Announcing Seasonal Sew Wardrobe 2017: Launch and FAQ

**Updates and Clarifications In RED**
I have a new challenge for you... Are you game?

I want to know: How deep does your stash go?

Since we launched the Seasonal Sew Wardrobe Challenges last January, I've been amazed at the imagination and creations of our Sew Alongs & Sewing Contest Members. We are launching our next session on January 1, 2017. This time around there are some twists and turns designed to pull you out of your comfort zone just a little bit, and encourage you to push yourself. 

The Focus

January is a time of renewal, goal setting and getting back on track after a season of indulgence. I have binged and splurged far more than my fair share, and that's why it was decided this season's SSW will focus on using what we already have. 

How many patterns have you grabbed only for them to be buried by the next inspiration to come along?

How many yards of fabric have you purchased for that great project idea only to find a year (or two, or ten) later that it's still sitting on your shelf? ...Likely discarded by loss of interest, fear of ruining it or just because it kept getting pushed down the project queue when something newer and shinier struck your eye.

Pull out those patterns you always meant to make...consider that fabric on your shelf with new eyes... Announcing SSW:Deep Stash!

Rules To Note

It's not enough for me to challenge you to use what you have. No, no. I've seen what the group is capable of, and so I'm turning it up another notch. 

1. Each item must be made with a pattern acquired prior to January 1, 2017.
2. Strongly consider only using stashed fabric as well. (We understand the need to grab a couple yards if you need jeans, but have no denim in your stash).
3. You must sew all 8 items for the same person.
4. No accessories! Wearable garments only.
5. No repeats or multiples. You can make more than one version of a pattern, but it will only count as one item. 
6. Caption the photos in your SSW album with an item number.
7. One entry per person (sewer). Don't rush, take the time to fit and craft your garments!
8. Items must be sewn between January 1st and April 30th, 2017.
9. It's absolutely OK to change your mind as you sew through this challenge....as long as your new choices follow the rules!

FAQ Details

What are the challenge dates?

The challenge starts January 1, 2017 with a submission deadline of 11:59pm April 30th (Eastern Time Zone)

Registration Deadline
This contest has proven to be overwhelmingly popular. As a result, we are adding a registration deadline of January 31st 11:59 PM EST. Registration is completed by creating your SSW:DS album in the group photos tab. Be sure to include your Facebook name and SSW:DS in the title of your album so we know it's yours.

Who is eligible?

All members of the Facebook Group Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests can participate. We accept and encourage participation at all levels from beginner to advanced. If you are somehow reading this and aren't part of the group, you can click the link and send us a message to join.

How do I participate?

Check out this challenge's theme and rules. Select fabric and 8 different patterns....get sewing! Be sure to register by January 31st by creating your SSW:DS album in the group photo tab.

Are there Prizes? 

YES! All qualifying members will be entered into a random drawing for the prize.  Only albums that meet all the requirements indicated here and in the Facebook Group page will be entered into the drawing. If your name is drawn, you will win everything listed below. Please click the links and check out our generous sponsors.

Random Drawing Winner Prizes:
Ralph Pink, 1 PDF pattern
Waffle Patterns, 2 PDF patterns
Sew Chic, 1 PDF pattern
Mrs Depew Vintage, 1 PDF pattern
Filles A Maman, 1 PDF pattern
Decades of Style, 1 PDF pattern
Craftsy, 1 Class

How do I qualify?

Each participant needs to have an Album in the group photos tab for pictures of their finished items. Please make sure the album title contains your name and "SSW:DS" (Seasonal Sew Wardrobe Deep Stash). Step-By-Step directions for creating an album are detailed below. Make sure photos of your wardrobe pieces are uploaded to your album by 11:59pm April 30th (Eastern Time Zone) and are captioned with the item name and number. For example:"#1 Jeans". This type of organization helps Admin keep track of our growing member participation accurately. You will need at least 8 qualifying pieces to be entered into the drawing. Here is a link to a sample photo album.

What patterns do I have to use?

The focus of this Seasonal Sew Wardrobe challenge is Deep Stash. You don't need to buy anything special to participate. In fact, new purchases don't qualify! To be considered "STASH", patterns/fabric need to have been acquired prior to January 1, 2017. I won't be requiring proof of acquisitions, but the whole point of this theme is to dig into something you have, but never got around to using...patterns and fabric that are languishing in a pile of "someday". If you accept this challenge, we expect you to play by the rules!

NO self drafted patterns or tutorials. Please use DESIGNER-DRAFTED stash patterns.

Magazines/books such as Burda or Colette Handbook which include drafted patterns are OK to use.

You can use a previously sewn pattern, but the point of the challenge is to push you to dig into your stash. I can't stop you, but Please don't cheat yourself by making 8 TNT patterns!

How many items do I need to sew?

As many as you like. One entry per person (sewer), with a minimum of 8 wearable garments. 

Does the wardrobe have to be for me?

No. You can sew for someone else if you like, but all items need to be for the same person.

Can I use a pre-made garment?

Not this time. We have 4 months to sew 8 garments, so please only enter items sewn between January 1st to April 30th 2017. 

What if I finish a UFO or a WIP during that time?

I'm sorry, UFOs and WIPs are not eligible for this challenge.

What about finished items from Pop-Up Sew Along Challenges?

Any wearable garment completed for a Pop-Up challenge during SSW:DS may be included in your SSW:DS wardrobe.

Are accessories eligible items?

No. This time all 8 minimum items need to be wearable garments: Shirts, pants, dresses, cardigans, jackets, ect. If you want to include a coordinating accessory in your wardrobe, that is great! However, it won't count toward your total to qualify for the prize drawing.

Is lingerie eligible?

Undergarments are not being included in this challenge. If it's inappropriate to wear when your son has a friend sleeping over, it's considered lingerie.

Are Bathing Suits/Coverups eligible?

Bathing suits are OK. If you want to make a bathing suit cover up, you'll need a bathing suit in your wardrobe!

Are PJs/Robes eligible?
"Pajamas" must include both a top and bottom. Robes and "house coats" are OK.

Are costumes eligible?
No, this is a wardrobe challenge for the things you will wear regularly.

What sort of items can I sew?

Include balanced coverage for the top and bottom half of the body in your wardrobe. Collections of all tops or all bottoms are ineligible for this challenge. A wardrobe of all dresses/toppers qualifies, but if you make tops, you will need bottoms.

Examples:

Bottoms: skirts, pants, shorts, culottes

Tops: Blouses, t-shirts, button-down shirts, sweaters/sweatshirts, tank tops

Toppers/Outerwear: robe, cardigan, jacket, coat, hoodie, blazer 

Misc: Dresses, overalls, jumpsuit

I don't like skirts, do I have to sew skirts or dresses to qualify?

NO! As long as you can cover both halves of your body with your wardrobe, you can sew any combination of tops, pants, skirts, dresses and toppers you like.

On the topic of multiples

You can sew a pattern as many times as you like. Maybe you will discover a new TNT. However, multiples and repeats will only count once. 8 different patterns will need to be used to complete this challenge.

You can use multiple views of "wardrobe" patterns, as long as they are different garment types. (shirt and jacket, skirt and pants, ect)

It's OK to hack a stashed pattern to work for your style, but only one view counts. (no multiple pieces with different hacks of the same pattern).

You can mash multiple patterns, as long as they are both from your stash.

Is there a social media hashtag?

Yes!  #SSWDeepStash

How do I create an Album?

FROM YOUR COMPUTER:

1. Click the "photos" link at the top center of the group page 
2. Select "albums" 
3. On the right-hand side, select "create album" 
4. Select a picture from your computer, via the box that pops up, to start your album. 
5. After the photo loads, you can add a caption if you like. 
6. On the left-hand side, change the date to your album name. Your album should contain your name and SSW1 so that your wardrobe pictures can be easily found. 
7. Add additional photos now or later as you like. 
8. Press the blue "post" button on the lower left-hand side when you are done. 

FROM YOUR PHONE:

1. Select "info" from the top of the group page 
2. Select "photos" 
3. Select "Albums" 
4. Select "Create New Album" 
5. Change album title to one that contains your name and SSW:DS so that your wardrobe pictures can be easily found. 
6. Add an album description if you like 
7. Hit "create" 
8. Add photos now or later as desired. 

FROM YOUR iPHONE:

1. Click to add a photo on the main page.
2. Choose photo
3. Underneath your name at the top of the screen: click "+ Album"
4. Choose "Create Album"
5. Name the title to include your name and SSW:SE
6. If you would like add a description!
7. Click "Save"
8. Click "Upload" (You can add a caption to the photo as well if you'd like)
9. Congratulations! Your album is now created to add more photos now or later!

FROM THE FACEBOOK GROUPS APP

On iPhone if you're in the groups app -

1. Go to the group. At the bottom you'll see pic icon which takes you to photos. 
2. At top of that, there is an Albums tab. Click that. 
3. Then, at the very top right, click the + to create your album!

I need some additional help

No problem! Just post your question in the Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests Group page and tag Crystal Rice, Jewel McClellan and/or Judy Flatt O'Day. We can help!

Join the conversation at our Group's Facebook Page, Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests, and share what you are working on this week!

Have you missed one of the Seasonal Sew Wardrobe 2017 posts? Find all the links HERE.