The American Sewing Expo 2012, to be held September 28 – 30 in Novi, Michigan, is offering three opportunities for sewers to showcase their sewing and design talents: the Passion for Fashion Sewing Challenge, the Innovation Generation contest for young sewers, and the Out of the Box Challenge.

Registration for the American Sewing Expo begins July 17, and the conference brochure is now available on the website for download. However, if you plan to enter one of the challenges, be aware that the entry deadlines vary.

• The Passion for Fashion design challenge, now in its sixth year, pits avid sewers against each other in a live showdown of design and sewing. Participants are given a design challenge scenario and have two days to create their project while expo attendees follow their progress. On the second day, they finish their creations, fit them on professional models, and send them down the runway for judging by a panel of industry fashion experts. Download the challenge rules and entry form. Enter by July 2, 2012.

• The Innovation Generation contest gives young sewers ages 8 – 18 the chance to display their skills by entering garments they have sewn. Contestants enter their garments before the expo for pre-judging, and then present them during the expo in a runway show on September 29. Everyone wins a prize (gift certificates from expo vendors) and a contest placement. All entries must be received by September 7. Download the challenge rules and entry form.

• The Out of the Box Challenge invites 50 contestants to create a quick gift item using the contents of a surprise box of sewing products supplied by the contest sponsor, American & Efrid, and their imaginations. Enter by July 1; American & Efrid will notify selected contestants. Download the entry form and rules.

Are you planning to attend the American Sewing Expo in Novi this September? Have you attended previously and watched any of the fashion and sewing contests?

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