Sunday 2 November 2014

It is that time of the year again..... SWAP

First let me say sewing has happened here at Chez BeaJay but haven't had the opportunity to take pics. I am doing small amounts of sewing at a time and managed to finish a few things. Will post as soon as I can.

Over at Artisans Square it is the annual SWAP - sewing with a plan. I have entered for 2 years now.

I was eagerly awaiting the posting of the rules this year and now they are up *sigh* - not what I was hoping for.


***** Edited to add - after some suggestions over at Artisan's Square - especially a brilliant easy one from Ruthie - I am IN *********


The first year I didn't get much done. Finished a few items, but didn't get near 11 items done. But I did learn that the items I chose, I did so just to fit my idea of what the "wardrobe" should be. I looked in my stash and chose fabrics that would go together and items that met the rules. One of the reasons I didn't finish is that I was "stuck" with my plan. My base colour was teal and when I had a couple of wadders I couldn't fit anything else in.

Last year the rules were more flexible and although I didn't finish it was more because I ran out of energy and time.. but I made quite a bit of way through it and came up with clothes that I wear on a regular basis and have built on.

I liked the flexible rules but they have gone back to basics and on top of that added a "twist" and while this may suit a lot of people - not so much me.

I have been thinking about SWAP since I saw the fantastic plan from Sharon at Petite and Sewing. It has lots of neutrals in so I have learnt from that and decided to give myself a palette that I can work colour into instead of basing it on colour.

This year I have planned out 2 SWAPs - don't know which one I will go with - but I am going to go ahead with one on my own. Whether or not I make changes to fit into the Artisan Square SWAP or not - I haven't decided.

I am very pleased with both choices and that is the main thing - that what I sew works for me - not for a contest.

Both have very basic neutrals to build on. The first one navy and oat and the second one oat, butter and brown. They have some cross over items. There are also lots of choices I can have if things don't work out. I am learning.


Option 1 has 12 items. If I go out on my own I don't need to change this but if I do change for Artisan's Square then I will take out an item.

Option 1




Most of the navy is Hi-tech matte hybrid stretch crepe from EmmaOneSock with the exception of the top which will be linen. The oat is a lightweight tropical wool and the hounds-tooth is a raw silk. At the end is a lovely brushed cotton / lycra from EmmaOneSock. The other fabrics are ity jersey, viscose knit and a rayon spandex.

Option 2


This one has the same oat tropical wool, a linen dress, a chocolate tropical wool dress, a raw silk dress, a divine chocolate and butter silk caftan, a blouse in a lovely silk from Remnants Warehouse and a shell top in a gorgeous georgette from Gorgeous Fabrics and a jersey cardi.

This is how both will work as wardrobes.




Gee- neutrals are starting to rock my world.

And now I just need to be all grown up and pick a plan and stick to the neutrals.

What about you? Are you going with a plan - be it the Artisan's Square SWAP or one of your own.

The good thing about going out on my own is that I can start and end it when ever I like.


***** Edited to add - after some suggestions over at Artisan's Square - especially a brilliant easy one from Ruthie - I am IN *********

31 comments:

  1. I'm just learning about the "sew your own wardrobe for a year" challenge. Enjoyed visiting your blog, loved the selections you have picked out. I'm looking forward to seeing how you proceed. :)

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  2. Love, love, love both of them. Can't wait to watch and see you go through the process. 33 outfits that all mix and match to make a month's wardrobe plus a few laundry days is totally awesome! You've got some really cute patterns there too.

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  3. I sew quite a bit (at times) but I have never been able to pull off more than a four piece swap. How nice it would be if everything in my closet was coordinated.

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  4. Both these plans are terrific and will really suit you. I lean to the navy & orange as I love navy. Brown, not so much. However this is about you and chocolate is awesome on you.

    I'm super impressed by the images, How did you do them?

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    1. It is using a free program called paint.net
      http://download.cnet.com/Paint-NET/3000-2192_4-10338146.html

      and a plugin for the fabric fill in.
      http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?/topic/2140-feather-plugin-now-with-source/

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  5. I really like the first one and I love how you used the graphics to show all the options.

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  6. Wow, what a great plan. Looking forward to seeing your garments.

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  7. I love them both! But since I'm loving navy right now, I'm partial to the first. Hope you enjoy the process! I've been thinking about doing something similar (on my own timeline as well), but I'm not just ready yet.

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  8. Wow, love both SWAPs, you & Sharon are reeling me in... your plans just look so good!!!

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    1. Come on come on. We can compare items on our sewing days.

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  9. I love your little picture boards and a great plan - and even if you don't make all of them, you will still have some great co-ordinating clothes.

    And thanks for the info about how to make a picture board.

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  10. Bea Jay, this sounds like a fun idea..And you will get a nice wearable wardrobe,when finished.. Love your boards and ideas. Cant wait to see what all you make.. Have fun.

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  11. Well I'm impressed already and you haven't sewn a stitch yet ! Seriously your plans are impressive. Good luck .

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  12. Wow...you will do great. Love the brown and navy options. Can't wait to see the completed projects!

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  13. What great ideas for a really impressive collection. I spy a lot of lovely pieces in it!

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  14. I like both sets, but mint+chocolate are so delicious together..

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  15. Love your wardrobe plans and love the fabrics you list - I sew because I love the fabrics. I can't stick to plans but if you get some of it done you will be way ahead in having a great wardrobe!

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  16. Love your wardrobe plans. I have lots of ideas running around my head but I always struggle to get them down on paper like this. Love your diagrams. This is a really inspiring post. Thanks for sharing your ideas BeaJay.

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  17. I love both boards BeaJay, I would find it hard to choose one. Some familiar items in there too - have you made your Fiona jacket yet? ;)
    I chose navy and mustard for my autumn clothing this year, I find it a pleasing combo and it will be easy to swap out either colour for next season and substitute another accent colour.

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  18. These will be gorgeous! Your palate is just autumnlicious.

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  19. This is impressive! I love both these, but especially the first one:)

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  20. Wow, those are some great looking plans! And I love that they coordinate with each other.

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  21. These plans are completely amazing and I love your diagrams. Such lovely style and colour combinations too. You will look great in them. xx

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  22. This is so clever. I wish I could put things together like you!

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  23. I really love your plans, and the colours are so gorgeous. Seeing we can add buttons we could probably do that. Like you I was running for the hills when the rules were posted, the "twist" is definitely not me :)

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  24. God to hear from you again Bev, hope your knee is behaving itself now! I love the fabric combinations you've picked, your wardrobe will look fab when you get all these made

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  25. I am so glad you decided to participate and I just love the boards you have made up, and so fast! I will look up that programme at the weekend. Awesome. And so exciting.

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  26. Both plans are fantastic and what a pro job on the graphics! I love the colors and they all look so cheery and professional, you can wear these casual, not casual, work, etc. Hope to see the finished garments.

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