That is the question.
You know, I had fully intended to join the SWAP contest this year. I had everything planned out - the patterns, the colors, the fabrics, and even which fabric I'd order from Timmel Fabrics to officially enter the SWAP contest. It was great, too! It was a work wardrobe that transitioned from winter to spring, with the wardrobe pattern being one of my latest eBay finds, the Helen Rose Advance wardrobe pattern along with other vintage patterns (it's in the Parting Shot of this post). I named it "Timeless Transitions". Add those 11 pieces that will integrate nicely into the work wardrobe I already have and I'd be set for teaching for another couple of years.
Do I really *need* more work clothes? Not really, I've got plenty. What I could really use is a better casual wardrobe. A wardrobe in which I be comfortable, yet put together and chic (like Erica B. - she's got great style!). Alright, all I need to do is find a wardrobe pattern from which to start planning. Right. Therein is the problem. I have looked through 5 pattern company's worth of wardrobe patterns (the Big 4 and Burda) and have found very few patterns that I like - my beloved Vogue 2925, Vogue 2865 and one I can't remember from Burda.
You've got to be joking!
Absolutely not. The problem is, I'm actually very particular about what I make for myself. For the most part, either the entire wardrobe didn't do it for me, or else only one piece did or the pattern only had a jacket and bottom and not the third piece to satisfy this year's "Timmel Twist". I don't want to spend time making pieces that I won't wear, just to be able to be in a contest. That's just plain silly.
I have spent a lot of time over the last few days going through every online fabric store looking for the right fabric to "hit me" just right. I've only found a handful and they're not playing together. I like stripes, plaids, solids, boucles and paisleys and it's not easy to find ones in the colors I'm considering (brights: red, yellow, green, blue, orange.) Gorgeous Fabrics has some really nice things and Emma One Sock does, too.
Yikes. You are picky.
Exactly. I don't feel it's worth my time to make garments that I really don't love in every aspect - style, color and fit. (Yes, I'm still on the fence about the sweater!) So, I'm still trying to decide if I want to do SWAP at all. I've been percolating on this about a week now, and I'm not coming to any definite groups of garments/fabrics that really makes me 100% happy. Some of the titles I've come up with are "June Cleaver: Redefined" and "Black and Brights" and "House Dress Makeover". I'll let your imagination fill in what those SWAPs would contain. I'm going to give it a few more months and a few more visits to brick and mortar fabrics stores and then make a final decision. I've got plenty of time!
Meanwhile, my daughter's dress is underway and I should have it finished tomorrow - it needs final assembly, a zipper, buttons/buttonholes and a hem. I'm also making fantastic progress on redoing the vines for MG.
Parting Shots: Mini Photo Essay by my son. He brought home a plant today from school and wanted to take a picture of it. Since I was in the studio and could watch him, I let him have the camera. First he took pictures of me sewing, then he worked on the plant pictures. He rejected the first two pictures because he didn't like the background and then started various methods of photographing it on the black tiles. Interesting what captures the mind of a 6 year old.
14 comments:
Summerset - I completely understand where you are coming from. I have been having all the same questions, doubts and concerns. I, like you, will continue to mull this over in the next few weeks.
Okay, I knew we had similar tastes, but when I saw the Vogue patterns that you posted, I had to chuckle. Those are exactly the same two patterns that are on my very short list of modern possibilites. Is it possible we are twins separated at birth?
I know you didn't ask for my 2 cents but here it is anyway...I think you are trying to force something...let it go. If you are suppose to SWAP, the right fabric and pattern will find its way to you...if you're not, then other challenges await. This said from the person who said she wouldn't SWAP but bought a qualifying purchase from Julie just in case! *LOL*
But seriously, there are so many new people interested in the SWAP that maybe its time for the old guard to step aside and to let someone else get the thrill of SWAPping...ummmm you can give me my 2 cents back if you think I'm full of it! *LOL*
I intended to just post about 'To Swap or Not to Swap' ...I have a post with that title, too, from last year's struggle with the choice (and I picked 'Not to SWAP' last year), and admit that I'm waiting on a print to catch my eye and inspire me...but Carolyn's comment struck a chord. It'll be interesting to see what happens when the 'Old Guard' moves to a separate competition for phases II and III (and I really believe that's coming sooner or later). I guess you'll just have to put a brick on Dakota's head (or make II and III for the doll?) ;)
I love your parting shots! Your son is too fun!!!
Of course I would love for you to SWAP because it would only keep me going! I am one of those newbies and need all the help I can get from those who have done it before!hehe
Shorty
Hey, Summerset, I feel your pain, cause I have the exact same problem, including finding very-very few wardrobe patterns that I'd genuinely like to make. I'm still pondering and trying to decide, plus thinking of an OOP Vogue which is quite expensive :)
Shannon - Too funny. I was born in Minot, ND, that's an hour or less from the Canadian border - we might have been separated at birth!
Carolyn - You're so right. I think I've been trying to hard at the whole thing. When my mind takes hold of an idea, it just doesn't let go, until all the possibilites have been explored. It's odd, it's like I can't think of anything else - it takes over my brain until I'm satisfied with the initial solution and then I can let the details filter to the top whenever they do so. You and I both know, if I gave you back the 2 cent, you'd spend it on fabric!
I'm glad to read from your post and from the comments that I'm not the only one strugling with the SWAP plan. My problem is really the wardrobe part of it, as most of the jackets are too formal for me and of the skirts and pants usually think "I have a BWOF pattern quite similar". It just does not justify the very expensive pattern buying.
The wardrobe pattern I wanted to use (Vogue 2987) has only 3 parts, and I think that jacket might not go with all tops. But, 1st of January is still a long way off...
Forgot to say: I like the pictures your son took, and especially like the pot he most probably painted himself!
I've been pondering the same thing... to SWAP or not. As of right now, I probably will not participate, but January is still a while off.
Summerset,
Your son is such a sweetie! I think I want to adopt him.
Shannon AND Summerset, I think I also have some similiar taste since I ALSO have those two Vogue patterns in my stash -- and I buy very few Vogues.
And I'm waiting (im)patiently to see your dd's church wardrobe. I discovered last Sunday, shortly before church, that MY dd had very few church clothes either -she's 11. Actually she has very few clothes period other than jeans and tops. I had vowed she wouldn't be wearing as many jeans as her two older sisters did to school, alas, that IS happening!
We live in such a casual environment here, I sometimes want to scream!
Your son's sense of color and balance continues to amaze me! I see an artist's mind building up!
I think we live too far apart to be twins but sometimes I wonder... :)) My father used to say I was like a "dog with a bone", meaning I wouldn't let go until I found a solution to a particular puzzle/problem/dilemma. I even dream (during my sleep) with possible solutions!
Love the pictures that your son took! Beautiful pictures of your hands sewing, and the last but one picture is really great!
I hope you manage to make up your mind about the SWAP - I'm sure you will! Voicing our doubts and putting them on our blogs is often a great way to see things more clearly, isn't it.
Have a great weekend!
I've been going back and forth on the swap as well. Actually, I have 4 different wardrobe plans laid out but they all lack something required. I even found a pattern I was happy with, but not really finding a fabric at Timmel that I want to use. I'd really rather use up my stash. But, there is quite a bit of time to decide.
Just catching up with your posts. I too love those patterns. And I keep getting tempted by the SWAP concept, but in the end I come to my senses and realise I really don't want (or need) all my clothes to match in that way. I like "outfits" over "this and that goes with everything". Mini SWAPS are much more appealing.
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