SWAP 2010 Official Rules

[ejvc]

What a nice thing to return to.  Very interesting rules, DL, and I will look forward to seeing what everyone creates! 

Elizabeth

[PeniG]

Can someone please tell me why I can plan a fall/winter wardrobe in @30seconds (and probably sew it all from stash) and I can't for the life of me work out what I actually wear for spring and summer? That is the wardrobe I actually NEED!

Probably because (in your own words) you use "too much black" and that doesn't say "spring" to anybody.  This is your chance to focus on it, work out what you want to wear in spring vs. what's been easy for you to throw on.

First, figure out what spring is like in your area.  Where I live now, spring starts in February.   When I was small and we lived in Alaska there were five seasons - spring, summer, fall, winter, and "break-up," when the ice started melting in (IIRC) late March or early April and everything was wet.  Between Alaska and Texas there's a whole range of spring - slushy, rainy, sunny, windy, changeable.  What elements are these clothes going to have to deal with?  That should tell you something about which pieces you want and which options you'll be making.

Second, look at all that black.  Why do you wear it?  If it's just a habit, now's a good chance to shake yourself out of a rut and see what other colors work with your complexion.  If it's an active preference, then challenge yourself to find ways to say "Spring" in black.  The embroidery, stripes, and fancy closures can help you here; also, you could play with textures and weights.  Don't censor yourself.  After all, if you hate it,   Goodwill will take it.

With two months to plan, you should be able to produce and discard a dozen ideas on paper before settling on the right one.  Ask your best friend if there's something she thinks you should have for spring.  If there's a real gap in your wardrobe, she probably knows what it is.

[Myrna]

Myrna, welcome! you should get an email when someone posts to the thread if you've signed up for notifications.

Thank you. I didn't know about that option. I think I've figured it out - or at least when I clicked on notify "it" asked the right question - LOL.

- Myrna

[Licarrit]

Probably because (in your own words) you use "too much black" and that doesn't say "spring" to anybody.  This is your chance to focus on it, work out what you want to wear in spring vs. what's been easy for you to throw on.

PeniG, I grew up in the NYC suburbs so I live and will probably die in "too much black". My coloring is also very good with black -still, even at 45! To the point that when I wear the warmer neutrals that we ladies of a certain age are supposed to wear my family and friends ask if I am ill. For me, gray is a color in its own right and not some compromise between black and white. Just so you don't think I am some middle-aged goth I also have a lot of lacquer red, deep teal green, and this odd sort of mocha/gray color that Eileen Fisher calls Rye, along with my black, white and grey. I don't know if it is from growing up in New England but I am just naturally drawn to woolens and have tons in my stash so it is not that I can't figure out what to wear for spring and summer but it is just not a natural fit. Also I live in WI now so Summer didn't show up this year till @ Sept.! Don't worry I'll look as "spring-y" as I can but there will still be the black that makes me happy.

[kitnrose]

I grew up in the NYC suburbs so I live and will probably die in "too much black". My coloring is also very good with black -still, even at 45!

Amen, sister.    I'm a DC suburbanite and my mil and best friend's mother, both southerners, have been gifting me with bright clothes ever since they both met me because I "wear so much black."  Hanging out with the goth kids and doing theater tech in high school certainly didn't help.  But also I just look GOOD in black.  Or better than I do in any other neutral.  White?  Ick.  Brown?  Washed out.  Navy?  Nope. 

So I'm thinking over my own warm weather clothes to see if I have any tips for you - I've lived in TX for the past 4 years and that's influenced my colors a lot.  Brights and cottons are a way of life there and Dallasites are very serious about their looks and fashion.  I've added more denim to my wardrobe and my denim skirt got worn just about every other day last summer.  A black linen skirt was cool enough for Dallas yet was within my comfort zone.  And I LIVED in simple, colorful knit tops with short sleeves.  Also for the last swap I made a bright green corduroy skirt that was ... a bit more color than I expected I'd ever wear and, surprisingly, I wore it regularly.  I figured that since I was making three other bottoms I might as well make one "fun" one and, if I never wore it, hey, it would count as a practice piece. 

Hopefully there's something helpful in all that.  I am trying to add more brown to my wardrobe but each time I find myself gravitating back to black.  It's just so easy to match!  I do need to get some more color, though.  I'm going to FL for a winter vacation with my aunt and brother and just realized that both of my sundresses are black.  Hm.

[Licarrit]

KitnRose, I visited Dallas once (DH's job interview) and so I went to Neiman's downtown. One of the makeup ladies wrangles me for a makeover and I am not in the chair 2 seconds before she holds my chin in her hand and perusing my face says "Honey, Don't you get aaaaannnnyyy sun?" Here's the funny part I worked for the same cosmetics line at the time and they were big into preaching sun protection!

Years later I moved to Lexington, KY and decided that I would try to blend in so I bought a bunch of sweaters in "country club colors" Big mistake, didn't look good on me and I felt like my membership was going to be revoked at any moment!

At my age I wear what I like!

[DragonLady]

Ooh, and one more embellishment question! Would pintucks be acceptable as an embellishment?

Absolutely!

[Licarrit]

Ooooh goody now I can have some fun!

[Robin]

 

I love these rules!!
I read the embroidery link Marjo posted and it really stirred up ideas. 

[Susan in Saint John]

Sashiko can also be done by machine.  Mary S. Parker, Sashiko, 1999  http://www.amazon.ca/Sashiko-Elegant-Designs-Decorative-Embroidery/dp/1579901328/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256338801&sr=8-1 [It's probably out of print.]  She also had an article in Threads magazine after the book was published which may be in the Threads archives.  Basically to do sashiko by machine you have to calibrate your stitch length, adjust your tensions, and count your stitches.  You don't need a fancy machine to do it.

[yorkshire lass]

Can I just check a couple of things so I can be sure my plan will be admissable?
I have a pattern for a fitted jacket with a standing frill collar.  I would wear it with only a cami or deep scoop top under it so they didn't show.  It would be boiled wool so plenty warm enough to wear alone.  Can I count this as a top?  I would also be making a jacket as my additional choice piece.

Can I make one of those DKNY type wrap cosies for a top if I would wear it as both a stand alone top, tied at the back and as a cardi?  I love the one I have already made when worn as a top tied at the back and it works OK under jackets if the fabric is thin enough.

Third question.  I am due to take a tailoring course in January and will make a jacket.  Is it OK to enter that jacket as my additional item.  The tutor will only teach me, she won't have any input in the garment and I did the fitting stage myself.

Grateful for advice on these so I can make my plan.
  Really  looking forward to this year's SWAP.

Jenni

[Susan in Saint John]

I'm having a bit of trouble understanding what "matched print" means.  The only thing I can think of is where the print matches (like wall paper or drapery panels) across the button front or back zipper.  Or, a pocket is applied to match the print exactly.  For most prints [which are not symetrical], I don't think it's possible to match both side seams.

I expect that plaids are included in "print or stripe".

Does the whole garment have to be made in the print or stripe fabric?  I'm thinking that a blouse length of fabric purchased without contemplating matching the print might prove insufficient if the print were matched and a coordinating fabric would need to be added [perhaps for collar and cuffs].  Alternatively, the print/stripe might only be used for a portion of the garment, e.g., a border print.

[Marji]

I'm assuming that this top I made last year for my sister would qualify as a "matched print". I'd certainly enter it as such if I were to enter this top.
. It's one of those cross over wrap tops and the print matches across the wrap. It took easily 1.5 x's the amount of fabric called for to match the print.

This is another of the same top, different print.

IMO it's a bit more challenging to match a print than a plaid even, depending on the size of the repeat both horizontal and vertical, and whether the print register is even slightly off in the printing.

[Susan in Saint John]

This is another of the same top, different print.

Amazing job!  The print is symetrical in both directions, like an even plaid so it is possible to match it.  Makes me think I should look for a print with these characteristics.

[DragonLady]

Can I just check a couple of things so I can be sure my plan will be admissable?
I have a pattern for a fitted jacket with a standing frill collar.  I would wear it with only a cami or deep scoop top under it so they didn't show.  It would be boiled wool so plenty warm enough to wear alone.  Can I count this as a top?  I would also be making a jacket as my additional choice piece.

