Laura's SWAP based on red, black, white
determined by the tweed coat

Red silk blouse
with black pants from Vogue 8280

Wrap top from Burda WOF
with black jeans copied off a favourite pair

Laura's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern:
Vogue 2813 Donna Karan used for blouse, skirt and pants

Jacket/Coat:
Pattern #115 from Burda World of Fashion 11/2007, tweed acrylic blend

Dress:
Vogue 8280 in black with tiny white dots, entirely underlined with nylon sheer

Tops:
Burda World of Fashion #108, issue 01/08, white silk shirt with black piping
Burda WOF #109, issue 03/08, a second white shirt
Vogue 2813 from Donna Karan, pintucked shirt
Burda WOF #116, issue 01/08, wrap top
Self drafted silk blouse using the instructions in Pattern Magic vol 2 and the bodice sloper from Mrs. Stylebook

Bottoms:
Vogue 2813 for A-line skirt
Burda WOF #122, issue 12/07, pencil skirt
Jeans, copied from a pair of favourite RTW
Vogue 2813 pants in black

Double breasted tweed coat from Burda WOF

Black dress without sleeves
so that can also be worn over a white tee

Silk blouse with black skirt

Laura's Comments on SWAP:
This year I really felt that there was a strong idea behind my SWAP. I recently discovered that I don’t have enough basics in my wardrobe and an initial list of things to sew started to form in my head. Then the idea went further and I decided to make my SWAP a wardrobe of basics… now, part of those basics are to be found in any book or list of things you should have and others, like not your usual pintuck shirt or not your usual silk blouse are my own idea of basics J I knew I wanted to sew a basic wardrobe but at the same time, I knew I wanted each item to be one that I would wear a lot if not to death, therefore it was important to add a personal touch to all the items. Hand embroidery on a skirt, pintuck embellishments on another, delicate handmade roses on a dress, piping and covered dotted buttons on another blouse… All this to make these items speak about me and to result in a wardrobe of not your usual basics. Or basics with a twist.

Link to Laura's sewing room blog

Shannon's SWAP was inspired by the fashion sense of Jackie Kennedy

Vogue wool crepe coat with chocolate wool dress
Dress has applique detail in self fabric

Vogue 1050 skirt in sand wool crepe
Jacket is Simplicity 4105 in green herringbone

All patterns are OOP, but may be found on ebay or on vintage sewing pattern sites

Shannon's patterns and fabrics are:
Wardrobe pattern:
Vogue 5521 used for two skirts and one top

Coat/Jacket:
Vogue 5630 in beige wool crepe, collarless style works well with all the tops

Dresses:
McCall 7888 in chocolate wool crepe
Simplicity 7990 in mustard silk dupioni

Tops:
Vogue 1050 in sand wool crepe
Butterick 4105 in green herringbone wool
Vogue 5521 (wardrobe pattern) in terracotta wool blend
Simplicity 3108 in multi-coloured tweed

Skirts:
Vogue 1050 in sand wool crepe
Butterick 4105 in green herringbone wool
Vogue 5521 (wardrobe pattern) in terracotta wool blend
Vogue 5521 (wardrobe pattern) in multi-coloured tweed

Silk dupioni dress in mustard from simplicity 7990

Vogue 5521 for jacket and skirt in terracotta wool blend
Shoes add the finishing touch

Butterick 4105 skirt with Simplicity 3108 jacket in multi-coloured tweed

Shannon's Comments on SWAP:
This year’s SWAP was a challenge for me. I knew I wanted to augment my professional wardrobe, but initially I lacked a focus. Then one day, inspiration hit when I was flipping through the book, Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years. I had always loved Jackie Kennedy’s style, as she is one of my favourite fashion icons, so it seemed a like natural progression to sew a wardrobe inspired by her.

Never one to do anything the easy way, I decided that this wardrobe should include several completely interchangeable suiting separates. As in a traditional SWAP, I wanted to create a series of garments that would look smashing whether worn with the matching mate or paired with any of the other pieces in the collection. Although it was difficult to ensure that the style lines, the fabric choices and the overall feel of each garment complimented every other garment, I believe I was able to attain my goal.

I find that each year, SWAP teaches me something. I have learned that I really crave a challenge, something that forces me to take my sewing to the next level and this year was no exception. I really enjoyed becoming proficient in the fine art of tailoring and I have plans to tackle a completely hand tailored garment in the near future. Finally, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Julie, for once again being the impetus and the sponsor behind this contest.

Link to Shannon's blog with more photos

Sophisticated work wardrobe, with a punch of orange

Burda blouse jacket with a vintage look worn with chocolate pants from Burda 8588

Jacket in wool leopard print, with Jalie 2566 tee and Burda 8588 pants

Maria's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern:
Burda 8390, now out of print, used for jacket, skirt and pants

Jacket:
Burda jacket 8390 in leopard wool knit

Tops:
Vogue top 2989 in pumpkin poly lycra knit
OOP Burda petite blouse in taupe rayon
Jalie shirt 2322 in champagne silk dupioni
BWOF blouse-jacket, Jan 08 #114, in bone rayon/poly/lycra
Jalie Tshirt 2566 in leopard print wool knit
Ottobre Women Tshirt 2007-02 in ivory rayon lycra knit

Bottoms:
Jalie pants 2561 in brown striped black rayon/poly/lycra
Burda skirt 8390 in clay wool crepe
Burda pants 8390 in clay wool crepe
OOP Burda pants 8588 in chocolate wool double crepe

OOP Burda petite blouse in drapey rayon
worn with Burda 8390 pants

The spice of pumpkin, a new colour for Maria in Vogue 2989
Pants from Jalie 2561

Jalie 2322 shirt with Burda 8390 skirt in wool crepe

Maria's Comments on SWAP:
Always start with the print! With this advice I looked through my stash for a great print around which I could build my SWAP. After much trial and error, draping and thinking, I decided on this lovely leopard print wool knit. As a result I have a winter type SWAP of basic neutrals. This was a bit difficult for me at first since I love color.

I chose Burda 8390 as my wardrobe pattern as I had made the jacket before and knew it was a winner for me. I underlined the entire knit jacket with a knit interfacing (since the pattern was drafted for a woven) and lined it as well. It is a very comfortable almost sweater like jacket which doesn’t wrinkle. I love it. I lined both wool pants to the knee with Bemberg rayon lining as well as the gore skirt. The T shirts were easy to make and very wearable. I love my pumpkin top as it is a new color for me.

The only trouble I had with this SWAP was the drapey rayon blouse. I used the wrong side for the front bands, collar stand and sleeve plackets. But it was a bear to sew. I used glass buttons for this dressy looking blouse. I also love the blouse jacket in the January issue of BWOF. I can wear the Tshirts underneath if I want and the leopard jacket layers on top nicely.

All in all, this is a very wearable SWAP for my work and for meeting business executives from time to time. Though it is a neutral SWAP, the colors are new for me and thus “A Walk on the Wild Side”.

PS don't you love the leopard print peep toe pumps???

Johanna's collection - 4 bottoms, 4 tops, 2 dresses, and 1 jacket
Little design touches have been added to almost every garment

Dress with hand printed border

Polo shirt and corduroy pants

Johanna's patterns and fabrics:
Jacket: Vogue 2988, in felted black wool jersey with jersey cotton dyed gray for lining

Tops:
Neue Mode/Stil blouse 23191, in white cotton lawn
Self drafted sailor top in striped cotton interlock
Self drafted polo top in ribbed cotton with white cotton shirting for plackets and collar
Burda 7916 T-shirt, in organic jersey cotton dyed gray with a hand printed motif

Bottoms:
Self drafted skirt in printed rayon/lycra jersey
Vogue 2988 Pants in navy wool gabardine
Self drafted pants in black mid-wale corduroy
Self drafted bias cut skirt in gray wool and twill cotton tape for trimmings

Dresses:
Vogue 2988 Dress in navy wool with off-white sand washed silk for the contrast panels
Self-drafted dress in cotton poplin dyed gray with a hand printed border

Vogue 2988 wool dress with silk contrast

Jacket with self drafted bias skirt

Sailor top with Vogue black wool pants
The buttons add just the right designer touch

Johanna's Comments on SWAP:
The inspiration for my swap came during a open boat trip around Copenhagen's harbor last summer. It's an absolutely stunning site, where cute little houseboats, gargantuan luxury cruise ships and old Danish navy ships co-exists in a very dynamic mix. I had already been mulling the theme for my first ever swap for several months, and was suddenly struck by the inspiration to do a nautical-inspired theme.

I also wanted to make a collection that catered to all my clothes needs, for work, for lounging around at home with the kids and even going to a party - while still being cohesive and with loads of mix-and-match possibilities. I dress casual, but at the same want my clothes to feel special. Therefore I have chosen good quality fabric, such as swiss cotton lawn, fine wool and organic jersey. I have also put a lot of effort on the design details, dyed several of the fabrics myself and hand printed the motif on the t-shirt and the gray dress.

This has been so much fun! Being a long time swap-lurker I had already seen the great camaraderie at SG, but I was still blown away by how amazing you guys are! I would never have accomplished such a big project without this community.

Thanks, Julie, for organizing the swap. It has been such an exciting experience for me, and it has definitely pushed my sewing and design abilities up several notches. And it's really cool to see how my much my family and friends has gotten engaged in my swap, lately the first thing they ask me is not how I am, but how the sewing competition is going! I guess something like this makes my sewing hobby more tangible.

