SWAP 2010 Official Rules

[NancyQW]

I had told myself that I would not be entering any more contests, but this one is really inspiring!  I love the rules this year and I also love that we can cut out ahead of time.  This school year has been crazy busy for me, so I haven't gotten much sewing done.  If I can cut out ahead of time, I may be able to do it!  Also, the whole matching thing always bogs me down and I'm usually sick of the "wardrobe" by the time I'm finished with it.  This will work for me perfectly!  Still deciding on which option 

[Silly_Seamstress]

Yeah, I was a little surprised when I saw that hook and eye tape wouldn't be allowed as an alternate closure, because I was definitely thinking of the brightly- colored decorative hook-and-eye tape- I wasn't even aware there was another kind, so I apologize for my lack of clarity. I was talking about the kind Marji had shown- Shrinkle on Etsy has some beautiful bright red hook-and-eye tape and d-ring tape that I am seriously considering for my collection:

She also has some really lovely lace grommet tape:

Here is the link for her store, in case anyone else would be interested in making use of these kinds of closures:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Shrinkle?section_id=5305323
As per usual, I have no affiliation/personal involvement with her store, just like the stuff, yadda yadda yadda.

[patriciaschoeman]

I'm thinking of joining this years swap = but I would like to know - at the bottom of the rules you have

2 garments may be purchased or previously sewn.
1 may be knitted or crocheted.

1 will be a matched print or stripe.
1 will feature embroidery, beads or sashiko
1 will have buttons as the star feature OR use unusual or alternative closure(s). 


Is this for all three choices?

Thanks
Patricia S

[DragonLady]

I'm thinking of joining this years swap = but I would like to know - at the bottom of the rules you have

2 garments may be purchased or previously sewn.
1 may be knitted or crocheted.

1 will be a matched print or stripe.
1 will feature embroidery, beads or sashiko
1 will have buttons as the star feature OR use unusual or alternative closure(s). 


Is this for all three choices?

Thanks
Patricia S

Yes; choose a SWAP type, then follow the rules for the individual components.

[Jodi B.]

Hi, everyone.  Your plans look fabulous so far.  I've got a rules question -- you're allowed to have previously sewn or purchased two garments.  Can one of these purchased garments be used to fill the special requirements?  For example, if I have a purchased jacked with interesting closures, would I be allowed to use it to meet that requirement for the SWAP?  Thanks!  I'm still mulling over my options for this one.

[jd98]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum and I'm very excited about the SWAP challenge. My mind has been bubbling since I found out about it! I'm not sure I'll be entering the competition but I'll be definitely sewing along.
I've read all the questions about the rules so far, but I would just like to double check a few things...

- I've chosen option 1 with a waistcoat/summer jacket as my "other". I'd like to have a dress so I was hoping to cheat by doing a top and skirt in the same print fabric. they would also work separately with other pieces. is that ok?

- about the matching prints/stripes rule, am I right thinking that not all the prints/stripes garments have to be matchd up perfectly? I don't have much of the said print fabric so I know that's not going to happen... I'll be making a pair of trousers and the waistcoat in stripes and they will match (well, I'll try my best )

- do handmade buttons for a shirt count as a "star feature", and ruffles as embellishments?

pfewww! that's it for now (told you it was bubbling...)
thanks
J

[DragonLady]

Can one of these purchased garments be used to fill the special requirements?  For example, if I have a purchased jacked with interesting closures, would I be allowed to use it to meet that requirement for the SWAP?

Yes.  I'd rather see them on the ones you make, because this year the emphasis is on sewing skills.  But I do realize that for newer sewists and those who like plainer clothes that might not work so well.

- I've chosen option 1 with a waistcoat/summer jacket as my "other". I'd like to have a dress so I was hoping to cheat by doing a top and skirt in the same print fabric. they would also work separately with other pieces. is that ok?

Yes; that would be fine.

- about the matching prints/stripes rule, am I right thinking that not all the prints/stripes garments have to be matchd up perfectly? I don't have much of the said print fabric so I know that's not going to happen... I'll be making a pair of trousers and the waistcoat in stripes and they will match (well, I'll try my best )

At least one garment must be matched as perfectly as you can.

- do handmade buttons for a shirt count as a "star feature", and ruffles as embellishments?

If they stand out on the garment, then yes.  Little bitty black buttons on a black background, no.  The buttons should stand out as the 'star' of the garment.  Ruffles are fine.

[indigotiger]

At least one garment must be matched as perfectly as you can.

I'm unclear on how many of the seamlines should be matching, despite the fact that I have been sewing for years. ( I've never tried matching printed fabric designs before) If I am making a blouse, I assume that I need to match the side seams, the front button band, and the shoulder seam where it meets the sleeve.

