52 Week Sewing Challenge – 2023
Are you a sewing enthusiast looking for a fun and exciting challenge to take on in 2023? Look no further than the 52 Week Sewing Challenge – 2023!
So I found this group on Facebook the other day and I was like, “oh dang, this is so cool!” They’re doing this thing where they complete a new sewing project every week for a year. I used to sew all the time but then I lost interest in it, you know? But this challenge seems like the perfect way to get back into it and fall in love with it all over again!
What’s awesome about this challenge is how flexible it is. You can complete the weekly assignments in any order and at any time throughout the year. That’s a lifesaver for when things get hectic, ’cause you can still catch up on missed weeks and be part of the challenge.
So far, I’ve done a bunch of projects for the challenge. I made a cup cozy out of scraps, an envelope pillow cover with new fabric, and pig-themed pajama pants that I mashed up from a pattern. Each project was a blast and I’m stoked to see what else is in store.
Week 1 – Sew Something with Scraps
Okay, so for the first week of the challenge, we had to sew something using scraps. I thought it would be cool to make a cup cozy because you can use up all those random pieces of fabric and batting you have lying around. Plus, it’s super handy to have for hot drinks, and it makes a really nice gift.
And voila! I ended up with this adorable and practical cup cozy that I literally use all the time. Check out these sweet directions on how to make your own cup cozies. Just click here to get started.
Week 2 – Sew Something with Your Newest Fabric
The second week of the challenge called for a project made with your newest fabric. I had recently picked up a fun woodsy print from Walmart, so I decided to make an envelope pillow cover with it.
Envelope pillow covers are one of my favorite projects because they are easy to make and can be switched out frequently to match the season or holiday. Check out this link to learn how to make your very own envelope pillow cover. Pretty cool, right?
Week 3 – Hack or Mash a Pattern
For week three of the challenge, the task was to hack or mash up a pattern. I love pigs, so I decided to use a pig-themed flannel fabric to create a pair of pajama pants.
McCall’s 3369 is what I used as a base but made several modifications to fit my preferences. I lengthened the legs by 4 inches, lowered the waist by 2 inches, and added a drawstring to the elastic waistband. The end result was a pair of comfy and cute pajama pants that I love wearing.
Week 4 – Challenge Yourself
For week 4 of the challenge, the task was to challenge yourself. I decided to sew something that I had never attempted before – a structured bag. I chose the Sophia Carry-all by Amy Butler, and I have to admit, I was a little intimidated at first. But with the help of online tutorials and some patience, I was able to create a beautiful bag that I can use when taking a trip.
I learned new techniques and I gained confidence in my sewing abilities again. Check out the details on how the Amy Butler Sophia Carry-all was made by clicking here!
Week 5 – Sew Something with Hearts/Red
The fifth week of the challenge called for a project made with hearts or the color red. I decided to use fabric with a “candy” hearts pattern to create a cute and festive table runner that adds a pop of color to my dining room.
I totally love decorating for all the seasons and holidays! Table runners are like the easiest way to do that, ya know? And the best part is they don’t take up a ton of space when you’re not using them. And, bonus, they protect your table top from all sorts of messes! If you wanna make your own, just click here for the how-to.
Week 6 – Sew Something with Batting or Stuffing
So, for week 6 of the challenge, we had to sew something with batting or stuffing. I was like, “what should I make?” and then it hit me! An aromatherapy sleep mask with lavender inside. This thing can be heated or cooled and is awesome for pain relief, especially for headaches and migraines.
Want to check out this amazing mask that can block out light and help you fall asleep faster and sleep longer? Not only that, it also makes for a super thoughtful gift for friends and family members who may be struggling with similar issues. Just click here to get started!
I had this idea to embroider a t-shirt to match my PJ pants, and being the rebel that I am, I skipped ahead. But that’s one of the things I love about this challenge – you can skip around and it’s no big deal!
Week 31 – Embroider Something
So for week 31 of this challenge, we had to embroider something. I thought it would be cool to embroider a t-shirt with a super cute pig design from Embroidery Library. The design I went with is called Sweet Piglet Trio design number M30729.
I’m really stoked to have a shirt that matches my pig pajama pants, and this project was a really fun and creative way to add embroidery to my sewing projects. I purchased my Brother PE-770 in 2012 and I have to be honest and say, I have not used it as much as I should. But I’m hoping this challenge helps change that!
The 52 Week Sewing Challenge – 2023
Participating in the 52 Week Sewing Challenge – 2023 has been totally awesome! It’s been a super cool way to challenge myself, learn new techniques, and get back into my love for sewing. Every week is a chance to try something new and up my skills game.
So between the Sophia Carry-all taking longer than a week to make and with life happening, means I’m a few weeks behind. But no biggie, since there’s no deadline I can catch up. As long as I finish everything by the end of the year, I’m good to go.
If you’re into sewing, you gotta try this challenge. It’s super fun and exciting, and it’s a great way to connect with other sewing enthusiasts, share ideas and projects, and push yourself to try new things.
Join the Fun!
Make sure to hit up the Facebook group 52 Week Sewing Challenge – 2023 and get in on the fun. Who knows, it might just reignite your passion for sewing too.
But hey, if you want to join me in the challenge but aren’t interested in joining the Facebook group, no problem! Just click here to see the project list. Let’s do it together! Highly recommend it!
So grab your trusty sewing machine and your favorite fabrics, and let’s get started! I’m really excited to see what you come up with! Why don’t you leave a comment below and show me some pics of your projects?
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52 Week Sewing Challenge - Part 1
You might want to take a look at these awesome projects mentioned in the post above. Enjoy!
Cup Cozy
Cup cozies are a cute and fun way to keep your hands from burning when holding a hot drink or freezing when enjoying a cold one.
Easy Envelope Pillow Cover
A quick change pillow cover to give you an easy update to any room!
Easy Patchwork Table Runner
A fun and cute way to protect your tables while expressing your creativitiy!
Aromatherapy Sleep Mask
An aromatherapy sleep mask filled with lavender that can be heated or cooled is perfect for pain relief!