I usually never make New Year's resolutions.

But this year was different... indeed, after 5 years of sewing passion, I had accumulated a lot of fabric, equipment, patterns... and during the 2019 holiday season... I had a revelation... my workshop was such a mess, it couldn’t go on like that!

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

First resolution: I tidy up 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 machines,
• the fabrics and scraps,
• the haberdashery,
• the patterns.

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

Sewing space photographed on December 28, 2019 - "Shame on me"

January 2020

There were some relapses but overall, I’m quite satisfied with myself. I managed to keep some semblance of order on my work table even though it’s a constant challenge. The most important lesson I learned is to tidy the work table between each project. It forces regular tidying and it’s much more pleasant to start a new project on a clean, clear table.

Then, I tackled the fabric organization and I’m quite proud of myself there.

Since the end of January, I’ve managed to keep my drawers in order and my personal fabric stock is decreasing. I’m using 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, enjoying cutting a fabric I love to make a garment I will wear with a smile. I only buy again the type of fabric I don’t have in stock for a project that means a lot to me (e.g., a matching ribbing for a sweatshirt, a coupon of denim, or jersey like for my wanted t-shirts...).

In May, I continued with the organization of patterns and sewing books... it was no small task because every sewer has their own method of organizing patterns. I read a lot and worked on finding the method that suited 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 write on a label the model, size, and the magazine/book reference if applicable.

I’m quite satisfied with this organization which allows me to quickly find 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 color and not by size (which could have been a clever organizing choice) because I realized that color was actually my most important selection criterion. I’m quite a fan of having a button stock at home; I really enjoy hunting and buying vintage buttons. Bias tape and piping were also sorted into boxes, as well as spools of thread, bobbins,...

So, for this first resolution, the sorting of scraps remains, which I have started but not yet finished. I have a lot of them in all sizes, so it’s likely to take quite some time...

The second resolution was: I finish the projects I started
I thought it would be easier. But it’s not... I’m struggling... I had a good start at the beginning of the year and then the COVID crisis arrived. With it came mask making but also my motivation to finish started projects disappeared.
In January 2020, I had 17 projects in progress and I don’t think I’ll finish this list before the end of the year because some projects no longer please me, so to speak...
Still, I finished a few (to save face):
- a shirt for my husband for which I had to finish the buttonholes and the hem
- a pencil skirt, a home pattern in blue wax, only the inner facing remained
- a blue Cédrat camisole from Maison Fauve
- some makeup remover wipes.
Summary: Could do better since I still have 13 left.
I have just under 6 months left to decide the fate of the various lingering projects...

Third resolution: I start a maximum of 3 projects at the same time
I initially said one but that wasn’t even conceivable for me, I was sure I couldn’t manage it 😅 well, that was confirmed!
I need variety in my projects, so I regularly sew several projects at once. Especially now that I also sew for others and therefore work on different projects at different stages. The result is that this actually suits me well and causes me no frustration. So, I think I’ll listen to myself and not set a limit except to finish the project within a set time. Setting a deadline for each project seems more appropriate and suits me better. So if you allow me, halfway through, I’m changing and rewriting my resolution #3: I finish my project by the deadline I set beforehand.

In January 2020, I had noted 11 wishes on my wishing list and I’ve already completed 3 despite the COVID period. I think that’s quite respectable ;-)
Here’s the 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 beginning of the year.
I thought this would be the hardest for me... and surprisingly, I’m managing it. My personal stock is decreasing and I’m happy because it will allow me to buy new favorite coupons in 2021.

One explanation is that I’ve gained confidence and now dare to cut into favorite fabrics I was afraid to ruin. Today, I hear the scissors slicing through the beloved fabric that will make a beautiful garment.
On the other hand, I think I compensate for my fabric buying frenzy by admiring and cherishing those in my shop.
Summary for this fourth resolution: well done Eugénie, keep it up!

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

And you, how are your 2020 resolutions going?