My First Make 9 Sewing Goals + My 25 for 2025

[@joanne305]

I also am doing the 25 in 2025. My list includes, books, museums, sewing,cooking and learning something new each week. Good luck with your list.

[@kathrynpatterson6565]

I can highly recommend the Atenas jacket. Probably my most satisfying make. Although I’m sure the Cashmerette jacket will also be really good

[@shreya87singh]

Omg do I sense a clash of the patterns - denim jacket version coming?

[@LostMyThread]

Hahaha! Never say never, but I'm put off by the fact that the cashmerette one requires you to be in the club. Especially considering that I won't be making it within the next month, it would require all access membership, which doesn't feel super accessible. That's the main downside!

[@shreya87singh]

@ love how much thought goes behind those videos. Here for your videos!

[@ClaireWhoMakesThings]

Good luck with your goals Teresa. I enjoyed hearing them.

[@Lisa-um8jx]

Hello Theresa. I love your make nine list, it seems very well thought out with projects that are useful and pretty. Good on you for trying to make your own reusable period products. I tried making pantyliners in the past, but the results weren't great. I have pads from OKO Creations that I've been using for a few years now and I love them. It is a women-owned, green and ethical company based in Quebec. If you decide not to make your own, I encourage you to take a peek at their website. Best of luck in your sewing adventures!

[@CreativityFromBlueberryH-wo3gu]

Hello! It’s so good to see you! I do hope you had had a terrific holiday season. My husband and I both got Covid which put a screeching halt to all Christmas plans. We’re on the mend, but I don’t know if I’ve ever been this tired though. It is good to hear your goals. I did make an apron recently! I videoed the making part, but haven’t finished the modeling or editing yet! I’m looking forward to seeing your 2025 evolve.

[@Kakkydidit]

I used your link and purchased Cashmerette Club's all access membership a year ago, have printed a few, and have made NONE of the club patterns although I've made the Upton and a couple of things from Ahead of the Curve that I love. I think I will set some realistic sewing goals for myself. I'm glad you mentioned your beeswax wraps, because I was gifted some that apparently need refreshing! Did you read The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates? I don't read a lot of novels that fit the magical realism description but that's one I really liked. I have last year's Orbital by Samantha Harvey on hold at my library and that sounds like a beautiful story. Happy New Year,Theresa! - Kelly

[@MsSavvy9]

I had to stop and have a laugh at myself because I had THREE sewing club subscriptions last year while I did ZERO sewing because I was traveling the US in a vintage trailer... and of course I bought more patterns IRL. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Also, this year, I need to get more into making than planning things to make! *slaps own hand*

[@threadtherapy251]

Hi! Great plans. Soft pretzels in Lidl bakery are pretty good also for exercise try ‘bounce’ mini trampolines= lots of fun. I like to run and swim, weight lifting is important for women too- maintaining muscle mass. Joe wicks has a good meno workout with weights. I’ve made a gertie pattern once, the block didn’t suit my body shape and I needed to make tons of adjustments so I didn’t persevere. Happy sewing and happy new year xx

[@LostMyThread]

Ooh, lots of great recs, thank you! Mini trampoline sounds super fun. I'm assuming that's something you do in the gym? I've been looking around at local gyms and would be totally up for giving that a try!

[@TheFrenchSeams_vlog]

Loved hearing about these!!!!! Really varied and achievable too!!! Check out the new free Ellie and Mac apron… built in oven mitts 🎉🎉

[@MarieMadeThis]

Hi Theresa and happy new year! Just wanted to pop on to say that I have made a few garments using Charm patterns and I love the Princess coat, though I haven’t made one yet. You could always slim down the skirt to give a more modern look, but the thing I would say is about the armscye. There is lots of room at the bottom end of those sleeves, but the armscye is often high and close fitting on Charm patterns, in line with the way vintage patterns were designed. I’m not saying they are too tight, but you still might struggle with getting beautiful big sleeves into a vintage-style armhole! Edited to add re your hat - there’s some trick where you sew a button to the inside of your hat so you can swap pom-poms or have a pom-poms free day. Never done it but I bet KZbin will help!

