Friday, 9 December 2022

SWAP 2023?

 Rules for SWAP 2023 are not yet decided, but there is a possibility that we might be able to have something at The Sewing Place.

Come and comment here if you are interested.

Rules for SWAP 2022 (Stitchers Guild)

 2022 19th SWAP contest

Rules for SWAP 2022

I don't currently have any content for this, if you do please comment below or email me at sew dot ruthie dot style at zoho dot eu

Wednesday, 7 December 2022

Ruthie's SWAP 2020


more detail here

Sew Ruthie Style: SWAP 2020 Collection (ruthieksews1.blogspot.com)

Rules for SWAP 2020 (Stitchers Guild)

The SWAP rules for 2020 have been published! 

Link here

RULES:
Your Perfect Vision - SWAP 2020
11 pieces, in two groups:
  • 9 or 10 that may coordinate (be worn together) to form outfits
  • 1 or 2 that MUST coordinate (be able to be worn with all of the others)  (1 if you make 10 other pieces, 2 if you make 9)
  • no required garments
  • no required colors
  • You may include one garment that is knitted, crocheted, or handwoven

SWAP sewing will begin December 26th, and all garments must be finished by April 30th, 2010. Pattern fitting and cutting may be done whenever you're ready.

You may include 1 garment you had already sewn prior to the rules announcement and 1 purchased ready-to-wear garment, or 2 pre-sewn garments made prior to the rules announcement. (I encourage either of these options, as integrating your SWAP sewing with your current wardrobe increases how versatile your self-sewn clothing will be). In addition, you may include one additional garment that is sewn after the rules have been posted and before the official start SWAP sewing date of December 26. If you include these three garments, that gives a total of eight more to be sewn before SWAP ends, for a fairly reasonable 2 per month.

You must choose a theme for your collection to act as a focal point -  something that inspires you and will help give your SWAP wardrobe a cohesive "feel"; it could be a verbal phrase, a photo, a location, an artifact, or even an accessory (like a scarf). You must post what you have chosen as your theme.

You must include, as part of making one (or more) garments, a technique that both stretches your skill set and is something you have been wanting to learn. For example: someone who is a beginner might choose zippers, someone who is further along on their sewing journey might choose Hong Kong seam finishing or welt pockets, someone who loves embellishment might try making an Alabama Chanin style reverse applique garment, etc....

For the purposes of this SWAP, a sewn "garment" is one that consists of more than one pattern piece, stitched together. A poncho (one piece with a hole for the neckline), or a wrap (one piece of fabric) are not. Some knitted or crocheted garments are made in one piece, but involve careful shaping, so they count as garments.

Ruthie's 2009 SWAP Sophisticated Teal


Here are all my SWAP garments (including 3 'extras') - the extras are the crinkle skirt, the turquoise trousers and the black waterfall jacket.











SWAP Winners 2009

 The winners of the 6th Annual Sewing With A Plan contest for 2009 are:


{drumroll, please}


Second Prize goes to mdmcgrath is accepting the challenge!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7370831@N07/sets/72157617685226828/

First Prize belongs to Morzel's Maternity SWAP!
See www.morzel.blogspot.com/ for more details

And the Grand Prize winner is Audrey's Drafting Demon SWAP!
Flicker SWAP Album www.flickr.com/photos/audan/3094361372/i n/set-72157617694...
Blog: www.sewtawdry.blogspot.com

Congratulations to all three of you

Rules for SWAP 2008 (Timmel Fabrics/Stitchers Guild)

 SWAP CONTEST 2008


This is the 5th annual SWAP contest. Every year, the contest grows more and more, with participants from countries all around the world. The rules remain basically the same, with just a slight variation from year to year.

For newcomers, SWAP is a contest in which we make 11 garments that mix and match. The contest has a time limit; we begin sewing in January and the contest ends in mid April. This means approximately 12 weeks to sew 11 items. Then I post the photos and we all get to vote on who we think completed the best SWAP.

The contest is not about who is the best sewer or who has the best fabric selection, but it is about which wardrobe do YOU think is the most wearable - in other words, your favourite combination of fabrics and patterns, you should probably choose the one you would could see yourself wearing. All 11 pieces must work together, which means that you sew with a plan = "SWAP" = the best use of your time and your money.

The contest is open to sewers at all levels, from beginner to the most advanced. If you can sew together simple clothes, you can join in. We are not examining your workmanship, but rather we are encouraging you to make the most efficient use of your sewing skills, by planning what you sew and sewing what you plan.

