2021 Wrap up and looking ahead

This past year was not a stellar year when it came to getting really anything done. Not on the sewing front, nor personal front. I felt like I was just treading water, trying not to sink, for most of the year. I was also insanely unfocused when I did have time to breathe, so still, nothing much got done.

My sewing for 2021 was a total of 32 items, which included a bridle. I made 7 dresses for charity, and do you think I managed to send them out? No. They are sitting on a random pile downstairs. Add that to the to-do list.

Here is most of what I made. I know I am missing a few things I made, specifically for my girl. I made another black top and a burgundy t-shirt with another too small t-shirt front cut out and added to it. I think there were also 2 tanktops and a pair of lounge pants that didn’t get photographed. Dropping the ball here.

It’s not that I really think I need to make a ton of new clothes or anything. There is only so much one needs. I am more concerned in my lack of follow-through on so many things this past year. I even have a planner with weekly lists. They just get moved forward (or not) to the next week’s list.

This next year I really want to focus on making sure I get stuff done that is needed and do some more personal things like drawing and drafting patterns. Oh yes, and the perennial losing weight.

I didn’t get much drawing done this year, but I like what I accomplished…few though they were:

Start doing this next year:

• Create a new art piece each week. This could be a drawing in my journal or a new surface pattern. I don’t really like weekly/daily prompts to get this type of challenge completed. I want to draw what I am drawn to, and not some random prompt.
• Actually get my to-do list done each week, unless there is some factor not allowing me to get it completed.
• Do a monthly Pinterest sewing project that requires me to draft a new pattern.
• Start working on my kids’ new Renaissance Festival costumes right away. They will be involved (like usual), so I need to work on them earlier. They have already shown me what they want, so no excuses.
• Make something each week; either sewing related or leather/costume related.
• Work on my house to-do list.
• Work out or do some stretching each day. Movement is key. Along those lines, cook healthier and drink less wine.
• Be more focused at work, as well. I need to make sure I don’t get distracted so often.

Stop doing this next year:

• Allowing social networks (for me it is Instagram and Facebook) to take up my time and focus. I started playing a Scrabble game, which had been enjoyable, but I decided I didn’t need the added reason to pick up my phone. It’s all addictive to me, and I need to stop doing it so much.
• Watching TV so much. Keep the binge watching to just a day or two a week.
• Sitting down and re-reading books instead of doing something productive. I love to read, and if I am going to be a potato at least I can make a dent in the many books I haven’t read yet.

Hopefully these lists are enough to get me started on some self-improvement. I will make a monthly “to-do” post, and then look back each month at my progress.

In that vein…for January:

To-do:

• January Pinterest Project will be this raglan sweatshirt. The arms will be interesting to draft.

• I need to wrap the kids up for pattern starting points for their Ren Faire costumes, both of which will have fitted jackets.
• Sew up a brown sweatshirt dress I have cut out.
• Figure out a pattern for a burnt orange fleece I have. Perhaps the one above.
• Draft a new cardigan pattern
• Draft a pattern for fleece lined cape
• 4 new art pieces for January
• Stick to workout schedule, as much as possible. Entering tournament season with some out-of-town time, so while out of town I would like to make sure we walk as much as possible, and when eating out choose salads over burgers.
• Focus at work improvement
• Pick up paint for laundry room
• Find dining room paint and paint over wall marks
• Get my weekly to-do lists finished for what I put in my planner.

Alright now…onward to 2022!