[@LostMyThread]

Hello Marie, so nice to hear from you! I really appreciate hearing about Charm Patterns from someone who has sewn with them before. There would be a muslin involved, so I would hopefully be able to see if I need to adjust that area. Seems like possibly more trouble than it's worth? We'll see! And I love your tip about the pom pom. I will be looking into this option, for sure! Hope you're having a lovely birthday month! ❤️

[@MarieMadeThis]

@ A muslin would definitely help you decide if it’s what you want. And she has a good video tutorial for the tricky bits. I use the section on welt button holes a lot! Look forward to seeing how you get on. And thanks for the birthday wishes! I’m right at the end of the month so plenty of time to enjoy it! 💚

[@kristytaylor9320]

I've made several Christmas aprons and use them just as you describe. Perfect idea!

[@LostMyThread]

Oh, that's fun to hear! I definitely think I will appreciate rediscovering it every year!

[@wakebob]

My favorite work of magical realism is The War of the Saints by Jorge Amado. It has been many years since I read it. I might have to read it again this year.

[@ximenaarrivillaga9353]

Excellent list thanks for sharing you inspire me to make my own 🎉🎉

[@jacquelineleibfried4691]

I really enjoy listening to you talk your thoughts out loud.

[@LostMyThread]

I'm so glad to hear it! 💞

[@sewmytroublesaway]

Love these goals! I'm hoping to add some embroidery to my clothes too. I'm going to use Twig+Tale embroidery patterns. Are you going to use a pattern of free hand them? Can't wait to see how you go! I've also just made my first period panties and want to make many more this year. I got bogged down on details and the different fabrics required etc so I got a kit from Sophie Hines and made her Perfect Panties. I love them! I have made three different undies patterns for regular undies but I always have fit issues. Miraculously there were no fit issues with the Sophie Hines ones. I just got the Sarah period panties by Jalie and am going to try them next.

[@chlomo2618]

Yay! I love your 2x for 202x and makes planning videos, so what a treat! I saw a video suggesting to set it up in a 5x5 grid, and cross it off bingo-style, which seems like a fun variation that this year particularly lends itself to. If I was in your place, I'd probably go with the Savin Coat from Cashmerette Club, and just slash and spread hack the sleeves to be as full as required, either just at the bottom (bishop sleeve) or at both top and bottom (full puffed sleeves), as required by your big sleeve tops and dresses. The Savin Coat seems to have similar lines to the Princess coat, just a little pared back, which will probably suit your style better. And it would kill two birds with one stone, resolution-wise. It's low stakes to make a toile to try it out, since you already have access to the pattern. Consider going to Woolcrest Textiles in Bethnal Green for your denim. It's a warehouse/deadstock kind of place, so it can be hit and miss, but they sometimes have a good selection at great prices. I'd be happy to come along for the ride! They are a short walk from the New Craft House, so it's easy to check out both. I love the idea of sewing socials, but I know that for a lot of them you have to bring your own sewing machine. My beast of a machine weighs 10kgs, and I don't have a car. Since I have no upper body strength, I'm not doing that with public transport, so I've always thought that I couldn't attend one. Thinking about it now though, I could probably just take hand sewing or something to do. It's extremely likely I'd just talk the whole time and get nothing done anyway 😄 Use magnetic clasps for your interchangeable pom poms! I love magnets so much... I have a Velvetiser to make hot chocolates, which also does a brilliant job making chai lattes. It's a bit indulgent to have a kitchen gadget that just does one thing, which you can do with a microwave and mini frother, but it does it so well, and I love those beverages so much that I can totally justify it. Sweetened condensed milk seems to give a nice creamy consistency and good foam, so you could try using it in place of your sugar. I know you don't have it very sweet, but you could try it just a little and see how you like it the effect with your frother.

