Have you checked out the BHMPatternDesigners Challenge? It’s a fantastic initiative by fellow sewist and content creator Nateida (SewNaturalDane) with the goal to highlight and support black sewing creatives during February, which is the Black History Month in the US. With that in mind, Nateida has also created a list of black owned sewing companies that I highly recommend that you check out.
You can also participate in the #BHMPatternDesigners challenge and win awesome prizes. I am proud to be one of the sponsors for the second year running, and the winner in my sponsored round will get a signed copy of one of my sewing books (of their choice).
As part of my participation, I also offer a code for 15% off in my shop all through February: BHMPD15 Just add BHMPD15 at checkout to get the discount (valid for both books and patterns).
How to enter the #BHMPatternDesigners challenge
The challenge is hosted by Nateida and Keira and the rules are super simple:
- To participate and have the chance to win prizes: Tag both Nateida (SewNaturalDane) and Keira (IslandSewcialist) on Instagram and you must use the hashtag #BHMPatternDesigners in order for your entry to be counted.
- Create something using a pattern from a black designer. This also includes pattern designers that have created for the big 4 pattern companies such as Butterick, McCall, Simplicity, etc. You may also utilise Indie Pattern Designers, including books such as Chinelo Bailey (book) as well as any black knitting designer or handbag designer.
- Your garment, handbag or item can only be sewn and posted between February 1 and February 28th. Nateida and Keira will choose a winner the first week of March and announce the winners on their YouTube channels as well as post a social media graphic on Instagram.
And of course, it’s open to the entire sewing community, no matter race, gender, or where you live in the world. Plus it’s a great opportunity to discover some really fantastic designers that you might not be familiar with.
List of Black Owned Sewing Companies
If you want to learn more, watch the video interview I did with last year’s hosts Nateida and Myra, about how the initiative came about and how impactful it has been.
Also, the Sew Organised Style podcast just released an episode about the BHM Pattern Designers challenge. that you can listen to (and subscribe to their podcast!)
Hope you want to join the challenge this year!
