A New Chapter for Project Run and Play

 With the new year comes new changes to Project Run and Play.

First, all new blog posts going forward will be shared on the shop website, projectrunandplay.com! We plan to maintain this website so that all of the incredible content posted over the last 14 years can continue to be shared with others to teach and inspire. The shop website is also getting a bit of a refresh and reorganization, so please bear with us as we attempt to change things up a bit!

Second, the leadership team has shifted a bit.

Jenny and Whitney have been helping out over the last few years and will be stepping back into contributor roles. Project Run and Play could not have accomplished so many great things without their hard work and great ideas! Thank you both so much!!!

Audrey is officially retiring from Project Run and Play! Back in 2018, Audrey took over Project Run and Play and expanded it to include a pattern shop as well as adding many fun events! Her vision for evolving Project Run and Play has created so many meaningful relationships in addition to huge accomplishments! We are going to miss her so much! 

Here is a special note from Audrey:

For the past several years I have had the immense pleasure and privilege of holding the reins at Project Run and Play. It has been my goal during this time to continue providing an inspiring, educational, and creative space for the sewing community to find a reprieve from the daily grind. I have also attempted to grow Project Run and Play into an even bigger and more inspiring place by continuing the traditional Seasons, creating and curating the shop, releasing new patterns and pattern collections, coordinating inspirational sewing tours, and designing the ever popular lookbooks. 

This would not have been possible without each and every one of you. Designers, contributors, sponsors, assistants, team members and more have carried this event on their shoulders and helped it succeed, while in the process becoming like family to me. I feel so humbled as I think of each and every person who helped me through my tenure as the head cheerleader at Project Run and Play. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

It is with immense gratitude and respect that I am retiring and passing the reins to Lindsay and Liesel. You know these two ladies well as they are past Designers, not only earning well-deserved top places in their Seasons, but continuing to inspire us all again and again since then!  Their vision and dedication will lift Project Run and Play to even greater heights.  Please give them your wholehearted support in every possible way you can.  They have and will deserve it!

Thank you for everything and happy sewing,

Audrey

We have been planning this virtual "Retirement Party" in secret and collected special messages to Audrey from the Project Run and Play family. We are also sharing some of our favorite things that Audrey has sewn over the years! (Oh, and each of the images are linked if you want to see more!)

Audrey, Congratulations on your retirement! You have been such a positive light in the online sewing community. Your leadership has left a great impact on Project Run and play! I was blessed to work along side you for a short time. And I am honored to call you a friend! Wishing you joy, relaxation and lots of sewing time in the next chapter of your life! All the best, Whitney, Sew Whit Designs

Audrey has been the heart of Project Run and Play, and turned it from just a sewing competition, to a collaborative community ❤️ I have learned so much working with her as a collaborator and as member of the Project Run and Play team! She knows how to make people feel valued and included, and I am so excited for her next big adventure! - Jenny, Made of Starlite

Audrey was running Project Run and Play when I was invited to participate as a contestant, so she’ll always be the one who made the competition accessible to me. She was so organized, and thorough, and made the whole season run smoothly. I loved knowing exactly what to expect, and the camaraderie she encouraged between competitors was what made me eager to continue being a part of this space! The reason Project Run and Play is what it is, is thanks to the shoulders who have carried it this far, and Audrey is a huge part of it’s legacy! Thank you, Audrey, for everything you did for Project Run and Play, and me! -Liesel, It's Liesel

Audrey, I am going to miss you leading Project Run and Play! You have done amazing things over the past few years and your work ethic and positive attitude have inspired me! I am honored to be able to continue the work that you started and I pinky promise to stay in touch! Above all, beyond the amazing sewing patterns and creative content, you have touched lives and inspired others. I am so grateful to call you my friend! -Lindsay, PACountryCrafts

To Audrey - wishing you all happiness as you move into retirement. Thank you for inviting me to join the wonderful, kind and creative PRP family. - Sara, Waves and Wild

Audrey, thank you for all you’ve done to keep PR&P going and for your imaginative leadership. You’ve done some pretty amazing things and I’m so happy I was able to be part of it. Enjoy your retirement! - Lisa, Lisee Ree Designs

Audrey is a unique and powerful soul who has changed me for the better! She is crazy talented, creative, capable and a deep thinker. She makes intentional decisions in keeping with her values, but she’s also open to new ideas and unique perspectives. She loves fiercely and protectively and I am honored to be one of her friends. She has mentored me in so many ways, and I just adore her! Happy retirement, Audrey. Gosh, you’re old. -Bonnie Wiscombe

Audrey's contributions to Project Run & Play have been nothing short of extraordinary. She refined and elevated PR&P into the dynamic event we see today. Her crowning achievement was the introduction of designer collaborations, bringing forth numerous patterns, digital files, and fabrics that embody the spirit of the PR&P community. As we give thanks for Audrey's contributions, we wish her a retirement filled with joy and new adventures. - Jenn, Jennuine Designs

Thank you so much Audrey for everything you have done for Project Run and Play! You made my dream come true as a 24 year old when you invited me to be a designer! It was something I never imagined happening but because of you I was able to challenge myself and become a better seamstress and even a designer. I am so glad to have “met” you through the blogging and sewing community. You constantly inspire me with your beautiful sewing and pattern designs. Thank you Audrey and happy retirement! - Elizabeth, The College Seamstress

Audrey, you have been an inspiration to me! I got to know PR&P because of you and it has made me very happy to collaborate with you and the other designers during the past years. I love what you do, your sewing, the collections, how you've managed PR&P, your podcast, and how you always have a kind word when I'm feeling down. You helped me see and feel that I'm not alone in this big pattern designing world, and this has been very important to me. I'll miss you dearly over here, and I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do next. Perhaps we can meet in person one day, I would love that. - Susana, Suco by Susana

I can’t imagine anyone who could have done a better job leading and helping build Project Run + Play to what it is today. The countless hours she has put in, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera, will be sorely missed. To have this little nugget on the internet that celebrates those who sew for their children is such a joy. It wouldn’t be possible without the commitment Audrey has had to PRP since the beginning! I hope that this next chapter of life keeps your creative fires burning, while allowing you to rest a little more. We look forward to seeing what you do next! - Lakeisha, Sincerely Shantelle

The term “force for good” is very fitting for Audrey. As I’ve worked with her on several projects I’ve been witness to her amazing work ethic and positivity. She is such a skilled organizer, selfless cheerleader, adept designer, and the kindest of friends. I’ve genuinely never met anyone as dependable and hardworking as she is, and I’ve never left an interaction with her without feeling encouraged to be better. She inspires so effectively by example and through kindness. I will always admire the relentlessly uplifting impact she’s made on the sewing world through Project Run and Play. Best wishes for what’s next Audrey. Love, Delia - Delia Creates

For so many years Audrey has been a beloved colleague and collaborator. I was excited when she first took over Project Run & Play and it was fun to be a part of some of the early choices she made with the brand. Early on, Audrey was interested in collaborating with other designers and creating some PR&P collections that could help promote not only the site, but also reach further into the the brands of the individual designers once the exclusivity seasons were complete. These type of collaborations really helped engage the community and strengthen the project run & play sew along competitions, which were always my favorite part of the site.  I wish only the best for Audrey as she steps aside and I can’t wait to see where the future takes the brand. I know she’ll be watching and cheering you ladies on from the sidelines, as will we all  - Ajaire, Call Ajaire

Congrats on this move to a new stage, Audrey. You were an essential part of my journey from excited pattern tester to overwhelmed designer. LOL Thanks for walking me through the experience of PR&P. Sherri, Mami de Sofiona

Audrey, Project run and play is so fun to be a part of! It has inspired so many sewist over the years. Watching PRP grow has been so cool, especially having he opportunity to be a part of it! Congratulations on retirement, I hope the next phase of life is filled with enjoyment 💗 -Emily, Team Orosco

Thank you for your hard work on Project Run and Play. I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to compete in season 26. I NEVER would have imagined I would be chosen and I’ll be forever grateful for the chance; it was something I needed very much at a very difficult time in my life and that means more than you can imagine. Enjoy your free time! - Emily, Emily Sews Stuff

The first time I spoke with Audrey was to propose my participation in the PR&P, what a nice opportunity she gave me. I am very grateful. Audrey has always struck me as a hard-working woman with a very important skill: she never loses her patience and gentleness. That smile of hers is magic. I wish you all the best in your new stage. Greetings from Spain! -Monica, Ma Me Mi Mo

Thanks Lindsay! Audrey has been so wonderful and inspiring and has grown PRP so much!! Wishing her the very best with everything that comes next!! -Emily, Replicate then Deviate

It would be great if we could all have a piece of cake now! (Consider this your excuse for a treat!)

Congratulation, Audrey! Enjoy!

Moving forward, Project Run and Play will continue with Liesel and Lindsay taking the reins. For 2024 there will be monthly themes and sewing challenges with prizes! The first one is already started!!!

Here is how you can keep up with Project Run and Play:

Newsletter

Facebook Group

Instagram

New Blog

To be continued...

Feel free to leave your own message for Audrey in the comments!

What is Color Blocking + our 5 top tips

This week, as part of our Sew Your Stash event, we're talking about color blocking.  So we first need to clarify what is meant by color blocking!

Color blocking: Mixing two to three (if not more) bold and often contradictory colors together in one ensemble to make for an exciting statement piece.

For those of us who sew, color blocking is a GREAT stash buster because it allows us to use up smaller cuts of fabric.  You know, those pieces that are left over from cutting out a bigger project that are just big enough that you hate to throw them away!

Top 5 Tips for Color Blocking:

1.  Plan ahead!  Draw out your plan ahead of time.  Did you know that every single pattern in the Project Run & Play shop has line drawings included?  These line drawings are perfect for printing out and sitting down with a handful of crayons to plan your project!

2.  Remember to add seam allowances!  If you've decided to color block the front of a shirt, and the pattern piece says cut on the fold, you have to remember to add a seam allowance on the center front of both pieces.  Anywhere you cut a pattern piece for extra color blocking, remember to add seam allowance.

3. Check and then check again before you cut!  Because we're so used to cutting things out with the fabric folded in half, this is an area to use caution.  We recommend when color blocking to cut everything out with the right side of the fabric up and then you just have to remember to cut mirror images, which will mean turning over the pattern piece.  Don't worry if it sounds complicated, just mark your pattern pieces ahead of time!

4.  Nest your seams.  This is a trick we garment sewers learned from quilters!  They're the experts at getting corner and angles to line up, and they have a neat little trick they call nesting the seam.  It works like this: instead of pressing your seams open, press them toward one side (the darker fabric if applicable.)  Then, when you bring two joints together, the seam allowances will nest right up next to each other, and on the right side, it will create a PERFECT junction.

5.  Press your color blocked seams well.  No seriously!  Everyone's eyes will be drawn to the color blocking, and you want those seams to look amazing!  We like to press our seams flat first with lots of steam, and then a second time with lots of steam.

There you have it!  Color blocking defined and our top 5 tips.  Are you ready for some more color blocking fun?  Come back tomorrow!  (Use the graphic above to save these tips on Pinterest.  Do you follow us there?)

Sew Your Stash Giveaway and Link Up

It's time for YOU to join the Sew Your Stash party!!!

In true Project Run & Play fashion, we have a HUGE giveaway for you!  One person who links up will win 10 YARDS OF FABRIC & 10 PATTERNS & 3 DIGITAL DESIGN BUNDLES FROM THE SHOP!!!

The winner will be chosen by the Project Run & Play team.  The 10 patterns will be the winner's choice, and the 10 yards of fabric will be from OUR stashes!  (We promise you'll LOVE what we choose!  Spoiler alert: there will be some of the cotton jersey treeline fabric shown below in the giveaway!!!)

We encourage you to dip into your stash and get creative!  We'll have content all month to inspire you, and even some separate, fun challenges on Instagram, so make sure you're following us there.

Who will sew the most yards from their stash?  Who will use the most unused patterns?  Who will use the oldest item from their stash?  Who will dare to sew up the most precious thing from their stash?  We'll be watching!!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Welcome to the Sew Your Stash party!!!

 Happy New Year!  Are you all resolutioned up?  Is one of your resolutions, like ours, to sew up more of your stash of patterns, fabric and sewing supplies?  If so, you're in luck because we're having a party and there are going to be prizes for dipping into your stash and using it!

For the whole month of January, we're going to have some amazing ideas, inspiration, and tutorials all aimed at helping us sew up some of that stash.  And in true Project Run & Play fashion, there will be PRIZES, COMMUNITY, CHALLENGES, SALES, THEMES and FUN!

Here are a couple of good reasons to sew your stash:

1.  It was precious enough for you to add to your stash...so use it!

2.  If you use it, you're making room for more...so use it! 😉

3.  Sometimes things go out of style after a while...so use it!

Later this week, we'll give you more details on the PRIZES.  For now, it's time to dig into your stash and see what you're going to use first!  

Oh, and be sure to follow us on Instagram because we're going to be sewing from our own stashes and giving each other (and the COMMUNITY!!) some stash CHALLENGES!

Are you in?!?!

P.S.  Be sure you are subscribed to our newsletter so you can be in on the SALES!

Get in on the exclusive sales!

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Season 26: Themes and Dates

  We are beyond excited to announce our next season of Project Run and Play. Season 26 is going to be SO good! The designers we have participating are amazingly talented. We will announce their names tomorrow but for today, we will let you in on the themes and dates. 

Season 26 Themes: 

Pocketful of Sunshine : Life is better with pockets! This week you will use pockets to add function and style to your look.

Pleats to Meet You : Pleats, tucks, & gathers, oh my! These techniques have been around for ages but are currently making a comeback in fashion. How will you manipulate your fabric for some added dimension?

 Turnip the Beet: Lucky for us, seasonal produce isn’t just for eating- it’s also a fashion trend. This week you will create a ‘one in a melon’ look with the sweet pairing of food and fashion.

 

Signature Style : Design a look that best represents your own unique style, taste, and best showcases your skill set.

Season 26 Weeks: 

Week 1: March 22-25

Week 2: March 29-April 1

Week 3: April 5-8

Week 4: April 12-15

Which theme are you most excited for? Check out tomorrow's post because we will announce the designers! 

Pantone Party 2022

Are you ready for the show?  It's time for the 2022 Project Run & Play Pantone Party!!!

Every year Pantone chooses a color of the year, which influences fashion and design trends everywhere.  For 2022, they’ve created a new color, Very Peri!  This color displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.

One of our goals here at Project Run & Play is to stay on the cutting edge of children’s fashion and sewing patterns, so this next bit of fun is designed with that in mind.  

Our Pantone Party event combines two fantastic elements in the sewing world, fabric and patterns.  Some of our handpicked designers are going to work with fabrics from special sponsors to create looks using these two Pantone colors and patterns from our shop.  Look for an on trend, inspirational event!  

Our virtual party will exuberantly fill the month of February.  Prepare yourself to be inspired, no make that prepare yourself to be completely blown away!  In fact you'd better dig through your stash and see what you have in shades of Very Peri because you are going to need it!!!

Stay tuned all week long as we kick off this ultra cool Pantone Party! 

Audition for Season 26!

 Who's ready for another season of Project Run and Play? We certainly are! 

August Sewing: Season 25 winner

If you think you have what it takes, we would love for you to audition. Season 26 will be in March and we would love for YOU to be one of the designers! 

Made by Kates: Season 24 winner

To audition for this fantastic opportunity, link up your ONE best example of your sewing in the link up below. 

Good luck! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Project Happy Holidays: It's here!!

The team at Project Run and Play is excited to announce the arrival of Project Happy Holidays! This amazing collection features patterns from: Project Run and Play, Suco by Susana, Jennuine Designs, Call Ajaire, and August Sewing. 

Check out the look book to see all the patterns sewn up. We had some amazing contributors to our look book who will be showing you more of their makes in the coming weeks on our Blog Tour. 

All of these new patterns will be on sale for 20% off December 6-12! You can purchase the entire collection for 30% off. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive an additional 10% off any patterns in the collection during December.

Here are the amazing patterns included in the collection:

Noel Dress

Holly Tee and Dress

Evergreen Skirt

Fete Slacks

Hols Shirt

Cedar Coat and Cardigan

Prancer Pull ons

Cinnamon Cardigan

Jingle Joggers

Yawn Sleep Tee

Blip Turtleneck

Nutcracker Doll & Clothes

Project Happy Holidays Collection

Feature Pattern of the Month: Indigo

There are lots of exciting things happening around Project Run and Play lately! Today we are excited to announce a monthly pattern feature and sew a long. For the month of October, we will be featuring the Indigo Dress & Romper Pattern. 

The Indigo Dress and Romper has so many options including: dress, pants romper, bubble romper, separates, and 5 sleeve choices, so the possibilities are endless!

 The pattern will be on sale for $3 OFF through October!

 To receive the discount code, make sure to sign up for the newsletter.

Once you have your pattern, join our Facebook group for our sew a long. We will be checking in weekly and will have a random drawing at the end for a chance to win a free pattern of choice from the Project Run and Play shop! 

 

We can't wait to see which version you make first!