Join us at Artisan's Square to read SWAP posts, you do need to register if you wish to post and to be a participant in SWAP. Registration is free, and it is fun to keep up with the posts.


Artisan's Square - the SWAP topic is under the heading Fashion,Style and Wardrobe

It is lots of fun, plus we get new clothes to wear. And the discussions at Artisan's Square are fun as well, sewing can be such a solitary activity; the online discussions remedy that. Join in, you have nothing to lose except some of your stash!


A little background information

The SWAP contest began from an article in Australian Stitches in which the editor, Lynn Cook, outlined her own plan to sew 11 garments that coordinated and gave her 48 possible combinations. Some of us were so inspired by Lynn's plan, that we decided to try this ourselves and the result was the SWAP contest that you see here now.

Read more here
Article on Wardrobing inspired by Australian Stitches

And there are many more wardrobe photos here
SWAP inspirations

For those who would like to subscribe to Stitches, the contact in the US is Quilters Resource Inc. Phone number is 800-676-6543, fax is 773-278-1348, or email them at info@quiltersresource.com


In Canada, you can subscribe through Stonehouse Publications - toll free phone is 800-461-1640, fax is 905-428-7554, and email is squiresk@allstream.net


And, as many of you know, you can get individual issues from Erica's at www.ericas.com


And for inspiration, take a look at the finished wardrobes from last year's SWAP participants.
SWAP 2007

 

 

Here are the SWAP rules for 2008


1. Fabric/pattern purchase minimum value of $25 Canadian to be made from Timmel Fabrics between Oct. 1, 2007 and March 1, 2008. This fabric or pattern must be featured as one item in the SWAP.


2. Each SWAP must consist of 11 garments. See below for descriptions.


3. A print, plaid, check, or stripe must be used for one of the garments. This can be used in a top, or bottom, or even jacket, but it must coordinate with the other pieces. And you can make your own print (if you wish) by embellishing your fabric yourself by painting, stenciling, stitching.


4. You are allowed to use one garment that you have purchased (i.e. not sewed). And you can knit, crochet, or weave one garment if you choose.


5. All garments must be made between January 1/08 and April 11/08 with the exception of two garments which can be made previous to the time period. You are also allowed to use one garment that has been purchased.


6. 2008 Twist – Three garments must be made from one "wardrobe" pattern.
You must make three uniquely different garments from that pattern; making one type of garment three times will not qualify.
These patterns are available from all the major pattern companies and they usually include a jacket, dress and/or skirt, pants, blouse or top. For our purposes, any pattern with at least three different garments that work together will be counted as a "wardrobe" pattern.
The patterns labelled "wardrobe patterns" often have 4 or 5 garments in them; but as long as the pattern has three different garments, it will qualify. The purpose of this year's rule is to encourage making the best use of a pattern; in other words, work it for what it is worth. The other 8 garments can come from any other pattern or patterns or be self-drafted.


7. This year is back to one type of SWAP. This consists of 11 garments, 4 bottoms (skirts and/or pants), 6 tops (2 should be more like blouses than just tees), and 1 jacket that will work with all the tops and bottoms. This gives you a total of 48 possible combinations. However, you can substitute a dress or dresses for two of the tops if you wish. Therefore, your SWAP can be 1 jacket, 4 bottoms, 4 tops, 2 dresses or it can be 1 jacket, 4 bottoms, 5 tops and 1 dress. The jacket must work with all combinations.
In the case of a jumper, this would count as a "bottom" item, in that it must work with all the tops and it must also be able to be worn with the jacket. A vest is counted as a jacket since it is usually worn over a top. If it can be worn solo, count it as a top.


A jacket does not have to be a tailored jacket. It can be a lace overshirt that you wear over your other garments, it can be a shrug, or shawl, poncho or cape. It can also be an overcoat if you wish to make that. It could also be a knitted or crocheted sweater. It must work with all the tops and bottoms (and dresses if you make them).


8. Photos can be emailed to mail@timmelfabrics.com or mailed to me at the address below. The contest will close on April 11, 2008 and you have until April 18 to get your pictures to me. Voting will take place the week of April 21 – 26. Everyone who has posted on the topic at Artisan's Square is eligible to vote, even if you did not participate in the SWAP. Everyone will have 3 votes. You will choose three people and place them in the order you liked best. Your first place choice will get 3 points, second place will get 2 points, and third place will get 1 point. Winners will be selected by the number of points received. Sorry, you cannot vote for yourself, since if everyone did this, it would merely cancel out the votes.

