We are so excited to announce the next season of competition and we are EXTRA excited because this will be our second SUPER SEASON! Instead of the traditional 6 designers, we doubled up, and lined up 12 talented sewists! (Two of the designers we had lined up had family emergencies at the last minute, and had to bow out). To give everyone a little more opportunity to show us their work, there will be no eliminations until the end of the second week. For the first two weeks of competition, the designers compete for your votes only, and the 6 with the most votes from both weeks one and two combined, will advance to the third round. During week 3, we will also have our panel of judges and celebrity judges weigh in as usual to determine the top 3 competing in the final round. Got it? Good! Let’s go!
Themes
Week 1: Back to the Future. Recreate an older fashion style with a modern twist!
Week 2: Major Details. Make your look all about a special detail: quilting, pintucks, pleats, or something else that makes it stand out!
Week 3: Trash to Treasure. Turn something discarded into a new creation worthy of the runway!
Week 4: Signature Style. Design a look that best represents your own unique style, taste, and sewing skills.
Designers
We scouted out a very talented group, so get ready to meet them all! Please click on their names to visit their social media accounts and give them a follow so that you don’t miss out on anything this season. They will be sharing sneak peeks before their looks go live, we can’t wait to see!
Shelby of @noworries.sewhappy
Hello, I’m Shelby Gill. I am so excited to be a designer for Season 32 of Project Run and Play. I purchased my first sewing machine in April of 2020. I was looking for something to help get me through the long days of COVID with two small children. It’s been almost six years and two moves since I ordered that first sewing machine, but I couldn’t imagine my life without it. I’m so glad I joined a sewing community that so encouraging and helpful. I love to sew for my two children and myself. When I’m not in front of my sewing machine, I enjoy reading, cross-stitch, and relaxing with my family and trio of dogs. I can’t wait to see how this season pushes me out of my comfort zone for both designing and sewing.
Julie-Michèle from 5Flos
Hello! My name is Julie-Michèle. I am the mother of five beautiful children, three girls and two boys. I am a stay-at-home mom, but I trained as a physical education teacher. So, I love to move, and let me tell you, with seven people plus a big, beautiful dog… there’s a lot of movement in our house, ha ha ha! I’ve been sewing for almost four years now, and I’ve discovered a great passion for it! I mainly sew for the children and my husband, when I have time! My sewing style is very colorful, original, and sporty chic, let’s say. I love to laugh and have fun, and I hope to have fun and push my own limits with this contest!
Angie of @andsewshesings
Hi! I’m Angie, and I’m so excited to be here with these talented creators! My mom bought and started me on my first sewing machine when I wanted to make a baby quilt for my son. Later, I sewed basic dress-up aprons for my daughter, but by 5 years old, she wanted “real dresses”…I bought my first pattern, she picked her fabric, and we were hooked. Over the last 6 years, I’ve gained experience and memories through pattern testing, designing for Wild Seeds Patterns, and collaborating with my girl. In addition to sewist, I’m chauffeur to my son (15) and daughter (11), a volunteer for their activities and our church, wife to my husband of 19 years, and a musical theatre/Disney fanatic. I love upcycling, character-inspired outfits, and creating meaningful pieces my daughter is excited to wear.
BJ Benson
I’m a designer and sewist with a love for modern vintage styles and pieces that feel both nostalgic and current. I’ve been sewing and crafting since I was a young girl, taught by my grandmother, aunt, and mom. Becoming a mother made me fall in love with sewing all over again and reminded me why handmade pieces matter so much. I’m inspired by vintage silhouettes, I create designs that feel meaningful, elevated, and made to be remembered.
Jackie of @countryseams
Hi! My name is Jackie. I learned to sew at a young age, but didn’t get into sewing clothing until about five years ago. Now I love to sew for my four kids, nieces, nephews, and occasionally myself. When I’m not sewing, I can be found in the kitchen, at my kid’s activities, or with a good book.
Sophie Magico
My name is Sophie, and I’m based in Vienna, Austria. I’m married to Joesy and a mom of two—Hannah (9) and Louis (14). I’ve been sewing for over 10 years and I’m a proud fabric hoarder. By day, I own and run a nail salon. I love gardening, cycling, cinema, good food, and creating, and I’m hoping to travel more. I thrive on one-on-one conversations and can talk for hours on the phone—though I’m not always great at replying to texts.
Haley Bolton
After a 20 year career in ballet, Haley spends much of her time with her husband homeschooling their children. Residing on the North Carolina coast, she is often inspired by her surroundings. Her work frequently reflects her life in the South – front porches, farm lands, saltwater, and the arts. She has been sewing and designing her entire life, from altering her own clothing in elementary school and hand sewing outfits as a teenager to sewing and designing for pattern companies as an adult. Sewing for her family is her true pride and joy. She looks forward to the inspiration and creativity that Project Run and Play season 32 will bring!
Angelina
My first experience on a sewing machine was in my middle school Home Ec. class. Yes, I just exposed my age. Being a mother of three adult sons I was overjoyed with the birth of my first granddaughter 8 years ago, which sparked a love for creating handmade pieces for the people I care about. I’m a weekend sewer with experience in pattern testing and sewing strike fabrics, and I enjoy working through the details that help bring a design to life. Sewing has become both a creative outlet and a way for me to slow down, focus, and create with intention.
Becky Rigby
I’m a mum of two based in England with a passion for creativity both in and out of the classroom, working as a teacher by day and a hobby sewer by night. I also enjoy photography, capturing everyday moments and the handmade pieces I create. Sewing has become a meaningful way for me to combine creativity with practicality, especially when making unique outfits for my children. I love pattern testing, exploring new designs, and helping bring fresh ideas to life through fabric. I’m often inspired by the beautiful English country cottage aesthetic, incorporating soft fabrics, timeless details, and cosy, nostalgic elements into my projects.
Cassandra Pierce
Hi, my name is Cassandra. I’m a wife and mom of 4 children. 2 boys and 2 girls and I work as a Labor and Delivery Nurse in Kansas! As a child, my mom taught me the basics of sewing, but I never was serious about sewing until 2019, after my first daughter was born. My mom and both my grandmas are all skilled seamstresses and I am so blessed to be able to learn from them. I love to see my imagination come to life, in the garments I sew. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to be a pattern tester, fabric strike sewist and now a pattern designer at SunflowerSeams. I’m so honored and thrilled to be a part of season 32 Project Run and Play! With such a group of incredibly talented sewists, I cannot wait to see what everyone creates.
Sponsors
We also want to give a special “thank you” to our sponsors! Each of these companies are contributing to the prize packages for our designers, or have offered pre-season discounts to them, or both! Their reward for these designers’ efforts are hugely appreciated. Give them some love by following them, and shopping with them when you can!
Voting starts next Tuesday! Make sure to come back HERE to the blog to vote! We can’t wait to share what everyone creates!