Wednesday 2 October 2013

What's Happening in October...

A quick heads up on some sewing related happenings in October...

The 2nd season of Refashion Runway has started over at The Renegade Seamstress. Sew along with your own refashions and vote for your favourites.

Hopeful ThreadsKristy, from Hopeful Threads, is teaming up with Dona, from Sewing Miles of Smiles, for Hats Off!.. a sew-along making hats for the patients Dona regularly cares for in her community. Hats can be sewn, crocheted or knitted and in any size from preemie to adult.

Softies for Mirabel, is an annual handmade toy drive, helping kids who are affected by parental substance abuse. Toys can be knitted, crocheted or sewn. More details over at Meet Me At Mikes. I missed out last year, but I've asked Erin to make sure I don't forget this year.

Season 2 of Project Sewn started on Monday. Run by the girls from Simple Simon & Co, the competition focuses on sewing women's garments. There are four themes, with prizes for both contestants and those sewing along.

Sign ups are open... For the Boys Blog Hop, over at Sew We Quilt. Anything and everything BOY. I've signed up for this one.

Secret Squirrel is the brainchild of Suz, from Sew Pony and An, from StraightGrain. Secret Squirrel began his journey in Australia, in July and is scheduled to arrive in Belgium, July 2014. Where he will travel is unknown. Open to all...maybe he'll stop with you.



Google+ Communites...
I'm starting to get the hang of Google+. In fact, much to my surprise, I'm enjoying it. I've joined a few sewing communities. Two in particular are very active...

The Sewing for Children community, set up by Amy, from SewsNBows, is a place to share children's clothing, toys, décor and accessories. All sewing levels are welcome. Share tips, sewing inspiration, ideas and questions.

A Refashion Obsession, is a community for anything Refashion related. As well as running the Google+ community, Irene, from Serger Pepper, also has a group board on Pinterest, the A+ Refashion Obsession: The Mood Board+.



Pinterest...
Speaking of Pinterest, I'm well and truly hooked. 12 months ago, I wondered what all the fuss was about. Now, it has pretty much replaced bookmarks in my browser and I use it as a way of organising future projects. Oh, and I may just spend lots of time looking around. Here's a few fabulous boards I follow and / or contribute to.

Sewing Tutorials and Tips... 475+ tutorials and tips.

Sweet Pouch Swap Inspiration...  460+ zippered pouches, purses, clutches.

Fun and Simple Sewing Projects... links to easy beginner sewing projects and sewing tutorials for more advanced sewists.

Appliqué Templates... links to some awesome appliqué templates. 



ONGOING charity projects...

Fluff Project (large) The Fluff Project is all about making stuffed toys for children in foster care. What started as a monthly project, co-ordinated by Kristy, from Hopeful Threads, has now turned into an ongoing drive.

The 1st charity drive this year (in addition to making dresses), for Dress a Girl Around the World, Sydney, is 100 Days of Quilting; making quilts for children in Romania. The drive runs until October. Handmade for Charity, is co-ordinating a sew-along in support of 100 Days of Quilting.

Days for Girls International: Feminine Hygiene Program... Every Girl. Everywhere. Period. Veronica, at SewVery, brought this one to my attention. Such easy projects we can sew to help these girls retain their dignity.

Imagine a world where every little girl owned at least one dress. This is the aim of Dress a Girl Around the World. There are chapters around the world and within many states of the U.S. The Australian, Washington and UK branches are very active, as no doubt are many others. These are just the ones I've had contact with.

What will you be sewing this month?

... Pam

11 comments:

  1. Pam, you always have such great links to check out on your blog. I appreciate your sharing with your readers.

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  2. Awesome line up! Thanks so much for including what we are working on at Hopeful Threads!

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  3. Thank you for putting this all in one spot!!! I forgot I wanted to check a few of them out when I read they were upcoming!!!

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  4. So many cool links to check out - first off will be the boy blog hop! As the mom to 2 boys and g-auntie to 5 of them, I feel it's my DUTY to check this out for new and fun ideas :D I wonder if you'll be doing something roboty for your day? ;)

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  5. Thanks Pam! So much to do - isn't it wonderful!! :)

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  6. Shew, you wore me out just looking over ALL the challenges! Thanks for the PIN boards. I'm also a part of one called "Free Sewing Patterns," you might want to check in to.

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  7. Thank you Pam for mentioning our G+ Refashioning group! I hope our contributor number will be growing soon ;)
    MammaNene @ SergerPepper.blogspot.it

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  8. How fun! Thanks for rounding up the happenings around the sewing blog world. :) What a coincidence that Amy and Irene are both in my sewing group as well! Here's a link if any of you are interested: http://www.vintagezest.com/2013/07/stitch-once-rip-twice-general.html

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  9. Pam, Thanks for all those links! The 'Sewing for boys' sounds fun. I can't wait to see what YOU come up with! :)

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  10. Thanks for sharing my Sewing Tutorials board on Pinterest Pam. The way you share our content on your site is always very much appreciated and always brings in a few new visitors. Thank you

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