Lolita Runway Challenge Outline

Hello and welcome to the first Lolita Runway Challenge!

The topic of this challenge is: Create a replica!

Originally I was going to put up a post to vote on the dress we would be ispired by/replicating, but after I suggested any variety of BABY's tartan check JSKs, most people seemed to want that one, so that's what we're going with ^u^

I only grabbed a few varieties of JSK (images under the cut because there are quite a few) but basically, if it is called "tartan something JSK" by BABY, you can use it.

I will also post a series of deadlines for when to complete each step. If there are any suggestions or requests to lengthen or shorten the time frames, just comment below! You can also discuss amongst yourselves in the comments section (make sure you opt to receive email notification for replies to your comment or replies to this entry)

















Time Frame:
1) Choose a JSK to replicate, post an image of it, and draw/edit/describe what you are going to make and if you are making any changes. A fashion drawing or technical flat is optional.
Example: a fully shirred JSK with elastic straps, lace at the hem and along the top, a ribbon at the waist, and removable waist ties.
Deadline: July 7th

2) Choose and purchase materials, and post photos of them. The fabric only needs to by some sort of tartan. It can be printed, woven, tartan combined with other prints, or you can add solid colors to some panels of your dress, but tartan must be a feature.
Budget: US$50. If you are using leftover material, estimate the value.
Deadline: July 15th

3) Draft, drape, or alter patterns if using. Post photos of your patterns (this step I am not sure if it should be necessary)
Deadline: July 30th

4) Make your dress. Post at least one in-progress photo, please!
Deadline: September 10th

5) Do a small photoshoot of your dress coordinated into one or more complete outfits! You can make accessories, make it casual, dress it up, do a one dress many styles photoshoot, whatever! This is really just for fun and because dress-on-person usually looks way better than dress-on-dressform/bed/floor/hanger
Deadline: none or maybe September 30

Please let me know if there is anything you would like to add or change!

The idea of prizes has also been brought up. How do you all feel about prizes? Would anybody be willing to donate a prize to the winner if we turn this into a contest?

Please comment below with any ideas about voting/prizes/donations if this sounds like it would be fun. If there is enough interest, I will add a poll to the sidebar for voting!

Lolita Runway Challenge: Project Summer

I was chatting with another Lolita and came up with the idea for a Project Runway-type challenge that spans the summer. If successful, there could be more challenges in the future, but we're starting simple for now.

The timeline would, of course, be much longer than the Project Runway timeline.
1) Challenge Announcement
2) Fashion Sketch or Fashion Drawing or Technical Flats (basically, get your idea in)
3) Material Hunt
4) Drape, Pattern, Alter, etc.
5) Sew forever
6) Photo and post!

The first challenge would be to make a replica, but you can change the details. It still must be obvious which dress you are replicating (I wanted everybody to replicate the same dress to see everybody's take on it, but that can change). This would be an easier first challenge because you can simply make an exact replica if altering patterns or designing are not your forte. This allows beginners to participate as well as seasoned seamstresses (see if you can make it EXACTLY like the original!)

Would anybody be interested in a fun little challenge like this? There would be deadlines for each step that you have to meet or you are eliminated. Nobody will be eliminated by judges, only by missing deadlines unless there is a good reason for a delay.

Summer is a good time to brush up on your sewing skills and flex those creativity muscles! Even if you are not interested or able to participate, please help to spread the word in case anybody else would like to try :)

In two weeks' time, if there is any interest we can set up the timeline ^u^v

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, etc. I would LOVE to hear them!!! I have never run anything like this before so I think it would be lovely to hear your thoughts! I may be forgetting important details or setting the bar too high/low, so let me know!