That’s right, none.
This doesn’t mean that I am not going to sew, this means that I am not going to plan that extensively.
Many sewing blogs that I’ve been reading all mention (and very wisely, I might add) their idea of a Fall/Winter wishlist. I’ve operated this way last year and the year before, and speaking strictly for myself, in theory that’s a great idea, but that way wasn’t working for me.
I’ve made a yellow blouse that felt great to make in the middle of winter and yet I never wore it once when Spring/Summer hit. I’ve also made two white, swiss-dot blouses that I have not yet worn. I still have fabric intended for SS2012 that still hasn’t gotten sewn up, mainly because I haven’t felt inspired to do anything with them.
My wardrobe gets curated every month, and anything season-appropriate that hasn’t been worn in a month (with the exception of fancy clothes intended for special events) gets donated. This might sound extreme, but space is at a premium in NYC and there’s no room to stash anything away that isn’t used.
Here is a list of what has been working for me:
1) Basing my projects on what I want to wear in 1-3 weeks
2) Finishing said project in 1-3 weeks
3) Only working on something I feel passionate about, both in process and in outcome
4) Being honest about which silhouettes flatter my figure
5) Being honest about which items I actually wear
6) Creating variations of items that I wear all the time
7) Looking at my wardrobe as a whole and trying to make pieces that fill in the gaps
8) Not skimping on muslins or the fitting process
9) Keep the sewing process interesting to minimize unfinished projects
This list doesn’t account for very complex projects like a coat or anything requiring fine details, like beading or embroidery. Those should definitely be started a season ahead.
This idea might sound flighty and unhinged, but when looking upon the whole picture (creating a versatile wardrobe), accounting for spontaneity leaves room for those sewing (and wardrobe) whims that we all have. It also allows wardrobes to be flexible, so if the reality doesn’t match the planning, it is versatile enough to adapt.
I never realized how freeing not planning was until I actually stopped planning. Now to carry that mindset onto the rest of my life.
I totally agree with your list. I’m not really a strict planner when it comes to choosing sewing projects. Sewing should be fun and I don’t want to feel obligated to sew something because it’s on my list. I prefer sewing something which I enjoy.
Dude– do what you need to do! I always love reading other people’s seasonal sewing plans, and sometimes I outline them for myself, but I NEVER stick to them and I never come close to sewing everything on the list. I love your tips for sewing things that you need and will wear immediately!
Awesome post, and list! I have mixed feelings when it comes to planning ahead. I tend to buy fabrics and hoard them until the right pattern comes to mind, or vice versa. I have made lots of stuff that I thought I liked, but ended up never wearing, so I’m trying to be better about predicting what I’ll actually use. Not just make things because they look interesting, or because I feel like I should wear them…
Go with what feels right – sometimes planning is great and sometimes it doesn’t work. I think it depends on your personality too – planning isn’t for everyone. I think you’ve set yourself some workable guidelines so good luck with your projects.
I hardly plan either. It’s more like, I feel like making this now so I’ll do it. How indulgent
I love this approach! If it has been working for you, stick with it! Sewing is a different experience for every person. Sounds very smart to me.
Thanks, Anthea! I used to think I was a good planner, until looking back now I realized I didn’t make a lot of the projects I planned for way in advance.
Thanks, Ginger! I realize now unless it’s a large and complicated project that finishing sewing projects can take as little as a week.
Thanks Kathryn! I had to go through something like that a few months ago since cleaning out my closet.
Thanks Kerry! Hopefully this method will produce more wearable garments.
Thanks, Zo! That’s how I feel too.
Thanks, Alicia!
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