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!

Project Night and Day with Suco by Susana

Now that we have formally introduces all of the Project Night and Day patterns, it is time to kick off the official blog tour! Our first designer is Susana from Suco by Susana, who also contributed two new patterns for this collection!

 Before we get to Susana's makes, we just want to remind you that today is the LAST DAY to get 20% off individual patterns. You can still get the bundles at over 30% off and until 12/1/23 you can use the code PNDBOGO to get a new PRP brand accessory pattern from the collection for FREE!

Now, let's see what Susana sewed...

There’s a new collection at Project Run and Play, called Project Night and Day. It’s full of beautiful patterns for apparel, accessories, digital designs and even fabric. I contributed two new patterns for girls, the Luna Jumper and the Sol Skirt (luna means moon and Sol means sun).

Luna Jumper and Sol Skirt

 Introducing two more patterns coming in the Project Night and Day Pattern Collection!

Luna Jumper 

By Suco by Susana

The Luna Jumper is a relaxed fit sweater designed for knit fabrics. It features:

- Vertical ruffle on the front and back.

- Cropped length with waistband.

- Sleeves that are gathered into cuffs.

This pattern is part of the Project Night and Day collection from Project Run and Play, and works beautifully paired with the other patterns of the collection as a capsule wardrobe.

Sol Skirt

By Suco by Susana

The Sol skirt is a denim style skirt designed for woven fabrics, suitable for every season.

The design features:

- A-line

- zip fly

- inset front pockets with coin pocket

- patch pockets in the back with 6 different topstitch designs

- shaped waistband with belt loops

- adjustable waistband

- front and back darts on sizes 7 to 14

- above knee length

- topstitching

This pattern is part of the Project Night and Day collection from Project Run and Play, and works beautifully paired with the other patterns of the collection as a capsule wardrobe.

Stay tuned for all the previews of this collection! It's so good!

Mini Season 3: Round 3

 The final round of Mini Season 3 has arrived! This season has been so much fun and we have lots more "Copy that Look" inspiration headed your way!

Don't forget about our sewalong! You have until 9/14/23 to enter! Get the details HERE!

Now let's get to the good stuff... the looks for our final round!

Cherry Berry Cute! - The College Seamstress

I am so excited to be here for this mini season and to be sewing for my kids! “Copy that Look” was such a fun challenge. I decided to browse some children’s clothing websites and found my inspiration from “Janie and Jack”, a children’s clothing company with classic but modern designs. My whole look started from the “American Honey” fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I knew I wanted to make a dress for my toddler so when I found the Every Day Puff Sleeve Dress I knew it would be perfect. It had everything a little girl could want - puff sleeves, a scoop back, and a twirly tiered skirt. To make it I started with the Janie Dress pattern from the Project Run & Play shop. I used the bodice with the scoop back view but I made a neck binding and changed the sleeves to be puffed using a tutorial from Elizabeth Made This blog. I went all out on the puffs making them something Anne Shirley would be proud to wear. The skirt is two tiers and I measured my daughter to figure out how long I wanted the skirt to be from waist to hem. I divided that up into two pieces and made the top tier a little bit wider than the bottom tier based on my inspiration photo. I doubled the length so there was plenty of gathering making a very twirly skirt!

The denim jacket was a labor of love and the piece I am most proud of. I was first inspired by the Janie and Jack Ruffle Trim Denim Jacket. The ruffle reminded me of the Sofiona Designs Raven Dress so I started with that and used the back yoke piece to redraw my own yoke onto the front and back bodice of a Friday Dress. I made a ruffle twice the length I needed for the yoke and collar and gathered it. The bottom of the jacket is the Fashionista Jean Jacket but I cut it apart several times and redrew the back and front panels to look more like my inspiration jacket. The sleeves are a mash of the Friday Dress and the Fashionista Jacket. The only original pattern pieces are the plackets, sleeve cuffs, welt pockets, and bottom band. The back yoke is also something I am proud of. I decided to tie in the cherries from the dress to the back of the jacket by hand embroidering some cherries. I found a free template from Oh Sew Bootiful and traced that onto my yoke before I started sewing. I embroidered the cherries and love the pop of color against the denim jacket. My daughter loves it too and says "look at my cherries!" every time she wears the jacket. I was able to get some custom print fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabrics so I could match the inside yoke and inside cuff to my daughter's dress. I love the little details even though no one will see them. The hat is a Monet Beret from the Project Run and Play shop and I added a bow. I wanted to use a sweater but the best I could find was this cable look fabric from Etsy. It is a knit so I interfaced the outer fabric before sewing so it wouldn't flop around. I love how it really completes the look. 