New rules regarding photos: in order to put everyone on an equal footing, one photo must be a photo of one garment or one outfit. Composite photos consisting of three photos will be counted as three photos, not as one. Participants are encouraged to submit a minimum of 6 photos and no more than 10. The final SWAP page will show no more than 6 photos per entry.

9. PRIZES: 1st place - $500 gift certificate to Timmel Fabrics for fabrics/patterns.
2nd place - $250 gift certificate to Timmel Fabrics
3rd place - $100 gift certificate to Timmel Fabrics
4th and 5th place - $50 gift certificate


Everyone who finishes a SWAP and submits their pictures will receive a free pattern of their choice from any pattern that I carry.


Good luck and let the sewing begin!


Copyright protected, September 2007 by Julie Culshaw

 

Timmel Fabrics
2635 Dublin Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3L 3J6

http://www.timmelfabrics.com
mail@timmelfabrics.com
1-877-825-9048

 

Rules for SWAP 2007 (Timmel Fabrics/Stitchers Guild)

 

Here are the SWAP rules for 2007


1. Fabric/pattern purchase minimum value of $25 Canadian to be made from Timmel Fabrics between Nov. 1, 2006 and March 1, 2007. This fabric or pattern must be featured as one item in the SWAP.


2. Each SWAP must consist of 11 garments. See below for descriptions.


3. A print, plaid, check, or stripe must be used for one of the garments. This can be used in a top, or bottom, or even jacket, but it must coordinate with the other pieces.


4. You are allowed to use one garment that you have purchased (i.e. not sewed).


5. All garments must be made between December 1/06 and April 1/07 with the exception of one garment which could have been made previous to the time period. You are also allowed to use one garment that has been purchased.


6. NEW for 2007 – One of the garments must be reversible. This means that the garment can be worn on either side and both sides must coordinate with the other pieces. This can be any of the 11 garments: make your jacket reversible (which by the way gives you double the number of possible combinations), make a top reversible, or a skirt or pants. The choice is yours. There are lots of suggestions from those posting at Artisans' Square on how to do this and making something reversible is a worthwhile technique to learn.


7. And you can have a choice of 2 SWAPs. The first one as in previous years: 11 garments, consisting of 4 bottoms (skirts and/or pants), 6 tops (2 should be more like blouses than just tees), and 1 jacket that will work with all the tops and bottoms. This gives you a total of 48 possible combinations.


The second SWAP is for those who prefer dresses over separates. This SWAP should have 4 dresses, 2 jackets, 2 bottoms (skirts or pants), and 3 tops which must match all the bottom pieces. Each jacket does not have to match everything, but both should together work with every combination. This SWAP has the potential of 20 possible combinations. In this SWAP, if your jacket is the reversible item, its matching follows the same rules as previous: i.e. it doesn't have to work with every item, but every combination should be able to be put with a jacket in some way.


Don’t be intimidated by “jacket”. This can be as simple as an overshirt, a cardigan, even a poncho or wrap of some type.


8. Photos can be emailed to mail@timmelfabrics.com or mailed to me at the address below. The contest will close on April 8, 2007 and you have until April 15 to get your pictures to me. Voting will take place the week of April 17 – 23. Everyone who has posted on the topic at Artisan's Square is eligible to vote, even if you did not participate in the SWAP. Everyone will have 3 votes. You will choose three people and place them in the order you liked best. Your first place choice will get 3 points, second place will get 2 points, and third place will get 1 point. Winners will be selected by the number of points received.


9. PRIZES: 1st place - $300 gift certificate to Timmel Fabrics for fabrics/patterns.
2nd place - $200 gift certificate to Timmel Fabrics
3rd place - $100 gift certificate to Timmel Fabrics
4th and 5th place - $50 gift certificate


Everyone who finishes a SWAP and submits a picture or pictures will receive a free pattern of their choice from any pattern that I carry.


Good luck and let the sewing begin!

 

Timmel Fabrics
2635 Dublin Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3L 3J6

http://www.timmelfabrics.com
mail@timmelfabrics.com
1-877-825-9048

 

Rules for SWAP 2019 (Stitchers Guild)

 2019 Seasonal Designer Collection II SWAP Rules

You are still the Designer. Create a cohesive seasonal collection of eleven garments of your choice.

Plan:

Choose an inspiration piece of your choice -- Could be a scarf, artwork, fabric print, photograph, etc.

