If you're not familiar with the hashtag #MakeNine2019 you will by the end of this post. #MakeNine2019 is an annual tag that changes as the year does. The point behind it is to set goals (typically sewing-related) as to what you want to make, what you want to use, or both for the year. As most of you know, I didn't really get involved in the Instagram sewing community until around March when I finally decided that I was going to try my hand at starting and running a business and really get back into sewing. I was so inspired after seeing such incredible things being made by so many inspiring women and can't wait to add my own makes to the tag.

Without further ado here are my #MakeNine2019 goals:

1. Make my fur vest. I bought this super soft faux fur from Joann's at the end of 2017 but never had the right weather to make the vest for. 2018 flew by and I really tried to get it done and out but when family things happen, other things get pushed back. I was hoping to have it done by the end of January but if I can't finish by end of February I'll just push for it again at the end of the year. I. Will. Finish. It. (Even if it kills me.)

2. #SewFancyPants. This was my January goal as this was active at the time but, unfortunately, I had so much going on I couldn't get them finished in time. I found this beauuuuuuuuttiful fabric at Joann's in the home decor fabric of all places! It's just a normal cotton and I thought it would make the PERFECT extra-looking pants. So even though I couldn't finish in time for January I still need them in my life.

3. "Matching" Dresses. Okay this one is a little dorky. One of my closest friends and I work on the high school shows together. I found this fabric to make myself a dress to wear to one of the performance nights and she loved it so much that she asked for me to make her something out of the same fabric. So, naturally, we decided that we want to wear our "matching" dresses to one of the performances. Crossing fingers that I have time to make make them!

4. Gala Dress. I found this beautiful green crepe fabric (the photo really doesn’t do the color justice) at Fishman Fabrics in Chicago when I went back in August and instantly thought it would be the absolute perfect fabric for my Gala dress. The Gala is my high school alma mater's annual fundraiser that I started attending last year. I made my dress then too and absolutely loved the feeling of walking around in a school full of influential alumni, friends, and family and truly wearing something unique that showed off my skill. Since this year is the 70th anniversary of the school (and the school's main color just happens to be green) I can't pass it up.

5. Jeans! I have a confession to make: I've never made an actual legitimate button fly (aka the traditional button and zipper) pair of jeans. Most of my college work was all centered around kids and, since I know I fit in a store's jeans off-the-rack, I've never felt a true need to make them. I’ve had my eye on a gorgeous lightweight denim from Stonemountain but I’ll have use up some of the fabric I have on other projects before I can allow myself to get it. I'd love to try and make myself a pair just to say I've done it.

6. Swimsuit. Like jeans, this is something I've always been able to wear off the rack but I'm intrigued by trying to pull it off. Anyone have suggestions what kind(s) of details I should include? Or printed vs solid fabric?

7. Bra/Bralette/Panty Set. I've seen so many sewists making these all the time. I'm super into trying this out, especially because I want to be overambitious and make both a bra and a bralette to make a 3-piece matching set. This is another one I’ll  have to search for the right fabrics and hardware. Who knows? Maybe next year will bring on some additional plus-size lingerie surprises.

8. Workout Bralette and Matching Pants. I seriously can't wait for this one. I have the pattern set (which is weird because I usually just draft my own patterns). I have the fabric. I just need the zipper and the time!

9. Christmas skirt. I saw this fabric while I was at a Joann's to pick up some fabric I had to get for a client and couldn't pass it up. I want to make myself a box pleated skirt to wear to Christmas mass and our family gathering this year!

Well I hope this sparks some inspiration in you guys! You don't have to sew in order to set a #MakeNine goal - art, crafts, jewelry, honestly anything that you can make yourself. Any #MakeNine2019 goals for you? Let me know the 9 things you want to make this year by leaving a comment!

All my love,

Stephanie