2023 - 12 Goals for 12 Months

Another year, another time for resolutions. While I don’t necessarily go with the resolution route, I love taking the end of the year and the beginning of the new year to reflect on the year gone by and plan for some goals in the coming year that I hope will improve things. While the famous Make 9 trend lives on, I decided to take a different approach to things and try to stick with less specific goals to give myself a bit of leeway while also giving myself more attainable goals rather than sticking with 9 specific patterns that may or may not end up being a successful addition to my closet. With my pattern testing and work schedule I anticipate this year, I also figured that this way I could also try to incorporate some of these goals in with my tests and hit two for one!

1. Make jeans

This has been on my list for a while now but this year, after researching a number of size inclusive jeans patterns, I’m really hoping to add my first pair of handmade jeans to my collection! I’m leaning towards the Farra Pants from Lore Piar!

2. Make a lingerie pattern from a “new” designeR

I started sewing lingerie a couple of years ago and sadly had to abandon my efforts for a bit. Between pattern testing and taking on more for work, I’ve been running a bit low on available time. However, I truly loved making those pieces and want to get back into it but need to find more size inclusive lingerie designers. Sadly as a 44DDD, options are a bit sparse. I started looking through some designers last year and came across a couple that I’m hoping to use to get myself back into the lingerie groove!

3. Try 1 “new” pattern designeR

Okay. There’s a reason why “new” is in quotes. I’ve seen so many newer pattern designers enter the scene over the last couple of years that I just haven’t been able to get around to (yet again: lack of time). I’ve seen a handful of stunning styles that I’ve been bookmarking and saving so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that by the end of the year I’ll have another 5-10 new (to me) designers in my pocket that I know I can confidently support and sew. However, I’ll settle for just 1 more to keep goals attainable!

4. Make first Simplicity of Know Me pattern

This is a big one for me, personally. After only making 1 Simplicity pattern in my life (back when I was a not-so-little 8th grader) and never picked another up again because of sizing. Since Mimi G has dedicated herself to a wider size range in her Simplicity designs and continues to support the community with community-led designers creating even more size inclusive styles, I can’t wait to finally sew up these designs that I’ve been hoarding and haven’t had the time to sew! Depending on timing and how y schedule ends up looking in the next couple of weeks, I’m guessing that either S9599 (if I can get it done in time for Valentine’s Day) or S9551 will be my first!

5. Slow Sew 1 outfit (include fabric texturing and multiple small details).

A few years ago I attended the Sewing Expo in Cleveland and took a class on creating surface textures on fabrics. I had so much fun just adding those individual details to simple squares of fabric that I’ve been itching to implement in some of my makes. However, that also requires a decent amount of time so I want to give myself the space to take my time and really enjoy the process.

6. Make the perfect-fitting button up shirt

Much like the jeans, this is another basic I’ve been wanting to try and make for myself. Having only found maybe 2 or 3 button ups in my lifetime that have fit well enough, I’d love to make myself one that fits comfortably and that I can use as part of a capsule wardrobe I’m trying to get to. Any size inclusive pattern suggestions for this one?

7. Design and Create 1 original outfit beginning to end

I have a background in pattern drafting and have made some of my favorite outfits self-drafted in the past. I’ve been missing the feeling of accomplishment that comes with designing and making a garment from beginning to end so I want to try and get that feeling back whether I go with a dress or a top and bottom look.

8. Sew 1 Pattern that I have the pattern for and haven’t made yet

Inspired by Aaronica’s “New Pattern November”, I want to try and utilize my stashes as much as possible this year. I’ve built up quite the pattern and fabric stashes over the years so 2023 I’m dedicating to using up the items I already have to make room for the new in 2024. I’ll only be purchasing fabrics and patterns that I absolutely can’t live without, particularly items for pattern tests that I don’t have but need. How long do we think I’ll get without purchasing a new pattern or fabric?

9. Learn 1 new technique

Sewing is all about learning. I’ve seen so many fun tips, tricks, and even areas to sew in that I had no idea I could do (looking at you, shoes!) so I hope to come across at least one new sewing tip/trick/technique to make my life easier.

10. Clear Out/Finish 2022 Wips

I have SO MANY WIPs (Works In Progress) from 2022 that I simply couldn’t finish in time. When I checked in last I had at least 5 or 6 but I’m guessing there are more hiding out somewhere. And, no, this isn’t including fixing items either. I’m talking straight up “in the process of creating something from scratch” WIPs. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll clear these out as well. 2023 for me is clearing out the old to welcome in the new.

11. Destash Fabric! At least 10 fabrics by summer

This is a second attempt at this goal. I tried starting a destash account on Instagram a couple of years ago. While I successfully passed on a few items to some lovely people, I had a hard time trying to keep up with yet another social account and trying to promote it to get some eyes on it. With the launch of my online shop for #taggedbySteph, I now have a space that I can keep things standing for a certain amount of time after sharing in my Instagram stories on my main account first. Proceeds will help in growing #taggedbySteph with the launch of some new labels this year and covering costs from launch.

12. Sell $500 worth of #taggedbysteph sewing labels

Speaking of #taggedbySteph! My final goal for 2023 (sewing-related) is to sell at least $500 worth of #taggedbySteph labels. 2022 Was the Year of Development for the business, getting things in order, searching for manufacturers, ordering the basics, designing and narrowing down on the initial launch round, and starting to share. Since launching in the end of September/beginning of October, I honestly didn’t make as much as I had hoped but by buckling down and figuring out more of a strategy and introducing new designs, I’m hoping that this year will help me on my way to paying off the startup costs that come with a new business. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see with them!

What do you have lined up for 2023? Let me know in the comment section!