SWAP thoughts

I have found it much different working on last year's SWAP and this year's. I started ealier this year and have found it much easier to plan. Also, I have had a year to purchase coordinating fabrics.
Last year's SWAP my my first attempt to move away from black clothing. I have found it doesn't flatter me as much as it used to (or maybe I thought it used to) but I wasn't sure what colours to choose. In the end, the SWAP was comprised of several pieces I never wear. Colour and style are the big deterrants in wearing the other pieces.
From Julie's site, http://www.timmelfabrics.com/ with my notes in italics.

Last year's SWAP was based on greens and beige, with navy and aqua accents

Jacket: Loes Hinse Kimono Jacket in green rayon/linen -Never wear- not enough shape
Tops:
Butterick 6600 in lime/white striped stretch cotton/poly blend - wear occasionally in summer
Kwik Sew 2694 scoop neck tee modified in navy knit - gave away
Kwik Sew 2694 wrap top modified in aqua wool knit from Mum's stash - I do wear this one
Vogue 8322 V-neck blouse in navy silk/cotton sateen - rarely wear
Kwik Sew 2946 tank top modified - reversible in beige matalasse to charmeuse silk -never wear:fit
Kwik Sew 2694 wrap top modified in sage rayon/poly knit -never wear because of colour
Bottoms:
Taupe trousers, drafted from RTW, in cotton/lycra blend - wear
Ankle length pant, drafted from RTW, in sage cotton/lycra - never wear:colour
Camel trouser, self-drafted, in brushed cotton/lycra - wear frequently
Purchased item, RTW pant from Talbot's in sage cotton/lycra -never wear:colour

I have learned a lot from going over this SWAP. Sage is not my colour. It is too light and not really flattering on my skin.
I tend to wear one colour or value from neckline to hem, with a colour or value contrasting piece worn undone over top. This "column" is usually medium dark to dark and is supposed to make me look taller (and therefore not as wide). The third piece worn over and undone is to further divide the width while allowing the column effect to remain. Last year's SWAP did not give me many pieces close enough in value to provide me my coloumn.

The current SWAP has two shirts which can be worn buttoned up or over a top, three wrap tops which work for layering under a light coat and one top that can be worn on its own or under a shirt.

In the Fall I decided to make some basics and a few interesting jackets to go over top. Once made I realized that jackets don't fit so well under the heavy winter coats required for this non-driver in the cold Ontario winter. Softer cardigans make more sense. Great winter coats (which can be worn open at, say, the mall) make more sense. Spring coats are perfect for this look. Coats are what I need! A multitude of coats! Did I ever mention that our lovely old house has only TWO closets? Something's gotta give and it is NOT going to be my wardrobe.

The skirt and jacket were Loes Hinse patterns. They don't have any shaping built in and just don't work for my proportions.
The pants were fine, except for the colour choices. I needed to refine this area a bit. I tried to wear turquoises and aquas last summer. Most were too light, too bright or both. RuthieK gave me some excellent colour advice on Artisan Square about keeping to a mid tone, not too light, too dark or too bright. I really liked her SWAP last year called "Woodland Walk" and took her advice. Well, not only the advice, but the colours and tones of her SWAP from last year are very similar to what I am doing this year. Thanks Ruthie!