Choose two neutrals that coordinate with your inspiration piece

Add 1-5 accents and/or prints that will work with your inspiration piece (ie: not clash)

Make 9 garments that form your core

You must create multiple outfits using at least two core garment items that work for your personal style.

Make 2 wild card pieces that can be worn alone or with other core items or with other wardrobe

items

Wild card pieces should still blend in with inspiration piece

Combining fabrics is fine

No restrictions on type of garments

Rules

Sewing begins on 26 December 2018 and ends 30 April 2019

One garment may be completed by today (28 October 2018)

One garment may be started on 29 October 2018 and completed prior to 26 December 2018

One RTW garment may be included (it can be existing or purchased at any time before or during the SWAP)

Garments knitted, crocheted or woven by you may be included (limit of two since we are a sewing site)

Garments such as poncho, cape or wrap must include at least two pattern pieces, be one of your knitted, crocheted or woven items or have stitch work done by you to be considered a garment

Neutrals do not need to be the same fabrics

Neutrals may be textured

Note that accents fabric must be the same (so not two different fabrics of the same accent colour)

You will need a photo of your inspiration piece

Addendum: If you make your own inspiration piece it must be completed, photographed and posted prior to 26 December 2018

Prize

I will award a $25 gift certificate to an online fabric store (of winners choice) that allows gift

certificates

Other

I suggest photographing outfits as items are completed. Judging/photo rules will be the posted at a later date but they will be the same as last year. Muslins, pattern fitting, cutting, interfacing, and other preparatory work may begin right away. As usual, individual threads are optional but all comments should go to the main thread.

Pasted from <http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php?topic=1736.0>

Rules for SWAP 2017 (Stitchers Guild)

 2017 Less is More SWAP

No purchase necessary 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.

When SWAP first started the emphasis was on building a wardrobe of coordinates using a strict formula of six tops, four bottoms and one jacket, with all pieces working together. Over time other combinations have been used in the rules.

As we are primarily a sewing board, in recent years the emphasis has been shifted to the sewing aspect, with less emphasis on wardrobe or coordination of garments within the SWAP.

A blend of sewing and wardrobe planning enhances garment sewing. The point of sewing clothes is to gain freedom from the limitations of ready to wear in terms of colour, style and personal fit. Having garments in styles, colours and shapes that flatter, that fit well is the best solution to the old lament, “I have nothing to wear!”. Having your garments coordinate maximizes your investment of time and money in producing them.

I’ve read the discussion and tried to reflect your desires in the plan.

The basis is taken from the original SWAP plan, but more functional. If you shift one top over to be a second layer you expand the versatility of the group. Now you have 5 tops x 4 bottoms, 20 outfits. Add layer one and it goes to 40. Use layer two and you have 60 options. If by some chance you can wear layer one and two together you have a potential of 80 outfits from the 11 garments. I've expanded on this.

2017 Less is More SWAP Rules

Eleven garments divided between Upper, Lower and Over pieces. These are tops and dresses;

bottoms; and layers, all defined later. There are minimums and maximums in each category, to

provide balance and variety. You decide the final distribution.

Upper: Minimum 3, maximum 5.

Lower: Minimum 3, maximum 5.

Over: Minimum 2, maximum 5. No more than ½ may be outerwear.

You decide how many of each, within the numbers above, to total 11 garments.

Your twist: Each garment in a category must work with at least half of the garments in each of the other two categories. Example 5 Upper, 3 Lower, and 3 Over. Each upper would need to work with 2 Lower and 2 Over garments in combinations that you will actually wear.

ROGUE garments. Two dresses may be “rogue” in that they won’t need to work with Lower garments. They still need to work with Over pieces per the rules above. Obviously if you want 5 dresses 3 would need to be styles that work with what you choose as Lower pieces. NOTE: These are not Wild Cards. Only two dresses, no other garments, can be exempted from working with the Lower pieces. They also are still part of the Upper group and must also work with the Over group, per the rules.

This is actually all easy to figure out, but I can explain it later if needed.

I’m sort of redefining the categories a bit and reassigning some garments, such as pinafore/jumper garments, as the layering category is expanded this year. I think this will work nicely for us.

Upper: Tops, shirts, tunics and dresses, etc. intended to cover the upper part of the body but may extend to the floor. Does not have legs. Not primarily intended as overlayers.

Lower: Bottom garments, such as skirts, pants, shorts, leggings, etc. intended to cover the lower part of the body. If it has legs it is always a Lower, so a jumpsuit would be here. NOTE: Dresses, jumpers, etc are not Lower group garments.

