed.
2) prints with black backgrounds: my idea was no black at all, so no black in prints either.  Although that is a really cute print!
3) knitted socks -- well, people don't typically talk about accessorising an outfit with socks, so I'm inclined to think they are not an accessory.  Unless you are thinking long knee socks and all your outfits are skirts and shorts ? Otherwise I'll say no. Maybe you could do a knitted or crocheted hat or belt instead of socks?  Or even a vest or top -- that should take up some airport time!

Exciting that people are joining in!  Remember you have to private message me to be officially included.

Elizabeth

[RuthieK]

Elizabeth,

That sounds cool, I have PM'd to join. I love the idea of including jewellery as I love to do bead necklaces - a great opportunity.
Thanks for your generosity in personally stumping up the prize.

[theresaS]

This is great idea, thank you for offering to sponsor and organise this, I'm sure that you will be kept busy with it. I've PMed you, I really need to expand my wardrobe and these contests are very motivating. I've not sewn much for myself in the past, mainly for the children; I'm having a go at the PR mini-wardrobe which is the first contest I've ever entered, so hopefully I'll have more on an idea what works for me when I start this one. I've been following the SWAP with great interest and have been really impressed with the support and encouragement offered, I'm looking forward to June,
bws
Theresa

[Zoubida]

I will participate, though I'm not sure I could finish since time is scarce. But I'll do my best.

I rarely sew black. I fact, I have to "force" myself so sew black. So this rule is easy on me.

Will a scarf or a wrap count as an accessory ? I love them, buy a whole lot of them, but never actually made one.

Thank you for organizing this capsule contest and brava for offering personnal sponcor.

Zoubida

[RuthieK]

I have some red coral fabric I plan to sew into a suit (skirt, pants, jacket) and 2 pieces of ivory fabric for tops, a red knit for a top and a brown/red/pink/ivory knit for a top or even a dress 
I also have some charcoal with red stripes should the red suit prove too much.
A bag in red or a necklace in red and cream would then complete the look!

[Karendee]

Sounds great, Ruthie,

You are already moving on. I did sketch/make lists some last night in prep. for the JCC. Didn't come up with a final plan--I MUST buy more fabric. If we use one RTW piece, would that be in addition to our 4 made pieces, or instead of one (for a total of 3 made + accessory?) I guess I should write Elizabeth to find out. Anyway, good luck in the planning stage. This is the 1st contest I've entered; it is exciting.

KarenD

[Liana]

This does sound like fun, and maybe by June I'll be sewing again, and goodness knows I have plans for all the pieces of this capsule anyway.    And since I don't wear black, that's no problem!

[ejvc]

Oh hooray!  People want to play!

You can purchase any one of your four items or the accessory, and any one of the four+accessory can be made before June.  So if, like me, you are relatively slow, you could take one item you've already made (say for your ill-fated Timmel SWAP, ahem), buy another one, and only have three to make in June.  If you make the accessory, you'd need to make 2 garments + accessory in June.

To restate, any of these combos would be valid:

four items + 1 accessory, all made in June
three items + 1 accessory, all made in June, +1 item made earlier
two items + 1 accessory, all made in June, +1 item made earlier, + 1 item purchased
three items, all made in June, +1 item made earlier, + 1 accessory purchased

Clear?

Elizabeth

[BeeBee]

I'll probably end up with "c", but it will be fun and I hope to end up with some new stuff to wear that will work well together.  When I get back to DC I can go thru my (limited) stash and (limited) clothes that fit and see what I can work out. Oh, and GO TO GSTREET!! Yea! An excuse to go and buy!!! I'm working on a mauve/tan skirt right now that I might work in as my "made before June" item.  It goes nicely with a white blouse  - One purchased item.  So I'll need 2 more - maybe a top to go with the skirt and another skirt in tan or another shade from the skirt?  A belt would be a good accessory for this combo, and I have some beading stuff I may want to pull out if I have time and feel like a trip to Michaels.  I have a family business trip in mid June, so that will take a couple of days, but I think I'll have time for at least two and I'll do more if I can.
I'm really looking forward to trying this, finish or not, so THANK YOU Elizabeth for this, I'm having fun already.

[Karrol]

I want to play, too! 
I haven't joined a contest in a good long while, but am looking for ways to stay motivated to do more sewing. This a perfect sized capsule for me. Thanks, Elizabeth for starting and putting up the prize! Wow! I'll pm you to be official.
Ruthie, your coral capsule sounds wonderful. You look great in that color (your SWAP wardrobe is really fantastic!)

I really need some linen pants for work, something that breathes. And a jacket that isn't too stuffy - maybe a safari style in linen? I think I already have just the right fabric!

[Karendee]

Yea, yea, I'm so excited that we're going to play!

Elizabeth, Thanks for the clarification. You were clear; my excitement caused my brain to muddle. I always "make" things harder than they are.

