Hartman makes finals of Project Run and Play.

St. Joseph resident Emily Hartman has made it to the last round of Project Run and Play.

The project is the blogger’s version of Project Runway, but for kids.
Each week, the designers are challenged to create the best outfit based on a theme.

A panel of “celebrity” judges awards them a score in each category, and then a reader’s poll is opened. Readers are allowed to vote once each week for the design they like the most, and at the end of the week, the score is tallied. The winner is announced, and the person with the lowest votes is “sent home.”

Hartman said making it this far in the contest has been wonderful.

“No matter where I end up, I’m glad the organizers saw potential in my work,” she said. “I prefer simple styles that can be worn every day over ornate, dressier clothing, and I didn’t think that would get much attention. I truly did not expect to be in the finals—I didn’t start my final outfits until last Thursday.”

Hartman said the community support for her projects has been amazing.
“
The last round had ties and only 1 percent separating everyone, so it came down to the public vote for the tie-breaker, and without a doubt, the support I’ve received locally was what kept me in it,” she said. “I’m not at all surprised by the support, that’s what happens in a small community. It’s been great to read comments from strangers, to hear from friends of my mom, and people I haven’t seen in years.”

Hartman said the third-week outfit which featured overalls was the most difficult because she didn’t have any patterns which were close to what she wanted. She has previously made her own patterns and made one for the overalls.
“Luckily, I got it exactly as I’d pictured it on my second try,” she said. “Also, the final week, “signature style”, was more open-ended than the others, so it took some time for me to narrow it down to a couple of ideas that fit my style.”

Hartman said her favorite outfit is the gardening outfit which featured the overalls was her favorite.

“My daughter ended up wearing it the rest of the day after pictures, even though it wasn’t very warm out,” she said. “I really can picture her wearing it to help me out this summer. I’m also pretty jealous of the shirt I made my oldest daughter this week.“

Voting closes tonight at 7 p.m.

To vote for Hartman, visit Project Run+Play.