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SEW FROSTING CHALLENGE





Last week I had a rant on Instagram video that you may have caught (if not you can still find it in my highlights). It started with a leopard print fabric that I wanted to make a jumpsuit out of. I knew it was a little out there and that I might not wear it, but I desperately wanted to try. This turned into a poll (where you guys were overwhelmingly in support of the leopard) and then into me thinking about how my process has evolved over the years and how reluctant I have become to take risks with my sewing. I use to make a lot of statement pieces and less basics. Less practical, perhaps, but I miss the excitement of sewing something fabulous every once in awhile just because I want to. You see, sewing is more than about clothing my body, it's about expressing myself, learning new skills, therapy and art. When did it become so much about basics? So, Heather of Closet Case Patterns and I decided to do something about it. For the rest of October and all of November we will be hosting the Sew Frosting challenge. Here is how it works. From now thru the end of November we want to encourage the sewing community to make "frosting". (Frosting is a term coined by Tasia, founder of Sewholic patterns, years ago. It was a debate in the sewing community about sewing more cake (everyday basics) verses frosting (impractical makes).) This could mean sewing up that beautiful silk or brocade that has been sitting in your stash, it could include making that cocktail dress for the holiday party this year, or even just pushing yourself to use a fabric that is a bit out of your comfort zone instead of the navy or black that is safe. It can mean different things to different people, but remember that the idea is that you are inspired by what you are making. It should feel more like art and less like work. And what would a contest be without awards? Here is what we came up with:
  1. The Most Unconventional Fabric or Material - Think outside of the box about what material you could use or supplement for your project. Maybe it's a crazy print, or surprising textile.
  2. The Couture Award - Take those sewing skills to a new level and really show us what craftsmanship is made of.
  3. Oona Ballona Award - If there is anyone who comes to my mind when I think of Frosting it is Oona. She pulls of mixing print and color in a way I can only imagine. Check out her blog for inspiration and show us something fabulous that we could see her in.
Wondering about the prizes? I am blown away by how generous out sponsors have been! These prize packages are pretty incredible. We have prize packages for the three awards above plus 2 randomly selected community awards. To enter, all you need to do is tag your entry on Instagram with #sewfrosting and @tag both Heather and I in the caption of your post. And of coarse use the tag #sewfrosting to post pics of fabric choices and the sewing progress during the entirety of the challenge. We want to follow along and be inspired by what you are making. If you don't have instagram simply email your entry to myself or Heather. We will announce the winners of the challenge on our blogs December 1st. As for what I will be making, here is what I know so far. Of coarse I am making something amazing out of that leopard print jacquard from The Fabric Store. But I will talk more specifics next week. In the meantime, I have started a pinterest board with all of my #sewfrosting inspiration. You can check that out here to see what I am thinking about and maybe even get some inspiration for yourself. I hope you guys are excited. Be sure to hop on over the Heather's blog to see what her thoughts are for the #sewfrosting challenge. Also, check out all of our amazing sponsors for the contest below.

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