A Happy TEN Years and counting!
Have you tried the #designinDecember Sewing Challenge? We have a lot of generous prize sponsors lined up for you and I can’t wait to see what you talented people sew up!
What ARE you going to sew this year? Do you have a Fashion Designer that inspires you? Find a photo of a Design that you like, find a pattern and a fabric you love and sew up your own! You might even win a prize!
I was cruising Ralph Lauren Fall 2025 and found these designs. Do you remember wearing ruffled collars or those attached ascots? I certainly remember dragging them through my lunch and the office equipment! There’s another old classic here too … the Cameo at the neckline and that “Sherpa” coat.
I think I have been in a denim rut, so this year I deliberately set out to find a Designer Original Jacket that was colourful and unique and quilted! I am not really a quilter but I have done some small projects, like appliance covers, pot holders, and place mats. I think it’s time to give a quilted jacket a try!
I did find some Designers that love quilted jackets, as you can see here, but some of these were just too ugh, blah, or just too much!
Then I saw this one from the Designer, Johnny Was. I do love the blue and I do love the embroidery, but unfortunately I was hoping for something that didn’t look like denim. Also, I don’t have an embroidery machine and I couldn’t possibly do such beautiful embroidery any other way!
Although I do have some denim and some “lace fabric” that I could appliqué on to the quilted denim. No, no, no, move on from the denim jackets, Linda!
Then I came upon these. I think my “Designer Original Inspiration” will be the Polo Ralph Lauren quilted coat. Perhaps with a collar though.
I wish I could get my hands on this beautiful autumn leaves looking fabric, BUT … I’m still “stash shopping” so NO buying new fabrics!!! You have to make Designin’ December work for you!
Digging through the Fabric Stash, I found some fabrics that would be suitable for a coat, besides all the metres of denim I found! Both are upholstery fabric, but the flower print on the left is not as “loud” as the swirl print on the right. I can imagine being able to follow its simple design easier, the flowers, leaves, and stems, as I quilt all the layers together. The one on the right feels nicer, but just isn’t right. I also found some fabric that could be used for lining and some Queen-sized Quilt Batting! (I think that came from my sister years ago, when she cleaned out what she didn’t want anymore? Thank you sis!)
I didn’t have to go far for a pattern. One of our prize sponsors, Helen’s Closet has the Wildwood Jacket, with an expansion pack pattern for a collar or hood … just what I need! I’m not sure about the length yet, or the hi/lo hem, or whether to put the pockets on the front outside or hidden in the side seams, but I’ll figure it out as I go along! Time to get cutting!
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What is the Designin’ December Sewing Challenge?
“Why buy when you can make it yourself – better and for less money?”
How can you join in? Check out last year’s participants and their entries, and the prize sponsors RIGHT HERE!
Start looking for your “Designer Original Inspiration”. Gather up your patterns and fabrics and be inspired to make your own “Designer Copy”. Did I say there are prizes????
If you need some ideas, take a look at my “DESIGNER FASHION” Pinterest board here, OR on Facebook, join the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER Facebook Group. Get ideas! Ask questions! Post and discuss your progress! Let’s see your “Designer Original Inspiration” and your “Designer Copy”!
What will inspire you? Remember Designer Vintage fashion is allowed, as is Designer Casual AND Designer Handbags! Good luck in your search!
How to participate in the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER Sewing Challenge and be eligible for prizes:
- BLOG PARTICIPATION: Follow this blog and leave a comment that you’re joining in. I’ll keep an eye out for you! Then on your Blog, post a photo of your “Designer Original Inspiration” with the Designer’s name and your finished “Designer Copy”, mentioning the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER Sewing Challenge in your post with a link back here.
- INSTAGRAM PARTICIPATION: Follow me at @lanyoshandmade.nicedressthanks RIGHT HERE! On your IG, post a photo of your “Designer Original Inspiration” with the Designer’s name and your finished “Designer Copy”, tagging it #DESIGNINDECEMBER and #DESIGNINDECEMBER2025 and @lanyoshandmade.nicedressthanks
- Remember: Use the two hashtags and follow/tag my Blog or IG! Whether you have made it already, are in the process of making it, or plan on making it … LET ME KNOW!
- For the final voting after DECEMBER 31st, voting will take place both on my Blog and on my Instagram, I will repost one of your entries: include your “Designer Original Inspiration” with the Designer’s name and your finished “Designer Copy”, with a link back to you. Votes will be counted from both my Blog and my Instagram.
Only entries using these above methods will be entered into the Sewing Challenge and be voted on and eligible for prizes. Closing date for entries is 31st December 2025 Midnight PST.
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Now for the best news of all!
Here are some of our Prize Sponsors! Give them some “follows” and “likes” on their social media! Check out their websites. Take a look at what you could win!
Helen’s Closet – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
Emmaline Bags – one $25.00 CDN Gift Certificate for use on their website here
Waffle Patterns – one 20 EURO Gift Certificate for use on their website here
Itch to Stitch – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
Lányos Handmade – one of TWO free PDF sewing patterns from their website here
The Craft of Clothes – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
EK Sewing Patterns – two free PDF sewing patterns from their website here.
Paradise Patterns – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
Cork and Copper Designs – one $15 USD Gift Certificate for use on their website here
Greenstyle Creations – one $30 USD Gift Certificate for use on their website here
MM Cork – one $20 CDN Gift Certificate for use on their website here
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We haven’t heard back yet from all our prize sponsors, so stay tuned!
What “Designer Original” Inspired outfit would YOU like to have in your closet! Please share! I’d love to see!
Happy Sewing!
(This sewing challenge is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Instagram or Facebook but is hosted by my blog, Nice dress! Thanks, I made it!!)
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