This year has been a roller coaster for the BIPOC in the fiber community. After some events starting earlier in 2019, many BIPOC makers started to speak up about the lack of opportunities, being overlooked, ignored, threated differently at LYS and much more. As a response many have created lists and pages to feature Black, Indigenous, and People of Color but still I wanted to do something that will help BIPOC designers financially and get more exposure from their community.
Introducing the BIPOC Make Along (MAL), a stress-free crochet and knit event for yarn lovers and BIPOC designers supporters. The project can be made for yourself, as a holiday present or for market preps. The only rule that applies it that the designer is Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC).
Starting Monday, September 2nd, casually crochet or knit your favorite Desamour Designs or other BIPOC designer pattern for a chance to win some amazing prizes from BIPOC businesses.
What is a Make Along?
A make along or MAL, is essentially an online party for makers around the world. It’s an opportunity to try new patterns, meet like-minded makers, make new friends, get the support of a community and win great prizes!
The event runs from September 2nd to November 4th, but you can join the party anytime. Pick any free or paid pattern from a BIPOC designer, share your progress on Instagram and/or Facebook, and you’re in the running to win some awesome prizes.
Yes, PRIZES!
It wouldn’t be a proper MAL without pizes, now would it? Here’s some info about our MAL sponsored prizes:
Week 1: Apparel maker and crochet designer Elisa from @stringsandcuddles is offering (2) Maker shirt in your choice of size. Color choices black, white, blue and grey.
Week 2: (2) Project bags ( 1 small and 1 Medium) from Caleisha, the podcaster, designers and maker behind Quirky Monday.
Week 3: (1) Handmade yarn bowl from Criselle, the maker behind @crisellebelle.
Week 4: (1) Custom dye sock kit, (1) Pompom, and (1) stitch marker from Fatima, the small-batch dyer, and maker behind @aquarius_make.
Week 5: (1) Maker mug from Kunbi, the designer and maker behind @handmadebykunbi
Week 6: (1) Customized 12×12 or 8×16 wooden sign from the wood sign and jewelry maker, Jally from @knotsocraftydesigns.
Week 7: (1) Bulky skein of yarn from the jewel tone obsessed indie dyer Adria from @onyxfiberarts.
Week 8: (1) Needle case and (2) handmade stitch marker from Karen, the designer and maker behind @sunnysidehandmade.
Week 9: (1) Shawl kit with (3) skeins of yarns from the wonderful duo behind @leo.and.roxy.yarn.co
How do you win?
Each week, you have two opportunities to win the BIPOC MAL 2019 prizes.
- Instagram: Tag your MAL progress photos with #BIPOCMAL2019 as many times as you wish. A winner will be chosen each week and announced in my stories. Your Instagram account must be public to win.
- Facebook: Join the Desamour Designs Facebook group and post your progress photos to that week’s MAL update thread. One winner will be chosen each week and announced in my stories.
Ready? Set? Select your pattern (s)!
I’m super excited for BIPOC Make Along 2019! I cannot wait to see all the amazing projects you create. Find your favorite Desamour Designs and other BIPOC pattern or patterns, get your yarn ready and let the making begin.
Share this image on Instagram to let your friends know you’re joining the BIPOC Make Along 2019 party!
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