Link to Johanna's photo site

Simplicity 4074 mock wrap top
with Kwik Sew 3098 skirt

Jalie City Coat over Jalie 2449 Cross Over Top
Burda trousers in herringbone denim

Burda scoopneck top
with Kwik Sew 3098 skirt in eyelet corduroy

Heather's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern: Simplicity 4074 used for dress, mock wrap top, and panelled knit skirt

Jacket: - Jalie City Coat in light sage stretch woven cotton (mediumweight); lined with dark teal stretch cotton (lightweight) for the body and dark teal stretch satin for the sleeves; topstitched in teal

Dress: - Simplicity 4074 mock-wrap in blue print viscose knit

Tops:
Burda WOF 08/2007 #107 scoopneck top with gathers and bow in fine sage merino knit
Simplicity 4076 scoopneck top in blue print viscose knit with teal cotton lycra neck binding
Jalie 2449 crossover top in blue print viscose knit with dark slate blue merino knit binding
Simplicity 4074 mock-wrap with sash in teal cotton lycra
White v-neck knit top purchased

Bottoms:
Simplicity 4074 panelled skirt in dark slate blue merino knit, lined with turquoise jersey knit
Kwik Sew 3098 skirt in dark slate blue corduroy eyelet, lined with dark teal stretch satin
Burda Plus Fashion 02/2007 #409 trousers in dark grey stretch woven
Burda Plus Fashion 02/2007 #409 trousers in dark blue herringbone stretch denim

Jalie 2680 coat with Jalie 2449 top
and Simplicity 4074 knit skirt

Simplicity 4074 dress in blue print viscose knit

Jalie Coat with purchased white top
worn with grey trousers from Burda Plus magazine

Heather's Comments on SWAP:
I am a mother of two young children (a one-year-old boy and four-year-old girl) and work part-time. I wanted to look coordinated for work, with some items suitable for going out and about with the children.

I chose Simplicity 4074 as my wardrobe pattern because it is a pattern for knits and the mock-wrap styling of the top and dress is easy to wear and flattering. I chose the Jalie City Coat as my jacket because it goes with so many different items including dresses and jeans and the simple long lines are flattering. I did have to buy a white knit top because I ran out of time!

This was my first time ever making a jacket, the pattern has a stand collar, pockets and topstitching, and I added a lining - the whole garment represents a "great leap forward" in my sewing skills and I love it.

Finally a note on the colours. My first resolution was "no black!" because I find that it does little for me these days and doesn't make me feel happy. My palette is basically dark slate blue/dark indigo denim/dark grey for the bottoms and the tops are sage green to teal (plus the white top which I purchased). The jacket is a light sage green with dark teal lining and topstitching. I used the blue print viscose knit in three garments because the colours in the print were perfect with the solid colours and its soft drape makes it lovely to wear.

Link to Heather's photo site

Robyn's 11 garments in black, grey and white
Robyn says this makes a great travel wardrobe
Note the raincoat in crush proof microfiber

McCalls 3284 blouse with black skirt from Simplicity 4095
The only garment that requires pressing after unpacking is this white blouse

Robyn's patterns and fabrics:

Wardrobe pattern:
Simplicity 4095, knit co-ordinates - three tops, pants, and skirt

Jacket/Coat:
Burda World of Fashion – 12/2007 #129 raincoat - sueded microfiber

Dress:
New Look 6723, little black dress in wool crepe

Tops:
McCall’s 3284 blouse in white cotton jacquard
Ottobre Woman 02/06 #2, tee in acetate slinky print
Simplicity 4095, top A in rayon/lycra jersey
Simplicity 4095, top A minus ruching in tencel lycra knit
Simplicity 4095, top B in polyester slinky with knit-in pattern

Bottoms:
Simplicity 4095, pants C in tencel lycra knit
Simplicity 4095, skirt D in tencel lycra knit
Hot Patterns Plain & Simple Everyday Pants in gray sueded cotton/lycra twill
Simplicity 5914, skirt A in gray microfiber

Striped tee from Simplicity 4095 with black knit skirt

Robyn models two piece dress consisting of knit top and skirt
The wardrobe will cover both day and evening events

Robyn's Comments on SWAP:
This SWAP was originally inspired by all the wardrobe basics topics being discussed on the sewing boards at the beginning of the year. So the plan was focused on black, white, and charcoal gray. You can’t get much more basic than that. Then I thought how great it would be if most of my SWAP was made in travel-friendly fabrics. That would be the ultimate in versatility. In the end, the cotton blouse is the only thing that would need pressing after being in a suitcase. The LBD will de-wrinkle in steam from the shower.

So now I have a wardrobe that can cover just about any situation. Either of the pants plus a top are good for casual wear, skirt plus a top for the next level up in dressiness, and a little black dress for evening. I was glad we could make a dress as one of the items this year! Actually, there are two black dress outfits in this SWAP – the New Look “Sabrina dress”, and the matching black skirt and top from the wardrobe pattern, which gives a two-piece dress that is good for day wear. (The neckline of the LBD is far too low for day.) The jacket requirement was filled by a lightweight raincoat. Now I am ready for anything, either at home or on the road! Well, I should probably get some accessories first.

Thanks once again for sponsoring the SWAP, Julie! What a great tradition it is!

Link to Robyn's photosite

Marg's SWAP shows her artistic nature as well as her incredible thrift

Pants in recycled and dyed denim with hand-dyed jacket

Pants with purchased white blouse - note the leather hat

Margo's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern:
Butterick B4932— Fitted, lined jacket with peplum/ bias-cut skirt/ pants with waistband and front zipper

Jacket:
Butterick 4932 constructed of recycled novelty denims in various textures and weaves, overdyed dark green, with metal clasp closures

Dress:
McCalls 2401 view F, Sleeveless sheath dress in heavy Missoni-type knit from stash

Tops:
Butterick 4932 unlined Shirt-Jacket in cream linen; peplum shortened and facings narrowed to keep the garment light; frog closures
Self-drafted sleeveless tank top in cotton rib-knit with crotcheted doily appliqué; raw edges pinked
Butterick 6768 (out of print) Wrap Blouse, made from 3 stretch cotton shirts cut apart and pieced
McCalls 5434 view B, Wrap Knit Cardigan in novelty knit from stash, threaded with ribbon for tie front
Purchased White long-sleeved cotton shirt

Bottoms:
Burda 7926, view C, 6-gore skirt in dyed, recycled denim with appliques and photo transfers
Butterick 4932 bias cut skirt, in cream linen with vintage linen and crotcheted doily appliqués; the hem was left raw to fray over time
Butterick 4932 pants made from various recycled dyed denims with raw-edged appliqués and photo transfers; the conventional fly zipper was replaced with eyelets and lacing
FItted Wrap Skirt, Self-drafted, previously started before Swap 2008; made from a vintage tablecloth with novelty cotton border

Embellished dyed skirt with dyed jacket

Bias skirt with appliques of lace and crochet
Shirt jacket in cream linen from wardrobe pattern

Knit dress worn with green cardigan from McCalls 5434

Margo's Comments on SWAP:
This is my very first “SWAP”, and I have thoroughly enjoyed "the journey". I have learned so many new skills through participation. I have also enjoyed the conversations on the “Stitcher’s Guild” forum—alas, I was too preoccupied with my own struggles to “talk” much!—I guess that comes with experience! I have also learned-to my great joy-that it IS possible for me to have beautiful, well-fitted comfortable clothing from wovens. (I have not made anything but knits for 10 years due to middle-age body changes)—I literally did not know how to begin making pattern alterations! I have never made so many muslins in my life—but it was “so” worth it! I have taken on a “double challenge”, since I joined the Wardrobe Refashion group in January:-- I have taken a pledge to buy only hand-made and recycled clothing for 6 months.

For me, clothing is a joy to wear, and an opportunity for artistic expression. I am greatly inspired by the work of Lori Marsha Standstedt, and some of the European Refashionista’s. I have used photo transfers from my vintage postcards, and quotes as well as raw-edged appliqués for embellishment. Some of my hems are deliberately left raw to fray out over time.

The inspiration for my SWAP comes from a series of quotes on vellum that I had purchased for scrapbooking I also re-discovered some turn-of-the-century postcards in a dresser drawer. My favorite quote: "Wisdom is knowing what to do next..Virtue is doing it" — this inspired an exploration of Victorian values.
Thank-you for looking at my SWAP, I hope you enjoy it!!

Link to Margo's photo site

Phyllis' wardrobe is bright with spring shades

LH Cruise Pants with eyelet blouse from Simplicity 4329

"I have never pressed linen so much in my life. I like wearing it but it doesn't look good wrinkled in pictures."

Phyllis's patterns and fabrics:

Wardrobe pattern:
Vogue 8137 used for jacket, skirt and pants

Jacket;
Vogue 8137 view A in citrus orange linen, lined in cream polyester

Tops:
Textile Studio Basic Top 1201, View B in cream cotton/lycra interlock trimmed around the neck with green, orange and purple
Jalie Women’s Crossover Top 2449 in orange rayon jersey with cream trim
Simplicity 4329, View E in off white eyelet batiste, lined
Butterick 4329, reversible top in lavender linen and cotton batik, made reversible by lining it
Silhouettes 450, Nancy’s Blouse in orange cotton floral
Purchased rayon knit stripe sweater that has all of the colors of this wardrobe in it

Bottoms:
Vogue 8137 View D, skirt in citrus orange linen, underlined in off white batiste
Vogue 8137 view E - two pairs of pants, one in citrus orange linen, the other in lavender linen, underlined in off white batiste
Loes Hinse Cruse Pant #5003, View A in green blend linen

Vogue 8137 pants in lavender linen with reversible tank Butterick 4329

Lavender pants with Nancy's Blouse in cotton print

Neckline detail of Basic Top from Textile Studio Patterns

Phyllis's Comments on SWAP:
This is the first year that I have finished a SWAP. I went online to Artisan’s Square and learned so much from them and the encouragement and knowledge that they are willing to share.

