Sewing in 2025 / Sewing Resolutions / Make 9

[@theyorkshiresewgirl]

The first 1,000 people to use my link will get a full year of Premium membership to Craftsy for only $1.49: go.craftsy.com/theyorkshiresewgirl5/

[@HannahColeman-i2x]

@@theyorkshiresewgirlI tried Ryan, kept telling me wrong email address?

[@HannahColeman-i2x]

Sorry bloody predict text Ryan

[@theyorkshiresewgirl]

@@HannahColeman-i2x oh that’s strange. Are you sure you’ve gone to sign up rather than log in? xx

[@HannahColeman-i2x]

@@theyorkshiresewgirl yep, definitely tried to sign up

[@Thatssewtilly]

Quick question I hope you can help with: Where are you destashing fabric? I need to ransack mine 😊 Love your 9 thoughts for 2025!

[@lizlisle7361]

Wife, mother, daughter, home maker, full time work, sewist, vlogger... Have I left anything out? We love you, albeit remotely, so cut yourself some slack, Ruan. We'll still be here and no pressure. Be kind to yourself. You deserve it.

[@DeniseWane]

Try going into shops and try on different styles then make a note of what style looks good and then make!

[@suek7086]

Especially high end shops.

[@pennymcdonald1723]

As someone who has been sewing for 64 years (started at age 5 on a treadle machine) I would say the greatest sewing handicap I have struggled with is patience, to step back and take a breath when things aren't going smoothly. My Barbie doll's clothes were usually fastened with pins as I didn't have the patience to sew on the snaps. Since I learned to correct mistakes, take the time to unpick something, not bolt to the finish line, etc, my sewing journey has been much more pleasurable.

[@HannahColeman-i2x]

I’m 68, I am learning to play the guitar (with my son’s old guitar) and how to swim, when the weather gets better.

[@marathorne6821]

I too am excited to make "all the pretty dresses" but tend to live in practical trousers and tee shirts/jumpers. So I've dealt with this mismatch in two ways: (1) making a point of wearing the dresses more often, even when I'm not going anywhere, because why not? And (2) in between making the pretty dresses, intentionally sewing up a "basic" everyday garment which will get worn over and over again, such as a pair of comfy trousers or a jersey top. Or even something for the house like cushion covers or a pair of curtains. Thus interspersing the slightly frivolous projects with the more practical ones. That makes it easier for me to justify makjng the pretty dresses... Not that we really need to justify anything, but I'm sure you know what I mean 😊 Don't forget, sewing gives us joy, so let's just enjoy the process regardless of the outcome!

[@Nanette-n8n]

Now have a lady who comes to help me every week. She collected all my minor repairs, all sewing, put them on the table beside my sewing machine. After nearly four years of no mojo I rethreaded my machine and overlocker, both 20 yrs old. After she pinned where the repair was, I sewed them, then into the washing machine. All back in the wardrobe. Keep the monthly idea going, I shall be trying it, thanks.❤from Oz

[@cat9lives999]

Custom clothes, including underwear is lux. You never fully realize how oddly things fit or feel until you make it custom.

[@dianehess3706]

I think your make nine is really thoughtful. I believe it’s just something to help you make a plan of what you want to accomplish. I think it’s wonderful that you and your son will be learning to crochet together. I’m a knitter but I’m also learning to crochet. It’s fun 😊. You do have a style and trust me, we all enjoy it! Just like anything else in life your style will change. It’s wonderful to try things and experiment. Thank you for sharing! Your friend Diane ❤

[@MeganMakesMesses]

Those are some excellent resolutions. I think we all struggle with some of the issues you’ve described. I’m trying to work through my stash more this year as well instead of buying all the new pretty things and then finding reasons not to cut into them. I think once you start making more of your basics, loungewear, etc. you will love it. A large percentage of my sewing is basics. I love being able to have my daily clothing fit properly and be in the colours and fabrics that I prefer.

[@lstockil]

Love these ideas Ruan. I did have a stash of makes that needed mending or fixing but I got hold of them one day and fixed up the lot and it felt great to finally get them finished. Now I don't leave anything unfinished 😊 Take care. Lisa x 🇦🇺

[@Beyondthepinkdoor]

I love this spin on Make 9 Ruan . You’ve really got me thinking now . Brilliant , especially the not over committing yourself , I’m 100% behind you on that one . Wishing you a fantastic 2025 ❤

[@JanetteTaylor-q8x]

Hi Ruan, I love your plans, I can tell that you’ve really thought deeply about this and I’m sure it will resonate with so many people, it definitely did with me. Thank you for sharing. ❤❤

[@elainedewhirst6037]

Your make 9 ideas sound great, I may use a couple myself. I love your vlogs and really look forward to each one. Sewing clearly is your passion and as subscribers we feed off you to encourage our crafting. Your wear so many hats, don’t forget to take them off each day and give yourself “me” time, time to lift your head, breathe and relax. ❤

[@leepayk-bann3489]

That sounds fantastic. I think if you incorporate those resolutions into your year it will make the entire year more manageable. It sounds as though you are a busy person. One of my mum's best friends always said if you want something done give it to a busy person. I expect it can be overwhelming for that person. I have some repairs to do on a few of my makes, a button loop, an elastic channel and sleeve hems. I moved quickly so I really had to destash I am still going by donating, sewing, and becoming more focused in my projects.

