The 1912 Project

I am really excited.  I have signed on to be a part of the 1912 Project with the Vintage Pattern Lending Library.  I got the following email today:

Welcome to the 1912 Project.
 With the upcoming 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, there seems no better time to be motivated to tackle one of the Library’s archives largest projects.   The scanning and digitizing of the patterns and magazines of La Mode Illustree – once France’s foremost publication of fashion.
 We will be starting with the April 1912 Issues, which are the ones closest to the Titanic date.  Afterwards, we will be working through the rest of issues in the hopes of completing the full year by the end of 2012.
 How you can participate! 1. Test sew the patterns.  These can be done in muslin or any other fabric you like.  It would be wonderful to see a finished, wearable garment – but it’s not required.  (Hopefully - though you may get inspired enough to actually complete and model the garment in a photo for us!)  2.  Blog about your experiences with the project a minimum of once a month, (or more if you’re inspired!) and provide a link to your post so that we can share it with our newsletter readers.   If you don’t currently have a blog – you can guest post on the VPLL blog at Wordpress.   It is important to include photos of your work in progress – so please remember to take some shots of your project.
 3.  Everyone who posts at least once a month will be automatically included to receive the next month’s patterns.  You do not have to complete the test sewing in a month to continue to be included in the project – but it’s encouraged.  That’s it – it’s pretty simple! 
 A few more bits of information -
 The pattern packages will include full–sized printed pattern sheets, a translation into English of any construction information, and a graphic of the garment.
 It’s important to note that construction and cutting information for these patterns are very vague, usually amounting to only a paragraph or two.  Any notes or supplementary information about the construction process that you are willing to share would be wonderful.
 The patterns are replicated directly from the original pattern sheet without changes – so sizing tends to run fairly small.  3/8-inch seam allowance will be added and other information to clarify construction.
 At the beginning of each month we will be using Random.org to determine randomly which patterns are sent to whom.  You may receive any type of women’s, men or children’s patterns at any given month.  If you especially don’t want to sew a specific type of garment – please let us know, and we will try to accommodate your request.  However the goal is to replicate and write about all the patterns in a given issue.
  Bonus for those who stick with us through thick and thin!  At the end of this project I expect to have every page of every issue of the 1912 La Mode year scanned, and all of the patterns available.  For those who manage to make it through the long haul – you will receive a complete set of ALL of the patterns – and the cds containing the scanned magazines – as a thank you for your participation.