ETA: Jumpsuits do not need to be worn with your Upper group garments, only with the proper number of Over group items.

As always, these categories need to avoid being obscene if worn without another layer, as defined by your lifestyle. Remember, there will be photos!

Over: Garments you layer over Upper or Lower garments. This might be a cardigan, vest, suiting type jacket etc. Pinafores and jumpers(American definition) will be Over or layer garments. It also includes outerwear, which are top layers such as parka, heavy coats, raincoats, etc. Outerwear are garments worn to protect from the elements and are frequently removed when one arrives at a destination as opposed to a suit jacket or cardigan which is part of an outfit and you leave on unless it gets hot. There are limits on outerwear. If these garments can also be worn alone, that is fine.

NEW: Because the number of layers is expanded and due to current fashion, layers can also be sheer materials, such as lace or eyelet. If Over pieces can also be layered together over other pieces, that is fine. Having pinafores in this category is also new this year.

PATTERNS: A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 8 patterns can be used. Two or three items will repeat but the garments don’t need to be identical. Use your imagination. Designed to develop TNT patterns. NOTE: per Wikipedia: a pattern is the template from which the parts of a garment are traced onto fabric. A wardrobe pattern, magazine or book is not a single pattern; they are collections of patterns.

KNITS: You may include up to 4 crocheted, hand or machine knit garments.

This plan rewards simplicity. The more you coordinate the less trouble you will have getting finished. The more complex you get with your garment types and colour choices the more planning you will need to do to pull it off. I highly recommend working it out on paper. With this you will be choosing your difficulty level. Simple is easy to pull off.

You won’t be sewing any orphans or 11 of one category, but it is possible to create different groups in different colourways with more planning. It’s also tricky to make this work with both after 5 garments and athletic wear in the same wardrobe. I know it’s not the best plan for everybody but that one doesn’t actually exist. I also assume that this is not all the sewing you will do this year.

You may use one previously sewn item, completed by November 5th, when the Rules were posted.

You may make 2 “Early Bird” garments, begun on or after November 5th, when the Rules were posted and completed prior to December 26th, the official start of sewing.

You may use one purchased item, bought at any time through April 30th, 2017.

If you like, one garment may be refashioned. It will replace your previously sewn item or purchased item, which ever you use as your starting point.

The above are tools; use them to your advantage!

Sewing will begin December 26th, your time, and all garments must be finished by April 30th,

Muslins, pattern fitting and fabric cutting may be started whenever you are ready.

"Sewing" is a blanket term; you may sew, knit, crochet, weave...whatever works. All garments must follow the timelines stated above to be included.

Photo information to follow.

Finally, this year, the individual threads are optional, and should only be posted to by their authors so the moderators don't have to monitor them every day. At the top of your first post please put something similar to this: "NO comments here please! Put all comments on the SWAP Discussion Board." Thank you. This will make it easier on the Mods.

As before, individual fitting issues or other such discussion should be posted on the "individual projects" board:

NOTE: I put some things in bold that were missed by some of you. New material I added to clarify is in RED and bold. Next week I'll remove the red once you have a chance to see it.

Pasted from <http://artisanssquare.com/sg_classic/index.php/topic,27095.0.html>

Rules for 2016 SWAP (Stitchers Guild)

 2016 Swap Rules

I'm sorry I'm late with the SWAP rules this year. I started working on them early in October, then set the notes aside to help someone and well...no excuses, really, I just lost track of the days going by!

I've read through the speculation thread a few times, and I recognize everyone is ready to go –and that most of you want a pretty simple, straightforward, relaxed and stress-free contest this year, so I hope this will fill the bill.

I've put this together rather hastily -sitting here with my coloured pencils trying to make sure it would work, that it would be simple but not too easy, and take into account the varying needs of our international membership. It's after 4am here, so it's possible I've missed something; if so, I'll correct it after I've had some sleep.

I initially loved the 4x4 idea, but 16 garments is too many, and trying to make interesting combos using all those neutrals just isn't working for me on paper. Try as I might, I end up with two garments that just don't work together.  But Blue Mooney's Algebra Swap (3 trios +2 wildcards) worked out very well for our 2014 contest. So Let's try something like that again:

 

1 "3 pack" of Colour(s) A (3 garments)

1 "3 pack" of Colour(s) B (3 garments)

1 "Combo Pack" of Colours A & B (2 garments)

1 "3 pack" of Wild Cards

A "3 pack" will be:

2 tops + 1 bottom

or

1 top + 1 bottom + 1 outer layer

or

1 dress + 1 top + 1 bottom

or

2 bottoms + 1 top

or

Two dresses & one layer.

or

The final 3 pack option is 1 dress + 1 top OR bottom + 1 layer.

