Is it really the end of this year's Sewing Bee? Who is having withdrawals already? Years ago when we brainstormed this contest, we weren't sure what we were getting into, but as each year passes and we come together to celebrate our craft of sewing while achieving the nearly impossible task of sewing outfit after outfit (and some accessories too!) for 6 weeks, I know that this is more than just a contest. It is the camaradrie, the creative energy and the adrenaline which we crave so much. And that is what the PatternReview Sewing Bee is all about. Let me stop rambling now though, and lets meet our winner!
The WINNER of the 9th Annual PatternReview Sewing Bee!
For the grand prize winner of the Sewing Bee the contest committee and I look at not only the scores, but overall performance of all the 10 finalists in all the rounds. The Sewing Bee is unlike any other contest we run on PatternReview. In this contest, our contestants stretch not only their sewing skills, "spur of the moment" design decisions, Plan B executions, creativity, and may I remind you, some pretty nifty fitting challenges. Each and every one of them has had multiple "Make it work" moments given the time constraint.
Congratulations Cupid Dog(Jennifer), you are the winner of the 2023 Sewing Bee.
There was an element of surprize in all your garments in each round. You paid attention not only to the theme but also construction. It was impeccable. I can't decide which round of yours is my favorite. I love them all. I am so inspired by you and hope to see what you create next.
- Deepika
CupidDog's entries had a nice creative variety. They also had quality work and showed us some good details of the sewing. Congratulations to her on letting herself be 'stretched in a thousand tiny ways.
- Anne M
Cupid Dog has been consistent throughout the sewing bee. Not only is her work impeccable, but she really shows very clear photos of the details, which makes it easy to see the quality of her work.
- Sandra B
Each of her entries showed a perfect balance of fine craftsmanship and creativity. She showed us fun with her first round long hoodie with a twist, classic with her double collared wool coat in round 3 and vintage with her finale round dress.
- MVi14
Jennifer's work has been impeccable throughout the contest.
- ConnieBJ
The Grand Prize
Jennifer will receive a $100 Gift Certificate from True Bias, a Prize Package from Clover USA ($75 value), a $50 Gift certificate from StyleARC Pattern Company, a $50 Gift Certificate from Emmaline Bags, 2 PDF Patterns of her choice from Sew House Seven and a $50 Gift Certificate from PatternReview.com
While Jennifer won the Sewing Bee this year, we believe that every single one of you is a winner. You jumped in, took a leap of faith and created some amazing garments. Here are the 10 finalists in this year's Sewing Bee.
Lets do a recap shall we?
Round 1 - Knit Dress with a Twist
Round 2 - Collar
Round 3 - Cargo Bottoms
Round 4 - Museum Exhibit
For all of us, this is more than just a contest gallery. It is a source of inspiration. We all go through sewing slumps and sometimes we need help in getting mojo back. Look no further. Bookmark this blog post! I guarantee you, after going through all these wonderful projects you will be sewing along with the rest of us in no time.
Thanks
The PR Sewing Bee is a contest like no other. It is the result of collaboration between PatternReview, the Sponsors, the Judges, the Participants AND their Families.
I want to start by thanking the 5 amazing members of the Contest Committee who spent a lot of time brainstorming the contest with me and then meticulously scored all the entries to determine the winners. AnneM, Bonnie O, ConnieBJ, Mvi14 and Sandra B.
Special thanks to AnneM for keeping us on track throughout the Bee
She is really the #girlboss of our Contest Committee. Consistently the first one to finish her scoring, Anne is also the one who combines our scores and helps streamline the judging process. Sewing Bee cannot be run without her! Thank you Anne.
Mentorship
In all of the challenges we gave the participants a little less than 7 days to make the garment as well as style, photograph and document it. As you can imagine it can be stressful. This year not one but active members came forward to mentor the Bee. Thank you acmena (Sandra) and mudcat (Alice) for having our back despite the timezone challenges.
The Sponsors
What would a contest of this caliber be, without its sponsors? Sewing businesses rely on our support to stay in business and thrive!
We are grateful to our sponsors for providing so many wonderful prizes for 2023 Sewing Bee. Please support them.
and of course PatternReview! support your favorite sewing community ;)
Related:
Sewing Bee 2023 - Round 1 Challenge
Feeling contest withdrawals? You don't have to. We have more contests starting very soon! Check the Contests here.