At first, I planned to sew a black and brown wardrobe but I got the winter blues and needed bright colors, so I changed. I decided to sew Spring clothes. I looked in my stash for my linens and chose what colors I liked together and started again. The jacket that I made shows it buttoning from top to bottom but I only put two buttons at the bottom. The Butterick Top pattern needed to be lined, so I just made it reversible. Everything else I made like the patterns instructed except for minor adjustments. This is the first time that I have underlined anything, I had always lined them. The only thing wrong with sewing spring clothes in the winter is that you can't wear them until it warms up. I retired from the work force three years ago, so I only need a casual wardrobe and I did stay with that plan.

I have learned so much about planning from this SWAP and commitment, I am sorry that I didn’t do this sooner. I plan to keep adding to this wardrobe and improving my sewing techniques. SWAP 2009 is already in the planning stage and I will stay with my storyboard this time. Thanks, Julie, for the opportunity to learn more and having fun while doing it.

Eleven pieces even work with Allison's SWAP from last year

New clothes can put pep into your step

Simple classic coat in knit works well to dress up pants and tops

Allison's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern:
Simplicity 3634 used for jacket, pants, and turtleneck top

Jacket:
Simplicity 3634 in brown rayon doubleknit

Tops:
Simplicity 3634, View B draped turtleneck in brown/black/cream rayon knit
Vogue 8323, View A draped cross over top in black/browns rayon knit
Vogue 8323 View C princess seamed top in burnt orange wool knit
Material Things Fearless Tee, turtleneck version in cream rayon knit
Material Things Fearless Tee, turtleneck in leopard nylon knit
Material Things Fearless Tee, scoop neck version in rust/orange/darker brown/turquoise knit

Pants:
Simplicity 3634 in brown/cream tweedy rayon/poly/lycra
Self-drafted pants in brown rayon doubleknit
Self-drafted pants in brown rayon
Self-drafted pants in brown rayon/poly/lycra made for last year’s swap

Animal print knit top from Fearless Tee pattern

Top in burnt orange wool adds a bright touch to the wardrobe
Vogue 8323 with brown knit pants

Vogue 8323 draped top with self-drafted pants

Allison's Comments on SWAP:
My SWAP this year is comprised of earth-toned fabrics with many prints and hence, the name. I decided to carry the pattern challenge further this year and used various views from three different patterns for most of my garments. The remainder were based on a self-drafted pants pattern I made for myself using the directions in Threads #138.

One challenge I set for myself was to develop a pants pattern that fit me well, as pants really have been my nemesis, and being short, I find it almost impossible to find any that fit me half decently. I am very pleased with the results I have achieved with my Threads pattern and now, I can actually sew up a pair of pants which I feel confident will fit me. Yippeeee! And, I have now altered and fitted views of patterns which I really like and which I can add to my list of TNT patterns – always a good thing for those of us who must alter and fit each pattern we use.

My wardrobe is comprised of simple, basic garments and all of them, except for one pair of pants, are made of knit fabrics or fabrics with a bit of lycra. I work long hours and I need to be comfortable while I am doing so. As soon as each garment was finished, I started wearing it and I am truly happy to say that there is not one thing here that I won’t wear and wear and wear. So, I now have a practical, comfortable, properly fitting wardrobe that I like. As an unplanned bonus, most of these garments will mix well with many of the items I sewed for last year’s SWAP.

Kim's 11 piece wardrobe

Both top and skirt drafted with PMB software

Dress drafted with PMB software
in soft grey chenille knit

Kim's patterns and fabrics:
Kim makes good use of her pattern drafting software from Wild Ginger. Once you master the learning curve, the program ensures you good fit with your garments, as they are drafted for your measurements.

Wardrobe pattern:
Vogue 2925 used for jacket, skirt and pants

Jacket:
Vogue 2925 in black wool, modified from hook and eye closure to overlapping button closure

Tops:
Grey knit chenille dress drafted with PMB software from Wild Ginger
Red knit top drafted with PMB
Blue blouse in polyester charmeuse drafted with PMB
Yellow blouse from PMB
Purchased blue top
Chain print top, in polyester charmeuse, drafted with PMB software

Bottoms:
Vogue 2925 in grey wool plaid pants
Kwik Sew blue "suede" skirt (made ahead)
Black wool skirt (made ahead) using PMB drafting software
Vogue 2925 skirt in polyester print; matching top above

Vogue 2925 for skirt which drapes beautifully
because of curved seams that make the fabric hang on the bias over the hips
Top in poly knit is drafted with PMB software

Blouse drafted with PMB
Skirt in black wool was made prior to SWAP sewing time

Vogue 2925 redesigned for button front
Buttons come from the stash and have been "waiting" for 20 years!

Kim's Comments on SWAP:
How does a full-time teacher and part-time church organist/choir director find time for the SWAP? I live 10 minutes away from school and church and my children are out of the house. Sewing is confined to weekends and a couple of evenings each week. I learned to sew as a child and can usually get a simple garment assembled in an evening or two.

With the exception of Vogue 2925 Wardrobe pattern pieces, the patterns for the SWAP were drafted using Wild Ginger's Pattern Master Boutique (PMB) pattern-drafting software. There is a bit of a learning/fitting curve, but version 4 makes it much easier. These pieces were drafted with "Express Fit" in Version 4 and I'm very pleased with the results. The time I used to spend altering patterns - I'm 5'8" tall - is now spent actually sewing.

Sewing for the SWAP was a fun and practical experience. Getting dressed in the morning - six mornings/week - has been much easier. My improved wardrobe has been noticed at school as well as at church. This is a great way to sew. My husband and I are going on our first big vacation this summer (10 days in Russia) and I'm starting to plan a Travel mini-SWAP right now.

Jo combined brown, beige, khaki, with rust and turquoise accents

Celeste dress from Burda website in flowy rayon print

McCalls 4384 in silky poly
with khaki pants from Simplicity 7196
Hat is Vogue 8440 D in the same wool blend as the jacket

Jo's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern:
Simplicity 4500 used for skirt, pants, and a top

Jacket:
Butterick 4865 A in brown wool blend; partially lined

Dress:
Celeste 8132 B from burdastyle.com in rayon print, lined

Tops:
Simplicity 4500 A in burnt orange polyester (OOP)
McCalls 4517 C/E in turquoise cotton knit (OOP)
McCalls 4384 B in silky polyester print (OOP)
McCalls 5050 B in polyester print with small sequin-like embellishments
Butterick 3344 C in moonlight beige panne

Bottoms:
Simplicity 4500 skirt view D in brown wool blend
Simplicity 4787 skirt view C in dark brown wool/lycra blend, lined (OOP)
Simplicity 4500 pants view C in dark brown wool/lycra blend; lined
Simplicity 7196 pants view A in khaki cotton

Butterick 3344 for top
Skirt is Simplicity 4787 in brown wool blend

Top is Simplicity 4500 with
Skirt is also from Simplicity 4500
Jo's wardrobe pattern

Jacket and pants in brown
Top in turquoise is McCalls 4517

Jo's Comments on SWAP:
I was working on my Master’s thesis last fall when I distractedly stumbled onto some sewing blogs and found out about SWAP. I decided that when I finished my degree (and had some time to sew!) I would plan my projects according to the SWAP concept. After purchasing some coordinating fabrics, I thought, why not join the contest? I knew that the sewing would be a great reward for myself — not to mention needing some new clothes after two years of grad school!

This experience has been exciting not only for me, but also for my grandmother who taught me to sew. I can’t wait to mail her pictures! I have also discovered this wonderful online sewing community with inspiring (addictive) blogs, informative tutorials, and answers to questions that challenge me to improve my sewing skills. In sewing for SWAP, I used French seams, welt pockets, and even a bound buttonhole for the first time. I have found excellent patterns I plan to use again, and I have also found areas where I need to keep working (such as fitting tops!). I am so glad I entered and followed through so that now I have 11 great garments to go with me into the working world, and I am mentally planning a summer mini-SWAP of my own!

As for the title of this SWAP, I'm still looking for the perfect brown shoe!

Link to more of Jo's photos

Black basics for a choir wardrobe
accented with a colourful dress, sparkle fabrics, and beading

"The pink and black dress is just fun to wear!"

PMB software gives Beth a great fit
with this sheath dress

Beth's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern:
Butterick 4789 used for dress, pants, and two tops

Jacket:
Self drafted, no side seam 'art to wear' jacket in black slinky with stretch lace trim

Dresses:
Butterick 4789 in a mystery fabric - black, pink and white print
PMB Sheath dress in black and white cotton print, lined and beaded

Tops:
Self drafted v-neck t-shirt in white cotton stretch lace; lined with white cotton lycra
Jalie 2449 in black stretch velvet
Butterick 4789 in black sparkle slinky
Butterick 4789 mystery print black and white

Bottoms:
Self drafted slip skirt in black stretch velvet, trimmed with black stretch lace
PMB pants in black crepe, lined
PMB pants in purple and black twill
Butterick 4789 in black slinky

Butterick 4789 "mystery fabric"
with pants from PMB software
PMB is made by Wild Ginger and is its own best advertisement

Slinky jacket, self-drafted, with lace trim

Jalie 2449 in stretch velvet
Slip skirt in black stretch lace

Beth's Comments on SWAP:
I sing in a church choir that puts on several different concerts every year, and every year I rush around trying to figure out exactly what to wear, even though the dress code is usually black, or black and white! This wardrobe was an attempt to help cut out the rushing around, and be a little more prepared for those Easter, Christmas and concert events. This was my first Timmel Swap, too, but not my first time trying the swap idea. I wanted black and white, but I also wanted something that would give me more basics, and make my closet work for me, too. This meant more black pants, and not the long black skirt or dress that I originally wanted to make.

