SWAP Questions & Quandries

My last post brought up a few questions. Some posters are concerned that my proposed plan didn't meet the SWAP rules. The rules state:
"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."

* My jacket is a coat, which can be worn over all the other garments.
* My bottoms are all skirts, which is acceptable according to the rules.
* My tops are not all traditional T-shirts or blouses. I have chosen instead to use unstructured jackets for 3 of my tops. Each of these jackets will button all the way up the front and will be worn solo, without anything (other than undergarments) underneath. The jackets will function exactly as a regular top would. Each jacket/top will mix and match with all the bottoms.
* My last 2 tops are dresses, which is an acceptable substitution.


Another concern was with my wardrobe pattern. The rules state:
"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."

My wardrobe pattern is Vogue 5521, which contains a jacket, a slim pencil skirt, a full gathered skirt and a blouse. I have chosen to use the jacket (as a top), the slim skirt and the full skirt, which are three completely different garments.

Just to be certain that I had interpreted all the rules correctly (y'all had me a little worried!), I emailed Julie (of Timmel Fabrics, the SWAP sponsor) with the above concerns. She confirmed that the three jackets being used as tops is okay since they can be worn solo and they interchangeably mix with all the bottoms. Also, she confirmed that the three wardrobe garments are indeed unique. Hopefully that clarifies everything.


I was also asked if I plan on using vintage techniques when construction all the garments. The short answer: yep! I love, love, love traditional techniques - I'm one of the weirdos that loves hand sewing. I really like to put a ton of effort into the hidden parts - the underlining, lining, stabilizing, hand hemming, etc. I find the more work that goes into the structure and foundation of the garment, the better the outer appearance.


As a final note, I am a happy girl today. When I came home from work today, I found some "presents" on my doorstep. I had become a BMV member a couple of weeks ago and ordered a bunch of patterns. They have arrived and are now calling my name. I have tried to explain to them that I am too busy SWAPping to use them yet and that I will get to them eventually. Hopefully this placated them. I also received my copy of Decorative Dressmaking. I had been hunting for a copy ever since Carolyn posted about this book five months ago. When ever I found a copy, it was crazy expensive or I got outbid on eBay. Finally, I have my own copy - mine, mine, mine! I cannot wait to sit down with this new book and absorb.