Beginning in January, I am hosting a sewing challenge. Each month, I am making a bag from Amy Butler's book, Style Stitches (click the link to view each bag). I would love for you to join me!
There are 12 chapters in the book, so, in January I will make the bag from chapter 1, and just go in order for each month.
Here are the details so far for the challenge:
At the beginning of each month, I will announce the bag that we are to sew along with the details for the particular project (i.e., fabric requirements, notions, and resources if necessary). I'll show the fabric prints that I am using each month as well.
I think that it will be inspiring for others if participants send in pictures for me to post of the prints that they are using.
At the end of each month, I will post my completed bag. I'll share here on my blog a few bags that are completed by the last day of the month from sewists who participate in the challenge. For incentive, there will an end of the month gift certificate drawing for completed and picture-submitted bags!
I have created a Flickr group that you may join to submit your photos throughout the challenge: http://www.flickr.com/groups/ss2011/. Join the group to view projects as we progress, even if you decide not to do the challenge(s).
If you are considering the challenge and need some convincing, I have a few points:
1. The book has 12 chapters, each a different bag, some large, tiny, some huge, all functional and all beautiful. 1 chapter does have 6 bags, they are all different sizes of zipper bags.
2. You can challenge yourself to make just 1 bag during the entire challenge and still feel complete.
3. Amy Butler's sewing patterns cost about $12, so if you purchase the book, just by making 3 bags, you have created a significant value.
4. You can use the bag(s) that you have completed to give as gifts for any upcoming occasion(s).
5. Who doesn't love bags? Go sew 1, 2 or 12.
6. You could win a gift certificate to Above All Fabric or Fat Quarter Shop.
7. If you blog, you have basically generated 2 blog posts (each month) just by participating in the challenge. You are welcome.
8. Challenge yourself to use the fabric that you already have on hand for some of the bags, stash reducer!
9. Learn some new techniques. Zippers? Fringe? Pleats? Flat piping? Yes, please!
10. Become the envy of the company that you keep.
11. Forgo the typical New Year's resolutions and do this challenge!
12. You will have a new Flickr! group to join & a new blog button to use.
Yes, I gave making a blog button a try! Shouldn't you take it and post it to draw interest to the challenge? Yes, you should.
Please, help spread the word!
What? You don't have the book already? Pink Chalk Fabrics and Fat Quarter Shop has it for sale and I will be doing a giveaway for 1 book very soon!
***updated to show "17 bags," I thought that it was 16. Don't be afraid.
Jemellia! What a great challenge. Kudos to Above All Fabric and you for such a great offer. I do sew as you know but have no idea how to follow a pattern or do construction techniques. I have ordered my book, I am so very in!
Posted by: Robin Thomas | 24 December 2010 at 09:20 AM
LOVE this! I'm ordering my book this week and will play! Wooo to the Hoo Hoo
Posted by: Heather | 24 December 2010 at 10:54 AM
Woot!! I'm game!
Posted by: brandy | 24 December 2010 at 10:58 AM
Sounds like fun Jemellia! I'm pretty much a beginner sewer but now seems like a good time to learn. Thanks for the challenge!
Posted by: Lisa | 24 December 2010 at 02:27 PM
In spite of (or maybe because of) the fact that I've yet to finish a bag I cut out over a year ago, count me in. Apparently I need the inspiration and some sort of incentive. Plus, cute bags will make great gifts! Thanks for organizing this!
Posted by: Terri | 25 December 2010 at 01:03 AM
I want to play, but I don't have the book and I have a tendency to get all willy-nilly when confined to bag patterns/designs. Maybe a double challenge (bags and patience) for me? :) What a fab way to start up my new blog!
Posted by: Melissa | 25 December 2010 at 08:19 PM
Oh I'm totally in! I've already made one bag from the book and I LOVE it! Great idea!
Posted by: Leigh Schmidt | 25 December 2010 at 08:56 PM
Found your challenge through Above All...I'm in. I just ordered my copy of the book and am already planning out fabrics for all the delicious bags:)
belle-n-bee.blogspot.com
Posted by: Beckt | 25 December 2010 at 09:43 PM
I'm in - great idea! Clicking over to Twitter to follow you now...
