I recently received an email about a pattern design contest being held by Simplicity Patterns and Project Runway.  To enter you simply submit a design sketch complete with variations (as patterns usually come with a few design options), fabric and trim, full details are available here.  The grand prize includes a trip to NY, but since I already work in NY I'm gunning for 1st place which includes a $300 Simplicity shopping spree (I would buy everything from here and here).