This week in the studio I’m sharing a little behind the scenes of one of my favorite times of the year. Every January, I carve out some time in the studio to get intentional with my sewing plans. I look over what I made last year and get inspired for new makes in the coming year. I’m sharing a bit of that process with you today!
The Old Way
My sewing planning process has evolved over the years. I used to use the Wardrobe Architect method. Somewhere around this time, I was also cutting all of my projects out 6 months in advance. It was nice to have everything cut out when I was ready for it, but it didn’t give me a lot of creative freedom. When I started bullet journaling, I used my bullet journal to map out my sewing plans for the year. This was nice because I always had my bullet journal with me, but I’ve moved away from this method as well.
Sewing Plans Video
The Sewing Plans Board
When I got into my new studio, I decided to put my giant bulletin board to good use. I wanted to keep my sketching skills fresh and began to sketch out my sewing plans in their proposed fabrics to add to the board. I love the visual of looking at everything that is exciting me at the moment. I also love the fluidity of adding to the board as I get new ideas throughout the year or removing things that no longer inspire me. As I make something from my sewing plans board, I move it to the space at the top. This is such a fun way to look back at everything I’ve made throughout the year.
My works in progress chart can be found as a free printable to all my newsletter subscribers in the stitcher’s vault. Use the password included in all of my monthly newsletters when you subscribe. I had my chart laminated and use it to track all of the projects I’m currently working on for personal and business.
Making sewing plans
When I’m ready for a magical brainstorming sewing plan session, I block out some quality time in my studio. Make sure to set the mood! I light a candle, put on some relaxing music, and have a coffee, tea, or wine at the ready. I get out all my markers and pencils, I pull up my pinterest board and my fabric & pattern stash on trello, and I start sketching new ideas. I take down all my makes sketches from the previous year and add them to my design journal. It is such a fun way to spend some intentional time deciding on my sewing plans for the year.
How do you make your sewing plans for the year? I would love to hear about it in the comments!
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