Hello! I’m practically bursting at the seams to finally write this post. Last January, I was lucky enough to team up with a few friends to host an Instagram Coat Making Party (more about that here). A couple of months ago, I was talking to Katie (@katiekortmanart) and discussing a possible collaboration when the idea for a Fancy Pants Instagram Sewing Party came to mind. We teamed up with Loni (@havinsewmuchfun) and Jennifer of (@makerheart) to bring you a January filled with fancy pants, inspiration, giveaways, tips, and of course, dancing. Ready for all the details? Here we go!
What is Sew Fancy Pants?
Inspired by the Sew Frosting Challenge and Katie’s #thehandmadehustle challenge, Sew Fancy Pants is a challenge easily tailored to fit your personal sewing goals. The mission of Sew Fancy Pants is to get members of the sewing community making pants that are their own definition of “fancy” and have a little fun while we’re at it. Everyone’s definition of fancy pants might be different, and that’s ok, we accept all forms of fancy pants. Perhaps one may want a professional looking pair of pants for work, maybe someone wants to dip their toes into the wide leg pants trend, or maybe you simply want a pair of silk pants or velvet joggers. This challenge is for everyone. Each week of January will have a theme, some weeks will have giveaways, ending the month with a Fancy Pants Dance Off and grand prize giveaway. To participate, just sew some “fancy” pants and use the hashtag #sewfancypants on IG. Read to the bottom of this post for information on how to be entered in the grand prize giveaway.
Week 1: Pattern Selection (January 1-6)
First, we’ll focus on what sewing fancy pants means to each of us and share pattern inspiration as well as our personal pattern selections. Joining us as a guest host will be Sara (@thesaraproject_). We’ll have almost daily pattern giveaways so make sure to follow each of us on IG as each giveaway will only be open for 24 hours.
Week 1 Sponsors:
Week 2: Fabric Selection (January 7-13)
This week we’ll be focusing on fabric selections and sharing tips on how to source high quality bottom weight fabrics. Look for posts filled with fabric ideas and maybe even some discount codes. We’ve teamed up with several fabric sponsors to give away gift cards and fabrics perfect for your fancy pants sewing needs. Again, make sure you’re following all four of us on Instagram to stay up to date on these giveaways.
Week 2 Sponsors:
Week 3: Fitting Those Fancy Pants (January 14-20)
This week we’ll focus on fitting our pants. We’ll each share our pants fitting tips and progress. Mac of Sew Altered Style (@macsmakespace on IG) will be guest hosting and joining us to talk about her pants fitting tips and tricks.
Week 4: Fancy Finishing Details (January 21-27)
This week our focus will be adding those special details that make our fancy pants special. Whether its unique buttons, interesting trim, or stylish top stitching, this week will be about the stuff that makes handmade items truly one of a kind. Teri (@teridodds1 on IG) will be guest hosting to chat about the details she’s added to make her pants fancy.
Week 5: THE FANCY PANTS DANCE OFF!!! (January 28-February 3rd)
This week we’re challenging participants to let loose and dance in your newly made fancy pants. When people dance in their fancy pants and post it to their instagram using #sewfancypantsdance and #sewfancypants, they’ll be entered to win a grand prize. Have fun, get creative, and dance those pants off (just not literally off)! The grand prize winner will be chosen by all four judges, as well as two prize packages with winners chosen randomly from all participants.
Grand Prize Package:
$100 Imagine Gnats Gift Card
Blackbird Fabrics Fabric Package (3 cuts of their favorite bottom weights)
$50 Merritt Makes Gift Card
Harts Fabric Gift Card
$25 True Bias Gift Card
$15 Indiesew Gift Card
1 Itch to Stitch PDF Pattern
1 Seamwork Pant Pattern
1 Megan Nielsen PDF Pattern
1 Hey June PDF Pattern
Prize Package #1
2 Yards Winner’s Choice from Threadbare Fabrics
$25 Closet Case Patterns Gift Card
1 Megan Nielsen PDF Pattern
1 Seamwork Pant Pattern
1 Named PDF Pattern
Prize Package #2
D & H Fabrics Pants Kit
$25 LA Finch Gift Card
Deer and Doe Narcisse Pants PDF Pattern
1 Megan Nielsen PDF Pattern
1 Seamwork Pant Pattern
Well, there you have it! We hope you’ll join with us in sewing fancy pants during the month of January. Just tag us in your IG captions and use #sewfancypants to participate. Several of our sponsors will be providing discount codes throughout the month so stay tuned for more information on that and make sure to follow us on Instagram (Nicole, Katie, Loni, Jennifer) to stay up to date on all things “fancy pants.”
On week 1, Helen’s Closet and Alina Designnb Co both link to Helen’s Closet.
Fixed. Thank you so much for catching that!
Is a jumpsuit eligible? Or does it need to be “pants” pants?
Jumpsuits are totally eligible! Can’t wait to see what you make!
Question…are #sewfancypantsdance videos posted before Jan 28 still in consideration for the grand prize? Asking for a friend 😉
Yes! Just has to be posted before February 2nd for the dance videos.