Top 5 Reflections and Goals

The lovely Gillian from Crafting a Rainbow is hosting the Top 5 of 2014. You can read about my highlights here.

This post is all about my reflections and goals. Reflect on 2015 and list my goals for 2015.

Reflections

1. Testing the waters

In 2014, I did my first pattern testing with Muse Pattern‘s Gillian dress and then with the Natalie dress. I found the experience extremely rewarding. It meant taking my time with the patterns and making notes along the way. I feel like Kat really listens to the feedback of her testers and is great at incorporating it into all her patterns. It was a great experience testing for her and I will likely say yes to any other pattern testing she asks me to do. It’s not my plan to go out and volunteer for all of it, though. I feel like being a tester for one pattern company is probably enough for me.

2. Learning new things

I learned a new skill with bra making and took my first sewing class. I’d love to take all the classes now. In Toronto, we have such a wealth of classes in all areas of sewing through the universities and colleges and companies. Learning bra making was so much fun and now that I am on vacation for the holidays, I will be making my second bra. I can’t wait to show you!

3. Reducing the chaos

Before:

After:

There is still some work to be done to make the space better and better, but it really made a difference in how much I sew now. I can go into my space and I have everything accessible and easy to reach. It was very difficult to work in my space before and I’d often sew on the dining room table instead of dealing with the mess and disorganization. I’m a lot happier with this space. I even got cutting mats and a rotary cutter since then.

4. Taking pride in my work

One of my favourite things is to make french seams on woven garments and make the insides pretty. I love being proud of the insides. Even though no one will see them, I love looking at them and knowing my garment is top notch in the construction department.

5. Pushing my boundaries

I started off the year thinking I only liked making dresses and have branched off into cardigans and skirts and pajama pants and a coat! I love pushing my supposed boundaries with sewing and trying out new things.

Goals

1. Upping my skills

One of the goals I have for myself is to continue to increase my sewing skills and push my boundaries. I plan on trying more advanced patterns with more unique and interesting details. I can’t wait to see what I’ve made this time next year.

2. Sewing my wedding dress

You’ll be hearing lots of posts about this process from now until the wedding date in July. Sorry in advance. 😛

3. Self-care

One of the realities of my recent diagnosis of fibromyalgia is the reality of self-care and how important it has to be in my life. Routine, reducing stress, not overdoing things, asking for help, and making sure I am caring for myself have to be top goals for me in 2015. I am not the kind of person to ask for help and find it extremely difficult. I tend to bend over backwards to help out everyone I love in my life and leave myself for last. Next year, I have to reconcile that making myself a priority isn’t selfish and it doesn’t mean I don’t care about others. It’s a tough thing for me to admit.

4. Doing what I love

Paired with self-care is the reality that I have to do what I love and surround myself with people I love. Of course, that means my wonderful family and sewing!

5. Dance

I love dancing. I must dance more. It’s great for my mind and my body and ties into #3 & #4.

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