[@LostMyThread]

Okay, you are full of so many awesome suggestions. Where to start? I've definitely been considering that Cashmerette coat pattern. A bigger sleeve is not the hardest hack in the world, but figuring out whether I want a cuff, pleats, etc., is the hardest part of the decision! One for next winter, though. I think you've told me about that fabric shop near New Craft House, and I 100% want to go there sometime. I wish it wasn't such a pain to get there! Speaking of, you don't need to bring a machine to the New Craft House sewing sewcials. You can use their machines, cutting tables, etc. I could honestly be tempted to go there to just cut some fabric out. I know they do some at the weekends, but they're not listed on their website. That would be much more appealing to me than an evening, considering how long it would take me to get there and back again. The magnetic clasp is a super cute option. I wonder if it might be a bit awkward to secure into my knitting? And now you're making me really want a velvetizer. 🤣 I will be looking into this. I also like my chai latte sweeter than my chai. Sweetened condensed milk is a really interesting idea. I will experiment with that, for sure. Thank you for always being full of so many awesome ideas. Wishing you a really fun and creative 2025!

[@sewvintageglam]

Yay a Charm Pattern! I love the Princess Coat and it’s perfect for going over my big skirts. Which I think might be why you feel it’s a bit costumey for your style… What if you just took a bit of fullness from the coat skirt? 🤔

[@dorothytomniuk4106]

What an inspiring vlog! I'm going to search out some of the crafty things you suggested, especially the block printing. Again, thanks! Have lots of things to investigate. I'm oldish, used to be a runner, now I'm a treadmiller where I catch up on KZbin vlogs, mostly sewing. Not a lot of fun, but gets the job done😊

[@Ginevra345]

There’s a great sewing social in Waterford (just outside hertford) It’s once a month on a sunday for 4h but doing a full day on Jan 26th 😊

[@bravelittlebuckaroo]

Oh, I've been looking forward to this one! I was inspired by your 24 for 24 last year, but that was the first time I'd heard of it and coming up with 24 things once the year had already begun felt overwhelming, so I didn't. At the end of last year I started keeping a list on my phone of any little inspirations that came to me, and I officially finalised my list of 25 things on New Year's Eve. One of the things on my list is to use more fabric than I buy, so I also have a list of about 25 pattern and fabric combinations that I can make from stash I already have. I definitely don't expect to get to all 25 goals and all 25 makes this year, but I am excited to have so many options to inspire me. So thanks for inspiring me to make the list! I am, of course, very much looking forward to hearing about all the fun things you get to do, too. 💙

[@GoingGreenMom]

When I was using reusable pads they were made of flannel. They had wings and snapped around the underside to itself. Normal ones didnt slide arpund much, the thong ones I lined up a little bit more when pulling things up to make sure they were in the right spot..... both styles worked well but I wound up switching to a cup because underwear became problematic for sensory issues and heat. Mine were designed for wearing in regular underwear, but if you wanted more protection from movement, you could make underwear and use cotton flannel for the crotch part so it was flannel on flannel and would stay in place easily. I don't know what pattern Mom used for the full size pads, they were a pretty standard pad with wings shape, and 1 side was the full shape, then the other side was like 2/3 of the shape so that it overlapped slightly in the center and you could add another liner layer in the middle. Liners were just strips that fit the center section. As I recall she did stitch the wings closed so liners couldnt shift. And then 1 small snap per wing. I bought the thong ones on etsy and are pretty standard shapes and just 2 layers.

[@LostMyThread]

These are such clever tips, thank you! I am a menstrual cop gal for the majority of my period. What I'm looking for is something to wear towards the end of my period, when there isn't much in the cup, but I still need something a bit more than the thin reusable liners I have. Thank you so much for your suggestions!

[@GoingGreenMom]

@LostMyThread then honestly, if you made the normal ones I described, and just made it so the overlap in the center went most of the way across on both sides, you might actually be fine with that and no liner. One thing my description missed that might not be clear, the overlap runs the length of the pad, rather than adding layers to the wings. Another thought, and maybe this is bad for some reason, but when I slow down flow wise I just wait a bit longer between dumps. Of course, I'm not sure what would be considered normal flow anymore either. I've had hormone issues and pcos symptoms for almost a decade, but since I'm not TTC my last doctor wouldn't look into it until after I go through menopause. I was 35 when I was told that. Working on insulin resistance now, but have 180 pounds to lose, so it will take awhile. And my current doctor is a guy so don't really talk to him about hormone stuff. Should probably let him know I had a cyst rupture over the holidays that was pretty painful, but like what is he going to do about it? Hopefully my next cycle isn't as bad as the last few have been. Anyway, idk, that was how I got around that when I quit having anything to attach liners to.

