Monday, September 9, 2013

It's a Contest!


More than a week ago I tentatively entered a sewing contest. I entered the FabricMart Fabricista Fashion Challenge. I did not know if I would be selected, so I kept mum about it.

I just learned that I am one of the ten sewists selected to compete.

This could be a little intense, especially given my work schedule.

They chose the following picture (off my blog) for their post. It was taken before my weight loss.

I assume they chose this picture because it uses a gorgeous Armani fabric that I purchased from FabricMart.

But this project features two gorgeous coatings from FM:

And this is a wool I also bought from them:

And I think I like either of those selfies a bit better. lol. (If you are new to the term "selfie", it is a picture of oneself.)

The first challenge, which begins today (though it will have to begin after work for me), is the following:

First Challenge: Recycled Challenge

You have one week to complete this challenge.

The challenge: Make a garment out of recycled materials or materials that would have otherwise been thrown away, such as scraps from your sewing room or grocery bags. You can reconstruct a garment to make it more fashion forward and utilize unconventional items to add accessories and embellishments. Be creative!

This challenge will be judged first by the Fabricistas on creativity, functionality, personality, and fit.

Then our readers will get a chance to vote for their favorite design.

This is particularly ironic, as just yesterday I was reading Marcy Tilton's blog post about the fall cleanup of her studio. I asked her, in the comments, what she does with scraps, as I could be buried alive under mine. (And I just now see that she answered me!) I am too embarrassed to even take a picture of my scrap stash, but it consists of many bags under my kitchen table.

And then some.

So this challenge is quite exciting, as I first get to do some excavating. I hope it doesn't trigger any allergies. :)

By the way, I am very excited that my friend, Peggy, is also participating in this challenge. I admire her work and her free spirited style. We met through my blog (I don't believe that she was blogging at the time) a couple years ago and then she invited me out to Pennsylvania for a road trip. Our entire itinerary was planned around a pilgrimage to Fabric Mart! (I also extended invitations to Carolyn and Noile, which is how we met in person! All four of us had so much fun shopping at FabricMart.)

How fitting. :)

So stay tuned. I will be posting the projects I make for this competition. When it's time to vote, I hope you participate!

69 comments:

  1. WooHoo!!! Super congratulations! You know you'll have my 100% support in this - SO proud of you! Now we just need to get the PTB at your work to understand that some things may take precedence during the next 10 weeks ;-)

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    1. Thanks, Jillian! We'll see if I last all the way to the end. I do have to work late tonight, it just so happens!

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  2. Good for you! I can't wait to see what you come up with! LMK if you need more scraps...:)

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    1. LOL. I'm drowning in scraps, but thanks anyway! Though you would have some in lovely colors. ;)

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  3. Congrats my friend! Can't wait to see what you mke for the first challenge. I'm sure it will be marvelous!!!

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  4. Oh Yay!! Congratulations on being chosen to participate--how fun and exciting. I'm so looking forward to seeing what you (and Peggy) create!

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  5. Good luck! I can't wait to see how this contest brings out your creativity!

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  6. Whatever you create will be a winner! congrats on being chosen.

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  7. Congrats Shams! I know you'll produce some fabulous garments and I'll be in your corner cheering you on.

    Karen

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  8. Congratulations!

    I am new to the term 'selfies' but this is the 2nd time today I have heard it! Thanks for the explanation.

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    1. Glad I could extend your trendy vocabulary, Terry. And thanks!

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  9. You go girl. Know you sew some outstanding garments.

    As to scraps - I found this wonderful non-profit in Chicago called Envision Unlimited. It's a collaborative stuido for artists with developmental and intelletual disabilities. They take fabric scraps, notions, sewing equipment, yarn, embroidery, weavig, paint, canvas and ceramics and turn them into fabulous pieces of artwork - which they then sell. Their huge fabric scrap rugs are glorious. I'm guessing you might find something similar in your part of the country.

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    1. Thanks, ReAnn! Already I have thrown away some of the icky scraps that I would never use. That has helped!

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  10. Congratulations, Sharon! I'm also rooting for you!

