I have 18 items on my “blog this” list. Oh my. How many days are left between now and the new year? I have noticed that many blogs have gone quiet over the past few weeks, so clearly many of us are in the same situation. So here is a little bit of reading for you.
Already Pretty has posted two fantastic discussions about offering constructive criticism, both in the context of criticism in general and in the context of criticising style. I think that there is a huge amount of food for thought in these two posts and the subsequent discussion.
Sarai of Collette Patterns posted about Frida Kahlo in the context of Fashion, Identity and Disability. Lots to think about here too.
A new to me blog Well Suited posts pattern puzzles – a fascinating exploration of pattern drafting, shape and design. Combined with a whole lot of styles that I would like to sew!
Donna has recently started up Sew Independent. As she says, Sew Independent is a resource that focusses on independent fashion designers, their sewing patterns and the online sewing community. Although it is in its early days, I can already tell that this website and blog is going to be the one-stop resource for information about independent patterns. Donna is doing the hard work of keeping track of what the independent designers are up to, and aggregates that information into one place. A brilliant idea that will definitely save me some time!
I am planning on taking part in the Stitcher’s Guild 2014 SWAP. These are the rules in summary:
No purchase neccesary anywhere; this contest is open to anyone with a needle and thread, regardless of budget or availability of items. Just jump in and join the fun.
We’ll be following Blue Mooney’s “Algebra SWAP” formula:
3 “3 packs” + 2 “wild cards” = 11 garments.
Each three pack will be:
2 tops + 1 bottom
or
1 top + 1 bottom + 1 outer layer
or
1 dress + 1 top + 1 bottom
The “wild card” options can be just about anything you like, but they must be “garments” not accessories (hats, bags, blankets, etc.)
A “top” will be any shirt or blouse worn on the upper half; a “bottom” will be any garment worn on the lower half, and it shouldn’t be obscene to wear either without another layer.
A “dress” will be any garment that covers both upper and lower halves, and again, it shouldn’t be obscene to wear it without an additional layer.
An “outer layer” will any jacket or sweater that is intended to be a second layer, over a top or a dress. If it can also be worn alone, that is fine.
A “bib” garment will considered a bottom, unless it can be worn alone without a top under or over it.
One garment may be previously sewn; another may be purchased.
If you have an item you’re working on now, you may include it, OR you may stitch up one item from scratch before the official sewing date of December 26.
There’s no requirement that every garment match or every top match every bottom. However, all the individual pieces must form a cohesive collection -they should all look like they belong together in the closet.
“Sewing” is a blanket term; you may sew, knit, crochet, weave…whatever works. If you can make 11 garments with a 3D printer, that’s fine.
Sewing will begin December 26th, and all garments must be finished by April 30th, 2014. Muslins, pattern fitting and cutting may be started whenever you are ready.
Although this is a competition that you can enter, there is no compulsion. They are great guidelines, no matter what. I may or may not get it done according to the finish date. The main thing is that it will help me to plan an organised, coherent wardrobe! So far I am thinking a “from stash” SWAP, and have started a Pinterest board here with patterns that I already own and might use.
Last day of work for me today until the beginning of February – hooray! Maybe I’ll be able to do some more SWAP planning.