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Seasonal Sew Wardrobe Spring 2016 Launch and FAQ

Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests Group is launching its first long-term sew along challenge: Seasonal Sew Wardrobe #1! Between February 1st and May 31st 2016, make and post your 8 piece wardrobe in the Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests page (details below) to be entered into a drawing to win some great prizes. 

With four months to sew a minimum of 8 pieces, it is hoped that everyone will feel encouraged to participate in this fun and flexible way for us to sew together. At the end, you'll have a fantastic new seasonal wardrobe! If you are a slow or very busy sewer, you will lots have time to work. If you are a quick or skilled sewer, you will have time to take on one or two (or more....) advanced projects. Since there are no rules about finishing early or starting late, you can make your pieces at whatever pace is comfortable for you, as long as they are all submitted before the deadline. If you have any questions after browsing the FAQ below, or during the contest, please post them on the Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests Group page and tag Crystal Rice and/or Judy Flatt O'Day. We will respond right away.

What are the challenge dates?
The challenge starts February 1, 2016 with a submission deadline of 11:59pm May 31st (Eastern Time Zone)

Who is eligible?
All members of the Facebook Group Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests can participate. 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?
Pick a theme that suits you and sew garments that work together as a wardrobe to fit that theme.

Are there Prizes? **UPDATED MAY 2, 2016***
YES! All qualifying members will be entered into a random drawing for the prize. 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:
Natures Fabrics Gift Voucher for $30
Named, 1 PDF pattern of your choice
Ralph Pink, 1 PDF pattern of your choice
Itch-to-stitch, 1 PDF pattern of your choice
Decades of Syle, 1 pattern of your choice

A second prize package has been added to the Spring 2016 Seasonal Sew Wardrobe Challenge! The second prize package will be a "Member's Choice" and awarded to the qualifying participant who receives the most votes for his/her Wardrobe. The Member's Choice Voting Survey will be open to all members of the Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests Facebook group from June 1st to June 8th, with the Member's Choice Winner being announced on June 10 2016.

"Member's Choice" Award Prizes:
Craftsy One class of your choice
Pauline Alice, 1 PDF pattern of your choice
Fille A Maman, 1 PDF pattern of your choice
Thread Theory, 1 PDF pattern of your choice
Peekaboo Patterns, 1 PDF pattern of your choice

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 "SSW1" (Seasonal Sew Wardrobe #1). 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 May 31st (Eastern Time Zone). You will need at least 8 pieces to qualify for the drawing.

What patterns do I have to use?
Any pattern you like. Anything you have in your stash, purchase or self draft is great! You don't need to buy anything special to participate.

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, as this meant to be a coordinating wardrobe.

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 February-May 2016.

What if I finish a UFO or a WIP during that time?
If you finish a UFO or WIP that fits your wardrobe during the contest time frame, you can absolutely include it. 

What about finished items from the monthly Sew Along challenge?
If you finish an item for Feb/Mar/Apr/May monthly sew-a-long that fits your wardrobe, you can absolutely include it.

How many items do I need to sew?
As many as you want, with a minimum of 8.

What do you mean by "Theme"?
If you work in an office setting, you may want to sew things to wear to your job.
If you are going on vacation, you may want to sew things to wear on your trip.
You may want to sew for the upcoming season (warm or cold weather items depending on your atmosphere).
You might just want to sew for your lifestyle. For example, I'm pretty sure my theme will be "Working From Home".

What sort of items can I sew?
Garments that work together as a wardrobe fitting whatever theme you select. For example, for my Working From Home Wardrobe, I might include easy to wear knit tops, lounge pants, jeans, slippers, a robe, cardigans, sweatshirts ect.

Garment Suggestions:
Bottoms: skirts, pants, shorts, culottes
Tops: Blouses, t-shirts, button-down shirts, sweaters/sweatshirts, tank tops
Toppers/Outerwear: robe, cardigan, jacket, coat, hoodie, blazer, beach cover-up
Misc: Dresses, bathing suit
Accessories: bags, clutches, purses, totes, scarves, hats, slippers

Can I make a wardrobe of accessories?
No. Of the 8 minimum items, only 1 may be an accessory. The other 7 must be wearable garments. If you want to include a tote bag and a scarf in your wardrobe, you'll need to sew 9 items so that you still have the minimum of 7 wearable garments.

I don't like skirts, do I have to sew skirts or dresses to qualify?
NO!!! And if sewing pants terrifies you, feel free to make a wardrobe of all skirts with no pants!

How do I create an Album?
My album has been created and is available within the group photo album page as an example.

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 SSW1 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.
I need some additional help.
No problem! Just post your question in the Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests Group page and tag Crystal Rice and/or Judy Flatt O'Day. We can help!

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