What about the yoke seams? If I match the yoke to the body at the center back, the side seams and front yoke seams won't match. If I match the side seams, I'll need to put a seam down the center back, which then won't match.

I've tried looking online for more information, since my trusty Vogue Sewing Book doesn't really have a lot to say about prints. (Maybe I need to look for a stripe or plaid in colors that will coordinate with my SWAP)

Can someone help me with a list of "where to match" in priority order?

[DragonLady]

Can someone help me with a list of "where to match" in priority order?

Not really, because every pattern/garment is going to be different.  Do the best you can; we all know that some things probably won't match in every area, so you'll have to use your best judgement.

[Licarrit]

Not sure if this was the info you were looking for but someone may find it helpful, I know I did!

Easily Matched:
Straight seams (horizontal or Vertical)
Prominent Design seams
Plackets
Bands
Yokes
Pockets
The front notch matching sleeve to armscye
Collars at the neckline notch

Can't be Matched:
Bias cut seams
Kimono or Dolman sleeves
Shaped seams (princess)
Shoulder seams
Gathered edges to straight edges
Darts

This is from an article by Kathryn Brenne in the April/May Vogue Patterns magazine that shows how to lay everything out and is really wonderful

[indigotiger]

thank you both... I'm going to look further in my stash, to see if I can find some fabric that will work better for my "matching challenge" I'm still going to use the abstract acorn fabric (that was a gift from my Mom), but not try to match that one, the print really doesn't lend itself to that.

[jd98]

Thank you very much for replying so quickly. Back to working on my plan!

J

[JenSA]

Hi Dragonlady,

Would a knitted sweater dress at mid thigh length be considered a dress if I would only wear it with leggings, for modesty. I usually wear leggings as I would tights under a dress or skirt. And if so would the leggings need to be part of the collection or would it count as an accessory.

Thanks
Jen

[DragonLady]

Hi Dragonlady,

Would a knitted sweater dress at mid thigh length be considered a dress if I would only wear it with leggings, for modesty. I usually wear leggings as I would tights under a dress or skirt. And if so would the leggings need to be part of the collection or would it count as an accessory.

Thanks
Jen

I guess if that's your "normal" length for a dress you wear that would be fine.  I think the leggings would be an accesory, unless you're going to wear them with other items in your SWAP, too.

[Hermelin]

Hi, just found this and I am jumping up and down of thrill! Is it too late to register for the 2010 SWAP?
Do I just do my own thread and name it "My collection-name"?
Hermelin

[DragonLady]

Hi, just found this and I am jumping up and down of thrill! Is it too late to register for the 2010 SWAP?
Do I just do my own thread and name it "My collection-name"?
Hermelin

Yep; just jump right in.  And welcome.

[Elle]

Hello, these are exciting options.  I'll be starting a thread soon to join in this SWAP.  But first . . .

Despite all the questions asked above, I still have (at least) one.  With respect to the tops, do sweater sets count as 1 or 2 items if they will only be worn together?  I’m thinking distinctive sweater sets, such as the Hot Patterns Deco Vibe Delano Twinset.  Both pieces would be trimmed/embellished in a similar manner so that they would just scream “set” and “incomplete without each other”.  However, each piece could be worn separately.  For example, the Delano shell can be worn with jeans for a more casual look during the summer.   

Regards,
Elle

[DragonLady]

If you will ONLY wear them together, they are one piece.  If you will be wearing them seperately, they are two.

[Elle]

If you will ONLY wear them together, they are one piece.  If you will be wearing them seperately, they are two.

Okay, thanks.

[indigotiger]

I'm thinking about making this knit "capelet"... I think that this would be a qualifying garment, rather than accessory, as it could be worn over all the variations in my SWAP for additional wintertime warmth indoors (our house is chilly), and later in the year as a lightweight outerwear piece. I know that when asked about knit wraps you commented that...

an accessory is something like a belt or a scarf or an outfit-specific item (like a coverup that matches a bathing suit).  The point is that the last garment should be something to wear that fits in with the rest of the wardrobe and helps pull the whole thing together.

I just figured that I'd check and make sure this was appropriate, since it seems to me to be more like a "bolero" than a "scarf", but if it really wouldn't be right, I do have several other ideas Truth be told, I am having so much fun planning this SWAP, and seeing how these new clothes will work well with what I already have, that I'm even dreaming about sewing...

[DragonLady]

Hmmm.... I think the capelet would be okay; although...it's pushing it.  It would HAVE to be worn over a top, and is too short to really be a shawl or a coat.  So it's right on the line of being a scarf.  I'll allow it, but I'd rather see something a bit more substantial.

[indigotiger]

Glad to get that clarified, I too was feeling like it may be a bit " borderline"...

[Em]

Hi Everyone!

What a wonderful contest--I love the SWAP options Dragon Lady! 

