The Sewing List

Marji wrote a post about how she loves lists. I do also. I make yearly lists, dailey lists, and sewing lists. I'm much more likely to get something done if it's on "the list". Yes, I do get many of the things I write on a list done. Since I tend to make ambitious lists (There is sooo much I want to do and so little time to do them.), I seldom cross everything off my list but the lists help a lot. At the beginning of this year, I gave a lot of thought to what I was doing with my sewing. There were two major problems:

1. I tried to do projects way beyond my sewing skills and became frustrated.
2. I had a lot of trouble staying focused on a project -probably related to #1.

My solution was to make a sewing list of no more than 15 projects that includes garments that either increase basic skills leading up to a tailored jacket or coat by the end of the year, decrease my wonderful stash, or add to basic wardrobe needs. Yea, I know....just about any garment can fall into one of those categories. That's o.k. - at least I know why it goes on the list. The probablity that it will be done is much higher. Every season I add 4 coordinated garments that are made from stash fabric. I'm also a mood sewer. One day I feel like sewing on red or another color. One day I'm ready to take on a fitting or sewing challenge and another day I just want to sew and see quick results. I wish that I could be more like others and start and finish a project before I start another. That seems more productive on the surface but doesn't work very well for me. So, my sewing list contains and focuses somewhat. I have to chose something from the list to sew depending on the mood of the day. While I would like to be more productive, the list has helped.

Here's my current sewing list:
1. Denim pull-on pants with jean topstitching - in preparation for making a "real" pair of jeans.
2. Black Pants - a wardrobe need.
3. Green Linen Jacket - Spring wardrobe and sewing an unlined jacket
4. Green Linen Skirt - Spring wardrobe and putting in an invisible zipper
5. Brown Silk pants - Spring wardrobe
6. Jeans muslin - hopefully wearable - from mid-range priced fabric in case it's terrible
7. Olive/Multi blouse - wardrobe need
8. Green Knit Top - wardrobe need and easy project
9. Purple Dress - wardrobe need and easy project
10. Red/white/Black Knit Dress - wardrobe need and easy project
11. White Dress - fitted and lined dress
12. Tailored jacket - lined jacket
13. Cardigan jacket - fit a new knit jacket and wardrobe need

That really is enough to keep me busy. I will add 4 co-ordinated summer garments soon. I won't list the other projects that keep spinning around in my head. After all, I do need to remain somewhat focused!