[@GoingGreenMom]

Cardio..... love walking with my weight vest!

[@LostMyThread]

I love a walk, so that might be a great one for me!

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Days for Girls charity has instructions and templates for reusable pad.

[@InAgatasCottage]

Happy New Year. Your plans (sewing and not sewing related) sounds great. I haven't made any major sewing plans for 2025 yet. We have a busy Q1 of 2025 so I am focusing on it for the moment. I did plan my make 9 (with a twist). I still need to record video (hopefully soon)

[@amierikke6225]

Great video! For the big sleeve accommodating coat, maybe a cape would work better than a coat? Like the Style Arch Clover or Vogue 2054?

[@veronicapuunberg8266]

Trend patterns have a coat with amazing arms. I have the pattern but I have not made it yet.

[@rachellynncreates2703]

I’d love to see a review of the two jackets. Because I am also considering both of those denim jackets.

[@LostMyThread]

If I do a muslin of both, I will definitely share my results. They both look pretty good. I don't know how else I'm going to choose!

[@rachellynncreates2703]

@ it might be an eenie meenie minie more kinda situation!

[@woollyrover]

What amazing plans! Book recommendation that my husband and I both loved: House in the Cerulean Sea. Beautiful and funny!

[@LostMyThread]

Beautiful and funny sounds perfect. Thank you so much!

[@ErinSews]

The Atenas also made it onto my Make 9 because I love the classic style of it. The Cashmerette one does sound like it'll be a better fit. Plus it plays into your goal of using more Club patterns. I'm also very stalled on period underwear. I've had the free seamwork pattern saved for a while but get so stuck on deciding what materials to use for all of the layers. The time and money I need to invest in testing different options continues to put me off. On the idea of a changeable pad: your idea of snaps reminded me of the cloth diapers we used for our toddler before she potty trained. The Grovia Hybrid diapers were basically the concept you talked about. You may be able to just make the gusset waterproof rather than the entire "outer shell." I enjoyed your 24 for 2024 updates last year and I'm looking forward to seeing how you work through your 25! Some book suggestions: Remarkably Bright Creatures, A Little Life (I cried while running when I listened to parts of this, and it wasn't because of the running), The Heart's Invisible Furies, anything by Fredrik Backman but specifically Beartown, and Hello Beautiful. Most of these fall into Contemporary Fiction. Apparently I like books that could be about real people and that make me cry.

[@LostMyThread]

I definitely relate to the analysis paralysis issue with period underwear. Happy to take one for the team and report back! I've had some good suggestions, which helps. And thank you so much for the book recommendations. I wish us both luck on our denim jackets!!

[@wondergirlray]

Re: coats - What about a Savin Coat (Cashmerette Club Pattern) with a sleeve hack?

[@tammymasson2343]

I've been looking forward to this video. I love seeing what you get up to. I've been considering a poncho/cape to accommodate my big sleeves.

[@LostMyThread]

Hmm, maybe I need both... 🤔😁

[@what_valerie_makes]

Happy New Year Theresa! I’m not great at make 9 but love talking about goals and plans. I’m more of a month to month planner. Always love your lists for the beginning of the year and I also have some of the same things on my list for the year. Also, my favorite book I read last year was GOD OF THE WOODS I think you might really enjoy it. Last year I managed to read 31 books so I’m upping it to 50 this year 👀 Oh, and if you need any tips on pretzel making let me know!

[@LostMyThread]

Happy New Year! Thank you so much for the book recommendation! It's going on the list, for sure. Good luck with 50 - that's nearly a book a week!! And I want allll the tips for pretzels. I will hit you up, for sure! 😘

[@angelalysandrou4830]

Happy New Year, good to see you back. Would love to hear about your Chai Latte recipe as my husband likes these. Hopefully see you at a Southern Sewcial again this year. I would love to get a reversible patchwork jacket made this year x

[@LostMyThread]

Chai lattes definitely seem to be on trend right now. I've been enjoying them for a few years now, but I certainly wouldn't suggest that I'm the first to the party! It should be a fun experiment.

