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2018 Goal Post!

Sarah

Note: This post will refer frequently to my 2017 Reflections post. If you haven’t read it, go check it out so you know what the heck I’m talking about, then hurry back!

Hey hey! It’s a new year! Which means it’s time for GOALS!

Sewing goals, more specifically, since I don’t think you care as much about my personal ones. Before we dive headlong into a new year, let’s just reflect for a second, shall we?

At the beginning of 2017, I didn’t know much of anything about blogging, affiliate links, photography, or pattern testing, and didn’t even have a registered Instagram account.

I remedied all that by jumping into the PDF pattern world with both feet, testing pretty much everything I could get my hands on in an effort to expand my skills and get some adult conversation that wasn’t focused on the exact number of goldfish crackers each of my children had received in their snack box. It was a wild ride, and I loved pretty much every minute of it. The only downside was that it was a little haphazard- I took whatever came and didn’t plan ahead much, so I’d like to set some specific goals for myself in 2018, with the hope of holding myself accountable (I’ve been known to get distracted by shiny things. Like new fabric. And pretty patterns.)

The Goals:

I posted my #2018makenine on Instagram the other day- but limiting myself to 9 patterns was only the tip of the iceberg! Here are some things I hope to get done this year:

The Patterns:

I’ve been solidly on the Indie Pattern Bandwagon since shortly after I learned to sew- but I’m starting to see some deisgns from the Big Four deisgners that I’d like to experiment with as well, so here’s an eclectic mix of new patterns from both camps that I’d like to try, in pursuit of the goals I mentioned above. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just a few favorites that are on my mind currently.

Tops/Jackets: I’m trying to get a good mix of basics with unique details and more time consuming makes that will last me a long time.

Dresses: I don’t actually wear a lot of dresses in real life. However, there are just a couple that I’ve been dying to try:

Bottoms: Pants and Athletic Tights! I sewed up quite a few skirts last year, so while I won’t rule out the possibility of sewing another one, my goals focus on pants, which I wear much more than skirts, because they are criss-cross-applesauce friendly.

Undergarments: It feels a little strange to be discussing this with all of you, but in the name of posterity, here are my goals for sewing intimates this year:

Menswear:

One of my goals is to sew more for my husband, and to find patterns that fit him well. I don’t know if I’ll get to all of these, but they seem like a good start!

The motivation:

While pattern testing has its merits, and I will continue to test a few select patterns, I plan to pull back a bit from testing in 2018.

Buuutttt….I still need to motivate myself myself- so how will I do that? CONTESTS!!!! Sew-Alongs!!! Prizes!!!

That’s right, I’m a sucker for a good contest. I don’t really care if I win, but I’ve entered the following contests to help keep myself on track and continue to connect with other seamstresses:

Ready to Wear Fast of 2018: This one is hosted by one of my favorite bloggers, Goodbye Valentino. She’s been doing this for years, and is an amazing seamstress. I think this group is going to be really inspiring. I won’t lie, I love to shop, so this one will be hard, but I’m committed!

Sew Altered Style: I’ve signed up to be a contributor to the Sew Altered Style blog! What makes this one different? It’s all about learning to alter patterns to fit our unique bodies, and styling them to suit! My first post will debut in February, and each month has a theme. This will be a great one to follow along with if you have similar goals!

Greenstyle FitCapsule: I’m helping to host this Sew Along, which will run through 2/28/18. It will be great motivation to sew up some activewear clothes, and hit the ground running (literally) on a new year! There are lots of prizes to be won, and some pattern and fabric discounts as well, so join up!

Who Made it Best: I’m participating in this challenge again with several other bloggers (see the previous post here). Again, its not about who wins, but forcing me to finish something big, like jeans!

52 week Sewing Challenge: When I joined this one, I didn’t realize each week had a theme. I don’t know if I’ll stick to them exactly, but it will be fun to see everyone sewing things up, and might provide a little kick in the pants to not let a week go by without finishing something.

100 Items Challenge: I plan to complete more than 100 items, but again, its a great way to get inspired, and connect with other serious seamstresses.

Shrink Your Stash Challenge: It wouldn’t be helpful for me to spend all the money I save on buying clothes on buying fabric, so I’m challenging myself to think critically about my fabric purchases, and try to sew up more than I take in! I’m almost out of shelf space in my sewing room, so someone really needs to hold me accountable!

SMYLY 2018: This one is all about reflecting on how sewing makes you love yourself. I find body positivity a constant challenge, so I’m looking forward to the opportunity to put into words how sewing has helped me focus on building myself up, rather than tearing myself down.

 

Well, that’s it! My epic goal post of 2018! I feel like I’ve bitten off quite a bit here, but you’ve got to aim high right? If you want to follow along with me, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

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