I have been trying to build a suitable wardrobe for myself ever since I did an extreme closet thinning and tossed almost everything two years ago.  I've been sewing like the wind since then, but my wardrobe is only now getting to where I want it to be for basics.  So, I now have basics that I like, but I've been sewing so quickly trying to get some basics that I haven't slowed down long enough to do any embellishments or anything special.  Your SWAP options are exactly what would help me to slow down and sew some special pieces for myself, so I'd love to join in on the fun!!! 

Hmm . . . now which option should I choose and what colors should I go with?   

Em

[Silly_Seamstress]

Hi, Dragonlady,
I have a question about the matched prints/stripe problem-if I have a matched stripe in one of my items, is it ok if my prints aren't matched in another? Because the print I have is a brocade with dragonflies embroidered kind of randomly on it that I think would be almost impossible to match, and I wanted to make sure that would be ok if that wasn't matched. Also, I am going to have either prominently featured buttons or unusual closures on probably 5 of my 6 tops- is it ok that I do that, or is that limited to just one garment? Thanks!
Jamie

[DragonLady]

Only ONE garment has to be matched.  If others are, that's fine.  But only one is required.  Same for the unusual closure or buttons; Only one has to have them, the others can but don't need to.

[Em]

DragonLady--I read through the rules and this thread and didn't see anything about twinsets.  I'm thinking about making a twinset--do twinsets count as 1 top if the cardi and cami will only be worn together?

Thanks,
Em

[DragonLady]

If you will ONLY wear them together, they are one piece.  If you will be wearing them seperately, they are two.

[fourkid]

Hello, I thought I saw this answered at one point - but can't find it now. Do jumpers count as a bottom since they can't stand alone as a dress? Or are jumpers even included?
Blessings,
Patti

[DragonLady]

Hello, I thought I saw this answered at one point - but can't find it now. Do jumpers count as a bottom since they can't stand alone as a dress? Or are jumpers even included?
Blessings,
Patti

Is this an American-style jumper that you have a wear a blouse under?  If so, then yes, the jumper would be a bottom.  If it's an english-style long sweater, that would be a top.

[indigotiger]

Whoops found the answer to my question, so deleting it (couldn't find a way to simply delete the whole post)

[scottiesews]

I've got myself confused somewhat!!  My lifestyle revolves around two distinct clothing groups - casual dog walking & general day to day attire (like this last two weeks have been warm & practical due to icy conditions so no vaguely dressy clothes) & smart casual for teaching & other stuff.  Now if I make something for one it won't necessarily fit in with the other ie. cargo pants for dog walking & smart black pants for the other.  Shirts are better left for smarter wear than casual unless it's a warm check flannel type thing that I wear with the cargo pants.  My SWAP ideas were to sew for both but I doubt the two parts would look like they came out of the same closet so am I going to be better concentrating on one clothes part of my life rather than both?  The problem is I only need a limited amount of either  finances don't stretch to both   Help!
edited to add that having pondered this over a pile of ironing, if I concentrate on a 4 season casual swap, making 1 pair smart casual pants, many of the tops would  probably cross over into the smart casual bit but there will likely be some garments that won't come close to going with both areas.  Am I making sense?  I should add that casual is my current lifestyle for the most part & dog walking involves proper walking boots & the local hills with road work when the weathers bad - he's a big dog in need of this type of exercise!!

[NancyQW]

Sue, like you, I like to have my work and home clothes separate.  Most of the clothes I am making for SWAP will be used more for teaching, although the tops can go either way.  I think you can really dress up or down basic garments by accessories or lack of.  Solid colors work better for both seasons than prints, but I do have a few prints in my plan.  I've been having terrible pain in my neck and shoulder all week and haven't gotten started on anything.  I hope I can get motivated to start something tomorrow.

[Cat]

Hi
I’m thinking of having a go this year, I have tried before but work and a broken sewing machine thwarted me. I was thinking of trying the lounge wear/lingerie SWAP I barely started when Julie was running the SWAP- I’m assuming that as long as I stick to one of the ‘formulas’, e.g. 6 bottoms, 4 tops, 1 other, it’s still OK?

My other question is on the matched print, would matching a lace motif count?

[DragonLady]

Hi
I’m thinking of having a go this year, I have tried before but work and a broken sewing machine thwarted me. I was thinking of trying the lounge wear/lingerie SWAP I barely started when Julie was running the SWAP- I’m assuming that as long as I stick to one of the ‘formulas’, e.g. 6 bottoms, 4 tops, 1 other, it’s still OK?

My other question is on the matched print, would matching a lace motif count?

Yes; a loungewear/lingerie SWAP would be fine, as long as use one of this year's formats.  And yes, matching a lace motif would count.

[Em]

If you will ONLY wear them together, they are one piece.  If you will be wearing them seperately, they are two.

I'll only be wearing them together.

Thanks, DragonLady!

Em