2023 Threads Challenge Theme:

Inspired by Art: Outerwear Edition

For 2023, Threads invites the members of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals to revisit a trove of inspiration: the world of visual art.  We challenge you to create a garment or ensemble inspired by a two-dimensional work of art, that is, a painting, drawing, print, or art photograph.

The canvas for your interpretation is a piece of outerwear.  Sew a jacket, coat, cape, or a full snowsuit if you are so inclined, and make it casual, formal, or anything in between.  Plan your design to suit any season or climate you choose.  The garment must be able to be worn over another full outfit - that is what makes it outerwear.

You may create an entire ensemble to go with your challenge entry, but you are not required to.  However, we ask that you photograph and submit your garment, if it is chosen as a finalist, with coordinating garments to complete the outfit.

Although your inspiration piece must be two-dimensional, we encourage you to find ways to add depth, texture, pattern, and/or embellishment to your design.

In your artist's statement, please include a screen shot and a link to an image of your inspiration artwork.  Explain what drew you to it and how you chose to interpret it in outerwear.  We look forward to seeing your masterpieces.

Questions? Contact the Challenge coordinator at challenge@sewingprofessionals.com

Challenge Terms:

The Challenge is open to formal and retired members with at least one year of continuous membership in the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals. Entrants must maintain their membership in good standing throughout the entire Challenge process, from submission of Intent to Enter through publication of winning garments by the magazine. The winner of Best Overall is asked to serve as a judge for the next year's challenge, and therefore cannot enter.

If you are currently a student, emerging, or patron of ASDP and would like to change membership categories so you can enter, contact the VP of Membership at membership@sewingprofessionals.com.

Important Dates To Remember:

April 10, 2023: Intent to Enter Form and fees submitted online by 10:00 PM EDT.

April 30, 2023: Entry Number(s) sent to Entrant via email. First round submissions will be handled electronically, so please add challenge@sewingprofessionals.com to your safe list and save all Challenge related emails.

August 10, 2023: First round entry submissions are due 10:00 PM EDT as registered on the Challenge inbox. Complete the Challenge Submission Form online. You will be attaching your photos, Artist Statement and Runway Commentary in the form. You will also need to complete the Fashion Show and Member Showcase Entry form.

September 20, 2023: Notification of status of all entries by email.

October 20, 2023: Finalist entries are due at Conference for final judging.

Challenge Forms:

Challenge Submission Requirements

Challenge Terms and Schedule

Intent to Enter (deadline has passed for 2023)

Challenge Garment Submission Form

Garment Photography Tips:

• Important Steps for Photographing Your Sewing
• Tips for Taking Great Photos of Garments