The months are flying by and we are very nearly into May already! Not only does that mean warmer weather (maybe) and less layers (hopefully) but it means that it is time for ME MADE MAY (definitely!) If you haven't heard of MMM before, we have all the information you need, plus details of how we will be encouraging you to take part too.

Created in 2010 by Zoe Edwards, who wanted to push herself in her endeavours to create a handmade wardrobe. "I wanted to test myself and see how far I could rely on the items I had made, plus it gave me a push to try different types of garments that I’d never tackled before, like undies and a coat." Initially, it was a personal challenge but when she mentioned it in her blog So, Zo, What Do You Know? she had a fairly good response from others who wanted to try it too. Over the years it has grown from the first 80 keen sewers to 1000s last year and is one of the most popular sewing hashtags on Instagram in May.

But there is something that makes this 'challenge' very different from most social media campaigns. When we spoke to her she was very quick to emphasise that it's neither a competition nor a photo challenge, but a personal experience to help you appreciate your me-mades more, and improve your own personal relationship with your handmade wardrobe.

If you are thinking that you'd like to take part but are worried you don't have enough handmade garments then Zoe has the answer for that: "You can sign up to the challenge whether you have one solitary self-made garment or an entire wardrobe. You just have to think up a challenge that will be useful but do-able for YOU, no matter what you see other participants pledging to do."

We love this aspect of Me Made May as it celebrates the more advanced sewers but still encourages the newbies and inspires everyone who takes part (or even just watches from the sidelines). Obviously, handmade clothes are something we want everyone to have a go at and there really is no better feeling for us to see a customer proudly wearing something that they have made themselves. So for the last few years, we have run a promotion alongside Me Made May to encourage you to show us the things you have made from Ray Stitch fabric!

This year there are two ways to take part in our promotion: come into our store wearing a garment you have made using Ray Stitch fabric and we will give you a 10% discount on purchases (excluding classes), or if you aren't local then you can use social media to join in! Simply send us a photo* of you wearing a garment made from our fabric and we will send you an exclusive discount code to use online.

*Send us your photo via a Direct Message on Instagram or Facebook so that we don't miss any.

And don't forget to sign up for ME MADE MAY and make your personal pledge for the month. Zoe has written all the 'rules' and answered all the most frequently asked questions so pop over to her blog and have a read. We can't wait to be inspired by the 10th #memademay !