Goals for 2014

I've shared my hits and misses of 2013, and I also gave you an update on my 2013 goals towards the end of last year.  Now it's time to share some goals for 2014.


Keep better records of my projects.

This one I'm copying blatantly from Gail at Today's Agenda, because I think it's a brilliant idea.   I record my knitting projects on Ravelry, but sadly there's no sewing equivalent.  What I have been doing up to now is either trying to remember what I did (doesn't work!) or writing notes in a notebook.  This works up to a point, but it's hard to find things, as you can only note them down in order that you did them.  Fine if you just have a few projects, but what about when the notebook starts to get fuller?

How about a ring binder instead, with a separate page for each project, that can be filed in alphabetical order, or by project type, or changed around as and when I see fit?  Sounds excellent to me!

And it gives me the excuse to go and buy some pretty stationery.  Like I need an excuse to do that!


Make better fabric/pattern choices.

My failures from 2013 were all down to the fact that I hadn't considered fabric or pattern choice properly before starting a project.  Sure, I made trousers that fit me, but I don't wear them because I don't like the style.  That dress that looked so lovely in red on the pattern envelope?  It would have been much better in a darker colour for me.


Make clothes that flatter my body shape.

In a nutshell, this means things that show off my waist, as this is the smallest part of my body.   It doesn't mean clothes have to be figure hugging, but that they need to give some indication of shape between my chest and hips. 


Make a French jacket.

Leisa of A Challenging Sew is hosting a Marfy free patterns sew-a-long starting in January.  Over each of the first three months of the year she will be making a blouse, skirt and jacket.  I doubt if I'll make the blouse or skirt, but I'd love to make a "Chanel style" jacket and I do have some fabric in my stash that would be perfect for it.  




I haven't decided yet whether I'll follow the standard or couture method, as Leisa will be sharing both. 


Make something from the Alabama Studio Sewing + Design book.

I was given this book as a Christmas gift and would love to try some of the techniques.   I'd love one of the kits, but they're rather out of my price range!



Improve the photography of my finished projects.

My husband has a fantastic digital SLR camera, and loves photography, but is reluctant to help me photograph my finished projects.  I need to work on getting him to help me take better photos to show my finished projects off to their best advantage.  I'm often envious of the gorgeous photographs on other blogs.


Work on building up Stitched Up by Samantha. 

I've set up a Facebook page to promote my textile art and link with other makers.  I'm investigating local craft fairs for this year and would like to attend at least 6 over the course of the year. 


I think those goals should keep me going this year!  I'll be keen to record and report on my progress. 

Have you set yourself any goals this year? 

15 comments

  1. i am finalising my goals post at the moment! re your first post about documentation, i recently bought a sewists notebook - have you look at that? not expensive and great for documenting projects or sketching ideas. http://www.lulu.com/shop/beth-byrge/110-creations-a-sewists-notebook/paperback/product-21368080.html#productDetails it's not super fancy but it would work really well. sort of like a fashionary but with more info. handmade jane and llladybird have both blogged about theirs.

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    1. Thank you for reminding me about the sewists notebook, I remember reading Lladybird's review of it now! I'll check out the links.

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  2. you can see the pages here (sorry should have linked to this instead!) http://www.110creations.com/p/about-book.html

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  3. I haven't thought about setting my goals yet, but after reading your ones I could easily pinch a couple! I so get what you mean about keeping records - many a time I just think that I will remember little changes, and just as quickly forget them...J

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    1. I always think I will remember the changes I made to a pattern and usually don't!

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  4. Fab goals Sam. Enjoyable to undertake and so satisfying to achieve. Good luck and enjoy!! Happy 2014 Sam :-)

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    1. Thank you Winnie. Happy 2014 to you too.

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  5. Very nice goals! I need to follow your lead on #3 I think. I'm also going to check out that notebook from the first comment, although I have already used my new system for a project and quite like it.

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    1. I've set myself up a similar folder to you. I like the idea of the notebook in the link, but I decided I want to be able to remove the pages and order them as I want them.

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  6. Lovely goals Sam. I will be watching the little couture jacket with great interest - I plan to make one in a year or so (after I have done my Honours degree). Good luck with your textile art :)

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    1. I'm not sure how "couture" my jacket will be, but it will be fun to follow the sew along.

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  7. I'm with you on the French Jacket! I've been reading all posts by Leisa and Inna for the LFJ sewalong over and over again and I really want to make the couture version. When Melanie (Seamstress Poppykettle) counted the hours she'd been working on hers I got the shivers. 160 hours?? Don't know how, don't know when, but I really want to do it!

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    1. Oh my goodness, I definitely won't be doing the couture version if it takes 160 hours!

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