The planning part of the swap was fun, but meeting the requirements was challenging. It took me a very long time to find a wardrobe pattern that would fit my more casual lifestyle. I planned several stages of the swap at once, and sewed some of the second stage at the same time as the first. As expected, I had technical challenges: two pieces I made didn't work in stage 1 of swap in the end; one of my white tops is still in pieces, and the last one never made it past the tracing phase. Luckily, I also started right into stage two at the same time as stage 1. The bonus black sparkle slinky top fit right into the mix, and in fact has been one of my most useful pieces in the last 4 months. I've worn it to four choir events and two parties. The pink and black dress is just fun to wear. In fact, taking the pictures was the hardest part of the process for me because I kept wearing it all, and it wasn't ever all clean at the same time to take pictures.

Although I love and wear the clothes, it was the process of the swap was the most useful to me. There was this great board of women, and they encouraged me to try new things, like Photoshop, and raised the level of expectation with the clothes they produced. I learned a lot from them as I sewed along. It was encouraging to know that I was not the only one sick of a colour (black) half way through the process. I wasn't the only one who changed my mind 17 times on my wardrobe pattern, and my fabric. I wasn't the only one who struggled with the pictures. I wasn't the only one at the 11th hour madly finishing something. I still want to figure out how to do those little Elizabeth's, like the little Ruthies. I made my first pair of lined pants during this swap and my first attempt at a modified couture style dress. Every time I finished another piece, it meant that five more things in my closet were suddenly wearable, something that didn't happen the last time I tried to do a Swap.
It has been totally fun, and I can't wait until next year to do it again.

Link to Beth's photo site and blog

Ruth's storyboard

Burda WOF eyelet cotton top
with capris from Burda 8376

Burda WOF dress in brown linen

Ruth's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern:
Vintage Simplicity 4858 used for jacket, skirt and printed linen top

Jacket:
Simplicity 4858 in navy blue linen mix

Dress:
Burda WOF, 07/07, #116, dress in brown linen

Tops:
Burda 8096, top C in striped seersucker
Burda 7800, top b in white seersucker
Simplicity 4858 top in printed linen
Burda WOF, 07/2007, #116 altered to reduce shaping, top in wheat-coloured eyelet embroidered cotton
Burda WOF, 03/2008, #118 top in printed silk chiffon

Bottoms:
Vogue 2128, out of print, drawstring pants in lightweight denim
Burda 8376 3/4 length pants in ecru linen and repurposed t-shirt
Simplicity 4858 skirt in navy blue linen mix Ready to wear white cotton trousers

Burda 7800 top in white seersucker
with Vogue 2128 drawstring pants in lightweight denim

Simplicity 4858, jacket & skirt in navy blue linen mix
Top from Simplicity 4858 in printed linen

Burda WOF top in silk chiffon
with RTW white trousers

Ruth's Comments on SWAP:
I came across the SWAP competition last year and thought it would be fun to do a vintage beachwear collection, I forgot all about it until February when at three months pregnant I thought this would be a great SWAP opportunity. So I had some catching up to do. I live in Gran Canaria and run a scuba diving centre with my husband, but we hope to be in England or France for the birth of the baby in the summer. So there were lots of demands on my SWAP. It had to last across the expanding months and include casual pants and tops that I can wear around the dive-centre. I also wanted a skirt or dress that would be nice for non-work or more formal occasions. The swap had to mix with existing items and to be wearable in a cooler climate than the one I currently live in. I also wanted to include some items that could be adjusted post baby so they would last longer.

The wardrobe pattern criteria was a bit tricky to fulfil as there aren’t really any wardrobe patterns in contemporary maternity patterns, I got around this by going vintage. Finding a vintage, maternity pattern with three pieces in my size was a bit of a trial so I had to compromise a bit on the style I chose. Another complexity was the fact that I only know of two fabric shops on the island and no-where to buy patterns. This meant I had to rely on internet ordering which really cut down the time I had. I got around this in three ways.
- I used a drawstring pant pattern that I already had
- Using the pattern details online I was able to buy fabric for some of the patterns in advance of them arriving
- I used Burda World of Fashion (BWOF) patterns that I altered

I brought some fabric locally so I could make a start on the patterns I did have. I also ordered fabric from UK sites and American sites as well as Timmel. Delivery was mixed so I had to sew what I had as it arrived. Budget was a big issue for me as I had to take into account postage cost, when choosing fabric, to this end I ordered heavier fabrics from the UK and lighter ones from the USA/Timmel. One problem I had with using internet ordering was that one fabric came it was a different colour than showed on the website, this meant that one top did not match a pair of shorts I had already made so one or other would have to be substituted for a RTW item. In the end I kept the top and swapped the shorts. Budget and timing issues also meant that if I didn’t like a fabric when it arrived or once an item was sewn I wasn’t able to make an alternative. I also had to get creative with my haberdashery. I was unable to source stretchy fabric for the belly panels of the Burda pants pattern so in the end cut up an old t-shirt, for the shorts that didn’t make it I brought a cheap top in a matching colour. I could not find buttons for my jacket so in the end bought a matching bracelet and used the beads as buttons. Of course just at the end of the swap when I was out of time I found a wonderful fabric shop locally.

The outcome: overall I am pleased with the outcome of my SWAP, I am wearing the pants and tops and have also worn the dress too. There is one top I am not keen on, I like the fabric and the pattern but don’t like how it came out together. I hope I will like it more with wear, or perhaps it needs a bigger bump to look good. The jacket and skirt combination is a little bit formal for our life here, but it will probably get more use as I get bigger and my non-maternity clothes choices reduce. While I have always sewn or shopped with an idea of how items will fit with existing clothes this was the first time I had sewn so many items planned together. I enjoyed the planning process but in the end had to be flexible to the restrictions of location, budget and timing. If I had greater access to choices of patterns, fabric and had more time to plan then I think the outcome would be more cohesive; having said that this SWAP only has to work for a limited amount of time. It is also the first time I have sewn so much in such a short time, a total of 14 items in eight weeks. I will definitely use the SWAP system again and have enjoyed participating in the discussions on the forum as well as getting lots of inspiration from the other SWAPpers.

Link to Ruth's photo site
Link to Ruth's blog

Lisette models her Vogue jacket
with pants in brown/blue glen plaid and lavender shirt

Wardrobe consultant Nancy Nix-Rice helped
Lisette to choose a brand new color scheme based on teal

Skirt from wardrobe pattern in teal tweed
with blouse in washed dupioni silk

Lisette's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe Pattern: Vogue 2939

Jacket: Vogue 2939 in brown wool waffle weave

Tops:
Vogue 2939 shirt in washed heathered teal dupioni
Vogue 2939 shirt in lavender cotton shirting
Vogue 2976 tank in seaglass linen
Vogue 2976 tank in seaglass stretch silk
Vogue 2976 tank in brown waffle weave
Purchased shirt - Old Navy brown stretch shirting

Bottoms:
Vogue 2939 pants in brown wool waffle weave
Vogue 2939 pants in brown/pale blue glen plaid
Vogue 2939 skirt in heathered teal tweed
Vogue 2939 skirt in brown/pale blue glen plaid

Tank from Vogue 2976
with skirt Vogue 2939 in glen plaid and purchased shirt

Brown waffle weave pants
with jacket Vogue 2939 and silk tank from Vogue 2976

Pants in glen plaid with tank top
Lisette adds great accessories in brown and teal

Lisette's Comments on SWAP:
SWAP has always been about sewing clothes that coordinated and simplified the "what to wear" part of life; with this year's SWAP I decided to take it further. What if SWAP was really more about self discovery, about finding out what lives under your skin and not just goes on it. The challenge this year was to use a wardrobe pattern for at least 3 pieces, I regularly do this so I wanted to challenge myself to go deeper, move beyond my basic ideas of color, my shape "rules" that I never really question, make SWAP more about increasing the quality of my life and not just the quantity of my clothes.

The end result - I LOVE my new wardrobe! I wanted clothes that made me feel great in colors that were rich and sophisticated. I got some help in that department from Nancy Nix-Rice. She can make anyone look better but with me, she had to work from badly taken grainy photographs and email instead of working in person. Now here is where it became a challenge. On all those makeover shows I am always amazed at how "easy" the transformations are. No one seems to have any strongly held opinions about what they look like. For me, setting aside what I "knew" was harder than any of the sewing or scheduling (I actually took 6 weeks off from sewing in the middle!). Nancy and I talked about the shapes of jackets and skirts, my first picks were not such a great choice for my shape body. Now I know that in those handy Vogue shape charts I need patterns that work for both Rectangles and Hourglasses since I am a rectangle in front and an hourglass in the back.

As far as colors go we talked about my being a "winter", I had originally picked a great boucle that is black, white, and brights. Nancy pointed out that they were great colors but for a "winter" somewhat "expected". How true! I had done SWAP twice before both using a variation on that theme. She suggested some base color other than black, I had already bought the Lavender shirting from Julie so what ever my base color was it had to work with that too. I pulled some fabric from stash that I had enough of to make at least 2 pieces. This was pretty limited since I wasn't pulling any black! I have a bunch of gray that I thought I'd use with some heathered teal pieces from Metro fabrics for the previous year's SWAP. I never made the tailored sWAP I had planned because I ended up sidetracked with knee surgery. I sent pictures of everything to Nancy and she honed in on the teal. She also mentioned that a dark chocolate color would look really great with it and be much richer than the gray. Two hours later I found 10 yards of the dark chocolate brown on the internet. After that things just started falling together, I have an extra heathered teal tweed jacket started from the wardrobe pattern that I will finish soon also.

