Sew Smart: Crafting My Project Plan
Read this…before starting your next project!
Hello My Fellow Sewcialists!
I hope you are enjoying your holidays and almost have your Christmas lists completed. As we wind down to the end of the year, it’s natural to start taking inventory and start making our resolutions. Yes, the dreaded “R” word. To be honest I hate resolutions. I never make them. However, I do set up personal goals I desire to complete by the end of the year. This year I want to focus on how I can help the beginner sewing community more.
I know how frustrating it is was for me in the beginning of my sewing journey. The feeling of loneliness, discouragement, frustration, wanting to quit on many occasions and so many other emotions I’m sure you have felt or are currently feeling now.
I took inventory of the common questions and problems that have come up in the sewing community this year and saw a pattern. Some of this year’s common questions and issues seem to gravitate toward planning out sewing projects and spending too much on money fabric that they either didn’t know how to use or work with.
This got me thinking about what I have learned throughout my sewing journey and what systems I have in place that keep me from feeling overwhelmed and regretting that last fabric haul trip to the Local Fabric Store.
Here is my thought process I believe may be helpful in helping you choose and plan your next sewing project:
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
Something I saw in my imagination
Pinterest Boards
Movies, TV or Award Shows
Social Media/Fashion Influencers
Most of my inspiration comes from my personal style. I like outerwear, pieces you can layer and use multiple ways throughout the year. It’s important to note what’s currently on trend may not fit your body comfortably or personal style. Think about what articles of clothing make you feel the most confident when you where them. What are some item of clothing can you add that will style nicely with your current wardrobe.
TAKE INVENTORY:
What fabric do you currently have on hand?
What’s a similar silhouette in my pattern stash?
Do I have enough of the correct fabric for the pattern?
Do I have the required notions (thread, buttons, zippers, interfacing, etc) listed on the pattern?
Be realistic about your budget, sewing level, fabric and supplies you have on hand. As a beginner it’s easy to get excited about your new sewing talent and much harder to stick to a budget. Make a list of things you need; such as how much fabric you will need, how many notions the pattern requires… and so on. Window shop online at home before you go to the Fabric Store. Get a tally of how much the project supplies will cost before you get there. Try to find the balance between challenging yourself and not picking a project too difficult that will have you second guessing yourself and ultimately giving up.
PLAN & PREP
Review pattern instructions
Wash fabric (as applicable)
Pick out your notions
Draft Pattern
Cut Pattern
Prep your station with required work tools
Now is the time to review your pattern instructions and determine construction. Pre-wash your fabric to ensure the fabric doesn’t shrink after you wear it. Set all your notions aside. Clean your workspace. I find that a clean workspace helps prevent procrastination and a sense of overwhelm.
REVIEW & COMPLETE
Always have your instructions handy
Make sure you have all pattern pieces
Start sewing!
Now that you have prepared, you can now get to the fun part! Sewing your garment and watching your vision come to life. You have all your supplies, you have a clean workspace and all your pattern pieces ready to go. Be careful not to get excited and too far ahead of yourself. It’s always a good practice to refer to your instructions throughout your sewing project. Even the most experienced Sewcialists make mistakes. I know first hand! Once you complete your garment and have made all the finishing touches, it’s time for the best part of all!
Put on the garment and strut your stuff!
Let me know how my process was able to give you some insight and help your sewing journey.
Remember,
Stay Sewcial and Stay inspired!
Happy Sewing!
