It may seem a bit early to be thinking of sewing competitions in 2012, but now’s the time to get started if you’re interested in entering the Independent Pattern Company Alliance’s (IPCA) first-ever fashion sewing competition. With a theme of “Midnight Magic,” the entries are sure to be spectacular. The competition is now open and will accept entries until January 26, 2012.

The challenge is for contestants to select patterns from any of IPCA’s eight member pattern companies (see examples of their patterns in the photo gallery) and then unleash their imaginations to interpret the “Midnight Magic” theme in a garment or outfit. Entrants then submit photos of their creations to the pattern companies for preliminary judging.

Each pattern company will choose up to eight finalists from the photo entries, and these semi-finalist garments will be displayed at the Sewing & Stitchery Expo in Puyallup, Washington, March 1-4. During the expo, attendees can vote on their favorite contest finalists to receive People’s Choice awards.

Final judging will take place at the International Textile Expo in Las Vegas, March 19-21. Grand, second-, and third-place prizes will be awarded, and the garments will be placed on display.

For complete entry guidelines and updates on the contest, visit PatternCompanies.com.

What does the theme “Midnight Magic” bring to mind? Have you ever entered a sewing competition? Was it fashion focused or technique/construction focused?

Threads Recommended Products

Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Style Arc, Hendrix Coat

The Hendrix coat sewing pattern from Style Arc is an unlined, panelled design with long two-piece sleeves, a button or snap front, and optional top-stitching. It features binding along the neck, hem, and sleeves, along with angled patch pockets and dropped shoulders. Recommended fabrics include wool, linen, faux fur, or velvet, with fabric estimates and trim details provided for sizes 4-30.

Buy at Amazon

McCall's 8241

McCalls Sewing Pattern 8241 Tops A (XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL). McCalls-8241-A

Buy at Amazon

Know Me 2064 Vest and Jacket

Know Me patterns offer stylish and versatile designs, including the ME2064 rain jacket, which combines a cropped jacket and a vest that can be worn together or separately. The boxy-fit jacket features a hood, snap closure, and multiple pockets, while the vest has a zippered front and cargo pockets. This sewing kit includes templates, fabric recommendations, and instructions for sizes 44-52, proudly made in the USA.

Buy at Amazon

The Angel Wing Blouse & Skirt from IPCA member Fashion Patterns by Coni, fashionpatterns.com.

IPCA member Dana Marie Design's Kimono Jacket & Vest pattern, danamarie.com.

The Silhouette Top/Dress and Three-Button Jacket pattern from IPCA member Great Copy Patterns, greatcopy.com.

IPCA member Kayla Kennington's Fantasia Jacket pattern, kaylakennington.com.

The Eclectic Treasures Seaside T pattern from IPCA member L.J. Designs, ljdesignsonline.com.

IPCA member Petite Plus Patterns' All Season Dress pattern, petitepluspatterns.com.

Cheri's Reversible Jacket pattern from IPCA member Saf-T-Pockets Patterns, saf-t-pockets.com.

Visit PatternCompanies.com for competition details.