[@juliebeech4344]

Happy New Year! I know what you are saying about making beautiful garments and finding I don’t have things that coordinate with them. I stumbled upon a solution to this while sewing for a trip to Scotland. Make a capsule wardrobe! Things to keep in mind: 1. Stick to your seasonal colour palette especially when choosing solids. Take note of which colours are most becoming to you. 2. Make sure you include enough solids, especially for layering pieces. Remember that solids with different textures can keep your interests piqued even though prints are your favourite fabrics. 3. Keep weather in mind when choosing layering pieces. 4. Assemble all of the potential fabrics together and try to create a colour theme where all of the items coordinate. 5. Shop your current closet for items you love and build around them.

[@jacquelinelittle8096]

Great advice. Will help me focus and gather up my scattered thoughts.

[@tracypearce1171]

Hi Ruan i think you are amazing, i am almost 60 and still trying to make that first step into clothes making, I have patterns and fabric but just haven't put the two together yet 😕 I love watching your vlogs, i too have a problem with saying no ........ Sending love to you and your family x

[@SewMyTime]

Let’s face it. We sew for pleasure. Alterations and repairs are just work. Yes, it can be satisfying to reduce the pile but it is not the same as creating and having something new. Learning a new craft with your little one - now that is joyful 😊. I do love all your intentions and cannot disagree with any of them. I am facing a tough year financially and have similar sewing resolutions but have also added that spontaneity is also important in terms of the fun so will try to make room for a little bit 🤔. We can only try. I look forward to following your journey through the year. Happy Sewing😊. Lynne

[@MelanieQuarmby]

Very good goals and thought processes which lots of people probably concur with without even knowing it Ruan. Achieving some/none or all would be a brilliant outcome. Really inspirational vlog xx

[@antoinettecoles6111]

Ruan, your plan for 2025 sounds awesome and inspiring. I am looking forward to spending an exciting 2025, sewing away whilst listening to your uploads. You have a talent for entertaining us with your positive, optimistic and cheerful personality, exactly what we need, I think many of us do not want to listen to complainers and negativity. We certainly love you and thoroughly enjoy your content, always eagerly waiting for the next exciting upload. Cheers to an exciting 2025. 💟🎊

[@connielorenz8329]

Love your 3rd intention. I am a quilter and the past year I didn’t buy any just because I like it fabrics. I only buy with a plan in mind. This helps me not buy pretty fabric that sits on my shelf because I am looking for the perfect project . The perfect project never happens and I find my taste has changed. I tell myself there will always be pretty fabric.

[@ThePovertyPear]

I am going to have a no-buy year and my make nine project is limited to only be made from my fabric stash. I have been collecting fabric for more years so I am for sure not lacking materials. I am going to achieve this goal!

[@yvonneimms9762]

Loved your make 9 and can relate to a lot of what you say. I think intentional sewing is so important with garments that compliment each other to make what they call a capsule wardrobe,of course with the odd ‘wild’ thing that we cannot resist. I also am a people pleaser so hearing you are prioritising and not going to overcommit is so important and can appreciate how your family will benefit from this. Lastly fitting or making good something that isn’t quite right is so important and helps our learning journey so a with you on that one. Good luck with all your intentions ❤

[@dandelionsdesigns]

Love that you're thinking about underwear. My youngest asked for shorts, not knickers, so I made some from a free pattern, and she proceeded to share at her sleepover that mum made her underwear.

[@stillstitchin]

Sounds like you have great plans for 2025! Working on habits can really make a difference in our creativity. My Craftsy goal, this year, is to learn sock knitting. I have basic skills but knew I needed a teacher to level up. Can’t wait to hear about your crocheting with your son. How fun! 😊-Deborah

[@Catlud12-sx6iw]

A cobalt blue coat sounds great but consider a basic black or charcoal and a cream colored one. Will always go with your beautiful colored garments

[@zephyraK]

Thanks for the great video Although my main intention for this year is "as long as I make what I love, it's time well spent", I made a '2025 make 5' list, which consists of resolutions like "use 5 fabrics from stash", "make 5 paper patterns from stash", "make 5 practical accesoires" etc. Just to give me some lists and some boxes to check through the year ;)

[@lesleyheather1]

I love your plan as long as they make you happy . But don't let them spoil your fun and spontaneity xx

[@debbiepurcell7967]

This totally resonates with me. Having lost my sewjo, I need a rough plan to stop me procrastinating. The first project is to declutter my sewing space. Like you I'm drawn to brightly coloured pattern fabric, however I have realised that I don't wear these. So wearable basics are my plan for this. Good luck with the crochet.

[@michellem3899]

Cheers to learning to say No! It is so hard. I started doing that last year. I have been half successful 😂. Love your make nine.

