‘For Otto Titsling had found his quest:
to lift and mold the female breast;
to point the small ones to the sky;
to keep the big ones high and dry.’
- “Otto Titsling”, Beaches

Yes, in honor of the beauteous female form in all its variety, this year’s single pattern contest celebrates – the brassiere! Contestants have two options this year: to cover and decorate a purchased bra or construct a bra, bodice, corset or over-the-shoulder-bolder-holder using the pattern selected.

Single Pattern contest entry form

Rules for the Single Patern Contest

1. One entry per person.
2. There are two options for the single pattern contest:
   Option One: You may cover and decorate a ready-to-wear bra you have on hand or have purchased for the contest. Minor design changes such eliminating (i.e. removing straps), changing (i.e. redesigning straps or changing the back fastening) or adding minor pieces (i.e. adding straps, shoulder pieces, etc.) are permitted as long as the overall silhouette is recognizable as being derived from the basic bra.
   NOTE: If you are looking for information on how to cover a bra with fabric, do an Internet search for “Bras for a Cause” for examples and instructions.
   Option Two: You may create an original garment using Butterick Pattern # B4669, the Making History Misses Corset. Again, minor design changes such eliminating (i.e. removing the lining), changing (i.e. redrafting a pattern piece to a different shape) or adding minor pieces (i.e. adding shoulder pieces) are fine as long as the overall silhouette is recognizable as being derived from the basic bodice.
   At the Butterick website you can do a search and see the pattern, or here’s a link:
   http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/butterick/shop.cgi?s.item.B4669=x&TI='B4669'&page=1
   NOTE: Each category will be judged separately with prizes and ribbons for each!
3. Entries may be made in any size as long as they fit a human being.
4. Materials and techniques are entirely up to you. All types of embellishments from historical to fantasy are encouraged. However, no messy or perishable substances allowed.
5. You must have a Norwescon 29 badge number to enter the competition. Anyone who is a member of the convention including ConCom members (with the exception of the single pattern contest judges. See #7) may enter.
6. Entries may be submitted for the Novice, Journeyman or Master level. Please note that at the Judge’s discretion, entries may be moved to a higher competitive level as the work merits.
7. There will also be a “non-compete” or “NC” category for those like the judges or contest organizer who might want the pleasure of creating an original garment for display. Such entries will be clearly marked “NC” so that the judges will not include them in their deliberations.
8. All entries will be displayed at the Art Show. Contestants need to provide a dress form or display stand to display their piece.
9. Entries must be submitted to the Art Show Thursday 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM or Friday 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. If you cannot bring the entry to the Art Show yourself, you may have someone else bring it for you (as long as they also have your completed entry form as well). Special arrangements may be possible on an individual basis.
10. Due to space constraints, we would appreciate it if all entries pre-register via email to Katrina Marier at kmarier@oz.net no later than one week prior to the convention. Entries that have not pre-registered may be accepted if space is available.
11. In addition to your entry form, you may provide one page of information for the Judges explaining your concept, decorative or workmanship elements, materials used or any reference information (including pictures) used during the construction of your entry.
12. Awards will be announced during the Masquerade half-time on Saturday night. Garments may be picked up Sunday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.