16 April 2008

SWAP 2008 - Ode to Camelot

Although you haven't seen all of my SWAP garments individually, I wanted to post a summary for Carolyn, so she doesn't explode!!

First off, here is the final version of my storyboard. A few things changed from the original. A couple of fabrics were switched out and a pattern was changed. You can click on the image to make it larger.

This year's SWAP was difficult for me, but I'm glad I persevered, as I really love my new wardrobe. Each year SWAP challenges me to do more, to try new techniques, to just all around up my sewing game. I try to create a wardrobe, that if I can actually pull it off in the allotted time, I will be proud to call my own. I guess I use SWAP as an opportunity to push my abilities and excel beyond my comfort zone.

This year, I decided to create a wardrobe of suiting separates. This was a difficult venture, as I wanted to create four suits that would not only stand on their own but would also be completely interchangeable. Creating a plan that took into account the style lines of the garment and the fabric choices, so that everything played nice together, was tough! Although I had to invest many hours into finding four coordinating fabrics and the patterns that worked well together, I am pleased with the final result. Each piece actually does look good with every other piece. I am also pleased with the two dresses and the coat that rounded out my SWAP plan. The dresses are flattering and the colours are smashing. The coat I absolutely adore - it is one of my favourite garments that I have ever sewn.

Each year, as I am working on my SWAP, I am surprised by some revelation related to my sewing personality. This year that revelation involved embellishment. All of my SWAP garments are clean, simple garments, with very little in the way of overt details. All the special tweaks, like bound buttonholes, silk linings and hand tailoring, are subtle and not immediately obvious to the casual observer. I have to admit this caused me some consternation, as I found myself desperately wanting to add some ribbon here or a bit of beading there. However, I really wanted this wardrobe to be true to the Jackie Kennedy inspiration and she was not one for extra frou-frou. Up until this point in my sewing career, I liked to add the occasional little something to set my garment apart from the norm, but I had never considered myself to be a big ornamentation kind of gal. Although, in the end I am glad I resisted the urge to "gild the lily" as I love my SWAP pieces as they are, I now feel compelled to embellish the heck out of something!

Anyhow, without further ado, here is the compilation of all my SWAP garments:
Next post, I want to show you the 'Chanel-ish' tweed suit, as these pieces are made from the most amazing fabric.

17 comments:

kbenco said...

This is a truly amazing SWAP. Your mix and match suits show an incredible amount of planning and wonderful execution. I love the details you have shown so far. Thank you.

loopylulu said...

A great homage to the style of Jackie O. I can't wait to see them on!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely collection. They really don't need anything else, the subtle perfection just shines through.

Anonymous said...

Shannon,
Once again you have pulled off a coup. Keeping to a theme and color scheme is your forte obviously, and you do it with such style! What fun you will have wearing these clothes.
Marguerite

Vicki said...

Fabulous! I can't wait to see some of the mix and matches. Love the colour scheme. A lot of work has obviously gone into this SWAP and you must be very proud.

Anonymous said...

Shannon, your outfits capture the essence of Jackie O. Congratulations on such fine details that one can appreciate. Like you, I'm not much for embellishments prefering that the garment's construction speak for itself. Great job!

Anonymous said...

Luv it! Luv it!

It is awesome. What a great job you've done.

Thanks for sharing your SWAP with us.

Lisa

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Okay pal - thanks for saving me from a fate worse than death! *roaring with laughter*

You have created an amazing wardrobe that is going to make you look like a chameleon. I know you like a good bead or applique with the best of us but you have held true to your vision and this is a stark & clean collection...a real nod to the original Jackie O look!

I shan't make any more requests. I will sit patiently and wait for you to reveal the rest to us...however, I have to tell you that the quality and all of your hard work shows in your pieces. Be very proud of yourself dearest, especially since you managed to make this wardrobe during some very trying times!

{{hugs}} and smoochies!!!!

Summerset said...

You truly have captured the quiet elegance of Camelot. It is so hard to make things that are "plain", but the true luxury is in all the little touches such as the bound buttonholes, etc. Your SWAP is gorgeous and you'll look amazing wearing it.

LauraLo said...

What a beautiful wardrobe, Shannon! It is indeed true to the Jackie O' look and I love the clean, crisp lines. I also understand how difficult it is to make a wardrobe that's completely interchangeable, especially when that wardrobe involves four suits! Chapeau!

gatorgirl4325 said...

What an absolutely beautiful wardrobe! Your four suits combine perfectly. Congratulations on completing your SWAP - what an inspiration you are!

Emily said...

Wow! It looks so beautiful. I can't wait to see what it looks like on!

Alexandra said...

Amazing wardrobe! All the pieces are gorgeous on their own but that they all go mix and match is an awesome feat!

Faye Lewis said...

Loving your "Ode to Camelot".

Anonymous said...

Shannon, I've been reading your blog for months now - I have thoroughly enjoyed watching your progress! I'm a beginner - trying to sew nursing clothes for myself and some outfits for my three girls (ages 3 1/2, 2, and a 3 month old). Needless to say, I don't get much time to sew, but I'm learning to do things in small steps and to celebrate the completion of those small steps. Anyway, you are an inspiration - keeping me motivated even on the days (or in the weeks) when I don't have chance to sit at my machine.
I have a question about lining a skirt. The skirt pattern doesn't call for a lining; it's a very simple nearly straight skirt - just curved a bit at the hip - with an elastic waistband. Will I use the skirt pattern to make a lining for it? will the lining be attached just under the waist band? Or Should I treat the lining and skirt as one and make the casing for the elastic with the lining there also?
I'd appreciate any help you can give me!

Sigrid said...

Exquisite. A great "ode to Camelot". Really a beautiful combination of garments. You really know what suits you too!

Tany said...

Marvelous! This must be one of the best SWAP sets I've seen so far! I know you will wear all these beautiful garments with pride!