Ragfinery has a new event this fall for showcasing creative reuse, offering the Sewing Rodeo during two days in September. In celebration of National Sewing Month in September, Ragfinery will invite six teams of two to enter this friendly 2-day LIVE sewing and design challenge.

Teams will be given their design parameters, and have one evening to envision their project, doing a mad dash to select materials, and one day to sew at Ragfinery. The competition will culminate with an in-store fashion show on Saturday, Sept. 23, and prizes will be awarded in three categories: People’s Choice, Best Interpretation of Theme, and Best Performance Under Pressure.

The challenge will open for artist registration on Friday, Aug. 25. There is no fee to register, but challengers will be responsible for the purchase of their desired materials from Ragfinery and must bring their own sewing machines for use in the competition. There will be a cap of just six teams, so early registration is encouraged. Individuals interested in participating can sign up in person at Ragfinery (1421 N. Forest Street, Bellingham) and up-to-date details about the event can be found at ragfinery.com.

Ragfinery is a Bellingham nonprofit organization that diverts unwanted textiles from the waste stream and upcycles them in a training business that provides transitional jobs for low income clients of our partner social service agencies and schools. The organization collaborates with local artisans and community volunteers to repurpose unwanted garments and textiles into a variety of upcycled goods that showcase the skills and talent of our collective.