GOAL SETTING FOR MAKERS | Why it fails and finding a better approach

If you’re tired of setting January goals for your making that leave you disappointed in December, this is the video for you. We’re talking pitfalls of goal setting and resolutions for makers, as well as giving you some tips to make goals you’ll actually want to complete.
Steph Sewn instagram: / stephsewn
Products / pages mentioned:
homerowhandcra...
/ savannahrosehandmade
/ wildfloweryarn

[@SyKnife]

These are such thoughtful and wise insights and suggestions. Sewing is play to me. Children at play don’t have goals or analyze why they’re no longer interested in the EZ Bake Oven. They just play with what interests them the most at the moment.

[@abstractforest4546]

This is awesome. I love what you said about how sometimes we lose interest in our craft for a time period - and that’s okay! I have ADHD and that definitely contributes to the cycling between crafts and I used to get really mad at myself about it. But just because I haven’t crocheted in a while doesn’t mean I’m not a crocheter! Being gentle with ourselves and reminding ourselves that creativity is there to be fun is so important. Thank you for the reminder.

[@dorcasperkins1647]

My problem with goal grids etc is that I don't like being told what to do (even if the person telling me what to do is myself lol). I'm very much interest driven, one or two projects at a time. One thing leads into another. So my general "goals" are simply to improve my skills, try slot seams, get more creative with salvaged fabrics, nothing too set in stone but I do try to make each project more professionally finished than the last one. Basically I try to outdo myself, and if I'm only competing against myself that should be pretty attainable lol

[@raquelfantoni2812]

Most of my sewing is quilting, but this is super helpful for me too!

[@spookyaliens6286]

I’m a musician and randomly got recommended this video, very helpful for creatives of all sorts! Thank you

[@StephSewn]

Ooo this is so interesting- the algorithm works in mysterious ways! glad you enjoyed it.

[@MrsDizzyFeeling]

I just found your channel and I really like what you're offering ! Usually the sewing related content that I watch is purely "sew with me" type of videos, but I like these discussion ones where we actually sit and reflect on what and why we're doing these hobbies 😂 Often times sewing/knitting/crochetting are branded as slow fashion and more sustainable and conscious process, but I think the consumerism often still tricks us because of all the pretty patterns and trends and fabrics that are continually produced. And although it's so satisfying to watch, those sew with me videos actually make me want to buy more stuff to make the thing that girl is making - and that I'm not going to make !!! So these discussion videos are really enjoyable for me to take a step back and really think, what am I doing ? Why ? How ? All that to say: thank you, I subscribed 😄

[@riveranalyse]

Yes! I call this "slow fashion with a fast fashion mindset". It's so easy to get sucked into wanting wanting wanting.

[@mglouise97]

I'm here from Leena Norms! Great video

[@denisedorsey2889]

I have to say that this is the best video I’ve seen on this topic. You present information that is so well thought out and organized. You are clear and concise and give great examples. Your ability to articulate resonates with me and I appreciate that about you. I feel like I could sit down with you and discuss any topic thoroughly! ❤😊

[@StephSewn]

Denise!! Thank you so much for the kind words- you're going to make me tear up at my desk. So glad it resonated with you, and comments like these make me excited to make more videos.

[@stillstitchin]

Thanks for so beautifully representing those of us who are “chaotic creators”. Although, it doesn’t feel chaotic to me, it just feels creative. ☺️ I make sure that I have documented what I have created, because I find I’m more inspired by what I’ve done than by lists of what I think I should or want to do. That doesn’t mean I can’t focus to finish or sew on deadline (i.e.: theatre costuming), but my natural tendency is to freestyle, when possible. Thanks, again, for your insight. 😊-Deborah

[@StephSewn]

Love this phrasing- freestyling!

[@myleneb7731]

I just discovered your channel. I love your approach. You seem to be a really balanced person. You always have nuanced remarks, which I appreciate. I haven't been on social media for over a year now. Quickly, I saw my concentration return, my anxiety decrease, and my creativity flourish. I'm sure it can be used in a healthy way by others, but that wasn't the case for me. Thank you for the content you take the time to create! Have a great day.

[@knittingghost]

This is seriously the best advice I've ever come across regarding being a creative in a productivity obsessed world. I loved the questions you put forth for us to consider. Thank you - this was very much needed. ♥️

[@StephSewn]

You're so welcome! If there are ever other topics you'd like me to cover, definitely let me know.

[@sewonsister]

I truly appreciate everything you mentioned here. I have tried Make Nine at least three times and it leaves me feeling defeated. It’s like once I put that “goal” out there, there is a part of me that rebels and wants nothing to do with it. Then my creative time (which brings me so much joy and peace normally) becomes frustrating. What works for me is to plan/ cut / sew 3 garments at a time. That leaves a lot of room for possibilities. I also love that question “Would you still love it if you couldn’t share it?”. That’s so important. Thank you for the video. ✂️❤️✂️❤️

[@StephSewn]

I'm so glad this resonated! And love the idea of small batch planning here. I used to make really elaborate plans each season and would get through about 3 before wanting to change the plan, so maybe that's the magic number!