    I would love to see your bag of scraps and see how you utilize (some of) them. I'm glad to hear that you store your bags under the kitchen table, too. LOL! Your blog documents many successful projects and I recall at least 2 projects that are successful refashion projects (the bathroom rug from jeans and FabMo project). Your creativity knows no bounds!

    Rose in SV

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    1. Thanks, Rose! I have *so* many FabMo scraps, that was another way I could have gone. But I didn't. :)

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  11. Woo Hoo! Can't wait to see all your creations, Congrats!

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  12. Oh, you are so right for this. I'll be cheering you on!!

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    1. Thanks, Rhonda! I think this will be a lot of fun!

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  13. So glad you were chosen to participate and can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  14. Thanks for mentioning me! I had already written my last blog post before reading yours but wish you all the best of luck and fun. I have some great memories of your trip to see me and the Fabric Mart visit. Let's have another get-together with the other two when this is over!

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    1. Best of luck to you, too, Peggy! This first challenge is *right* up your alley!

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  15. Congratulations! Too bad you've lost so much weight--you could use up so many more scraps in your former size! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

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    1. LOL, KC. That's an interesting way to look at it. And thanks!

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  16. How exciting! I cam to your blog to comment on the great top you posted yesterday and found this new entry. I cannot wait to see what you create for this first challenge. I just hope that in this challenge contestants will not be eliminated along the way. I want to see what everyone does for each of the challenges.
    Peggy A. (from Taos)

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  17. Of course you were chosen...they're not crazy, you're fantastic. Have fun!

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    1. Thanks, Gayle, for your vote of confidence! :)

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  18. Congrats Shams!I'm glad you were chosen, and can't wait to see your creations for it.

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    1. Thanks much, yoshimi! I am almost ready to send you an envelope!

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  19. shams--whoo whoo is right -- very cool!!! Good luck and have fun with it!

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  20. What a fun challenge! I am looking forward to hearing more as the contest continues. Good luck!!

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  21. Good luck! I'm cheering you on!!

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  22. Best of luck! I know you will do well.

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  23. Wow, congratulations! I'll be following along and cheering too. So glad you entered and of course I'm not surprised you were chosen. Have fun :) and I look forward to seeing what you make. Hoping work isn't too pressured at the same time.

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  24. Congratulations and wishing you good luck! I´ll be following see if I can learn what to do with my scraps too!

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  25. Wishing you tons of luck! I'll be cheering for you in my little corner.

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  26. Congratulations on being chosen. You're so very deserving.

    Oh boy .. this is going to be SO much fun to watch unfold. You're gonna create something totally spectacular and special. Can't wait to see your creative juices really kick into high gear for this interesting challenge. Work .. can't it take a bit of a back seat .. .. just for a wee, tiny time? LOL .. yeah, I know, I know.

    Don't forget your Embellisher .. all those scraps: I'm sure your bags are chock full of interest, color and patterns. There must be a few there completely willing to be blended, bonded, textured and fabulously transformed for this noble challenge.. ;)

    This is perfect for you .. just have a whole bunch of fun! Your ShamsFans will be rooting for ya.

    ~Joy~

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    1. Thanks, Joy, for that huge vote of confidence! My embellisher is currently on loan, but I do plan to get it back. But that is a good idea!

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  27. Oooh! This will be exciting for us bystanders! You'll be great. Sorry your work schedule is bad at this point, but that's always the way. I'd love to see your many bags of scraps under the kitchen.

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    1. Thanks, Meredith! I took a few pics, but we'll see if I post any. ;)

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  28. Congrats and good luck! I can't wait to see what everyone creates! I'm also a contestant!

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    1. Thanks, Tanya! Nice to meet another contestant. Good luck!

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  29. Congrats on the challenge. The results will be so interesting. I love the pic FM chose because it shows your vivacity. The other two are great but not as engaging. JMHO.

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  30. Fantastic!! I'm sure you can count on a deluge of votes, including mine. Congratulations!

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  31. well, that is very cool! I also like Peggy's work a lot. I look forward to seeing how you both progress!

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    1. Yes, Peggy is free spiriting and inspiring. Thanks, Kate!

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  32. Some of my fav creative minds are in this- I cant wait to see the projects!

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  33. I'm looking forward to seeing what you create!

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