Before I get started: I forgot to mention I finally met Cidell of Miss Celies Pants and a good friend of hers at our fabric showcase. She's the one to thank for all this as it was she who notified me of the competition! We had a nice short chat about the showcase, smwyg and wax print fabrics. Maybe we can actually sit down and talk "sewing" one of these days =)


So, the SMWYG competition is long gone. In this post, I'll take you through what I did (and why).

To start, here is the information we were given regarding the judging:

Judging criteria for Round 3: Judges scores will not be numeric and in the event all judges cannot agree, the majority will rule.
1. Unity of entire collection
2. Use and versatility of IKEA fabric
3. Incorporation and diversity of other IKEA materials used
4. Overall creativity

As before, each outfit must be at least 80% IKEA stuff and you should receive NO help with completing your collection.

Okay, so the designs for this round should have really been amped up since the judges know their fashion and will generally differ in opinion from the general public. I made 4 sketches. The final outfits varied to some extent from what I originally planned as I was reeeeaally short on time due to an overseas trip right smack in the middle of the whole thing. So, with only 2 weeks for execution, I thought “simple and to the point!”. What I learned from this competition is that on the runway, subtle effects are not seen so you need to be bold and dramatic. Point DEFINITELY taken!

I made the qualifying outfit the #1 outfit in the collection and went to look for fabric that will go with the styles and fit together as a collection. So, I got the idea of nature: flowers and feathers, and decided to move the colors from black and white to red and white. The last fabric was basically tumbleweed =).

So, here’s the line up with pictures of the “details” I did for each outfit and the slideshow follows after it:

Outfit #1
Dress:
Saralisa in White/Black
Black fabric from personal stash
Button and Black and White Feathers from Joann’s

Detail:
Feathers & Button


Outfit #2
Top:
Kajsa Panel Curtain
Minna Fabric in Bleached

Skirt:
Ikea Stockholm Blad in Gray
Wilma Sheer Curtain in White
Alvine Spets Lace Curtain (bought by the yard)
Black Piping and Hem Binding from Joann’s

Bracelet (originally necklace) from Hultet Bamboo Drape

Hair:
Black and White Feathers from Joann’s

Detail:
Sheer Center Panel Accent


Outfit #3
Dress:
Majken in White/Light Gray/Orange
Gisela in Orange/Red/Pink
Orange Piping from Joann’s

Hair:
Smycka Artificial Sunflower

Detail:
Pleated Front Flap


One sided Pleat and Off Center Slit with Orange Peek-a-boo Panel


Outfit #4
Top:
Wilma Sheer Curtain in White
Alvine Spets Lace Curtain
White Organza from Joann’s

Skirt:
Fredrika in Orange/Red
Gisela in Orange/Red/Pink

Hair:
Dark Orange Feathers from Joann’s

Detail:
Lace Layered in-between Sheer Fabric


Outfit #5
Dress:
Katrin Fabric in Red/White
Gisela in Orange/Red/Pink
Lill Net Curtain
Wilma Sheer Curtain in White

Hair:
Symcka Artificial Hydrangeas
Coils from Hultet Bamboo Drape

Detail:
Molded Paneled Bust


Inverted V-slit to reveal Under Layers


Well, mishaps were not absent =) The zipper on the red dress broke and I had to make a bunny tail (which I hate =) with the tulle under layers to hide it, my models walked on out of sequence, the gray skirt remained hung up no matter how much the model tugged at it while walking and yours truly was frazzled through it all. It was a wonderful experience, nonetheless. Here are the pictures: