Season 24 Judges

Today we get to introduce you to the Season 24 judges!  These hard working  ladies have the extremely difficult job of helping sort through the stunning designer creations!  But as you're about to see, they're up to the task.

Celebrity Judges:

The celebrity judges are our guests for one week during Season 24.  They bring the wider view of the whole sewing community with them to the table.

For week 1, we've tapped into the talents of Sherri of Mamidesofiona.  A jaw dropping sewists, her garments always are technically perfect, whether she's sewing for herself or her gorgeous daughters.  Since her own Season on Project Run & Play, she's started the very successful pattern company, Sofiona Designs.  Be sure to follow her on Instagram for tons of beautiful sewing.

Mac is the fantastically talented powerhouse behind Harper + Lu and Sew Altered Style.  She'll be judging week 2.  For her, sewing is more than a hobby – it’s the way that she practices self-care. Becoming a mom to two beautiful (yet busy and active children) while working a full-time job, means that it’s easy to put herself last. Sewing, as well as the corresponding community, is a constant reminder to take time to do something that challenges her, yet is so satisfying!  If you follow Mac for even one minute, you'll she how passionate she is about fit and style.  Follow her on Instagram for a daily dose of real sewing.

The uber talented Lauren will be our guest judge for week 3!  Lauren created the indie pattern designer's best friend, Pattern Workshop.  (It's currently getting an overhaul and we hear the updated version somehow surpasses the first class, though we don't know how that's possible!) Pattern Workshop is known throughout the indie sewing and design community as the premier source of digital pattern making education. Since its inception in 2014, 2,000+ students in 69 countries around the world have learned to digitally draft, modify, grade, tile, package, market, and sell PDF sewing patterns. Pattern Workshop's founder, Lauren Dahl, is passionate about empowering aspiring and seasoned sewing pattern designers with the knowledge and tools to create modern, high-quality, digital sewing patterns so they can launch and grow their brands. She has worked tirelessly throughout 2020 to completely redesign, update, and expand the course to help her students meet the demands of today's growing community of sewists. 

 Lauren also created the wildly popular women's jeans pattern, Birkin Flares.  Follow Lauren on Instagram for tons of up to the minute sewing goodness.

Our week 4 judge, Shauna comes to us from the popular site Shwin & Shwin. She participated as a designer on Season 1 and the All Star Season. Shauna has a fantastic line of patterns for all ages.  Although her first love was embroidery and she loves creating all the things, sewing is her forte! Follow Shauna on Instagram for loads of sewing inspiration.

Panel of Judges:

The panel of judges keep Project Run & Play consistent as they judge each week of every Season in 2020.  Each of them was a Designer themselves on a past Season of Project Run & Play.

Cassie comes to us from Lily Shine Creates.  She was a designer on Season 10, and now designs patterns for Violette Field Threads.  Who can forget her amazing Shine Brite creation for the 80s Cartoons Theme?  These days, she's sewing quite a bit for herself as well as her childern, and it's sew inspiring!  It's a true honor to have Cassie make time in her busy life (follow along on Instagram!) for Project Run & Play.

Katy comes to us from Wild + Wanderful.  She was a designer on Season 12 and is the boy sewing expert on this panel!  You can find her on Instagram here.  Katy also runs Thread & Grain, with so many products for sewists!  It's so exciting to have her on the panel of judges for 2019.

Carin comes to us from Art Bella Creates.  She was a designer on Season 18 and shared her breathtaking aesthetic every single week!  A truly talented sewist, Carin is always a 1st pick when we are creating our stunning lookbooks!  Be sure to follow Carin on Instagram.  It's incredible to have her on this panel for Project Run & Play.

It's such an honor to have these talented ladies giving their time and effort on the behalf of Project Run & Play.  Please thank them by following them on social media, and reading and commenting on their blogs!

The Amazing Judges!

We want to make sure you got a chance to know the Season 23 judges!  These fantastic ladies were crucial in determining the results each week.  We were so pleased to be honored with their talents, and we want you to be sure to check out their sites and follow them on social media. 

Our week 1 judge was the color queen Katie Kortman!  Katie is an artist with a Bachelors (BFA) in Drawing and Painting from Brigham Young University and a Masters in Teaching Art.  She teaches art and sewing from her home, designs fun fabric, and recently released an ebook, Wear Happy Color!  The perfect judge for the Analogous Color theme, we're so honored to have Katie Kortman with us this Season.  Follow her on Instagram for the most colorful addition to your day.

For week 2, we tapped into the talents of Sherri of Mamidesofiona.  A jaw dropping sewists, her garments always are technically perfect, whether she's sewing for herself or her gorgeous daughters.  Since her own Season on Project Run & Play, she's started the very successful pattern company, Sofiona Designs.  Be sure to follow her on Instagram for tons of beautiful sewing.

Our celebrity sewing guest judge for week 3 was Mandy of Sugar Bee Crafts, also a former designer on Project Run & Play!  She has the cutest DIY tutorials, recipes, sewing and crafts galore on her site!  You can also pick up some really awesome national parks digital designs in her shop.   Be sure to follow her on Instagram for a bright and colorful addition to your feed, and her stories are always uplifting too!

And judging week 4 was the mega-celebrity Tabitha Sewer! (And yes, that is actually her real last name. Cool huh?) She describes her style as colorful, eye catching, and playful.  She likes to create things that stand out through color and texture.  One exciting addition to Tabitha's site is BUTTONS! Check out all the fun colors, shapes and sizes. Be sure to follow Tabitha on Instagram to add some happy to your day!

We also have our faithful panel of judges for all of 2020:

Cassie comes to us from Lily Shine Creates.  She was a designer on Season 10, and now designs patterns for Violette Field Threads.  Who can forget her amazing Shine Brite creation for the 80s Cartoons Theme?  These days, she's sewing quite a bit for herself as well as her childern, and it's sew inspiring!  It's a true honor to have Cassie make time in her busy life (follow along on Instagram!) for Project Run & Play.

Katy comes to us from Wild + Wanderful.  She was a designer on Season 12 and is the boy sewing expert on this panel!  You can find her on Instagram here.  Katy also runs Thread & Grain, with so many products for sewists!  It's so exciting to have her on the panel of judges for 2019.

Carin comes to us from Art Bella Creates.  She was a designer on Season 18 and shared her breathtaking aesthetic every single week!  A truly talented sewist, Carin is always a 1st pick when we are creating our stunning lookbooks!  Be sure to follow Carin on Instagram.  It's incredible to have her on this panel for Project Run & Play.

It's such an honor to have these talented ladies giving their time and effort on the behalf of Project Run & Play.  Please thank them by following them on social media, and reading and commenting on their blogs!

2020 Panel of Judges

Panel of Judges

We're very proud to announce our panel of judges for 2020.  These talented ladies will be helping keep the look and feel of Project Run & Play consistent and on track with their thoughtful judging scores each Season in 2020.

Cassie comes to us from Lily Shine Creates.  She was a designer on Season 10, and now designs patterns for Violette Field Threads.  Who can forget her amazing Shine Brite creation for the 80s Cartoons Theme?  These days, she's sewing quite a bit for herself as well as her childern, and it's sew inspiring!  It's a true honor to have Cassie make time in her busy life (follow along on Instagram!) for Project Run & Play.

Katy comes to us from Wild + Wanderful.  She was a designer on Season 12 and is the boy sewing expert on this panel!  You can find her on Instagram here.  Katy also runs Thread & Grain, with so many products for sewists!  It's so exciting to have her on the panel of judges for 2019.

Carin comes to us from Art Bella Creates.  She was a designer on Season 18 and shared her breathtaking aesthetic every single week!  A truly talented sewist, Carin is always a 1st pick when we are creating our stunning lookbooks!  Be sure to follow Carin on Instagram.  It's incredible to have her on this panel for Project Run & Play.

It's such an honor to have these talented ladies giving their time and effort on the behalf of Project Run & Play.  Please thank them by following them on social media, and reading and commenting on their blogs!

Judging Format:

Designers on Project Run & Play have been judged in different ways through the years.  The current judging format is as follows:

1/3 score = public voting
1/3 score = panel of past Project Run & Play designers
1/3 score = celebrity guest judge of the week

The hope is for this new scenario to cast light on the quality of the designer's work rather than their popularity.  This will hopefully ensure a positive experience for everyone, and the prizes awarded fairly on merit, rather than following size.

Season 22 Judges

This Season we're honored to have 3 VERY TALENTED people from the UK sewing community with us!  

The judging format is as follows:

1/3 score = celebrity guest judge of the week 

1/3 score = public voting

1/3 score = panel of past Project Run & Play designers

This scenario casts light on the quality of the designer's work rather than their popularity.  This format has ensured a positive experience for everyone in the past few Seasons, and the prizes awarded fairly on merit, rather than size of following.

Best known for winning BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee in April 2019 Juliet Uzor is also passionate about inspiring as many people as possible to take charge and create their own fashion pieces.  She feels lucky to have the platform to inspire people and show them how to tackle sewing projects. Juliet inspires and educates through her Sew So Natural blog posts, videos on youtube and mini tips and tricks on instagram.

Vicki Herron works daily behind the scenes at Minerva Crafts.  Can you imagine getting to dabble in fabric, patterns, yarn, notions and more every day??!!  In her day-to-day jobs at Minerva she is constantly surrounded by products, people and ideas that inspire her.  We are so excited to have Vicki looking at the designers creations!  You can find Minerva on Instagram, as wells as tons of information and inspiration on the Minerva blog.

A household name around the world, Lisa Comfort is a sewing powerhouse!  She runs the very widely trusted Sew Over It, a pattern, fabric and sewing institute.  Her mission is to teach the world to sew, and she's well on her way to that goal!  As if that wasn't enough, Lisa also runs Lisa Comfort Home, for all your home decor and accessories needs plus tons of styling inspiration.  Of course, we're partial to her line of children's sewing patterns; Poppy and Jazz.

Be sure to follow:

Sew Over It on Instagram for sewing patterns, fabric and inspiration

Lisa Comfort Home on Instagram (curated home collection)

Poppy and Jazz on Instagram (children's sewing patterns)

We also have our faithful panel of judges for this final Season of 2019:

Hayley comes to us from Welcome to the Mouse House.  She was a designer on Season 5 and Mini Season 1.  The Janie Dress and the Sydney Pinafore are her genius patterns, and can be found in the Project Run & Play shop!  It's a true honor to have Hayley make time in her busy life (follow along on Instagram!) for Project Run & Play.

Kelly comes to us from Handmade Boy.  She was a designer on Season 17 and is pretty much the uncontested boy sewing expert!  You can find her on Instagram here.  One thing Kelly makes perfectly clear is that boy sewing can be FUN.  It's so exciting to have her on the panel of judges for 2019.

Celina comes to us from Petit A Petit + Family.  She was a designer on Season 9 and proved that it pays to stay true to your own style every time!  The Tip Top Dress &  Tunic, Azur Reversible Swimsuit, Loverall Dungarees, Upbeet Tee and Dress, and Turnip Up Trousers patterns are all her designs and can be found in the Project Run & Play shop.  You can follow Celina's mega artistic account on Instagram.  It's incredible to have her make time in her busy life for Project Run & Play.

It's such an honor to have these talented ladies giving their time and effort on the behalf of Project Run & Play.  Please thank them by following them on social media, and reading and commenting on their blogs!

Season 21 Judges

It's with great pride and awe that I introduce you to this Season's guest judges.

Designers on Project Run & Play have been judged in different ways through the years.  The current judging format is as follows:

1/3 score = public voting
1/3 score = panel of past Project Run & Play designers
1/3 score = celebrity guest judge of the week

The hope is for this new scenario to cast light on the quality of the designer's work rather than their popularity.  This will hopefully ensure a positive experience for everyone, and the prizes awarded fairly on merit, rather than following size.

Celebrity Judges:

Meet the celebrity guest judges for Season 21!  It's a great honor to have these superstars in the European sewing community evaluating the designers' creations.

Melissa is a prolific and extremely talented seamstress in the sewing community and the author of Melly Sews and designer behind Blank Slate Patterns.  She provides inspiration in instruction for many wishing to sew for themselves.  One of the most talented people out there, you really will want to follow her on Instagram. 

We just can't get enough of Delia!  She's been a superstar on Project Run & Play over and over again, and continues to be one of our biggest supporters.  The designer behind Delia Creates, not only is she a talented seamstress, but a knitter,   fabric designer, and maker of all the things.  Be sure to follow her on Instagram for tons of gorgeous inspiration coming at you from the Pacific Northwest.

Jess of Lil Luxe Collection is no stranger to Project Run & Play either!  She swept the field in her Season, and designs the most memorable children's sewing patterns.  Find her on Instagram here for tons of cute kids in stylish (handmade!!) clothing.

Amber of Damask Love is one of the most upbeat, delightful bloggers in the sewing community.  You can expect to find bright colors, big smiles, and fun projects from Amber's talented brain.  If she looks familiar, it's probably because you've seen her on television where she is a regular force for the do-ability of DIY!  Be sure to follow her on Instagram too.

The judging format is as follows:

Weekly Panel of Judges 

This scenario casts light on the quality of the designer's work rather than their popularity.  This format has ensured a positive experience for everyone in the past few Seasons, and the prizes awarded fairly on merit, rather than size of following.

Hayley comes to us from Welcome to the Mouse House.  She was a designer on Season 5 and Mini Season 1.  The Janie Dress and the Sydney Pinafore are her genius patterns, and can be found in the Project Run & Play shop!  It's a true honor to have Hayley make time in her busy life (follow along on Instagram!) for Project Run & Play.

Kelly comes to us from Handmade Boy.  She was a designer on Season 17 and is pretty much the uncontested boy sewing expert!  You can find her on Instagram here.  One thing Kelly makes perfectly clear is that boy sewing can be FUN.  It's so exciting to have her on the panel of judges for 2019.

Celina comes to us from Petit A Petit + Family.  She was a designer on Season 9 and proved that it pays to stay true to your own style every time!  The Tip Top Dress &  Tunic, Azur Reversible Swimsuit, and Loverall Dungarees patterns are all her designs and can be found in the Project Run & Play shop.  You can follow Celina's mega artistic account on Instagram.  It's incredible to have her make time in her busy life for Project Run & Play.

It's such an honor to have these talented ladies giving their time and effort on the behalf of Project Run & Play.  Please thank them by following them on social media, and reading and commenting on their blogs!

Season 20 Judges

Have you had a chance to check out the judges page?  We're so delighted to have this much talent supporting Season 20.

Celebrity Judges:

Meet the celebrity guest judges for Season 20!  It's a great honor to have these superstars in the European sewing community evaluating the designers' creations.

Marie-Fleurine is a prolific and extremely talented seamstress in the sewing community and the author of Sew Mariefleur.  She provides inspiration for many wishing to sew for themselves.  One of the kindest people out there, you really will want to follow her on Instagram.  Originally from Germany, she now lives in Norway.  Just recently, her son was born, and so we hope to see some children's sewing on the scene too!

Liesl from is a sewing superstar living and working in Spain.  She runs the every popular children's sewing company Oliver+S, and also designs patterns for women too.  Her recently released Building Block Dress Book is THE go-to resource for many garment sewists everywhere.  Liesl has been a long time supporter of Project Run & Play and we're delighted to have her talent and expertise on hand this Season as well.

Trine of Groovybaby...and Mama lives in Denmark and is know far and wide in the sewing community for her stunning taste in fashion.  All of it handmade, of course!  She sews herself a wardrobe that is enviable, and also sews for her beautiful children.  It's a delight to have her judging one week this Season.  Get inspired by her blog and follow her on Instagram.

An of Straight Grain is the children's sewing expert, we've heard!  With a plethora of patterns available, everyone is sure to find one they love!  Be sure to follow her on Instagram for beautiful sewing inspiration.

The judging format is as follows:

1/3 score = celebrity guest judge of the week

1/3 score = public voting

1/3 score = panel of past Project Run & Play designers shown below

This scenario casts light on the quality of the designer's work rather than their popularity.  This format has ensured a positive experience for everyone in the past few Seasons, and the prizes awarded fairly on merit, rather than size of following.

Hayley comes to us from Welcome to the Mouse House.  She was a designer on Season 5 and Mini Season 1.  The Janie Dress and the Sydney Pinafore are her genius patterns, and can be found in the Project Run & Play shop!  It's a true honor to have Hayley make time in her busy life (follow along on Instagram!) for Project Run & Play.

Kelly comes to us from Handmade Boy.  She was a designer on Season 17 and is pretty much the uncontested boy sewing expert!  You can find her on Instagram here.  One thing Kelly makes perfectly clear is that boy sewing can be FUN.  It's so exciting to have her on the panel of judges for 2019.

Celina comes to us from Petit A Petit + Family.  She was a designer on Season 9 and proved that it pays to stay true to your own style every time!  The Tip Top Dress &  Tunic, Azur Reversible Swimsuit, and Loverall Dungarees patterns are all her designs and can be found in the Project Run & Play shop.  You can follow Celina's mega artistic account on Instagram.  It's incredible to have her make time in her busy life for Project Run & Play.

It's such an honor to have these talented ladies giving their time and effort on the behalf of Project Run & Play.  Please thank them by following them on social media, and reading and commenting on their blogs!

Season 19 Celebrity Guest Judges

Today we get to introduce you to the celebrity guest judges for Season 19!  It's a great honor to have these superstars in the Australian sewing community evaluating the designers' creations.

Megan Nielsen designs mega popular patterns for women and children too.  We're so grateful she agreed to help us out this Season again!  If you've ever sewn a Megan Nielsen pattern, then you know what a professional she is, and what a great privilege for Project Run & Play to have her review the designer looks.  Be sure to head over to Megan Nielsen for sewing inspiration, tutorials, patterns, tips,  inspiration and more!  Oh, and be sure to follow Megan Nielsen on Instagram for contemporary wardrobe essentials for you and your child!

Sophie from Ada Spragg is a sewing superstar.  She sews an enviable handmade wardrobe and knows her sewing stuff!  Of course she's from the Land Down Under and our designers are so excited for her to evaluate their work.  For daily wardrobe inspiration for YOURSELF, be sure to follow her on Instagram.

Ellie Whittaker is on a mission to fill the world with Australian patterns full of wonder, colour and whimsy.  Inspired by childhood nostalgia, literature and popular references Ellie often works with bright colours, bold styles and oversized designs and has developed widespread repute for her aesthetic.  It's really a huge honor to have her as a celebrity guest judge for Season 19!  You can be inspired yourself by browsing her site, Ellie Whittaker Studio.  And of course, following her on Instagram is a must!

2019 Panel of Judges

Today you get to meet some very special ladies!  These 3 women have agreed to sit on the 2019 panel of judges.  This is an important position because they evaluate every week of every Season all year long.  Their sewing skill and expertise is legendary, and it's a true pleasure to have them helping Project Run & Play in this capacity this year!  (In fact we're so excited, we're having a flash sale...see below!)

Hayley comes to us from Welcome to the Mouse House.  She was a designer on Season 5 and Mini Season 1.  The Janie Dress and the Sydney Pinafore are her genius patterns, and can be found in the Project Run & Play shop!  It's a true honor to have Hayley make time in her busy life (follow along on Instagram!) for Project Run & Play.

Kelly comes to us from Handmade Boy.  She was a designer on Season 17 and is pretty much the uncontested boy sewing expert!  You can find her on Instagram here.  One thing Kelly makes perfectly clear is that boy sewing can be FUN.  It's so exciting to have her on the panel of judges for 2019.

Celina comes to us from Petit A Petit + Family.  She was a designer on Season 9 and proved that it pays to stay true to your own style every time!  The Tip Top Dress &  Tunic, Azur Reversible Swimsuit, and Loverall Dungarees patterns are all her designs and can be found in the Project Run & Play shop.  You can follow Celina's mega artistic account on Instagram.  It's incredible to have her make time in her busy life for Project Run & Play.

To celebrate these awesome judges, the Project Run & Play shop is having a flash sale on their patterns through the weekend.  No code needed.  Sale ends midnight Sunday January 27.

Come back tomorrow when the meet and greet with the Season 19 designers begins!

2019 Panel of Advisors

Today you get to meet a special group of ladies.  These ladies agreed to help me out by serving on the panel of advisors for 2019.  Each of these ladies SHONE on their Season and brings a special, unique viewpoint to the Panel of Advisors.  

They are helping me shape the future of Project Run & Play, reigning me in when I get too carried away with an idea, offering suggestions, helping judge the sew along, and more!  Without them I'd be overwhelmed.  So please give a very warm welcome to these ladies:

Tami of SewSophieLynn from Seasons 12 and 15.  Besides sewing up the most inspirational sewing creations for her kids, like her I'm an Autumn look, her handmade wardrobe is truly enviable!  Follow her on Instagram for all the sewing goodness you can imagine. 

Candice of Candice Ayala from Season 16.  Her incredible Circus inspired creation is still the talk of the sewing community!  You can follow her on Instagram for lots of sewing and up cycling, including her daughter's sewing journey.

Sabra of Sew A Straight Line from Season 16.  Remember the time she made shoes (SHOES!!!) for her Sew Your Stash look?  You can follow her on Instagram for tons of sewing and cute kids.

Annika of Naeh Connection from Season 11.  Do you remember the bunny in the pocket on her Signature Style look?  Follow her on Instagram here for behind the scenes German sewing life.

Teronia of Sew Haute Blog from Season 14.  Her Persnickety Plaid look was so amazing I hear she's been taking orders...do you think she'd make it in my size?  Follow her on Instagram here for the cutest little girl models and boutique sewing inspiration.

Ari of Max California from Season 6 & Mini Season 1.  I can't decide if I loved her outfits or her photo shoot more from her Mini Season Ko Ko Bop look.  Follow her on Instagram here to keep up with the coolest kids ever.

Sherri of Mami de Sofiona from Season 14.  She's the lady who made us want to eat her children with her Starbursts and Nerds look!  Follow her on Instagram here for her new pattern company and some of the most beautiful sewing on the web.

These amazing ladies have chosen the themes for Season 19, and they are so inspirational, which ones are you planning to sew?

Please leave a comment below welcoming the Panel of Advisors.  Tell them what look they designed and sewed for Project Run & Play that inspired you!