[@SEWDOITEMMA]

Happy New Year Theresa 🎉 Yes, no make nines for me this year as it hasn’t really worked for me for the last couple of years, so I’m giving myself a break but I’ll be interested to see if unconsciously I’ll make some up 😂 also yes, I need to remind myself to use my cashmerette club. I cancelled my closet core one as there were a few things that just called for that action! Anyway here’s to a good sewing year! ❤🎉😊

[@LostMyThread]

Thanks Emma, happy new year!! Wishing you a wonderful year with less pressure and more fun!

[@jennichambers5415]

Happy new year Theresa! After watching your 24 in 2024 video last year i decided to copy you in 2025, I'm really looking forward to ticking off my list 😊

[@LostMyThread]

Oh, awesome! I'd be curious to hear what's on your list. Are you willing to share one or two items?

[@franwingate196]

Love your list. Love the coat and would probably make it a little boxier for everyday. Thanks for the inspiration to do things and get out more

[@LostMyThread]

Thank you so much! I always try and find a balance of more ambitious and more achievable goals.

[@SistasofStitchcraft]

Ooo I was looking at the princess coat this morning! Absolutely stunning 🤩

[@LostMyThread]

It's pretty gorgeous. I'm just not sure if it's too over the top!

[@SistasofStitchcraft]

@ I hear you. It is dreamy though and I wonder if fabric choice would make it less so?

[@potternana3303]

Happy New Year!. For pads use fleece flannel PUL. One piece fleece. One piece PUL. Four pieces flannel. Two toppers flannel two inner liner flannel put btw fleece very absorbent PUL above outer bottom topper. Hope helps sorry if confusion 😂

[@LostMyThread]

This sounds so cozy and nice to wear. Thank you, it's really clear!

[@pamelaliebelt9967]

There is a nice coat in the Cashmerette club that you might be able to change the sleeves on. I like your list of 25 for 2025. I may do that as well. I usually like to do my planning on the first of Jan or before but things came up so I am just now thinking about what I want to accomplish in 2025.

[@LostMyThread]

I've been thinking about that Cashmerette Club coat. It would take some adapting, but it might be a good place to start. I highly recommend doing a 25 for 2025. I've always enjoyed it when I've done one!

[@georgeannbraden5065]

I did a 20 for 2020 also and just haven’t redone it. And most of those did not get done! I’m also doing the Prana yoga, I did day 4 today just a few off. Best of luck with your list, I was kinda thinking of doing one this year.

[@LostMyThread]

The list gets longer, as the years go on. That doesn't necessarily make it easier! 😉 2020 was such a funky one, and I also didn't do a ton of things from that list. It still felt fun to have the ideas. Is there anything you're thinking of adding to your list if you do make one?

[@karenlowes7802]

I agree about more reading of books. I follow Tristan and the Classics on KZbin. He's great! Also Books from My Bookcase . Both are British ( I'm Canadian). I'm also copying your chai recipe and going to be making that! Thank you for sharing your admirable list. Happy New Year😊

[@LostMyThread]

I haven't really checked out KZbin for reading/book inspiration. I will definitely check out the ones you recommended. Thanks!

[@peggyeagan9108]

I highly recommend Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

[@LostMyThread]

Loving all the book recommendations, thank you!

[@ExpressionistMakes]

Happy New Year! I love hearing about your goals. I also want to read more this year. One way i found to read more last year was to have an audiobook and a physical book going at the same time. The audiobook was listened to while knitting and doing chores. The physical book was read in the evening. My favorite books from last year were Demon Copperhead and The Women. Two other books I think you may enjoy are Flight Behavior and The Immortalists. My goal is to read more books from the New York Times’ list of best books of the last 25 years.

[@LostMyThread]

Thank you for some great recommendations! I'm enjoying taking note of the ones I've gotten and will be seeing what is in my library first. The New York Times list seems like a great place to start to hopefully find some new favorites. Good luck!

