100 Acts of Sewing July is back for 2020 - with a difference! Here's how to take part...
Well, thinking about 100 Acts of Sewing July over the last few months, I didn’t think I’d be writing this 2020 introductory blog post under lockdown at home! It's been been tough at times, but not nearly so hard as for us as for many others. It's certainly been a time of reflection. The last few weeks have both dragged and flown by and although my shop has been shut for a while, I’ve found it hard to focus on anything at all!
But to concentrate on this annual project is a lovely distraction and I have had chance to rethink things a bit and shake them up a bit.
Anyway, first off, for those of you who haven’t any clue what 100 Acts of Sewing July is all about, here’s a brief explanation:
Every year, throughout July, I do a focus on the 100 Acts of Sewing Patterns by Sonya Philip. This size inclusive pattern range is great for those wanting to venture into garment making, or for more adventurous sewists who maybe need a quick project for a gorgeous piece of fabric. Once you have made a few of the designs, you’ll be confident enough to customise and adapt the patterns to suit you and your body.
There are currently nine patterns in all for tops, dresses and pants. Most are for woven fabrics ( Shirt No 1, Tunic No 1, Dresses 1,2,3 , Skirt No 1 and Pants No 1) and a couple are for stretch (Shirt No 2, Pants No 2). You can buy the full collection in my shop and also on the 100 Acts of Sewing website.
Over the course of the month, it’s a chance to show off your garments on Instagram and win some fabulous prizes. I’ll also be posting some hacks and tips here on the blog and we have a Face Book group for asking questions and sharing ideas around the patterns.
How will 2020 work?
Over the last two years of 100 Acts of Sewing July, we’ve focused on different patterns each week throughout the month. We've have amazing sponsors and prizes on Instagram and in the FB group.
Here are some makes by me, @duchessofcrochet, @mrs_moog and @lowlandoriginals
But this year, I had been thinking about maybe doing things a bit differently. And things have surely been different!
So in 2020, we won’t be focusing on different patterns each week, we’re going to have THEMES. And each theme will be inspired by our wonderful sponsors (more coming about them soon). This means you don’t need lots of the patterns to take part throughout the month – you can just make your favourite one over and over if you like!
I thought this would be better as some of you have maybe had trouble accessing the patterns recently. I have also pared back the prize categories as it was getting a bit complicated! This way, you'll have more of a free reign over what you make and also we can really focus on the one sponsor for each week.
So how do you take part?
ON INSTAGRAM
First of all you'll need at least one sewing pattern from the 100 Acts of Sewing collection.
Make a version of it that ties in with the weekly theme. Then take a photo of your garment (preferably of you wearing it!)
Post your finished 100 Acts of Sewing garment on Instagram throughout July (dates below for each week, all weeks start and end 9am on Monday). Use the hashtags
#100actsofsewingjuly20
#100actsofsewingjuly
plus the garment hashtag, e.g. #shirtno1
Follow me and our sponsors on Instagram
and tag Beyond Measure and the sponsor for each week to be in with a chance of winning the prize!
Pattern hacks and adaptations are welcome but your garment must have initially come from a 100 Acts of Sewing pattern and should link to the weekly theme. Please only post garments that haven't been entered in previous years, let's keep it fresh!
One winner will be chosen at random each week from Instagram and they will get the sponsor’s prize.
Competition is open worldwide.
Sponsors and themes:
So what are the themes and who are the lovely sponsors?
Week 1 from 9am Mon 6 July
Theme is Favourites – show us your favourite 100 Acts of Sewing Garment that you have made.
Sponsored by Sonya Philip herself, win a pattern bundle of three 100 Acts of Sewing Patterns, plus some surprise extras from me.
Week 2 from 9am Mon 13 July
Theme is Cool Comfort – show us your stylishly cool makes for summer (or winter if you’re down under!)
Sponsored by With This Cloth – you’ll win a fabric length from Nicole’s gorgeous online store which focuses on classic linen and timeless colours.
Week 3 from 9am Mon 20 July
Theme is Embellish – show us how you’ve added extra details to your 100 Acts of Sewing patterns – buttons, pleats, frills, embroidery, patches – anything goes!
Sponsored by Mahliqa, Suraya will be offering a wonderful prize from her store – choose beautiful jewellery or a kit to make yourself.
Also, get 15% off at Mahliqa.co.uk throughout July with the code 100ACTSJULY
Week 4 from 9am Mon 27 July
Theme is Dress up! Show us your most fabulous 100 Acts of Sewing Garments for a special occasion or using your most beautiful fabric.
Sponsored by Dibs from Selvedge and Bolts, you’ll be spoiled for choice with her selection of unusual designer fabrics. Win a selected fabric length.
ON FACEBOOK
Join our Face Book group to find out how to win some smaller weekly prizes in the Facebook Group.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for being so generous – you’ll be finding out more about them in the coming weeks!
I hope you’ll join us in July – you’ve got a good few weeks to get sewing! I’ll be posting reminders here and on social media too!
In the meantime, take care, stay healthy and be good!
Grace x
Looking forward to sewing for myself again, thanks.
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