Note: I have to write reviews for my direct reports around this time each year, so this year I thought I'd give myself a review for my 2008 sewing performance and then set some goals for 2009. Should you feel moved to review your own sewing performance please feel free to borrow my format and graphics. (I made the photo collages using Picnik, a very cool photo editing site.) A little introspection is a good thing, right?Accomplishments:
- Acquired advanced tailoring skills by making a coat
- Gained proficiency working with more difficult fabrics like silks and lace
- Demonstrated ability to set a mean sleeve cap
- Ventured into non-domestic pattern territory via BWOF and Jalie
- Further honed fitting skills through use of muslins
- Used a serger for the first time
- Expanded knowledge of garment district services, like Jonathan Embroidery for buttonholes
- Persevered despite making some really hideous things in the first half of 2008
Pattern companies used in 2008 (includes repeat TNTs by same company):
This legend to this Excel chart is hard to see, but Textile Studios, Kwik-Sew and McCalls were relied on most, largely because I repeated some TNTs, like TS's mandarin collar jacket pattern.Favorite garments of 2008:
(l-r) New Look 6619, Vogue 7978, Textile Studios Mandarin Collar Jacket, Simplicity 2922What-was-I-thinking garments of 2008:
(Note: I didn't photograph the really, really ugly ones that went straight into the trash)
(l-r) McCall's 5105, Hot Patterns Artful Dodger Purity Blouse, BWOF 05/08, Kwik-Sew 3179Most worn garment made in 2008:
It would have to be this sleeveless Vogue 8486 dress made out of black jersey. It was perfect for hot summer days and it was great for travel because you could just wad it up into a ball in your suitcase. Now that it's colder I wear it layered over a long-sleeve T and jeans.
Goals for 2009:
- Master a welt pocket
- Continue efforts to achieve better-fitting garments
- Figure out what really looks good on me, rather than continue to make styles I've worn for years but that may no longer work for me
- Consider taking a class at FIT to further develop my skills
- Be open to sewing plaids and other fabrics that involve matching patterns
- Take on another master sewing project, like the coat I made, to push myself to learn new skills
- Sew enough BWOF patterns to justify subscribing to it in 2009.
- Quit using sewing and blogging as an excuse to avoid housework (this will be my toughest goal by far)
28 comments:
Bravo! I could only hope to get about 1/4 of as much sewing done in a year. Looks like 2008 was a year of great accomplishments. I can't wait to see what you produce in 2009.
Wow! You should be proud. And don't forget to mention how your blog has advanced and become so popular! It is a great resource/inspiration for me, and others. Thank you.
This post has given me much to think about. For one, I definitely had my flops in 2008---all those sundresses! Yuck. Moving on to 2009!
I like the idea of an annual review - especially the pie chart. I'm going to follow your lead, but I'm not sure I'll publish it.
It looks to me like you've has a successful sewing year - especially the coat.
What a great post. Congratulations - you were very busy this year and have so many beautiful garments to show your accomplishments :)
I love the pie chart!
And I have been looking for something like piknic.com, so I'm off to check that out!
What a great idea for a post! I love all your introspection and graphics.
More sewing than I accomplished this year! My 2009 goals? Getting more pieces made this year. Less procrastination at the computer, as I type this of course.
You made some really great pieces this year. Maybe you needed the awful stuff to figure out what worked for you. At least you didn't use that as an excuse not to keep going. Brava!
Congratulations on so much accomplished in 2008! The overview/pie chart is intriguing, but it scares me... Think I'll stick to a quick glance in my closet ;) Your goals for '09 seem highly attainable, and we're here to cheer you on- You go Girl!
I have done this as a blog post for the last couple of years...it is always good to reflect on your year and plot out where you want to go next.
Love the graphics...I usually just use pics! :) And I can't wait to see where your sewing adventures and journeys take you in 2009!!!
Reminds me that my year end report at work is due on the 22nd. I think I will borrow your format for it!
Congrats to you! Lindsay T. *really* does sew...again!
I love your "what-was-I-thinking" garments. They are so nicely put together.
Congratulations on a wonderfully productive sewing year! I really like this idea. I hope you will consider it the blatant thievery - er - sincerest flattery that it is if I borrow your idea on my blog.
Very cool idea! And what a list of accomplishments! :)
You get an A from me! That does remind me when I started my blog I put some goals on there for 2008. Wonder what they were? I'd better have a look while I still have a couple of weeks left!
How fun to read the year in review and what a good idea. I can't wait to see what you create in 2009.
Like Ann, I'll be stealing, no, borrowing your idea too. :) I love to graph things!!
Oooo, I love the graphs and analysis. In my excitment to sew, I've fallen behind in keeping track of all my projects. I've collected some new list ideas but never updated them.
As for your last goal of 2009? We hired someone to come in and clean every two weeks. The house looks great, and I can sew GUILT-FREE! (Seriously, there's no guilt!)
Well done - you have achieved so much. You should be very proud of yourself. Also great goals for 2009 except perhaps for the last one..lol
This is such an awesome idea. I may do a little pilfering as well! Congrats on such a productive year. You have really grown in your mastery. Looking at all the pics, I think my fave is your daughter's gold dress. That is just to die for. Looking forward to your next projects.
Interesting and very analytical. I'm not sure that I'd go as far as making graphs, but a year in review is a good idea as well as goals for the coming year. Thanks!
Inspiring post. I just made two charts myself, and I'll publish them on my blog.
And you certainly have achieved and learned a lot. Congratulations.
Girlfriend - you're ready to take the Marfy plunge in 2009!
What a GREAT idea for a blog post. It really gets the creative ideas flowing along with the yearly self evaluation. I've already set my 2009 goals, but reflection on the current year is a terrific idea.
Awesome Idea. Inspiring post.
Well done! This has been a great sewing year for you!
Great post and great accomplishments. This one to grow on. I must do one.
Lindsay, after failing at several welt pocket methods (I'll only settle for "perfect") I found this method on The Fashion Incubator (http://www.fashionincubator.com/archive/welt_and_paper_jig/). I've used it on 2 of the projects on my site. It's amazing! Soooo much easier to get professional results than any other method I've tried. Just want to help you cross something off your 2009 list!
Nancy
The Feed Dog.com
I totally love seeing others yearly accomplishment - particularly the charts and graphs. Lots of gorgeous garments.
I'm right with you, I need to sew more BWOF to justify my subscription.
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