Sounds great! And would be far easier to "judge" as well I'll bet!

That actually sounds delightful. Seeing all the differ interpretations of a single pattern is one of the best things about being a forum mod. And keeping the other category free form would probably mean that some people would put their own spin on the pattern, and some would use the pattern with the other category, and some would use their own pattern with the free form prompt. Very fun.

Thanks so much for all the great feedback! Cathy and I have been discussing it and what do you think about having one abstract theme and one pattern?
So there would be a vote for an abstract theme and a vote for of the many patterns that has been on the site over the years, such as Hearts, the Y&N Diagonal, Jema's Victorian Corset or Sandra's Fanning's 1878 patent corset?
That pattern would then be the foundation for one of the competition categories, people could start from that and be creative within a bit of structure.

I've loved the themes this year, but I can see how for some they may be frustrating. I think that a theme like "1877" although brilliant for some, leaves less scope for interpretation for those who do not make historical replicas. We all work differently, but perhaps two different themes would be an idea? One structured and one less structured?
I enjoyed the themes this year a lot. I've always focused the shape of my corsets in terms of large hipspring, small waist, and this gave me a chance to explore other silhouettes, as well as different top and bottom edges
It all depends how you work I suppose - no matter how this is run, someone will be unhappy with it.

I found this year's themes a bit irritating. Ornamentation is fine and I think we will get some really interesting entries out of it, but shape is one of the six elements of design, ditto material and color, which I think were two of the other options. Everything has some shape, texture, color, material. The question is how they're used to enhance the design. From the Pintrest board it seemed to be meant as extreme shape, but it doesn't actually say that. The vagueness of the prompt bothers me. I like specifics.


I really like that geometry prompt, and texture could be really interesting.

I find the abstract themes a little befuddling, simply because there is total freedom and no structure. I think experienced designers may find it easier to focus their idea's that may be daunting for a beginner who will not know where to start... or simply have so many idea's they have nowhere to start.

It's a bit like getting a client who gives you no idea's but wants you to come up with the perfect dress.


Can we not have a choice between one more structured goal set and one abstract? Indeed, not all minds think alike...