Can I make one of those DKNY type wrap cosies for a top if I would wear it as both a stand alone top, tied at the back and as a cardi?  I love the one I have already made when worn as a top tied at the back and it works OK under jackets if the fabric is thin enough.

Third question.  I am due to take a tailoring course in January and will make a jacket.  Is it OK to enter that jacket as my additional item.  The tutor will only teach me, she won't have any input in the garment and I did the fitting stage myself.

Grateful for advice on these so I can make my plan.
  Really  looking forward to this year's SWAP.

Jenni

If the jacket would look right as a top, then yes.  But if it looks like a jacket and wearing it as a top looks odd, then no.  The DNKY wrap is probably just fine; as it sounds like it can be worn both ways and look just fine.  And yes, a garment made as part of a class is perfectly acceptable.

[DragonLady]

I'm having a bit of trouble understanding what "matched print" means.  The only thing I can think of is where the print matches (like wall paper or drapery panels) across the button front or back zipper.  Or, a pocket is applied to match the print exactly.  For most prints [which are not symetrical], I don't think it's possible to match both side seams.

I expect that plaids are included in "print or stripe".

Does the whole garment have to be made in the print or stripe fabric?  I'm thinking that a blouse length of fabric purchased without contemplating matching the print might prove insufficient if the print were matched and a coordinating fabric would need to be added [perhaps for collar and cuffs].  Alternatively, the print/stripe might only be used for a portion of the garment, e.g., a border print.

Most prints can be matched.  It just takes more fabric and very careful cutting.  You have to make certain that the notches on the pieces that will be sewn together are on exactly the same point in the print.

Yes, a plaid is included in "print or stripe".

Using collars or cuffs or other details of another fabric is fine.  But the largest area of the garment should be of the print, and the seams should match.

[Myrna]

Since I'm new to SG, is there anything I need to do to sign up besides participate in this discussion AND when the swap begins, will I need a page to post my pictures or...? Basically how does this work?

Thanks, Myrna

[DragonLady]

If you're ready to join, just start a thread here for posting your plans and such.  Let us know which version you're working on, and join in the discussion.

[cmarie12]

Dragonlady thanks for taking the time to post the rules and answer all of the subsequent questions...which of course I have one...

When do you have to declare that you are participating?  And can you pick which season your wardrobe is for because I've seen spring/summer mentioned as well as fall/winter?

Thanks!

[DragonLady]

When do you have to declare that you are participating?  And can you pick which season your wardrobe is for because I've seen spring/summer mentioned as well as fall/winter?

Whenever you're ready.  And yes, pick which ever season you want to sew for.

[Myrna]

If you're ready to join, just start a thread here for posting your plans and such.  Let us know which version you're working on, and join in the discussion.

So each participant has their own thread. That makes sense. Do I then sign up for notification for each thread in order to stay caught up? I'm giving this lots of thought. It sounds like great fun and if I sign up, I want to be able to accomplish. I've just spent an hour at Anthropologie collecting ideas.

- Myrna

[DragonLady]

Do I then sign up for notification for each thread in order to stay caught up?

You can, but I don't recommend it.  We end up with a lot of threads.  And all the discussion will be in the big general thread.

[JenSA]

myrna, I would just check back often and all the threads with new posts will have the blue "new" label and you can go back to when you last read. You can look at the date & time of the posts to help with this. To view all posts on the site, there is an option above by your user info to show unread posts & you can scan through those too.

[Myrna]

myrna, I would just check back often and all the threads with new posts will have the blue "new" label and you can go back to when you last read. You can look at the date & time of the posts to help with this. To view all posts on the site, there is an option above by your user info to show unread posts & you can scan through those too.

LOL - I'm slowly starting to get how this type of forum works. I clicked on SWAP 2010 and can see how everything flows from the original topic. Earlier, I'd asked for notification of only the rules section. If I ask for notification at the SWAP 2010 level, will I be let know about anything under that topic? AND... I see this posting should be under general instead of the rules section. Thanks for bearing with me while I learn.