 

The "Combo Pack" can be just about anything, but they must be garments, not accessories (scarves, belts, bags, etc). The "Wild Cards" can also be any colour, or any colour combination, but for this to work they will need to follow the format of one of the other "3 packs". That is, you'll need more tops, bottoms, or dresses to make the wardrobe work.

For this to work for you, the "combo pack" may need to be both tops, or both bottoms, but two more dresses is allowable for those of you who wear them. If you're in the colder climes or need business attire, a jacket can be either a part of the combo pack or a wild card, whichever will work for you best.

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.

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.

Two garments may be previously sewn, one may be purchased, and because I'm late with the rules, two may be sewn up before the official sewing start date of Dec 26, 2015. Muslins, pattern fitting, cutting, interfacing, and other preparatory work may begin right away. All garments must be finished by April 30, 2016.

A final note: I've read the comments about the photographs and voting, and I'll try to find a more workable solution for everyone.

Rules for SWAP 2015 (Stitchers Guild)

 2015 SWAP Rules

No purchase necessary 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.

Since SG took over the SWAP contest from Julie Timmel, we've been putting the emphasis on the "sewing" aspect of the wardrobe plan (we are a sewing board, after all) and deviating a bit from the wardrobe aspect. Our version of the contest has called for learning and perfecting sewing techniques, fitting, and making items that really work with our individual bodies and lives. We've played fast-n-loose with what garments are allowed and whether or not the individual garments had to all work together.

This year, I'd like to see us turn our attention back a bit to the original concept of a wardrobe that works well together -pieces that all coordinate and form a cohesive collection with a huge number of possible combinations. However, we're still a sewing board, and I still believe "sewing" should be the primary focus.

So Let's return to the tradition 11-garment format, with all the tops working with all the bottoms, and wildcard garments that work with every other item.

This year, we need to make:

5 tops

3 bottoms

3 "wildcard" items

For our "sewing" focus -and this year's twist- let's make at least one garment that is reversible, transformable, or upcycled from another garment. For instance: a dress that can be worn as a shirt, a pair of pants that can roll up to be worn as shorts, or a jacket that can also be a dress. "Upcycling" includes remaking an older garment into something new, taking a vintage pattern and modernizing it into a more current style, or recycling the fabrics or notions from another item to incorporate it into something new. The original item to be reworked does not need to be a garment; you can remake a dozen scarves into a skirt or transform an old handbag into a collar and cuffs -use your imagination.

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.

"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, 2015. Muslins, pattern fitting and cutting may be started whenever you are ready.

Details about where the photos will be sent or uploaded will be forthcoming.

Finally, this year, the individual threads are optional, and should only be posted to by their authors so the moderators don't have to monitor them everyday.

As before, individual fitting issues or other discussion should be posted on the "individual projects" board.Pasted from <http://artisanssquare.com/sg_classic/index.php/topic,24283.0.html>

Rules for SWAP 2014 (Stitchers Guild)

 2014 Blue Mooney's "Algebra SWAP"

No purchase necessary 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.

You'll need to take a minimum of six photos, maximum 12 will be accepted. Please keep a copy of all images you upload on your hard drive in case SG's server fails or something is accidentally deleted.

The photos may be on you, on a dress form or any other way which shows them well.

You should show how you plan to combine tops and bottoms, and together should show everything.

You’ll probably need to photograph some bottoms more than once.

Composites will be allowed, but only if they show details of the same outfit, e.g. a back view, a close up or the “before” photo if you are recycling. You may not show two different outfits on the same photo; such photos won’t be posted!

A single photo showing all the items together will be allowed but not required.

Please number your photos and then add a brief note to describe each one and when you plan to wear it, e.g. 1) Pink cotton Jalie top with khaki poly/cotton BWOF pants; weekend shopping.

Details about where the photos will be sent or uploaded will be forthcoming.

Finally, this year, the individual threads are optional. Individuals fitting issues should be posted on the "individual projects" board: so that threads in the SWAP section aren't overwhelming for the moderators. Pasted from <http://artisanssquare.com/sg_classic/index.php/topic,21989.0.html>

SWAP 2023?

 Rules for SWAP 2023 are not yet decided, but there is a possibility that we might be able to have something at The Sewing Place. Come and c...