So now I have a rich sophisticated wardrobe that makes every one at work think I've been promoted. My closet looks fabulous even before I put anything on ( I did a whole closet clean out/reorganization in the middle of all this!) I've already started to add to my SWAP with some pieces that travel well and work for days that I need to be dressed but don't feel like wearing tailored clothes. I'm working with mostly the same palette but adding a pale khaki and just a hint of black, sort of the salt and pepper seasoning to my rich and rewarding wardrobe!

Eleven pieces based on blue, teal, grey, and lavender

Vogue 8476 with NL 6785
with interesting cutouts and seam detailing

Vogue 2919 jacket
with skirt from Vogue 9121
and Vogue 9771 in blue/orange iridescent fabric

Audrey's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe Pattern: Vogue 8262 used for top, skirt, and pants

Jacket: Vogue 2919 in blue wool

Tops:
Vogue 8477 in white, blue, grey lace crossover knit top - reversible
Vogue 9771 in blue/orange iridescent cowl neck blouse
OOP NL 6779 in grey/blue/pink zigzag knit top
Vogue 8290 in grey/white/ombre poly blouse
Vogue 8476 + OOP NL 6785 in white knit with seaming detail
Vogue 8262 in grey/teal/poly print blouse

Bottoms:
Vogue 8262 Wardrobe Pattern in gray wool A-line skirt
Vogue 8262 Wardrobe Pattern in grey wool double knit pants previously made
Vogue 9121 in teal high-waisted straight skirt
Teal wool purchased pants

Vogue 8290 blouse
with Vogue 8262 pants in wool doubleknit

NL 6779 in zigzag knit with grey pants

Jacket, skirt and blouse
all from wardrobe pattern Vogue 8262

Audrey's Comments on SWAP:
This is my 2nd year of participating in the Timmel Fabrics sponsored SWAP contest. The inspiration for the colors was a wool tweed fabric that I did not actually use in the SWAP. The colors were grays from dark to pale, creams, and a soft shades of caribbean blue darkening to teal. I have always liked myself in gray. My hair is turning pure white around my face and I have chosen not to dye it for various reasons. So grays and whites bring attention to my face. I have a lot of garments in my wardrobe in these colors. This worked out well as the rules for this SWAP allowed the use of previously made and purchased garments. The wardrobe pattern was a tough rule for me. I generally like just one garment in any wardrobe pattern; the others are too basic. Challenging my sewing skills with an advanced pattern is one of the reason I sew is. But one “star” garment with simple supporting pieces is what makes a good outfit. So just ignore my grumbling. It was a good rule. I had hoped that I would have better SWAP planning skills this year, but I had times of horrible indecision, and garments that didn’t work out very well because of style In the end I am proud that I finished, and very happy with my coordinating wardrobe.

Link to more of Audrey's photos
Link to Audrey's blog

Mary's eleven garments in shades of blue

Jacket is Vogue 2390 worn with
McCalls 5138 white cotton blouse and
purchased black jeans

NE Pencil Skirt in batik-type print
with McCalls 5138 blouse in same fabric
makes this ensemble look like a dress

Mary's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern: Vogue 2390 used for jacket, skirt, and trousers

Jacket: - Vogue 2390 in in silk/linen broken herringbone

Tops:
Loes Hinse Cowl Top in black stretch lace and blue mesh
Vogue 7903 linen blouse with lace insertion (previously sewn)
Simplicity 4076 view D in gray polyester matte jersey
McCalls 5138 in white cotton twill
Mccalls 5138 in gray/blue linen, bleached and dyed
McCalls 5138 in print polyester microfiber

Bottoms:
Vogue 2390 skirt in silk/linen broken herringbone with stretch lace underlay
Vogue 2390 trousers in tropical wool
Nancy Erickson 1964 pencil skirt in print polyester microfiber
Purchased black jeans

Jacket over linen blouse Vogue 7903
with wool pants from Vogue 2390

Suit with Vogue 2390 jacket,
LH Cowl Top and Vogue 2390 skirt with lace underlay

Mary's Comments on SWAP:
The best thing about this year’s swap challenge was that the selection of the wardrobe pattern made the other design decisions easier.

As I worked on the garments for this swap, it was easy for me to select the basic shapes that would coordinate well with the main suit elements of the collection. Although I started with a fairly ambitious plan and design inspiration from a number of sources, I soon realized that simplicity would be the key to this collection. I have learned though four years of swap sewing that basic color combinations work best.

This collection features navy blue toned with gray, denim tones, gray, and black. The print has many shades of blue, including black, midnight, lavender blue, and aqua.
The collection relies on basic garment shapes because I needed to re-fit all my patterns due to a significant weight loss. Once I got the blouse pattern fitted, I used it for three garments. The basic blouse shape became a background for embellishments that helped to unify the collection through repetition of design details.

For more photos and information on Mary's SWAP

All six tops (one under jacket)
and jacket from

Tops shown with trousers

Patricia's tweed coat seen from the back

Wardrobe pattern:
Simplicity 4095 used to make three tops, two pairs of trousers and a skirt.
Four garment pieces/styles were used to make six items.

Patricia's patterns and fabrics:
Jacket: Butterick 5145 in brown/camel/turquoise wool/cotton tweed

Tops:
Kwik Sew 2694, wrap top modified, in teal nylon/lycra leaf print
Simplicity 4095 wrap top in teal wool jersey
Simplicty 4095 wrap top in teal rayon jersey
Simplicity 4095 V-neck in teal rayon jersey
New Look button-front shirt in cotton floral print
New Look button-front shirt in cotton lycra print

Bottoms:
Self drafted trouser in brown weave with teal pinstripe
Simplicity 4095 trouser in brown rayon/poly/lycra
Simplicity 4095 trouser in camel/brown/teal cotton
Simplicity 4095 skirt in teal wool jersey

Same pattern, different fabrics = very different results

Patricia models New Look shirt in cotton print

Wrap top, in teal jersey
worn with skirt both from Simplicity 4095

Patricia's Comments on SWAP:
This is my second SWAP in the Timmel competition and again it has been a learning experience. I have learned to purchase fabric in coordinating colours and to shop for RTW in that mind set as well. As with last year I am still struggling to overcome my predilection for black. This year I was determined to make a cohesive wardrobe focussing on flattering my figure and skin tone. Through trial and error I found that a medium to dark teal is flattering on me and found a number of fabrics that coordinate over the last year.

The first piece was a pair of wool trousers in brown with subtle pinstripes in teal and cinnamon. Once they were made I realized that the brown was really made up of black and tan threads woven together. Browns are not the ideal co-ordinate to these, but teal is, so they made a great foundation to the not yet solidified SWAP plan. I like to wear one colour or value from neckline to hem, with a colour or value contrasting piece worn undone over top. This "column" is usually medium dark to dark and is supposed to make me look taller (and therefore not as wide). The third piece worn over and undone is to further divide the width while allowing the column effect to remain.

The current SWAP has two shirts which can be worn buttoned up or open over a top, three wrap tops and one top that can be worn on its own or under a shirt. There are three pairs of trousers in shades of browns and a deep teal jersey skirt. The jacket is more of a light coat and can be worn done up for warmth or kept on, but open, while indoors. The wardrobe pattern was a challenge for me. My top and bottom are two sizes apart, so finding a pattern that will be flattering to both areas is difficult. I ended up purchasing quite a few of them before settling on Simplicity 4095. The wardrobe has a skirt, trousers and two tops and I ended up making, and liking, them all. In the end six of the pieces were made using the wardrobe pattern. I am pleased with my results and am confident that I will enjoy wearing all of the pieces.

Grey, beige and ivory are set against
vivid shades of fuchsia and purple

Fuchsia cami under sheer blouse
from McCalls 4591 and black crepe pants

Jacket over surplice blouse and black pants,
all from wardrobe pattern Vogue 2989

Miriam's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe Pattern: Vogue 2989 used for jacket, surplice top, and pants

Jacket: Vogue 2989 soft cardigan jacket with peplum in diagonal striped grey beige acrylic

Tops:
Vogue 2987, surplice top with self-lined bodice and 3/4 sleeves, in fuchsia purple floral onion skin
McCalls 4591 tie blouse, with wide short sleeves from McCalls 5516, lettuce hem and sleeves, in charcoal silk chiffon with fuchsia/beige floral pattern
McCalls 4951 fuchsia cami to wear under charcoal blouse to bring out fuchsia tones, with black lace
Vogue 2989 surplice top, ½ sleeves, with side tucks in poly/rayon knit
BWOF 10/04 #115 raglan tie neck blouse, flared ¾ sleeves, in fuschia/black/white poly chiffon print
Burda 7789 fuchsia purple silk chiffon top with purple dupioni bias binding
Jalie 2794 sweetheart top in matte jersey, black/grey/white tribal print with black velvet neckline bindings
New Look 6621 empire princess-seamed blouse, with lantern sleeves from McCalls 5576, in black with fuschia polka dots polyester silky

Bottoms:
BWOF 1/08 #100 skinny pants in fuchsia stretch microsuede
Vogue 2989 wardrobe pattern, pants in black stretch crepe
Vogue 8426 beige wool crepe seamed skirt with fuschia topstitching
Vogue 2951 charcoal wool tweed tulip skirt

Grey jacket with onion skin top from Vogue 2987
and skirt from Vogue 8426

Silk chiffon tank from Burda 7789
with fuchsia microsuede pants

Tie neck blouse from BWOF
with tulip skirt from Vogue 2951

Miriam's Comments on SWAP:
For this year’s SWAP I chose the neutral colours charcoal, grey, black, beige-sandstone and ivory and contrasted them with vibrant fuchsia and purple. I like to find a picture in nature to portray these colours which I found in Tropical Storm at Sunset and this is my theme.

