‘Make it Yours’ Sewing Contest

Open 1st April 2014 to 30th May 2014.

Have you downloaded the ‘Make it Yours’ Clutch Bag pattern?

While it’s entirely optional, you might like to consider entering your completed bag into the ‘Make it Yours’ sewing contest – there are prizes to be won!

All you need to do is sew the bag using the pattern supplied, but give it your own touches. Change the size, add pockets, embellishments, a strap, hardware, handles, embroidery, decorations – anything which sets your bag apart from the rest and makes it your own design.

Then submit a photo of your completed bag along with a few personal details to So Sew Easy before 30th May 2014 (link to the form later in this document). All bags submitted by 30th May will be showcased on the site and on social media and readers will be asked to vote for their favorites. The bags with the most votes win some cool prizes.

There are two entry categories.

Bloggers. If you have a current blog about sewing or crafting, then you can enter the blogging category.

Readers. Open to anyone who sews (worldwide) but doesn’t have a blog.

The prizes

Here’s the fun stuff you could win just for sewing this bag!

Bloggers Prizes

3 months side bar advertising on So Sew Easy in a 125×125 spot, valued at $60

Any 3 So Sew Easy sewing patterns of your choice

Invite to write a sponsored post for the site on any sewing topic, tutorial or project of your choice, including links back to your own site

$50 voucher to redeem for purse supplies of your choice from Purse Supplies R Us (USA Mailing addresses only)

$35 voucher to redeem for purse hardware of your choice from 3d Paper Patterns on Etsy (Worldwide mailing)

2 sewing patterns of your choice from Seamingly Smitten

The blog posts from all blogging entrants will be posted on my Pinterest boards to more than 25,000 followers

blogging entrants will be posted on my Pinterest boards to more than 25,000 followers The opportunity for us to work together to design your own bag/purse pattern, which can be named after you or a name of your choice, and offered to readers on both sites. (All within the limitations of my sewing skills!) We will work together on the design and pattern, and you’ll be involved in the testing and sewing up of the samples, giving feedback, taking photos etc and helping to draw up the instructions. Once the bag is completed, you decide if you want to make it a free pattern for the readers of both sites, or a paid pattern with any proceeds going to the charity or good cause of your choice. Should be a fun and interesting process!

Readers Prizes

Membership of the Pattern of the Month Club for 2014. Get 15 free sewing patterns. Value $35.

$50 voucher to redeem for purse supplies of your choice from Purse Supplies R Us (USA Mailing addresses only)

$35 voucher to redeem for purse hardware of your choice from 3d Paper Patterns on Etsy (Worldwide mailing)

2 sewing patterns of your choice from Seamingly Smitten

Any Craftsy class of your choice. Value up to $70.

$25 gift certificate from Love Quilting

Bag interfacing pack from Pellon. Including a package each of SF101, 808 Craft Fuse, 987F Fusible Fleece and 70 Peltex. (USA Mailing addresses only)

Voting prizes

There will be a chance to win prizes just for visiting the site and voting on your favourite bags.

2 sewing patterns of your choice from Seamingly Smitten

Any 3 So Sew Easy sewing patterns of your choice

$50 voucher to redeem for purse supplies of your choice from Purse Supplies R Us (USA Mailing addresses only)

$35 voucher to redeem for purse hardware of your choice from 3d Paper Patterns on Etsy (Worldwide mailing)

$25 gift certificate from Love Quilting

Tickets for two for a guided Fabric Buying Tour in the New York fabric district, from Seek NY Tours.

How to enter

Entering is easy!

First, design and sew your bag. Think about what colors, features and decorations might get you votes. Take some nice, bright, clear photos. Your entry will be voted for based on your pictures so make them good ones! If you are applying for the blogger category, post about your completed bag and about the contest with links back to the bag pattern and the contest rules, on your own site. Go to the entry form on So Sew Easy, complete your details and attach the best one or two photos of your bag. In early June, the contest opens for voting. Return to the site to log your vote and feel free to encourage your friends and family to vote for you too.

Rules

The bag submitted must have been sewn with the free sewing pattern supplied and cannot be materially changed in shape or design so that it is not recognisable. Last date for submission of entries is 30th May 2014. Readers at So Sew Easy will vote on entries and the bag in each category with the most votes will be the winner. Entry to the blogger category requires a blog post showing the sewn bag and linking both to the free pattern page and the contest details page. There is no cash equivalent of the prizes. Certain prizes may only be sent to the USA due to sponsors’ restrictions and these will be marked as such. There is no cash or alternate prize if you do not have a US mailing address – sorry.

Sponsors

These companies have kindly donated prizes to this contest. Please drop over for a visit and give them your support in return for their generosity.

Seamingly Smitten

Seek New York Tours

Purse Supplies R Us

3d Paper Pattern

Pellon

Love Quilting

Already sewn your bag? Fill out the ENTRY FORM.

Good luck everyone and happy sewing. I'm really excited to see what you all make.