My baby boy’s look was also inspired by pieces from Janie and Jack. I first found the embroidered overalls and thought I would embroider the same cherry pattern I used for his sister onto the Flying Fox Overalls. I omitted the front pockets but added a little back pocket. The fabric for the overalls was my husband’s old work pants and I love seeing our son wear it now. I added some embroidery to the back to cover up some holes in the fabric too. I wanted to make a Henley shirt to go under the overalls but instead of a real placket I did a faux placket. I used the Oliver + S School Bus T-shirt but made the neckline wider for my little boy’s big head and added the faux placket. I also added sleeve cuffs instead of hemming. The fabric for the shirt is also upcycled as it was my husband’s shirt. I was able to use the cuffs and neckband from the original shirt too. Finally, since my daughter had a hat I wanted to make my son a hat as well. I used the Fell & Dale Cap from the Project Run and Play shop. I used a corduroy fabric from my stash to make it similar to my inspiration photo. 

Thank you so much for letting me share this and thank you to the Project Run and Play team for asking me to be apart of this mini season! I had so much fun creating these outfits. You can see more photos of my look on my blog HERE

Roblox Avatar - The Wolf and The Tree

I was excited to be part of this mini season. I haven't sewn much lately and this was my way of getting back in front of the machine. It worked!

My girl wanted an outfit inspired by her Roblox character. Her character has a cardigan, shorts, a sweater and a t-shirt. As accessories she wanted the mask and hat that she also has in game. 

With a whole shopping list of things to accomplish I looked in my own pattern files for hacks to achieve these looks:

The sock design is the Just Sew It Socks - she is now in a Women's Medium - gasp!

For the T-Shirt I modified the Abby's Rippled Pearl. Instead of the signature waterfall like neckline I created a U-Boat shaped neckline and I used the accent sleeves instead of the short sleeves. She loves it and says it is so comfortable!

The Cardigan was the first big challenge. I used a lace knit and hand dipped it in fabric paint. I then painted the stripes of and left the edges raw, (with the bottom having a beautiful scalloped hem) just like the picture, as it has frayed edges. The pattern I used was the 

Abby's Ballerina Tie Top, turned into a cardigan.

The shorts were the Abby's Overalls, the shorts length. I used stripey fabric but created the casual plaid look, as well as the requested paint drips with self made templates and fabric paint.

Lastly the jacket was both the biggest challenge and biggest surprise. It was a mystery fabric I had picked up from Walmart that came in a tube. I wasn't sure if it would work because it wanted to roll a lot, but my girl had chosen it, so there was no budging. After giving it a thorough press it laid beautifully and the stripes were transferred with infusible ink rather smoothly. The back features a V-Neck, which I particularly love, and on the front is the paw print that could not be left out, made from iron-on vinyl. I used Abby's Road Trip Tunic as a starting point to create the jacket.

I couldn't be happier with the outcome! It turned out exactly how I had envisioned and my girl wants to wear it without the mask to school, and with the mask to Halloween! Win, win! 

I hope you enjoy the look as much as I enjoyed making it!

Now it is up to you to vote for your favorite! You may only vote once and the poll closes on 9/7/23 at 8:00 pm EST.

Mini Season 3: Round 3 Designers

We can hardly believe it is the final week of Mini Season 3 already! For our final round we have Elizabeth and Saskia...

We are very excited to welcome Elizabeth back to Project Run and Play! In Season 14 she sewed for her younger siblings, but now she is married with children of her own to sew for! How exciting!!!

