Spending a bit of time planning your projects out can help to save you time and stress in the long run. Sometimes it can be hard to decide what to make next, so many ideas and so little time! Our tips below will help you focus and prepare for future craft projects.
- Think about how much time you have – If you haven’t got a lot of time in the next few weeks then why not go for some quick makes so you get that finished project satisfaction, and it doesn’t feel like it’s going on forever. If you have lots of time why not push yourself to try something more complicated and build your skills. If short on time break your project down into small blocks so you know what you want to achieve in each sewing session.
- Make sure you have all the supplies you need – Gather the supplies together in advance, why not use our new garment planner notepads to help make sure you don’t miss any? Store them in one place, with your pattern so that when you are ready to start it’s all good to go. Don’t forget to pre-wash the fabrics.
- Skill building – Are there new skills you want to learn? Do you have any patterns or projects that would help you practice them? Learning something new will help to keep you interested and motivated to complete your project.
- Stash busting – What about those fabrics that have been hiding at the back of the cupboard for years? Bring them out, see how large they are and give them a stroke. Think about what you could make with them so you can show them off instead of stashing them. If you have our fabric swatch book have a flick through to see what inspires you.
- What do you need? – Have a look through your wardrobe to identify any gaps so you can then find the perfect patterns to sew, making items you know you will wear. Write down a list of the items you’ve been meaning to sew for the house, for your wardrobe, functional items like bags etc. Refer back to this list when you are looking for new project ideas.
- Keep track of what you’ve made in the past – Using a notebook like our Maker’s Workbook you can keep a log of past projects, including the fabrics used, pattern alterations made etc. This allows you to save time on future projects by referring back to your notes about pattern adjustments or best fabrics to use for a particular pattern.
- Seek inspiration – If you still can’t decide what to make browse your favourite sewing blogs, Instagram, Pinterest etc to see what ideas jump out at you. Have a look through your sewing books, magazines and pattern collection too. You are bound to find something you want to make.
- Clear your workspace – Not only will it make it easier when you start your next project to have everything cleared out of the way but it may also inspire you when you look at the fabrics, patterns etc you have lying around. It’s hard to feel creative when surrounded by clutter.