What's Happening in January...

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

Sew something for yourself this month during Just For Me January, with the Scientific Seamstress / Sisboom Pattern Group... and maybe win a pattern while you're at it.

Project Run and Play is changing the format this year. At the beginning of each month one past Project Run and Play Contestant will pick one of their free patterns or tutorials. Everyone is invited to sew them up during the month.

Fiona is again hosting Ho Ho Ho and On We Sew, a monthly link party to encourage Christmas sewing throughout the year. There will be guest hosts, tutorials and giveaways each month. Add your projects from 18th of each month. I'm determined to join in this year!!! Details yet to be announced for 2015.

Kristy, from Hopeful Threads, hosts quarterly sew-alongs to help others. Details of this quarter's project yet to be announced.

Nicola, from Sunshine Reflections, is hosting the Eclectic Elements Blog Hop. Projects don't have to be sewn. They just need to include some Eclectic Elements fabric.

Each month from January to September, Pat Sloan will release a free quilt block pattern for the 2015 Free Mystery BOM Vacation Time.

MARCUS Fabrics has a page devoted to their Block of the Month programs.

So Scrappy is hosting the Rainbow Scrap Challenge for 2015. Each month a new colour is chosen. You just need to dig out some scraps in that colour and make something -- anything. There is a link up each Saturday to see everyone's progress.

Sew Your Own Wardrobe for a Year - that's the challenge - no ready to wear purchases from January 1st to December 31st 2015.

January's challenge over at Pretty Girl Sew is Date Night. Sew up Butterick 6130 to create your best date night look. Don’t forget hair, shoes and accessories to make your look complete.

The Moccasin Block of the Month Club begins this month. Most months, participants will make 2 blocks. Costs involved.

The Historical Sew Monthly - Every month in 2015 will feature a themed challenge to sew (knit, crochet, tatt,  embroider or otherwise create) an historical garment or accessory that fits the theme.

Seeing Stars – A Mystery Quilt Sew Along is hosted by Justquiltin with Denise Russart. The only clue as to what might be involved has been given in the name “Seeing Stars”.

Sew a 1930's capelet with Sew Retro Rose. Sew-along starts 1st  February to give everyone time to get the pattern and their fabric

Michelle Patterns is hosting the Skirt Sew-along January 2 - 18.  Participants will make  a wearable muslin. This will be a skirt nice enough to wear out and about, but made with economy fabric and basic sewing techniques. Then you can see if you want to make slight alterations to the fit, or get more detailed with the construction the next time.

The Quilting Gallery Blog will show how to make a Bright Stars Quilt for the Happy New Year Sew Along. The pattern is free.

The Urban Churndash Sew-along is hosted by Piece N Quilt. The finished quilt will measure 72" square, with steps posted every Monday.

January's project over at The Monthly Stitch, is Denim Never Dies. Details to be announced.

Every 15th of every month, there is a new theme for all crafters to interpret in their choice of crafty weapons. Details for this month's Le Challenge have yet to be announced.

There are 9 patterns in the Zoo Animals Quiet Play Block of the Month. Each month one free pattern becomes available. The patterns range in skill level, with the easiest first. The 10" blocks are foundation paper pieced.

Join the 2015 Snapshots Quilt-Along and sew twelve novelty blocks that capture and celebrate moments of happiness in our lives. The Snapshots Quilt-Along benefits the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

---

ONGOING charity projects...

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.

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.

There's always lots of sew-alongs announced at the beginning of each year. I don't know about you, but I'm definitely more motivated after the holiday break.

... Pam

---

Tweet