Then I collected fabrics from my stash in this colour palette that went beautifully together. I tried to get different textures such as the delicate chiffons and soft knits and textured tweed as well as stripes, prints and florals. The wardrobe pattern Vogue 2989 had the most important garment in the whole collection, the jacket, as it must co-ordinate with all the pieces. I wanted the jacket to be practical, as I live in warm California, be able to put on and throw off easily, (not get wrinkled), feel really comfy, and look great both open or closed. The shawl collar cardigan type jacket from Vogue 2989 met all these criteria and the fabric from Timmel fabric was perfect, soft, easy to wear looking stylish both open or closed, a great flattering diagonal print with enough design to give it texture but not so dominant that it wouldn’t go with everything else. The other 2 items from the wardrobe pattern, black knit pull on pants and a soft oh so comfy ivory surplice top are also so wearable.

For the rest of the collection I planned 2 challenges, first every item to be as different as possible yet go stunningly well together. I added a bonus fuschia cami to go under the charcoal silk chiffon blouse for 2 reasons, to enhance the fuschia tones if I wanted, (I could change to a black or beige to go with the other items too), and as part of my second challenge to include several new Spring-Summer trends, this one being the lingerie look. The other trends in this collection are black-white tribal prints, ( the Jalie sweetheart top), brilliant purple-fuchsia colours, bright skinny pants, (the fuchsia stretch ones), puffy bubble sleeves in the fuchsia polka dot blouse, graphic prints, the black, white , fuchsia chiffon blouse, tie neck blouses, I made 2, beige neutrals, the wool crepe skirt, the tulip skirt, and florals, 3 of my tops have florals. If you click on Timmel SWAP finished in my Flickr album you can see several more. Metallics, trench coat –safari look, wide voluminous skirts, my dupioni with colour blocking, city shorts, nautical look, the navy linen pants and wide legged pants, the purple pants, beige wool pants and charcoal pants.

This SWAP has been so rewarding, I love putting wardrobe collections together. Thanks so much Julie and to all the camaraderie and inspiration from the contestants too!!

Link to Miriam's flickr photo site

Fine tailoring skills are used
in Patricia's wardrobe

Vintage vogue jacket with
blue wool pants from Vogue 2939

Christine Jonson Shirred top
with Iris Skirt in chocolate corded suede

Patricia's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe Pattern: Vogue 2939 used for dress, slacks and straight skirt

Jacket: Vogue Vintage #2636, circa 1940, in teal blue/taupe/brown 100% wool

Dress: Vogue 2939 in sage silk dupioni

Tops:
Vogue 2939 blouse in paisley silk
Christine Johnson #426 shirred top in sage rayon knit
Vogue 8390 in teal floral knit
Eva Dress Pattern 1930 B30-7482 for blouse in mauve silk charmeuse
Purchased Chocolate Brown Sweater

Bottoms:
Vogue 2939 slacks in teal blue wool crepe
Vogue 2939 straight skirt in 100% wool gabardine taupe
Iris Skirt straight from La Fred in brown corded suede
Iris Skirt flared from La Fred in rose tencel

Vintage Vogue jacket in wool
with vogue 2939 skirt in wool gabardine

Vogue 2939 in sage silk dupioni

Vogue 2939 blouse in printed silk
Iris Skirt in rose tencel

Patricia's Comments on SWAP:
I spent the first 102 days of 2008 dedicated to “Taking Care of Business”, my first SWAP contest. I haven’t sewn in about eight years, so this was an exciting challenge, a tremendous undertaking, and it took dedication. By December 31, 2007, I had a beautiful new sewing room, which a friend helped me paint, and new sewing furniture. I had all my fabric selected, pre-washed, and pressed. I had purchased half of the material a few years back, and I was determined to use prior purchases as much as possible. But you know how it is; I somehow ended up with even more material in my collection rather than less. Also by the beginning of the year, I had gathered all my patterns and purchased most other miscellaneous items needed (buttons, zippers, hair canvas, etc). Although I had completed my story board, I never did get around to posting it.

I set a goal for myself to do something towards my SWAP every day – big or small. I worked diligently at night after work and almost every weekend. Since I had not sewn in a long time, I found there were some things that I had to redo or research. I relearned the “ins” and “outs” of my sewing machine and serger as I went along. Sewing a number of pieces at the same time kept me from being bored or frustrated. I plan on continuing to sew this way. I really enjoy “traditional tailoring”; and accordingly, I spent hours working on the jacket for this contest because most of it is hand sewn.

Throughout the project, I made only one deviation from my original plan. I substituted a brown sweater for the chocolate mandarin dress I had intended to make. Very simply, I ran out of time. I am striving to increase my creativity. I asked myself, why I didn’t use the same fabric for a top and a bottom. Instead I used 11 different pieces of fabric. By the end of it all, I was stressed, but not enough to keep me from doing this again next year. Live and learn! I already have a plan brewing in my mind, some fabric already put aside. One change will definitely be to sew the allowed two pieces ahead of time. Getting the most difficult items out of the way will help in finishing on time and alleviate some stress.

Ruthie sewed a wardrobe in bright orange
and fitted the garments as she lost weight

Simplicity 5099 chiffon top over
peach shell and brown denim pants
both from Simplicity 4699

Ruthie models Simplicity 4699 brown shell,
brown pants and orange cord jacket

Ruthie's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe Pattern: Simplicity 4699 used for two shells, two pairs of pants, and the jacket

Tops:
Simplicity 4699 in peach slinky
Simplicity 4699 in brown slinky
Butterick 3131 Cowl neck tunic blouse in bright coral polyester
Simplicity 4076 Wrap over top in burnt orange viscose knit
Simplicity 5099 Wrap over empire line top in crinkle chiffon
Simplicity 4125 Wrap over print blouse

Bottoms:
Simplicity 4699 Pants in brown stretch denim
Simplicity 4699 Pants in brown self-stripe stretch suiting
Loes Hinse 5007 6 gore skirt with godets
NewLook 6177 Print skirt with asymmetric panels

Butterick 3131 cowl top
with Simplicity 4699 pants in stretch suiting

Simplicity 4125 print blouse
with LH gore skirt in brown

Simplicity 4076 knit top
with New Look 6177 print skirt

Ruthie's Comments on SWAP:
The idea behind the 'Spring Surprise' wardrobe was one of those bulbs you planted in the garden last Autumn and forgot about. And then one day poking up through the bare winter earth is a green shoot, and then a day or two after that the flower opens and brings a smile with its bright colour. My wardrobe embraces the grounding of the earth in the dark brown bottom pieces, the green of the shoot in the print skirt and blouse (which can be worn together as a dress or separately with the other pieces) and the flower of the orange, coral and peach pieces. Wearing these pieces gives me a spring in my step :-)

This is my second year as part of the SWAP contest, and a few months after the last contest finished I decided I needed to lose weight to get into a more healthy range. I've taken this very slowly losing about 30 lbs since last year, and 10 months later am only a few pounds off my goal. Losing weight whilst sewing a wardrobe isn't ideal, but I deliberately chose and constructed in a way that would make garments easier to alter later on. For instance centre back zips on pants, tops with simple lines where the side seams can be taken in etc.

I also left a lot of the sewing until quite late on to reduce the fitting/alterations issues although this did add to the time pressure. Before I started any sewing, I took photos of myself wearing nude tone underwear (self timer with the curtains shut!), used a software filter to create an outline and then used these little Ruthies (a.k.a. croquis) to plan out the garments. One of the planned wardrobe patterns did not make it past this stage as the styles didn't work too well on little Ruthie so were unlikely to work on the full size version! (I found this very affirming to work with the body shape I have, not some stylised ideal.)

Once I'd chosen my wardrobe pattern I really wanted to work it to the max, and sewed 5 of my garments from it. For this SWAP I sewed with corduroy for the first time, and made a lined jacket. I made a non SWAP jacket first to test the pattern which also came out well though isn't included here. I drafted a lining as it wasn't included and also made covered buttons with the gadget which was great fun. I also sewed with slinky for the first time, and I am pretty pleased with the results, especially on the necklines.
Thanks to all the others who chatted away on Stitcher's Guild, and especially to Julie for being such a wonderful sponsor and host.

Link to Ruthie's photos and blog

Kathryn loves purple and this SWAP
continues the one from last year

Blouse in Italian cotton with black pants

Poly knit top from Vogue 8392

Kathryn's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern:
McCalls 5532 used for jacket, skirt and 3 pairs of pants

Jacket: - McCalls 5532, view B in eggplant wool crepe

Tops:
Vogue 8324, view A in lilac broderie anglais
Vogue 8392. view B in cotton voile print
New Look 6407, view A in Italian textured Cotton
Jalie 2794, view A in printed polyester knit
Vogue 8392, view B in mauve broderie anglais
Jalie 2682, view B in printed polyester knit

Bottoms:
McCalls 5532, view C skirt in eggplant wool crepe
McCalls 5532, view D pants in eggplant wool crepe
McCalls 5532, view D pants in charcoal wool crepe
McCalls 5532, view D pants in black wool crepe

Vogue 8392 in mauve broderie anglais

Jalie 2682 in poly knit

Jalie 2794 in poly knit
with McCalls 5532 skirt in wool crepe

Kathryn's Comments on SWAP:
I have received quite a few unexpected compliments recently when I have been wearing purple and I found myself smiling every time I sewed the eggplant wool crepe, hence the name of my SWAP.

My SWAP started with pants. After many trials, and more than a little frustration, I now have the perfect pants pattern. It started with the McCalls pattern and is still basically the same shape with the zip moved to the front (I found I struggled with a back zip) and the crotch seam altered. All 3 pants are made from wool crepe and lined with silk charmeuse my husband brought back from China.
The New Look shirt pattern is a TNT that I just love and it made up beautifully is this lovely shirting from Italy. How many puffy sleeved blouses can one have? Well I now have 3 and really enjoy wearing every one of them. 2 are included here. I tried the View A neckline with the voile, but it wasn’t stiff enough to carry it off so I changed it to a fine binding. With the mauve broderie anglais I used a strip of the border around the neck edge, first sewing it on with a normal seam and then using my coverstitch machine to topstitch on the outside and finish off the inside.

