Usually, I never make good resolutions at the start of the year.

But this year, it was different... indeed, in 5 years of sewing passion, I have accumulated a lot of fabrics, equipment, patterns... and during the 2019 year-end holidays... I had the spark... my workshop was such a mess, it could no longer go on!

It was really time to do something, so I made 4 quite ambitious resolutions while staying realistic... or so I thought...

First resolution: I tidy my workshop and keep it tidy all year long!

An ambitious goal for me because I love to spread out. The more space there is, the more mess there is ;-)

The tidying includes:

• the work table and the machines,
• the fabrics and scraps,
• the haberdashery,
• the patterns.

I started by doing a big tidy-up of the work table in January 2020; very motivated at the start of the year.

There were relapses but overall, I am quite satisfied with myself. I managed to maintain a semblance of order on my work table even if it is a constant challenge. The most important lesson I take away is to tidy the work table between each project. This forces regular tidying and, besides, it is much more pleasant to start a new project on a clean and clear table.

Then, I tackled the fabric tidying and here I am quite proud of myself.

Since the end of January, I have managed to keep order in my drawers and my personal fabric stock is decreasing. I use the coupons from my stock more and more for my sewing projects. I think this is also linked to self-confidence. Before, I was sometimes afraid to cut a pretty coupon of fabric for fear of ruining it. Today, I live in the moment, the pleasure of cutting a fabric I love to make a garment that I will wear with a smile. I only buy again the type of fabric I do not have in stock for a project close to my heart (e.g., a matching ribbing for a sweatshirt, a denim coupon, or jersey like for my wanted t-shirts...).

In May, I continued the tidying with the patterns, sewing books... it was no small task because all sewers have their own method of storing patterns. I read a lot and set about finding the method that would suit me best. I adopted plastic folder sleeves in which I slip my traced patterns and the assembly instructions from the paper patterns or the PDF explanations. I note on a label the model, size, and the magazine/book reference if applicable.

I am quite satisfied with this storage which allows me to find very quickly the pattern I need. I approve!

                 

                 

The haberdashery was also tidied up gradually. The biggest job was sorting the buttons which were sorted into compartmentalized plastic boxes. These are really practical and allow me to quickly find buttons matching my sewing projects. I sorted them mainly by shades and not by size (which could have been a wise storage choice) because I realized that color was ultimately my most important selection criterion. I am quite fond of having a button stock at home, I really enjoy hunting and buying vintage buttons. The bias tape and piping were also sorted into boxes, as were the spools of thread, bobbins,...

So, remaining for this first resolution is sorting the scraps which I have started but not yet finished. I have a lot and of all sizes, it will probably take quite some time...

The second resolution was: I finish the projects started
I thought it would be easier. But it is not... I struggle... I had started well at the beginning of the year and then the covid crisis arrived. With it began the making of masks but also my motivation to finish the started projects disappeared.
In January 2020, I had 17 projects in progress and I think I will not finish this list before the end of the year because some projects no longer please me, so to speak...
However, I did finish a few (to save face):
- a shirt for my husband for which I had to finish the buttonholes and the hem
- a pencil skirt home pattern in blue wax, the inner facing remained
- a Cédrat camisole from Maison Fauve in blue
- some makeup remover wipes...
Summary: Could do better since I still have 13 left.
I have a little less than 6 months to decide the future of the various lingering projects...

Third resolution: I start a maximum of 3 projects at the same time
I had first said one but that was not even conceivable for me, I was sure I could not manage it 😅 well that was confirmed!
I need variety in my projects and so I regularly sew several projects at the same time. Especially now that I also sew for others and so I work on different projects with different stages. The outcome of this is that it suits me well and it does not cause me any frustration. So, I think I will listen to myself and not set a limit except to finish the project within a set time. Setting a deadline for each of my projects seems more appropriate and suits me better. So if you allow me halfway through, I change and rewrite my resolution no. 3: I finish my project by the deadline I set beforehand.

In January 2020, I had noted 11 wishes in my wishing list and I have already completed 3 despite the covid period. I find that quite respectable ;-)
We list:
- a Cardamome dress from Deer and Doe
- a velvet bodysuit
- a Gentleman coat from beaux gosses for my husband.

Fourth resolution: I end the year with a smaller fabric stock than at the start of the year.
I thought this would be the hardest for me... and finally, and it is quite surprising, I am managing. My personal stock is decreasing and I am satisfied because this will allow me to buy coup de coeur coupons in 2021.

One explanation is that I have gained confidence and now dare to cut into coup de coeur fabrics that I was afraid to spoil. Today, I hear the scissors slicing the beloved fabric that will make a pretty garment.
On the other hand, I think I compensate for my fabric buying frenzy by looking at and cherishing those in my shop.
Summary for this fourth resolution: well done Eugénie, keep going!

A little self-encouragement feels good ;-) don’t you think?

And you, where are you with your 2020 resolutions?