[@kimberlywiley7727]

I tend to be a seasonal maker: crochet in the winter/spring and sewing garments in spring/summer. Making resolutions would cause me undue stress. I recently taught myself too crochet top-down sweaters and tops. Very gratifying. And, I absolutely love ❤️ your making perspective and channel.

[@seamswonky]

Love this video! Often feel inspired and then completely drained by social media. Trying to really listen to my creative voice instead of just making and focusing on output/finished project. And use up my stash lol

[@StephSewn]

I have to use screen timer apps and such, otherwise I'd be on Instagram all the time. It's definitely addictive!

[@venomwoolknits]

So much good stuff in this video! Really enjoyed it 😃 I think we definitely get caught up in thinking we should be improving or advancing in everything we do, but our hobbies are... our hobbies. Not our jobs. I've had so many sewing plans over the last year but I've had to put all my sewing stuff away for now while I finish my thesis. I've really had to rethink how I approach sewing and remind myself that I've got my whole life to make all these things, I don't have to do it all in a set time!

[@StephSewn]

Firstly, congrats on nearing the end of your thesis! And totally agree- the push to always be productive and improving can really just feel like another capitalist treadmill. Have to sometimes let ourselves enjoy things 💕

[@nicoled2831]

Yes! I was just thinking about this as I reviewed my make nine 2023. I felt proud of how much I was able to do, but these intentions were from another version of me that no longer had those priorities. Creative inspiration had led me down many other wonderful paths, and I would have missed those opportunities if I had tried to stick to a rigid framework. I’m focusing on the moment a little more now ❤

[@StephSewn]

So happy this resonated with you! I know what you mean. It's amazing to finish a goal, but after a year, sometimes the goal doesn't hit in the same way.

[@annamonson212]

Took literal notes about this video!

[@teeraybee]

So grateful for this video! I value setting intentions, or maybe another way of saying that is having more clarity about my why’s. But I’ve been stuck in the output trap. Your suggested questions and thoughts overall really hit home for me. Thanks!

[@StephSewn]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! The output trap is very real- gotta go easy on yourself.

[@deannemarino1382]

Love it! I was toying with a make 9, but instead decided on shirts for January and a jacket for February. T shirts in March, all things that will be really useful additions to my wardrobe. I also plan to get a dress form this year, so that in itself will be a project! I started my sewing life with embellishment, but have left it a bit - good reminder to get that back in my sewing life. I love me-made embellishment!

[@nicoled2831]

Love the idea of shortening the timeframe to a few months! Easier to focus on your priorities:)

[@StephSewn]

I love the idea of shortening to months too! I also like the idea of flipping around different types of projects- will be fab to help you fill wardrobe gaps without getting bored.

[@kaitlinsenter1456]

I like to plan seasonally in all areas of my life, so while yes, I do have a few things I’d like to have accomplished by the end of the year, overall I say I look at a quarter at a time. It helps a lot & gives flexibility!

[@teresadreyfus-brady3959]

Great ideas to think over. Please show us your final sweater with that FABULOUS yarn!!

[@StephSewn]

Will do!!

[@blufaerie]

Those questions are so very helpful! I’ve actually reduced my IG use in the last year, but I’ve started meeting ppl in public for sewing and fabric shopping!

[@barbara_vienna]

I completely agree with everything you say! Took me years though to figure this out for myself and accept and love my chaotic approach 😊

[@chlomo2618]

Great video and really interesting perspective on the topic. The custom dyed yarn knitting project looks fantastic, and I'm looking forward to following your progress on it. If, you know, you end up going through with it. No pressure 😅 Totally agree with your point about not stressing about not prioritising your craft. I find it strange when people agonise about how to "get their sewjo back". It's such a non-issue. If it's your livelihood, then just fucking do it, whether or not you feel like it. If you're not dependent on sewing to pay the rent or put food on your table, then not doing it for a while because you don't want to is no kind of problem.

[@StephSewn]

The yarn is ordered, so I'm committed haha! And completely agree with you about all this pressure around sewjo. Like... if you don't feel like doing an entirely non-essential task... don't do it?

[@rosey_ie]

Thrilled to see your face pop up on my feed again 🤩 HNY! And hope to see more great videos from you in 2024 🎉

[@StephSewn]

Happy new year!! I will definitely be posting more consistently this year ❤️

[@liskimade]

Thank you for this video! I love everyone's New Year Sewing Plans videos, they are so inspiring. But even when i was 10, i always needed that extra reminder to slow down when i get too inspired 😂

[@StephSewn]

So glad you enjoyed it! And yes I know what you mean, it's so tempting to make all the plans 😂

[@joshuathomson6049]

Good to see you're back, love the list of questions!