Posted by: Andie | 25 December 2010 at 10:37 PM
I received this book for Christmas and this will give me a push to actually make something in the book rather then just look through it occasionally and say one day I will make something.
Posted by: Jamie P | 26 December 2010 at 09:26 AM
Jemellia it sounds like fun. I ordered a Bari J. purse pattern several months ago and I have been collecting fabrics to make several and I would love to try yours first before I try these. I will be calling you maybe this week to find out a little more info.
Posted by: jackie | 26 December 2010 at 06:04 PM
I SO wish I knew how to sew friend! This is a fabulous idea! I will be watching with a jealous eye!!
xxoo
Kim
Posted by: Kim | 26 December 2010 at 10:54 PM
Jem,
Does each purse take a whole month?
Scary.
Suz
Posted by: Susan Reaney | 27 December 2010 at 11:16 AM
I am so excited about this! I just got the book last week and have been looking forward to diving in with a project.
Posted by: Jennifer | 27 December 2010 at 05:48 PM
Jemellia, I love bags and Amy Butler. This will be (as someone said earlier) a great way to start my blog. I am ordering the book today. Thanks for the push to get going. I am so looking forward to your expert leadership. Best, Gretchen
Posted by: Gretchen | 28 December 2010 at 05:23 AM
I followed a link over here from Melanie's blog since I received the book for Christmas. I will try to play along, at least some of the months! There are several bags in that book that I can't wait to try out!
Posted by: Christie | 28 December 2010 at 03:17 PM
What a great idea! I just got the book for Christmas and can't wait to get started!
Posted by: Jessica | 28 December 2010 at 04:18 PM
I`m in! Thanks for setting up the challenge!
Posted by: Amber | 28 December 2010 at 04:59 PM
I have the book. I'd like to try to play along. I'm interested to see what bags you pick! It would be helpful to know prior to the start of the month though so we can be sure to have the needed supplies ready to go if we want to participate!
Posted by: Jessica | 28 December 2010 at 07:34 PM
I'm joining! I'm already doing this with another group, but would love to join in here too!
Posted by: Sara | 28 December 2010 at 09:00 PM
Ohhh, I just might need to participate in this! I just received the book as a belated birthday present (my birthday was in October *ahem*) and would love to make at least a few of them.
Just as an FYI for those people who may not be able to afford to buy the book (or who just want to try out a pattern before buying), the pattern for the Blossom Bag (from chapter 9) is available for free on the Sew Mama Sew blog, so you could still participate in that month even without the book. Here's the link: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=11705
Posted by: Kaye Prince | 29 December 2010 at 09:19 AM
Ok...I'm gonna try. Since I DO work semi-full time, I'll do what I can. I have several of Amy Butler's bag patterns and have made a few, so will wait and see what you've got going BEFORE I order the book. AWESOME idea, Je...high five!!! Great way to start off the new year...being creative! <3
Posted by: Nan Nix | 29 December 2010 at 09:29 AM
I need a break from socks so I'm in :)
Off to order the book!
Posted by: Adrian | 29 December 2010 at 12:15 PM
Just found your blog and love it! I am very tempted to participate. I think making one bag a month might be manageable. If I don't join you I will enjoy seeing your creations!
Posted by: Colleen | 29 December 2010 at 07:01 PM
i have the book and have helped walk a student through at least one already! love the challenge of making them myself -so i am in!!!
Posted by: janis stob | 29 December 2010 at 08:51 PM
What fun and a wonderful book! Count me in for sure!!! LEt us know sites for getting required items other than fabric, I have got to use some of this beautiful fabric!
Posted by: Sally | 30 December 2010 at 02:22 PM
I can't wait to see your blog!
Posted by: Jemellia | 31 December 2010 at 12:06 PM
Oh, wow! What is your other group? Please, join us!
Posted by: Jemellia | 31 December 2010 at 12:07 PM
Thanks! I will definitely post it in September.
Posted by: Jemellia | 31 December 2010 at 12:07 PM
Will do Sally!
Posted by: Jemellia | 31 December 2010 at 12:08 PM
oooh this is going to be a lot fun. I plan on participating this time around. I want to create some cute bags for my dd.