[@ExpressionistMakes]

@ I forgot to mention another great book I read last year: Station 11. I also have a backlog of Cashmerette club patterns that I’d like to make. My current list has 12 patterns! That’s probably a bit ambitious for this year! 😂

[@mw_paints4592]

My favorite book of last year (I think it fits the categories you named): Zapata, The Lost Book of Adana Moreau.

[@LostMyThread]

The title is certainly intriguing! I will check it out, thanks!

[@georgianasstudio]

I have 3 of Gertie’s books and have made a couple of things. She designs excellent garments but I’ve looked at the same coat as you and my main concern for day to day wear is the fullness of the skirt in terms of wearability. I think of getting in and out of transport and walking through spaces where the coat skirt could knock things over could be annoying. I’d probably modify the skirt to be easier to wear.

[@LostMyThread]

That is such a great point, and not anything that I would have necessarily considered. It looks really beautiful and fun to wear, but it may not be the most practical. Still considering my options!

[@georgianasstudio]

@@LostMyThread at the end of the day, it’s a gorgeous coat and if it brings you joy to make it, why not?

[@DoloresDeeBodnar]

Wow that's an aggressive list. Mine = 2 lol. Sew more and go to the beach more, we live 2 miles from N Myrtle Beach. Good luck to us both 👍👍

[@LostMyThread]

Haha, aggressive isn't the word that I would have chosen. 😉 I wish you the very best of luck on your two goals. They both sound both fun and achievable!

[@shif7905]

Book recommendation The Wishing Game

[@lovejohandmade]

Ooh. I had that exact sleeve crush situation today wearing my Romy lantern sleeve top under a Harper cardi 😂. I’ve seen the Gertie coat before but forgotten about it. I absolutely love it but not sure I’m capable of such a complex coat yet.

[@LostMyThread]

I know, the woes of big sleeves! 😂 There are some more simple coats out there, but I don't see enough with a big sleeve.

[@ZeldaSews]

Hi Theresa! 25 and 2025 sounds awesome for you! I have set goals also for 2025 too. ❤

[@LostMyThread]

Any highlights to share of your goals?

[@ZeldaSews]

@LostMyThread I plan on participating in Make 9 and So Carole's Fabric Wheel of Fate.

[@carrieyardley822]

I think you'd like the result better if you used a flattering coat pattern, then just hacked the sleeve. I think you'd have difficulty getting the wide skirt on the Charm pattern in and out of the car, and in the winter it would get VERY dirty. Slashing and spreading the sleeve would be pretty easy.

[@sewvintageglam]

Also, I don’t know if it might be of interest? I just started and shared a #Sew25in25 challenge - I’ve read a few Gretchen Rubin books but not heard of her x goals thing. My approach is a bit different- more a system to choose projects in a flexible fun way, while keeping focused on what you want to make. I’ve just started my YT channel and it’s the 2nd video I published. Love your goals and going to check out your Chai video as just getting into them myself! 🤩 And yes, the sea 🌊 I’m the same about an hr away and plan to do that more this year…

[@ireneparker8253]

I like your style for make 9. It is more of a learning/experiencing journey rather than a to do list. That charm coat is stunning. Welcome back and Happy New Year!

[@LostMyThread]

Thanks, I definitely wouldn't want to get too pinned down to specifics for sewing projects for the year. It's nice to have a bit of flexibility!

[@angeliaharron]

Denim jacket pattern clash please!

[@LostMyThread]

The tricky thing is that the cashmerette one is part of the club, so it would only be accessible to people with a subscription. I don't like to include patterns that aren't readily available, but I would really only be interested in doing a clash if it involved that one! One! I'm in a bit of a conundrum about it. 😕

[@SewNotes]

I'd love to do a collaboration with you for a denim jacket!!

[@LostMyThread]

Oh Kris, that's a fun idea. DM me on Instagram, and we can see if we can work something out.

[@MariSews]

I’ve canceled all my sewing subscriptions except for one and that’s because I can’t figure out how to do it. I just never use them so they’re a Waste of money for me

[@angeliaharron]

The mists of avalon by marion zimmer Bradley

[@LostMyThread]

Ooh, thanks for the recommendation! I'll be looking into that one, for sure.