I’m so overjoyed at the response I’ve received from the release of last week’s Make It! Challenge Island Play Set. It is especially gratifying to be able to publish a pattern that makes so many people happy. That’s really why I started the Make It! Challenge series in the first place and why I’ve decided to continue it for another year. I’m currently accepting challenges for 2015 and have three slots to fill. Read on to find out more about this series and how you can get involved!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this series, here’s how it works. Say you have an idea for something really cool, but you’re not sure where to buy it or how to make it yourself. What will you do? Challenge me to make it! I’ve received challenges from people all over the world. Some of them have been pretty off the wall, but I like those best. If I think I can create your item using crochet, knitting, or sewing techniques, I’ll accept your challenge and get busy on bringing it to life. When it’s all ready to go, I’ll publish the pattern for your item so others will be able to make one too and send you the sample, free of charge, as a thank-you for your idea.

I bet you have a bunch of ideas already! Before you send them in, here’s a few tips about what to expect. Some of my favorite challenges have been those that were fairly broad in scope, because they have allowed me a little creative freedom. For instance, for the Bowser Turtle Sweater, Lisa challenged me to make her turtle a sweater. I took it a step further by making a Bowser from Super Mario Bros. costume for the little guy. I guess what I’m warning is that you’ll likely not receive exactly what you expect. But that can be exciting! This series is about doing something unique and original, and often that means turning your idea on its head. I’m happy to collaborate with challengers to come up with an idea that both they and my readers will enjoy. Collaboration is sometimes the best part!

I should also mention that because I’ll be working on these throughout 2015, it could take up to a year for me to complete yours and send you your sample. These things just take time. And although I haven’t failed yet, I imagine that is a real possibility. Whatever the situation may be, if I’ve accepted your challenge, I will give it my all and contact you about any bumps or delays along the way.

Like I said, I have three slots to fill for the 2015 Make It! Challenge schedule. I’ll be accepting submissions through December 31, 2014, and I’ll announce the lucky recipients in a post at the beginning of the year.

Still not sure if you should send in your idea or what it is I’m looking for? I created this nifty flowchart to help explain it further. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I hope you will consider participating in this series with me.