Hello! I’m Elizabeth of The College Seamstress. I was previously on PRP way back in 2017 for season 14 and I am so excited to be here for a mini season! I have now been sewing for nearly two decades! Since my last appearance on Project Run and Play I got married, have two kids under two and a half, and became a SAHM. I even sewed my own wedding dress which is probably my favorite project of all time! I have a 2 year old daughter and a 9 month old son and I love making clothes for them in the limited time I have to sew. My daughter loves wearing her mama made clothes and now thinks that mama makes all her clothes!

 When I’m not sewing, I enjoy baking sourdough bread and even started selling it in local Farmers Markets and from my kitchen to local customers. I also enjoy being outside with my kids, going for walks, and spending time with my family.

You can follow me on Instagram HERE where I share more of my sewing projects, bread baking, and life as a mom.

Saskia from The Wolf and the Tree joined Project Run and Play during Season 21.

My name is Saskia and I am the designer behind The Wolf and the Tree. I was born in Germany where I learned how to sew using paper patterns - with newspaper and needle point tracing wheel on the kitchen floor - under the guidance of my mother.

I drafted my first clothing patterns when I was in High School. After my children were born I made them everything from self drafted sleep sacks to snow boots and winter coats.

My dearest sewing machine is an early 1970s Elna, gifted to me from my children's honorary great-grandmother, and named in her memory - Peggy. I am a firm believer that everything beyond the old fashioned straight and zig zag stitches is beautiful but not a necessity. Don't be discouraged if your machine lacks features that the modern machines have - you an create lasting beauty with anything, as long as you put care and love into the making of your garments. 

The last years have put some things on hold and I am happy to get fully immersed again and get creative and see creativity in others! I am so excited to be part of this challenge and for the fun of imagining and making to start for this mini season!

We can't wait to see what these talented ladies create this week! Don't forget to join in on our sewalong to win prizes as well! Get the details HERE!

Mini Season 3: Round 1 Designers

Are you ready for the first round of Mini Season 3? We can't wait to see what our designers have made! 

Today we have our official introductions for Round 1. Please make sure to follow these talented ladies to see all of the awesome things they create!

In this corner we have Kelly from Season 23!

Hi, everyone! I’m Kelly from Sew a Little Seam and I’m so excited to be a part of Project Run & Play! My sewing journey started when I was little and I would sit and watch my mom sew my Halloween costumes or dresses. I started sewing when my son was a toddler, and after my daughter was born my passion for it really took off. I started Sew a Little Seam in 2015 and released my first pattern, the Ollie Bomber Jacket, a year later. I have so much fun creating for myself and my family, and seeing others create with my patterns is such an amazing feeling! 

When I'm not sewing I love camping with my family. Living in the Northeastern U.S., we can be in the mountains or at the ocean in just a short drive. I also enjoy horseback riding, although I don't ride as often as I used to. My horse enjoys a more leisurely life of taking my kids around the ring now.

You can find my patterns and blog at https://www.sewalittleseam.com/
The Sew a Little Facebook Group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewalittleseam/
You can see what I’m sewing at https://www.instagram.com/sewalittleseam/

In the next corner we have Lakeisha from Season 25!

Hi y’all! I’m sew excited to be back for this mini season of PRP! For those who don’t know me yet, I’m Lakeisha. I’ve been sewing for my husband, myself, and our two kids (7 & 14) since 2017 and experimenting with pattern work off and on throughout.  I always enjoy making clothing that reflects who they are (and what they like) in the moment. I spent many years pattern testing and strike-off sewing, then decided to get more serious in my endeavors, so I enrolled in a community college fashion design program in the fall of 2021 to pursue an associates degree in technical apparel (which I am still currently attending). This takes up a lot of my time these days, but I still love sewing for fun, nonetheless. I look forward to showing y’all what I’ve created this season and can’t wait to see the inspiring designs of the other creators!

You can find me (sorta) blogging at: https://sincerelyshantelle.com

Sewing and a little life at : https://www.instagram.com/sincerely_shantelle/

Come back tomorrow to see what each of them have created and cast your vote!