Saturday, October 12, 2013

Next Challenge


Thanks so much for your votes and support in challenge #4! Though I can't respond to all of your comments, please know that I read and value each one! (And some just crack me up!)

I made it through to the next challenge.

Challenge #5 has been posted. And, let me tell you, the competition is heating up. Though, in all honesty, I don't feel that I am really competing with other sewists. I am pushing myself and it's been great for my mojo. I really enjoy seeing what I can do with a challenge, even though I sometimes cringe on the first read through.

Let's take challenge #5, as a case in point:

Sewing a garment from a vintage pattern is challenging. The pintucks, pleats, and precise fit can be difficult to master. Choose a vintage pattern and modernize the piece. You can modernize your piece with styling, embellishment, or fabric.

You will be judged on difficulty, craftsmanship, how fashion forward your look is, and FIT!

Take your time, you will have two weeks to make it perfect!

This is definitely not my challenge! I am glad we have two weeks to complete it. I believe we were given an extra week because we have to secure a vintage pattern and, it's true, mine took several days to arrive. It arrived on Thursday and here it is, Saturday morning, and I have already made 4 quick muslins.

Yes, FOUR.

Why so many? I'll give you a clue. I have something that my competitors lack - a very full bust. And, despite the hype from movies and TV, that's not as much fun as it sounds.

I've been experimenting, and some of my experiments have not been an unqualified success.

Nevertheless, I am feeling hopeful and focused. And maybe a bit hungry. Time to run to the grocery store.

And, because I don't like to leave you empty handed, here is some eye candy. I was sent this link by a blog reader, and it's in French, but you can enjoy the pictures. If the item hasn't sold out, you can click and see more detail. (I forgot to ask S if I could share her name, so I won't for now. If it's OK, S, I will update the blog post. And thanks!)

15 comments:

  1. Felicidades on moving to the next challenge! A vintage pattern updated? That is a true challenge! Of course I can't wait to see your fashion eye at work!

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  2. If it's any comfort, vintage patterns are no kinder to small busts. I've been through 6+ partial muslins to fit my wee bust! (Which may also attest to my poor drafting skills.) I agree that these challenges are great for pushing myself, more so than competing against the other lovely ladies!

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    1. Meg, I love your entries! So fun to watch all of you, thanks for putting yourself out there!

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  3. Oof. Good luck! This sounds like a tough one. I'm looking forward to seeing what you all create, though!

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  4. I have no doubt you'll rescue vintage from it's costumey cuteness. I am the exact wrong age for vintage love - it simply reminds me that I never wanted to look like my gran - and now so many women look like my gran!

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  5. I'm eager to see which pattern you've chosen and what you do with it. Please thank your contributor for the eye candy. Great ideas there!

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  6. I'm glad you're enjoying the challenge. I know we all are enjoying it too. So much easier from where we sit. This will be an interesting one, because when I think of Shams, I don't immediately think of vintage sewing. :-) In the words of the immortal Tim Gunn (big profile in NY Times today), we know you will "make it work!"

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  7. I must admit, when I saw the description for this challenge my heart sank. You and vintage sewing don't seem to go together. Having said that, I am sure you will create something wonderful, because you always do. Good luck.

    PS-FOUR muslins! OMG.

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  8. I´m so eager to see what you´ll be sewing for yourself. I don´t think I ever saw you wearing anything vintage-like, I´m so curious!

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  9. You must be in overdrive with this challenge. I know you will produce something wonderful...with a touch of vintage.

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  10. I think this will be a transforming experience...and you are up for it! Totally.

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  11. Four muslins?!? I can't wait to see your final creation -- vintage, Shams-style!

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  12. Darn it...I hate waiting to see what you come up with! But from your point of view, it's great that you have more time, so I'll try to be patient. There are some very cool vintage periods -- it doesn't have to be all pintucks, pleats and frills. I'm really looking forward to this one. Go Shams!

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  13. So good to hear your optimism with this challenge. I just know your garment is going to be fabulous, so hang in there!

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