I don't have the book, the library doesn't have it either..
Thanks for hosting!
Happy New Year1
Maggie
http://passionatelyartistic.com
Posted by: maggie | 02 January 2011 at 08:50 PM
What a fun idea! I just received this book for Christmas and LOVE all the bags. I don't know if I'll manage to make one a month, but having buddies to sew along with is always a great incentive. So count me in! :)
Posted by: Robin | 04 January 2011 at 02:50 PM
Seriously love this book. Saw your challenge on the FQS blog and want to follow along! I've already made one bag, so hopefully that will count. (It WAS just a few days before Christmas after I finished all my Christmas crafts.) Great idea!
Posted by: Emily | 04 January 2011 at 04:17 PM
I'd love to join! Following all the way from Malaysia :)
Posted by: Zura | 04 January 2011 at 05:53 PM
If I can get the book in a timely manner I'd like to join. I've already been admiring the fabric choices on FLICKR.
Posted by: CJ | 05 January 2011 at 03:12 AM
Very cool! I just bought this book before the holidays and have been itching to make something. I saw the advertisement on the Jolly Jabber website. I am going to make an attempt to keep up with you!!!
Posted by: Sarah Zappe | 05 January 2011 at 07:45 AM
This is very (VERY) tempting. :) This sounds like so much fun, and I've been wanting to learn to make bags, and who doesn't love Amy Butler! I'm a little scared though...still a bit of a beginner. But I think this is a GREAT idea, so I'm going to share this on my blog, and if I can muster a little bit of courage I'll be back :).
~Teresa
www.sew-aneedlepullingthread.blogspot.com
Posted by: Teresa | 05 January 2011 at 09:11 AM
YAH! I just ordered my book and fabric. excited! I love bags, and any excuse to make something for myself or another grown up!
Posted by: Brieanne | 05 January 2011 at 10:02 AM
Cannot wait either. Good for you Gretchen!!
Posted by: Robin Thomas | 05 January 2011 at 10:33 AM
I'm picking my book up today from the local bookstore... so I'm in too!
Can't wait to see all of your creations!
~Alex
Posted by: Alex Duenkel | 05 January 2011 at 10:50 AM
I was just looking through this book last night at Barnes and Noble and thought how fun it would be to make all the bags in the book! I am about to order the book on Amazon (just $20!). I'm having a baby in mid-February so I don't know how that will throw a wrench in the challenge, but I'm willing to try!
Posted by: Ellie | 05 January 2011 at 11:00 AM
My mom and I are in - we just ordered our fabrics and the book! Really excited about it :)
Posted by: Molly | 05 January 2011 at 02:45 PM
I'm in! I've joined the flicker group, got my supplies, and am ready to go. This has actually prompted me to (finally) start my own blog, something I've been considering for a while, but never took the time to do. Just like making a bag for myself! Thanks for giving me the courage to do this! :)
Posted by: Melissa | 06 January 2011 at 07:19 PM
I just blogged about buying this book the other day! Would love to take part in this, it's a great challenge :-)
Posted by: Sarah Flynn | 07 January 2011 at 05:41 AM
I would love to join the challenge. I be honest I'm a little scared.
Posted by: Carol | 07 January 2011 at 07:19 AM
Mom and daughter team, woohoo!
Posted by: Jemellia | 07 January 2011 at 11:14 AM
Carol, I'm glad to see that you'll join with fear. We will work through it together! Peek around the Flickr group to ease your mind a bit and ask questions if necessary!
Posted by: Jemellia | 07 January 2011 at 11:18 AM
You convinced me, count me in.
Posted by: Brenda | 07 January 2011 at 02:01 PM
Great!
Posted by: Jemellia | 10 January 2011 at 09:53 AM
I ordered the book just to participate (okay, and to get to the $35 minimum for free shipping...) It arrived today and Cosmo is already cut & mostly fused using stash fabrics. What a great way to start my sewing year!
Q: do you have a link to a clickable Style Stitches button that I can put on my blog?
Posted by: Monkey Doodle Carol | 10 January 2011 at 10:52 PM