[@StephSewn]

Thank you for the thumbnail help and also take out the garbage plz ❤️

[@MelanieWesley]

Happy New Year! I'm always blown away by how much fantastic content you pack into a short video! Thanks for all the great tips, one way I plan on customizing my makes this year is embroidery!

[@StephSewn]

Thanks so much, and this sounds great! Please do tag me in any makes if you post on Insta, as I'd love to see! I am personally a pretty terrible embroiderer, so need to live vicariously through others...

[@Amina19828]

This is an amazing approach to maker goal setting

[@sewvintageglam]

Great video Steph! I’ve attempted a couple of Make Nine’s but didn’t get much done on either of them… 😂 I didn’t bother last year and instead decided to plan a capsule wardrobe… Which worked better but I planned way more than I can make for any one season - I have to be realistic about how much time I can sew while running my own business coaching business and also having a life. So this year I’m also doing capsule planning and making it more visual by doing mood boards in Canva but I’m just picking what inspires me most to do next and next year I’ll review it. I’ve also given myself permission to change patterns if a more suitable one comes up or just to add that into the mix. I’m in a couple of Patreons where I get a pattern a month so I’ve always got more inspiration coming my way!

[@elinordrake9716]

Excellent video! thanks!

[@StephSewn]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@saraht855]

I was thinking about your channel the other day and I'm so glad you popped back up in my subscription feed because I loved hearing you talk about sewing jeans and it's something I want to do (maybe even in 2024)

[@addiekl]

Thank you for sharing your approach to making and reflecting on your creative process. This resonates with me. I saved the questions you offered. I enjoy some "dream knitting and sewing" plans at the beginning of the year, it's fun, but I don't feel obligated to make all those ideas happen in a single year.

[@janekay9220]

Well said!

[@jessief2150]

Love your channel, have watched most of them today! Such helpful info! Can you share what pattern you used for your top? It's so pretty 😍

[@debra3234]

A very thought-provoking video! And Steph, what's going to happen with that beautiful embroidered ribbon?

[@asurya8797]

Happy new year❤

[@StephSewn]

You too!!

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

Loved this video! Lots of great suggestions I had never even thought of. I try to be very intentional with my plans now because I’m definitely guilty of putting things on my plans/goals that just weren’t really inspiring to me, but something I had seen many people put on their own list. I don’t do that anymore!

[@StephSewn]

The pattern envy can be real! Glad you've found a method which works for you.

[@ClaudiaHeggie]

Brilliant, been waiting for another video of yours. Thoroughly enjoy what you say and the way you put it across. Makes good sense, you are genuine as well as enthusiastic and inspiring. I really needed this talk, nearly forgot my own creative skills in all that hype out there already. Also felt it's getting too serious, like a job with other people's expectations of me I don't even know. Please keep it coming.

[@StephSewn]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! The resolution I didn't mention is getting on a more frequent upload schedule- already editing the next video! Can't wait to share more with this community.

[@GemsbyOC]

I appreciate this video so much ❤ thanks for changing my perspective

[@StephSewn]

I'm so glad it resonated! I still have to remind myself of this stuff pretty frequently- very easy to feel overloaded!

[@priscillaharrington9844]

Beautiful color!

[@ErikaRightTrue]

Your content is sooo good! I’ve been binging all of your videos today. Looking forward to implementing some of your tips from this video.

[@MsSparky321]

Thanks for sharing. This is thought provoking. Have you read the book, The Creative Act by Rick Rubin? He certainly validates my chaotic creative process and you might find it interesting.

[@StephSewn]

I have not- will definitely check it out!

[@HilaryGreen]

thanks so much for this video, your message is very supportive and inspiring

[@StephSewn]

You are so welcome ❤️

[@lucyinthesky9479]

Wonderful and well-thought out video, thanks Steph!

[@StephSewn]

You're so welcome!

[@Sophie-zc2vk]

Love this!

[@StephSewn]

Thanks queen 👑

[@KatieDuerr]

❤❤❤

[@aquasilver5524]

Are the fabrics at 2:33 all from Stitch fabrics? I'm so jealous, they don't seem to have those anymore. They are beautiful, can't wait to see what you'll make from those 😍

[@StephSewn]

So they are sold out now, but they usually get these types of prints in for the Stitch Festival in London (late March). I'd expect to see them back online after that 🙂

[@aquasilver5524]

@@StephSewn thanks! Will keep an eye on them :)

[@alexyssaubrie1606]

Why is it the men in the comments who are negative for no reason. Looks like someone is jealous a woman is successful.

[@StephSewn]

Omg did I miss a hater? I feel like this a KZbinr milestone 😂 Thank you for sticking up for me ❤️