#SewTogetherForSummer 2020 Sewing Challenge now #SewTogetherLoungewear!

Hello friends,

I really, really, really hope you’re all doing ok. It’s taken me a few weeks to re-find my feet and whilst I’m still having the occasional wobble, my family and I are doing great; all things considered I have much to be thankful for. I hope this is true for you too.

I’ve been a bit quiet on here whilst my family and I adjust to our new daily routine. I have also – with my good friends Suzy (aka @sewing_in_spain) and Monika (aka @rocco.sienna) – been working to bring you this year’s #sewtogetherforsummer Challenge. That has, quite literally, been a challenge in itself!

I know a lot of you were wondering when this years’ #sewtogetherforsummer Instagram sewing challenge would launch; in the past few years it has kicked off around Easter. We were all set to run a bonanza of a Challenge; we had a brilliant theme and amazing backing from our ever-generous sponsors who were, once again, offering a huge array of amazing prizes. Everything was in place and ready to go.

But then everything changed in the blink of an eye…

As soon as the reality of the global situation kicked in, we slammed on the brake. Not only did the garment of choice for the Challenge theme now feel wholly inappropriate but we, like you, were suddenly dealing with personal and work related issues that meant we would be unable to give the Challenge the time and attention it needs to run.

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The big question was, in the grander scheme of things, was running the Challenge relevant or even appropriate?

“As Suzy, Monika and I talked, we found ourselves constantly circling around the core ethos of our Challenge : amazing sponsors and fantastic prizes are rewarding and fun but have never been central to our Challenge – it has, quite literally, always pivoted on the axis of ‘sewing together‘ – encouraging each other, finding new sewing friends and being part of a wider sewing community. There is no doubt, whilst so many of us are now living behind closed doors, that participating in our sewing community offers sanity saving vital contact whilst doing something we all love. Sarah x“

So we decided, rather than ‘pull the plug’, we would simply stick a pin in this years’ planned Challenge and postpone it in its’ entirety until 2021 – in the meantime, let’s champion the sewcial aspect in a pared-back (no sponsors and no prizes) mini Challenge! That said…

*We have partnered with The Foldline in order to bring you a 10% discount on any pattern purchased througout the duration of the Challenge through their website www.thefoldline.com – enter CODE : sewtogether at checkout.

THE CHALLENGE :

#SewTogetherLoungewear

What do we all need when suddenly finding ourselves spending a protracted amount of time indoors? Long-term readers of this Blog will know that I am a big loungewear fan; I’m the kind of person who disrobes and dons PJ’s the second I walk into the house (you can see my personal favourite ‘Loungewear’ makes HERE). However, given that I’m not now leaving the house all that much, I find myself wanting to feel dressed – whilst still craving the comfort of PJs. Essentially, we’re talking about comfy joggers, cosy leggings, sweatpants and matching hoodies, coordinating tees and bottoms and yes, PJs and robes. But let’s not stop there, given that staying in is the new going out and a lot of us are now working from home, it’s worth remembering that you don’t have to forfeit comfort to still look and feel professional; step up your loungewear game with lush fabrics (stretch velvet anyone?!) or a suit made in a stable ponte or sumptuous all in-ones like a classy jumpsuit (see last year’s theme for pattern inspiration here!)

In essence, this is a sewing Challenge where you decide what loungewear pattern works best for your stay-at-home needs!

The Rules & Details

As always, they’re few – in fact, fewer than ever!

• Challenge Duration : 22nd April to 22nd May 2020
• Choose your garment, sew it and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #sewtogetherloungewear stating that you have sewn the garment as part of the Challenge
• We’d prefer a top to toe outfit, however, if you just need to make some joggers to go with an existing me-made top, that’s cool too.
• Tag myself @sewsarahsmith @sewing_in_spain and @rocco.sienna in the comment section so we get to see and can comment on your creation (following one or all of us is entirely optional!)
• Also note in the comment which pattern and type of fabric you used, together with any modifications you made (this helps inspire other makers!)
• Have FUN! If it’s lost, re-find your sewjo and reconnect, perhaps follow the Challenge hashtag page (see HERE) for both inspiration and a way to find new sewing buddies!
• We’ll be reposting the most inspiring of your makes across our feeds and Stories!

“No-one can pretend life feels normal at present; at the time of writing we are in our sixth week of very strict social isolation here in Spain. With all that is going on, I feel strongly that whilst being very aware of the situation, we also need to give ourselves a break.  I feel the need for ‘normalcy’ and the comradeship that our creative hobby and the sewing community brings is more important than ever.  Fun and friendship is the key to managing these uncertain times…and yes, if we can stay at home in our beautiful Me-Made loungewear – all the better.  Keep safe everyone! Suzy x“

As the Covid-19 situation escalated, it became clear that our chosen theme for #sewtogetherforsummer 2020 needed a rethink – let’s be honest, a lot of us have a fabulous collection of dresses and workwear but when it comes to loungewear there’s not much me-made and not much fabulous! So let’s #sewtogetherloungewear and upgrade our PJ’s and tracksuits to something altogether more uplifting!” Monika x

We’ll be back soon with a list of some our favourite loungewear patterns! In the meantime, if you’ve any questions, please let me know in the comment section below or connect with any one of us over on Instagram!

Stay safe, well and happy sewing x

You can connect with me on Instagram here

Disclaimer : we have partnered with www.foldline.com in order to bring you the discount on patterns for the Challenge. We have not received any personal benefit in the association.

Challenge is not affiliated or endorsed by Instagram

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