Just to recap! I’ve found my “Designer Original Inspiration”. It’s this lovely Polo Ralph Lauren quilted coat. Perhaps with a collar though, like this one. I’ve decided on the fabric I am going to quilt and the pattern I am going to use – Helen’s Closet Wildwood Jacket

So how’s it going so far? I’ve got my PDF pattern cut and glued together.

I was hunting my stash to find something I could use for lining and found these two from Fabcycle, a deadstock fabric supplier. I’m planning on using the smaller piece for lining the sleeves and the bigger piece for the body, etc. There just wasn’t enough of one to do the whole job!

I was planning on cutting out the pieces, then quilting, but Helen’s Closet suggested quilting the fabric first and then cutting out the pieces, just in case quilting altered the size of your piece! So I cut a rectangular piece for each of the pattern pieces.

So now I am in the process of quilting, while Sophie is in the process of claiming my fabric as her own!

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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 for one winner 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 Supply – one $20 CDN Gift Certificate for use on their website here

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That’s not all! We have some new prize sponsors to share with you!

Susan J. Wright – one free copy of their 5th and newest book, “The Privileged Death”, in the Evie Valentine mysteries series from their website here (Apologies, only Canadian shipping available.)

The Moody Sewist – one free copy of the PDF sewing pattern for the “Moody Market Apron” from their website here

Joanna VanderVlugt – one free copy of their book, “Spy Girls”, in the Jade & Sage series from their website here (Apologies, only Canadian shipping available.)

Neighborhood Patterns – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here

Rosey Sews – one of TWO free PDF sewing patterns from their website here

Sew Chic Pattern Company – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here

Carmen Cose Patterns – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here

Sew House Seven Sewing Patterns – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here

DG Patterns – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here

J. Desirée Studio IG @sewmuchjazz – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here

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!!)SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave


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2 Responses to “Designin’ December 2025 – What’s New?”

  1. brwbmm Avatar

    Hi, Linda: I’m wondering why you print and tape your pdf patterns. Most pdf patterns come with an AO file that can be printed on large sheets of paper. I use a company in California
    https://www.tapefreepatterns.com/

    1. Linda of Lányos Handmade / Nice dress! Thanks, I made it!! Avatar

      Yes, that is true. I myself release my bag patterns with all formats, including A0. I am in Canada and have an office print shop about 30 – 40 min away. I live in a rural community and only really make the drive once every couple of weeks when all my errands have stacked up! I can send the digital file to be printed and then have to organize pick up for when I am actually driving in. So basically it is impatience (I want it now) and frugalness (don’t want to pay for the shipping, LOL) that makes me print the simpler files at home! Here’s one close to me, but there are many shops available if you just google. They are getting more common as the days go by! https://betterprintvictoria.com/sewing-patterns/ Sorry I only just saw your comment… apparently WordPress has decided that it doesn’t want to notify me anymore! I better look into that! 🙂