Speaking of linen pants (Karrol), I just ordered some linen from Michaels. It killed me to buy brown, instead of my beloved black, but I must adhere to the rules. Karrol, do you realize that Michael's Zegna linens are 40% off. He also had some bundles. This is my first time visiting with him, but I see why all of you like him so much. He spent SO much time visiting with me and making sure I was satisfied. What a doll.

Can you all tell I'm excited? Now wait till my first mishap. Oh, my. I've got to go work on muslins so can hav e a garment that fits.

Ruthie,  I make jewelry, too. Isn't it a fun( but quite expensive) hobby?

KarenD

[cmarie12]

Okay, I've pm'd Elizabeth ~ I'm gonna play!  It will give my June sewing some direction and I usually turn out four pieces in a month anyway.  It will be nice that they will have some direction.  And can I just do a handstand for the no black requirement! 

[ElaineMC]

Me, too!  I want to play!

Our family is going to Disney World at the end June, and I need play clothes.  Shorts that fit would be good, and a small purse/tote that is easy to carry around the parks to hold camera, water, sun screen, etc. (Maybe one of the pull string back packs . . .)

I really need jackets, so I'll have to come up with a casual jacket that works with shorts but will also be good on the plane.

But, first, I need to get these final projects graded . . .  must get back to work, must get back to work . . .

-EMC

[Carole]

I'm in, even though I don't know if I'll finish.  I regard it as great training for a big SWAP...I must get more disciplined regarding my fabric choices.  I'm hoping this will help.

[Towanda]

I'm in.

This contest fits in with my sewing goals for the next few months. The goal is to make mini-capsules each month in  different colors. The color for June was black but I think I will change it to blue. I was at a boring conference last week. To keep from falling asleep I started sketching different garments that I want to make.

My beginning plan is to make a sheath dress, skirt, jacket and knit top. I hope to have enough time to make extra tops. I think that I have enough stash fabrics to pull this off. I need to order notions, organza and lining fabric. Next weekend, I will go thru the stash and narrow down my fabric choices.

This is going to be fun.

[Marji]

oh this is cool!
I really want to sew for Me, and I can't join the contest on PR since I'm on the rules committee there now, and we're officially permanently exempt from entering contests.
And I still need to finish all the sewing for my sister, but this will motivate me to do something for me.
Elizabeth, I love that your accessory rule is so lenient. Does this mean I can bead something and call it good? I just picked up a beading magazine today, and I'm really dying to have an excuse to bead something. Maybe a necklace, maybe a bracelet.

I'm going to use Orange. And Fuschia.  No black.

Fun, now off to send you a PM.
Marji

[CarolTrendall]

I'm new here and I would like to take part in this event.  I've never done anything like this before and as I've always liked the idea of a SWAP but can never see my way clear to organising that many garments that co-ordinate, I figure this might be a way to get started.  If I can get four garments co-ordinated, I can add to it later and see what happens.

[Vicki]

Count me in too!!  This will be fun.  I will have to think about the colour a bit as my stash has bits of black and a lot of grey in it!  But then I do have  a fair amount of brown.  Mmmmmm....

[C4]

I'm in too. Thanks so much Elizabeth, what a great idea! I'm a little stumped on the accessory requirement. I could purchase it or I could have lots of fun thinking up something to try.

[ClaireC]

I just PM'd you to join.  I've yet to complete a contest that I've entered.  Heck, most of the time I don't even start it.      But, I'm motivated as I want more navy and "somthing" and there's a handbag I'm dying to make.  (there's picture of it in my blog).  The "something" will probably be pink and white. 

Now, I'm off to pull together fabrics and since I am sooooo slow, I'll have to make one item in May.

Thank you for sponsoring this contest.  If nothing else, I will be motivated to get my backside in gear.  WooHoo!!!   

[LauraTS]

Wow, lots of folks are going to play, that's great! I may have to join in too, but I'll wait a bit to see how my May goes first.

Just wondering - one item has to be a top, one a bottom, and the other two whatever you want that coordinate?

[Sheilaz-CTK]

This would be a great chance for me to create a mini collection for myself.  Although I'm a novice sewer, I believe the contest would be a great challenge.  I'd planned on putting myself of a fabric diet, but ol heck... I can do that in July .  Looking forward to sew much fun.

[peachykeeeeen]

This is exactly what I needed! I'm finally have the time, space and motivation to sew and a spring/summer list!! My goals for spring/summer sewing are primarily 4-5 piece capsules with accessories. It's actually amusing since I was telling my mom about this earlier today, and then get on the computer tonight and here it is. How perfect!!

I'm thinking of maybe using the tan faux suede military-style jacket that I finished sewing today, a pair of jeans and two tops. I'm not sure what the accessory will be yet, but it will reveal itself when the capsule is better defined. Probably a colorful handbag or jewelry.

[mkyred]

This really sounds interesting. I always want to the "ORIGINAL SWAP" that Julie hostesses but I never seem to get started. Maybe I start with smaller goals I do it next year. Sound doable.

Wendy in NorthEast Texas