I had previously made Jalie 2682 and loved the neckline, but the horizontal seam did not suit me so I pinned the top and bottom pattern pieces together and cut the front and back the whole length. It uses a lot of fabric this way as there is double fabric on the entire front, but makes a quick, comfortable and flattering top. The other tops, skirt and jacket where all made without alterations to the pattern aside from my usual lengthening. The jacket and skirt are also lined with silk charmeuse from China. The silk didn’t always behave, but it’s lovely to wear.

Therese based her SWAP around her grey coat

Mandarin Shirt Jacket in silk dupioni
with purchased blue jeans

Simplicity 4076 wrap top
with skirt from Simplicity 4368

Therese's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe Pattern: Simplicity 4368 used for gold and black pants, black skirt and teal top

Coat/Jacket: Vogue 2886 by designer Guy Laroche in wool chenille - this is the centerpiece of Therese's SWAP

Tops:
Simplicity 4076 crossover top in cotton lycra knit
Simplicity 4076 crossover top in teal rayon jersey
Simplicity 4076 gathered scoop neck top in teal rayon jersey
Jalie 2566 scoop-neck top in black cotton lycra
Mandarin shirt jacket from Textile Studios in black dupioni silk
Simplicity 4368 square neck top in dark teal polyester satin

Bottoms:
Simplicity 4368 pants in golden brown polyester suiting
Simplicity 4368 black pants in tencel twill
Simplicity 4368 black skirt in tencel twill
Purchased jeans teal corduroy

Guy LaRoche Vogue coat
worn over black top and corduroy jeans

Coat with Simplicity 4076 top in teal
and black pants from Simplicity 4368

Coat buttoned up is the key piece to Therese's SWAP

Therese's Comments on SWAP:
This year, I decided to use SWAP as an opportunity to challenge myself, take my sewing skills up a notch and blow past some self-imposed limitations. For some reason, I had developed "pants fear" over the last few years and just stuck to making skirts. The two pairs I made aren’t perfect, but they fit me much better than anything I can find in any store. I also learned a lot about fitting my upper body properly, adding darts to the coat and mandarin shirt patterns.

The centerpiece of my SWAP is the coat, made from that lovely, comfortable wool chenille. I really enjoyed taking my time with this particular project and paying attention to the details. For a more flattering look, I put the welted pockets in at a slant rather than horizontally. I made piping (out of the same fabric as the golden brown pants) to insert along the lining edge. Palmer/Pletsch’s “Jackets for Real People” book was a wonderful help throughout.

The black knit scoop-necked top was fun to make because I felt so confident about changing the pattern to get just what I wanted. The broad band around the neckline is made of rayon Ambience lining fabric and features 5 rows of top stitching (using heavier topstitching thread) and I’m very pleased with the way it came together. I’ve rediscovered the confidence that comes when you know you can “make it work”!

Five tops in mauve, grey, turquoise
plus dress in black/white

Suzanne's jacket in tweed from Vogue 2076

Vogue 2076 skirt in wool
with tweed jacket and silk blouse

Suzanne's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe Pattern: Vogue 2076 used for wool skirt and two silk tops

Jacket:
Vogue 2076 in black, white, and grey tweed , a wool & acrylic blend

Dress:
McCalls 3491, black & white polka dot, embroidered linen

Tops:
Vogue 2076 in grey silk dupioni
Vogue 2076 in mauve silk burnout
Burda Plus Spring 2008 #404C in voile grey lace
Kwik Sew 3494 in black cotton
RTW turquoise cable knit sweater

Bottoms:
Vogue 2076 in grey wool w/stripe
Ottobre 2-2007 #13 in black linen blend
Ottobre 2-2007 #8 in grey tropical weight wool
Lutterloh in grey pinstripe wool blend

Skirt from Lutterloh pattern drafting
with top in silk

Black linen skirt with
Burda WOF top in grey voile

Skirt in tropical wool from Ottobre
with top in mauve silk burnout

Suzanne's Comments on SWAP:
I’m calling my collection “Rainy Days & Mondays” mostly because as I was sewing that’s the song that kept running through my head, and call me strange (you won’t be the first!) I kind of like rainy days & Mondays.

Most of the fabrics came from my stash and I had lots of fun shopping for the rest. DD and I combed several fabric stores holding up swatches checking to see if it would work with what we had.

I learned several things by sewing this SWAP, the number one thing is that although sewing whatever strikes you at the time is fun, it doesn’t do a lot for your wardrobe and getting dressed in the morning. I have been wearing everything I made and really enjoy the choices I have every morning. I also learned that I know more than I thought I did about altering patterns. My wardrobe pattern has been in my collection for a while and I had grown since I last used it, but I think my grading came out OK for the most part. I have made notes on the parts I don’t like for next time. I learned that I should finish sewing everything (mostly) I start, because the things I liked least in the sewing stage were the things I got the most compliments on!

I have also been inspired to improve my skills (especially the finishing ones) and to sew more mini-SWAPS. Thanks so much for sponsoring the SWAP and letting me play along.

Kathleen pushed herself to finish her 11 pieces
which bravely included a tailored coat

Kathleen models her coat from Butterick 4665
with Jalie top #2682 and McCalls 5142 pants

Top is McCalls 2961
and pants are vogue 7881

Kathleen's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern:
Vogue 7947 used for skirt, pants and jacket

Jacket/Coat:
Butterick 4665, View D in beige cashmere/wool

Tops:
McCalls 2961 Boat-neck top in tan and beige striped knit
Jalie 2682 V-neck top in cream double-faced minky
Vogue 7947 jacket with short sleeves in tea-dyed stretch linen
Self-drafted square-neck top in teal knit
Self-drafted Sweet-heart neck top in green corduroy
Purchased Cross-over neck top in teal knit

Bottoms:
Vogue 7947 pants in chocolate stretch cotton
Vogue 7947 skirt in chocolate eyelet with beige cotton lining
McCalls 5142 pants in chocolate no-wale corduroy
Vogue 7881 pants in tan stretch cotton

Top from Vogue 7947
with pants from McCalls 5142

Self-drafted top with vogue 2947 pants

Self-drafted top and Vogue 7881 pants

Kathleen's Comments on SWAP:
As it seems with many others, the SWAP idea really intrigued me and after reading about it I found myself frequently thinking about the possibilities. I haven’t, and don’t, do much sewing so I told my mom, who does sew, a lot, about it in hopes that she would take part. I did manage to get her hooked; however she thought we should both participate. While I did manage to complete the items in time and fulfill all the contest requirements, it was quite the task, and I hope that next time I can manage to pull together some resemblance of a plan prior to the start of the contest. I have to say that my mom helped me out a lot; the self-drafted patterns should really be called mom-drafted patterns as I gave her my requirements and then watched as she morphed or drafted patterns to meet them. By the end she was also helping cut out the patterns to help make sure I finished in time.

The wardrobe pattern was actually the second or third one I chose, and it was mostly because the jacket was quite close to a top I wanted to copy. By using stretch linen (originally white, but tea-dyed to follow the colour scheme) and short sleeves, the jacket was successfully made into a top. I did several rows of pin tucking on the front and instead of overlapping the fronts for buttons I stitched button loops out of elastic cording and added a small panel of fabric behind the loops. Overall this is my favourite piece, it took a long time and a lot of fiddly things but overall it turned out how I imagined it.

The coat was a huge undertaking and I really should have started it earlier but I left it because I was nervous about cutting into such a nice fabric. I added welt flap pockets across the front seam but otherwise left the pattern the same. This choice was probably well above my skill level but since I don’t wear jackets, I figured a coat was really my only other option to fulfill all the requirements. While there were more advanced techniques I have read about that I would have liked to have used (using teal piping between the lining and facing to bring together all my SWAP colours), they just didn’t happen either because of time constraints or a lack of understanding. (I was way past the point of putting in the piping when I realized my error) I learned so much from this process including several new sewing techniques: welt pockets, pin tucking, topstitching, mitered corners, and lining a garment. Hopefully next year I can be a bit more organized with my planning and then I’ll be all set!

Dianne's collection in dark purple basics with bright tops

Purple velour top is Marfy 1140
McCalls 5239 pants in black microfibre

The wardrobe pattern in jacket, skirt and blouse

Dianne's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern:
Vogue 2898 used for jacket, skirt and blouse

Dress:
Butterick 4871 is my basic black dress made from polyester/lycra bengaline

Jacket:
Vogue 2898 in dark purple wool crepe

Tops:
Marfy 1140 shortened and hem cut straight, in purple velour
Simplicity 4076 twist top in cotton lycra, modified to raise the neckline
Butterick 4132 in pink/mauve silk georgette, altered to have long cuffed sleeves
Vogue 7906 in silk chiffon

Bottoms:
McCalls 5239 pants in black wrinkle-resistant microfibre, premade item and well-loved
Vogue 2898 skirt in dark purple wool crepe
Custom designed pants, with seams down center of leg to help with fitting, in black cotton with lycra
McCalls 5239, pants in charcoal woven polyester, viscose and lycra fabric

Simplicity 4076 twist top
with self-drafted pants

Butterick 4132 in silk georgette
with the skirt from Vogue 2898

Vogue 7906 in silk chiffon
with McCalls 5239 pants

Dianne's Comments on SWAP:
This is my first SWAP. My daughter had been talking about this sewing contest for some time but it wasn’t until Christmas holidays that I actually investigated the website and became hooked. Since I started late, choosing my fabrics and patterns in short order was a little stressful. I have a sizeable fabric collection and was inspired by others who took up the challenge to use fabrics from their personal stash. My wardrobe had become rather disorganized so it was a perfect opportunity to use up some fabric and turn it into some coordinated outfits. Thanks for the challenge, Julie.

