2009 has arrived on our doorstep - inspiring thoughts of reflections of times past and resolutions for the year ahead.
It's a great time to plan ways to inspire and fuel your creativity for the next 12 months. Here's what I'm resolving to do - I'd love to hear about your creative resolutions!
- Make The Most of My Machines
Although I sew and create on a nearly daily basis, there is still so much I don't know about my amazing machines. I resolve to learn more by trying new techniques, specialty feet and stitches. Thankfully, the Quality Sewing staff is knowledgeable and patient and answers any questions I have. This also applies to my use of technology in general. I now have a webcam and look forward to offering video demonstrations of sewing techniques in the future.
- Learn to Create Embroidery
I love to collect clip art and designs such as the moss rose pictured. I know that 4-D software is powerful enough to let me digitize them into embroidery. I resolve to spend time learning more about my embroidery software.
- Be More Organized and Efficient
I've already started to rework my workspace but there is still a lot of room for improvement (no pun intended!). Luckily, Pacific Fabrics has a lot of organization tools and notions that would help with my storage challenges and to work more effectively.
- Challenge Myself Creatively
Finding fresh challenges helps to keep those creative juices flowing. I resolve to try some new techniques and types of projects and enter some competitions. That ought to keep me on my toes. Not to mention the mistakes that I will make in learning will help me to learn even more and perhaps even discover more new ideas - it's no secret that necessity is the mother of invention!
- Take Advantage of Learning Opportunities
We are so blessed with classes available to us here in the Pacific Northwest. Both Quality Sewing and Pacific Fabrics offer classes for any skill level and sewing/craft interest. One area of concentration for me this year is to continue to study garment fit and construction. There are many special educational events as well: Betty Cotton will be visiting many stores in January, Sondra Meith will offer special classes on color analysis theory and more starting in February and Simon Haskins will be teaching Jenny Haskins' Machine Embroidery Secrets in March. We also have events such as the Sewing and Stitchery Expo in February which is celebrating its 25th year. Did you know there is even a special set of embroidery designs available to celebrate the anniversary? This will be a very special Sew Expo for me, as I will not only be learning a lot, but teaching for the first time as well.
What kinds of creative resolutions have you made? Share and inspire us!
Best wishes for a blessed and very Happy New Year!
--Katrina
Ooh - I love this topic - I have a few creative resolutions:
1. I want to knit at least one whole gorgeous sweater for myself.
2. I too want to keep my craftiness at least moderately organized. Storage and organizing aisle at Northgate, here I come!
3. I will complete all ufos in my stash by April, and will attempt to add no more this year. (Are you laughing? I have lofty ambition! Besides, how many New Year's resolutions are truly kept? It's good to have something to strive for!)
Thanks for the inspiration, Katrina!
Posted by: Anna-Beth | December 31, 2008 at 01:49 PM