- Myrna

[CarolTrendall]

I've just had a look at the rules and will need to take time to absorb them and work out which way to go.  My first response when I saw the embellishment/beading/embroidery etc was a loud resounding NO WAY but my second thought was WHY NOT?  I will need to think laterally and find something that suits my style, but most importantly, this will make me step outside my comfort zone and learn some new skills.  I'll need a few days to ponder this before I declare my intentions, but I think you can count me in.

[Sharon]

I've just had a look at the rules and will need to take time to absorb them and work out which way to go.  My first response when I saw the embellishment/beading/embroidery etc was a loud resounding NO WAY but my second thought was WHY NOT?  I will need to think laterally and find something that suits my style, but most importantly, this will make me step outside my comfort zone and learn some new skills.  I'll need a few days to ponder this before I declare my intentions, but I think you can count me in.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Sharon

[Licarrit]

As someone that felt the same way at first, let me tell you how my thinking evolved. My first hurdle was also the embellishment rule but you can use that to add texture to a piece. So it doesn't have to be glitz and sparkle if that isn't your thing or work with the wardrobe you're planning. I fine that my minimalist, way too much black wardrobe craves a little texture to add some omph, otherwise I look like a badass flight attendant. In my case I am adding pintucks but I may be playing with them some to make them more interesting. You could add smocking -regular or Canadian (which I love the look of!) as an inset or whatever. So I made peace with that rule but now I had to contend with a PRINT! I am short and round and prints make me look like furniture, tweeds maybe, but a print -NEVER! but I had (though I couldn't find it for the life of me and had to order more!) a black and grey stripe that I always loved that has never really been put to good use. If the stripes are toned then the effect is less "look at me in my stripes!" which I can deal with. Mostly Dragonlady wants us to show off our sewing chops. Thank you, I'd love to! So I came to the conclusion that all in all the rules weren't as "not me" as I thought.

[fourkid]

This is probably a silly question - I am just not especially experienced in fashion - but in the 3rd option with the dresses - do they have to match all the tops and bottoms? I understand they should look like a cohesive grouping - but can they be in differing prints, just in some way have a theme that they are part of a collection - or do they have to all specifically be able to be worn with each other?  I understand the separates would all need to match - but I wear dresses alone, not with other separates. Not sure if I am explaining it well...
Blessings,
Patti

[Licarrit]

Patti, I'm sure Dragonlady will chime in, but I'm pretty sure that dresses can stand alone. Obviously you don't want to try to shoehorn a Laura Ashley type dress into a Lanvin type collection but you're right that you usually wear them by themselves. I would add though, that if you are making a jacket or other top layer then it should probably work with the dresses just to give you more options.

[DragonLady]

No, the dresses don't have to match the tops or bottoms, but together the whole group of garments should look like they're all members of the same "family". 

[DebbieY]

There is a fair bit to get ones head around in the rules and I am still at the will I or won't I stage but I am really enjoying seeing the plans being put forward and seeing the discussion evolve. I can't wait till this is in full swing so we can see the progress!

[fourkid]

And another question - does this rule:
"This year, the individual threads will be limited to the owner's storyboard and planning.  Please keep all comments and discussion in the general thread, but post your questions about the rules or requirements here."
...mean that we are to have our own SWAP thread like last year - but that others shouldn't comment within that thread? Like - in Marji's individual thread - we shouldn't say how beautiful her blue fabrics are  - or what great designs? We look there in her thread and then take our comments over to the general thread? A little awkward, but doable.

I wanted to be sure of what to do before I post my thread.....
Blessings,
Patti

[DragonLady]

We look there in her thread and then take our comments over to the general thread? A little awkward, but doable.

Yes; please.  300 topics getting 10 posts a day is really hard on our moderators, and makes it difficult to keep track of everything that is going on.

[BTaylor]

Yet another question.
This is my first time and I'm considering doing the SWAP. 
In previous years there were questions about vests.  If I do Option #1, I would like to do at least one vest.  I'd also like to do a tailored jacket.  Could a vest be a top?, or does it have to be "your choice"?
Now that I read my own question, I guess the same question applies to the tailored jacket.

Looking forward to planning this out.

BTaylor

[DragonLady]

A jacket or a vest would count as "your choice".