Karen's collection - 4 pants, 1 skirt, 5 tops, 1 dress, and 1 jacket

Jalie 2794 with denim skirt
Hand embroidery has been added to the skirt

Self-drafted sundress

Karen's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern Simplicity 5220
Jacket - self drafted pattern, boxy cardigan in white cotton lace fabric

Dress:
Sundress, self-drafted, in pink cotton print

Tops:
Top, self-drafted pattern, hand smocked and embroidered
Jalie sweetheart top, white cotton lycra knit
Simplicity 3800 twist top, pink and navy cotton interlock
Simplicity 5220 mandarin collar blouse, gold and pink brocade
Butterick 435 morphed princess line blouse, hand smocked cotton chambray
Self-drafted pattern, shirred baby doll top, pink cotton cheesecloth

Bottoms
Simplicity 5220 capri pants, navy blue stretch woven cotton spandex
Simplicity 5220 a-line skirt, dark cotton denim, hand embroidered
Top Kids Magazine long line shorts, stretch denim
Jalie 968 jeans, dark cotton denim, hand embroidered

Smocked blouse with Jalie jeans
Karen's favourite technique is smocking

Twist top with navy shorts

Shirred baby doll top with navy capris

Karen's Comments on SWAP:
I started my daughter's SWAP after I took a break from sewing my SWAP to sew her the twist top t shirt. She was reading the SWAP letter from Julie whilst I was fitting her for the shirt, and told me what a great idea it would be for me to enter some clothes for her as well. I fell for this, and have finished her SWAP before mine. I have always sewn most of her clothes, but her wardrobe is changing a lot as she gets older, and she is growing very quickly. In the past I have sewn her a lot of dresses, which don't need any co-ordinating, so this was a very good exercise to give her a wardrobe of separates. I have based her wardrobe on the idea that jeans go with everything. My daughter had a lot of input into this SWAP, and I had trouble getting all the clothes off her, and out of the laundry so that I could photograph them all at once, so it is a great success from my point of view.

Link to Karen's photo site

The entire wardrobe at a glance

Nina's six tops
Nina chose solid colour dark bottoms and now she can make many printed tops that match

Wardrobe pattern jacket and pants with Jalie tee in yellow

Nina's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe Pattern :
Vogue 8302 Jacket, skirt and pants in dark denim

Tops:
Vogue 8248 in brown floral cotton
Vogue 8248 in white/burgundy cotton print
Jalie 2005, view A, in yellow jersey knit
Jalie 2787, view A, in paisley lycra knit
Jalie 2788, view B, in blue lycra knit
Jalie 2566, view A, in burgundy knit

Bottoms:
Vogue 8366, view B, cropped pant in dark denim
Vogue 8302 skirt in dark denim
Vogue 8302 pants in dark denim
Burda 8085, view B, pants in dark denim

Vogue 8248 in cotton print

Jalie 2788 Twist Top in pale blue jersey

Jalie 2787 in paisley, what a pretty sleeve

Nina's Comments on SWAP:
Hay eveyone
It is done!! I finished the Timmel SWAP!!
and it looks like spring is finally going to happen - it's been a long time coming, that is for sure.
I will be able to wear the clothes that I have just finished; how cool is that?
One of the things that SWAP has done for me was get me to work on pants fitting that is still a work in progress but it is getting better. All of the pants and items I have made for SWAP are wearable, not quite perfect but that is ok , I am just so happy to have finished and on time too.

Link to Nina's photo site

Link to Nina's blog

All eleven pieces

White blouse with olive pants

Floral blouse with black wide leg pants

Nancy's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe Pattern :
New Look 6735 used for cardigan jacket, wide leg pants, gored skirt, and two tops

Tops:
BWOF 1/2008 #122 blouse in white cotton broadcloth
New Look 6515 blouse in floral rayon crepe
New Look 6735 top in stretch velvet burn-out
BWOF 2/2008 #119 tie-neck blouse in geometric print poly chiffon
New Look 6735 top in black/white cotton knit
Cristine Johnson turtleneck in rayon jersey

Bottoms:
BWOF 12/2006 #121 pants in olive rayon gabardine
New Look 6735 wide leg pants in black ponte knit
New Look 6735 gored skirt in black ponte knit
Simplicity 4787 skirt in olive/cream wool tweed

velvet burnout top with black knit skirt

Chiffon tie neck blouse with black gored skirt

Black/olive knit cardigan, black/white striped knit top, and olive/cream wool tweed skirt

Nancy's Comments on SWAP:
As a fifth grade teacher, I need clothes that look professional, yet are comfortable and easy to wear and take care of. I have fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, so I don't want to have to fuss over my clothes or decisions about what to wear in the mornings. The SWAP concept fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Living in the Central Valley of California, we have very hot summers and very cold winters. Our spring and fall are very short, so I wanted to create a wardrobe that would work both for spring and fall. I also wanted to reduce my stash a little bit. Most of my pieces were made from fabrics already in my stash! The SWAP guidelines recommend using TNT (tried and true) patterns or ones that are easy to sew. I tried to both where possible. New Look 6735 was chosen as my basic wardrobe pattern for its ease of style and variety of pieces. I think the combination of easy knit pieces with a few detailed garments makes a great, workable wardrobe. I am very happy with the combination of pieces I ended up with and have already been wearing a variety of outfits from the plan. I did change a couple of items from my original plan, but this is working for me and coordinates with many other things I already have in my closet. Thanks to Julie for creating the contest and the motivation to complete the wardrobe!

Robin models blue blouse
with charcoal gored skirt

The entire collection

Robin's storyboard sets her plan

Robin's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe pattern: Vogue 8044, used for jacket, skirt, and pants

Coat: Burda WOF 12/2007 #129, coat

Jacket: Vogue 8044 in charcoal tweed

Tops:
Three Tee shirts with neckline and sleeve variations
Burda WOF 04/08 #106 blouse with pin tucks

Bottoms:
BML Classic skirt in paisley fabric
Vogue 2948 pants in black
Vogue 8044 pants in charcoal
Vogue 8044 gored skirt in charcoal

Vogue coat has large collar
and interesting back detail

Pin tucked blouse with paisley skirt

Robin models red silk tunic
with black pants from Vogue 2948

Robin's Comments on SWAP:
The Timmel SWAP ranks up there as one of the most challenging sewing projects I have ever undertaken. The hardest part was the planning each piece to work with all the rest. The paisley brocade drove the color selection which relies heavily on black, white and red with a few other colors thrown into the mix. My goal was to create a collection of separates I could wear on a Saturday afternoon browsing an art museum in Washington DC or coffee at a bistro with my husband.

Although it was hard to plan, it was actually easier to sew once I had a plan. Once I had the image in mind, it was not hard to stay within the "story" of my collection. I did not second-guess myself - there was not enough time! I had to stay focused in order to complete the project. This is the best thing I have ever done for my wardrobe or my sewing. My skills were stronger by the end, just from the constant effort of learning new techniques and solving problems.

Link to Robin's sewing blog and more photos

Eleven pieces in dramatic red, black, white, and blue denim

Wrap sweater with black pants

Vacuuming can be a class act in vintage circle skirt and red/white knit top

Summerset's patterns and fabrics:
Wardrobe Pattern :
Vintage Simplicity 1170 used for two blouses, skirt and shorts

Coat/Jacket:
Trench coat in red taffeta, pattern is from Patrones but I'm not sure which issue or model as the pattern and fabric were given to me

Tops:
Burda WOF 4/07, #107B sweater in white cotton knit
Simplicity 4076, view D, t-shirt in black cotton knit
Vintage Simplicity 1170, tunic/blouse in white cotton
Burda WOF 1/08 #116 top in red/white knit

Bottoms:
Vintage Simplicity 1170 shorts in blue denim
Patrones 1/08 Model #41 trousers in black stretch wool
Patrones 6/07 Model #13 jeans in blue denim
Vintage Simplicity 1170 circle skirt in white cotton poplin

Dresses:
Vintage Simplicity 2149 shirt dress, combination of Views 1 & 2, in red linen
Butterick 4788, view A mock wrap dress in paisley jersey knit

Taffeta trench coat in fire engine red

Shorts with cotton blouse

Classic red shirt dress with red shoes of course!

Summerset's Comments on SWAP:
Over the next few months, my job situation and lifestyle will be changing. Currently, I am a high school teacher, but will not be teaching in September. I will be going back to my "old job" of stay at home mom. This calls for a change in my wardrobe and what better way to update my wardrobe than with a SWAP? For inspiration, I looked to the ultimate TV mom, June Cleaver. She never looked frumpy or dumpy and always was well put together. While she certainly had a distinct style, I also felt that it could use a little upgrading for the twenty-first century. I looked to vintage and modern patterns to come up with a wardrobe that has a classic feel but allows me to look put together and comfortable. I couldn't not make a classic shirt dress or a circle skirt, so I made those from vintage patterns. I updated the classic day dress with a spandex knit version that is easy to wear and take care of. June's little cardigan sweaters got transformed into a wrap pull over sweater. I've added trousers and shorts to the wardrobe, which are a must for today's mom. Three more tops, an embellished t-shirt, a knit wrap top, and a white blouse in an unusual fabric, mix and match easily with the other pieces to provide outfits for every occasion - even if it is only vacuuming in pearls and heels.

Link to Summerset's blog and photos

Karen's 11 pieces in soothing fall shades

Vogue 2925 surplice dress in wool jersey

straight skirt with Jalie Sweetheart tee in bargello print

Karen's patterns and