Today is the day it all officially begins! The Roots Sewing Series is all about celebrating worldwide heritage through sewing for children. Not only do we have an amazing line-up of guests and a Sew-Along for everyone to get involved, but also an unbelievable group of sponsors who have generously contributed huge prizes!
THE GUESTS
So, let's start with the guests. If you saw my original post, you may noticed that there has been a change. Unfortunately, one guest had to cancel, but that slot was quickly filled by another talented sewist: Annika from Näh-connection. So here they are, the group of ladies from all corners of the world who will share outfits inspired by their cultural backgrounds. It's going to be amazing! Oh, and of course, I will have to get in on this, so watch for my outfits which will combine my two very different backgrounds. Should be interesting…Slavic and Caribbean, all in one outfit! The guests will begin posting on January 14 and I know it's going to be an incredibly rich cultural experience of stunning sewing.
THE SEW-ALONG
And how about you!? Ready to do some heritage sewing of your own? Wouldn't it be awesome to see your little one(s) wearing something you have created that is inspired by the part of the world you come from? There are countless ways to approach this theme: a traditional or historical outfit, or maybe the colours of your flag. Perhaps your country is known for a particular style, or has a famous designer you could use as inspiration. How about fabrics, prints, or designs popular in your culture? Maybe you've already made something that fits this criteria. Perfect! You're ready to join in! Feel free to submit as many outfits as you like, sewn at any time. You just need to link to your photographs and submit them by January 31, 2014.
If you are sewing along, make sure to add this button to your blog to let everyone know you are participating.
THE PRIZES
To add to all this fun and excitement, a group of top-notch online stores, boutiques, and designers are sponsoring this series and providing you with the opportunity to win exclusive prizes. Everyone who participates has a chance to win.
There will be three different prize packages awarded to Sew-Along participants, as well as a Giveaway open to anyone.
The Grand Prize will be awarded to one Sew-Along participant as chosen by a group of judges. Each judge will select their favourite outfit from all the Sew-Along submissions. The outfit with the most votes will win the Grand Prize. Feel free to use patterns to make your outfits since this is not a design competition. Just let us know which pattern(s) you used. And if you alter any patterns to create your outfit, although not necessary, a tutorial would be wonderful. It's always great to learn new techniques and ways to broaden sewing skills. Who are the judges??? The lovely guests participating in the series and yours truly (me!). We cannot wait to see what you make!!
The criteria will be:
Craftsmanship: How well was the outfit sewn? Since the construction of your outfit can only be seen on the screen, make sure to include photographs that showcase your outfit well.
Theme: How well does the submission fit with the theme? Give a description of how the outfit incorporates your cultural background. We look forward to learning about your heritage!
Wearability: How functional is the outfit? Since this is also about sewing for children, make something that is comfortable and wearable for a child.
GRAND PRIZE - Judges' Choice
$100 gift card from Gold Star Tools
$75 gift card from L'Oiseau Fabrics
$30 gift card from Ribbon Retreat
Very Shannon - 3 pdf patterns (winner's choice)
Craftiness Is Not Optional - 3 pdf Patterns (winner's choice)
Blank Slate - 2 pdf patterns (winner's choice)
Go To Patterns - 2 pdf patterns (winner's choice)
Sew Like My Mom - 2 pdf patterns (winner's choice)
ALL Sew-Along participants will automatically be entered to win one of the following incredible prize packages. The three winners will be selected at random from all the submissions uploaded to the link-up below (the Grand Prize winner will not be eligible for these prizes).
PRODUCTS PRIZE PACK
$75 gift card from Gold Star Tools
Party of Ribbon Bundle from L'Oiseau Fabrics ($23 value)
$30 gift card from Zipit
PATTERNS PRIZE PACK
Very Shannon - 3 pdf patterns (winner's choice)
Blank Slate - 2 pdf patterns (winner's choice)
Sew Like My Mom - 1 pdf pattern (winner's choice)
Beatnik Kids - The Bond Top PDF Pattern
Peaches and Peanuts Patterns - Jack & Jill Color Block Shirt PDF Pattern
Sewing Mama RaeAnna - Cupcake Top PDF Pattern
E & E PATTERNS PRIZE PACK
E & E Patterns - 2 pdf patterns from the soon-to-be-released Spring 14 Collection
(winner's choice)
Winners will be announced on February 3, 2014.
On January 16, there will be a Roots Sewing Series Giveaway open to anyone who would like to enter.
GIVEAWAY
Exclusive Accessory Bundle from MjiaMae Design Studio
It's a pleasure to introduce you to our wonderful sponsors. These shops and designers provide top quality products in the sewing world and it's an honour to have them be a part of the series. Please take some time to visit their shops and enjoy their products and exemplary customer service.
THE PRODUCT SPONSORS
America's #1 independent web retailer of fashion and sewing supplies, GoldStarTool will provide you with the highest-quality, lowest-cost sewing supplies and equipment to meet your needs. Free US shipping.
High quality, imported European fabric, trim, and patterns. A store inspired by the love of all things crafted.
Quality ribbon. Quality prices. Quality Service.
YKK® Zippers for Sale at Wholesale Prices! The Best Selection of YKK® Zippers on Etsy!
MjiaMae is a proudly South African design studio. The daughter and mother design team are both fashion designers and share a love for beautiful fashion & decor items.
THE PATTERN SPONSORS
So, let's begin the fun, shall we!?
Link to your blog or if you don't have one, use a Flickr account with photographs of your outfit.