I’m excited to announce the launch of my *Shop & Create from Your Stash Challenge*! This challenge is all about pushing creativity and sustainability to the forefront by making one unique item each week using only what you already own. Whether you’re sewing for yourself or creating gifts for others, the rules are simple: no new fabric or patterns! However, you can get creative with dyeing, thrifting, and upcycling techniques to make the most of what you have on hand.

How the Challenge Works

Each week, I’ll use a random online picker to determine three elements for the project:

1. **Pattern Type**: Will it come from a sewing book, a commercial pattern, an online membership, or a magazine?

2. **Fabric Source**: Will I dig into my stash, use an existing garment, or thrift some fabric?

3. **Garment Type**: Will I create a top, dress, pants, an accessory, or something else entirely?

The results are always unpredictable and make the process fun and challenging! After creating the piece, I’ll share the results on social media, and I invite you all to follow along or even participate by creating your own items. Want to join in the fun? Share your creations with me and use the hashtag #ShopStashCreateChallenge .

What I've Made So Far

I’ve already been using this process for stitching and creating for the past two weeks, which is what sparked the idea for this challenge in the first place. Here’s a look at the first two projects I’ve completed, thanks to the random selector:

Project 1: Velvet Vest

For this project, the random selector chose:

- **Pattern Source**: Online membership

- **Fabric Source**: From my stash

- **Garment Type**: Top

I decided to use the Otto Vest Pattern from Seamwork, an excellent option for layering pieces. The fabric? A luxurious black velvet I had stashed away, perfect for fall. The result is a sleek, stylish vest that’s versatile enough to dress up or down. It was such a satisfying project to create with materials I already had!

Project 2: Statement Collar

For my next creation, the random selector chose:

- **Pattern Source**: Sewing magazine

- **Fabric Source**: Existing garment

- **Garment Type**: Accessory

This led me to create a statement collar using the Three Sisters Molly Collar Pattern from issue #10 of Tauko Magazine. For the fabric, I upcycled a vintage 70's polyester maxi dress that had been in my wardrobe for years. The bold colors and retro vibe made for a perfect transformation into a unique, stand-out accessory that adds flair to any outfit.

Join the Challenge!

This challenge has already pushed me to think more creatively about the materials and resources I have on hand, and I’m excited to see what the next few weeks bring. If you want to join in, follow along on social media and check back here for my personal progress. I can’t wait to see what ya’ll create! Let’s embrace sustainable sewing together!

Happy creating! ✂️