[@scrapsaturdays]

Ruan , I think all of us feel and agree with all your new years sewlutions lol … we all have toooo much fabric … we all sew like mad and have nothing basic and go to to wear .. we all need to be more mindful and truly honest about what we like , feel good in vs just to make to make it … I am starting off the year with two jogging suits in fabulous French terry in my colours with fabric that I bought on purpose .. because i reach for this outfit last year but they were made in sale fabric that I don’t love …then next is two trench coats because I have zero spring summer coats to wear over the fabulous makes I make lol .. my first trench is a fabulous deep red and I am so excited for a pop of colour … I hope you truly sew for your personal needs and fill those needs while we get to follow you during another year … sending you a big tight hug xoxo full of love for 2025 💙💙💙💙💙💙🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰‼️‼️‼️xoxo Monica

[@janfranklin2114]

Great spin on Make Nine

[@barbfilion5646]

ah but the beautiful prints are you, I get it though. You are a busy lass, give yourself grace. Looking forward to your makes and all your video's

[@jennistevenson796]

I too have a mending pile in my sewing arena. But I’m truly rubbish. My new years resolution was to make my bed every day !!!

[@margaretgorski7947]

I am so with you on the struggle to make an outfit. I like you, love color and prints. Last year i did start to move into thinking about which color solids i want to work with. Now i just need to make some up!

[@nicky-Sewandsnip]

Its always so easy to say yes isn't it🤣I've learnt that its not always the right thing for us too. I think you have made some very sensible points and decisions, you have such a busy life that you need to be enjoying your sewing time without the pressure and stress. Take your time and enjoy the process....then tell us all about it as we love listening to you😀

[@sewonsister]

I made a few pairs of summer pajamas last year. I wear those things so much! I used cotton seersucker, my favorite elasticated waist pants, and a favorite sleeveless top. (Pants number 1 from 100 Acts of Sewing and the Ashton Top from Helen's Closet). It gets very hot here in the summer and I was so glad to have these made. I am probably going to make more. Happy sewing!

[@JaneyJane_sews]

You do have a sense of style. This is reflected in the number of followers you have. I wouldn’t follow you if you had no style. Just say to people, “Wow, thanks for asking me to Bla bla bla, but I’m not able to do that sorry”. Healthy humans will accept that, manipulative ones will keep pushing. Who wants to be manipulated. I’m over 60, I go with the flow now days. No set plans.

[@henriettejosephine]

Reasonable goals! But don‘tforget sewing is a hobby and it should bring you joy!

[@HannahColeman-i2x]

Well said🙏

[@Lorij83]

I think your make 9 makes a lot of sense. Good for you!

[@kathleenjones1295]

Like you Ruan I scrolled all the fabric sales and got anxious when I couldn’t find anything I wanted to buy felt like I was missing out on the bargains … so I also decided to buy the fabric for the pattern and be intentional

[@nicolahill7683]

You sound so much like myself at the moment I too took a long hard look at myself …. I’m lots of ways I would impulse buy just because I love a fabric and like you end up with fabric that mounts up ….. 7 years of special expensive fabric , life changes fashion change but the fabric stash get larger… I’ve bitten the bullet so to speak and have started using my stash no more spending !!!!!! And detaching fabric that my head tells me I still need but I do don’t so I’m going to sell !! That’s my New Year’s resolution I’ve made two pairs of trousers for myself in the last three days first two pairs I’ve ever made to and I’m delighted !! New year new me new start !!!

[@brenholmes4894]

I think you are being sensible and kind to yourself with your Make Nine. I decided in 2024 to cut down on the amount of sewing I did for others, as well as hand made gifts. I felt guilty about it, I still do, but it was the right decision for me. Good luck to you, Ruan, put yourself and your family first.

[@amandarichardson1169]

I love your intentions for 2025 and will watch again I may take on some of them myself. Certainly need the one about repairs. I have a massive basket of them 😂

[@annscott4031]

Well Ruan it all sounds very sensible and achievable. Yes I do have a mending pile which I procrastinate over. Somehow there's just no pleasure in actually doing the mending, but I'm always pleased when it's done. Go figure that one. Think I need to apply your approach to it. Thanks for the Vlog.😊

[@sandralowe2874]

My heart stopped as I thought you were going to say that you weren’t going to do sew frugal 😮. Repairing yes gets put in a pile and forgotten about 🤦‍♀️ very practical things in your years to do list 👍

[@ThePeakyStitcher]

This winter (which is when I do most of my sewing) I have been trying to reduce my pile of makes that need some sort of alteration or finishing. I am trying to discipline myself where bye in between new makes before making another item i attend to one of the items in my alteration pile. And it’s working these completed are now in use. 👏

[@LynWatts-ri6nx]

All of them to some degree! I started sewing when I was 12. Sewed on and off between 5 kids. Single mum for past 5 years. Just had machines serviced and diving back in!

[@ernestineromero4374]

I’m the same I leave repair for later. But this year I’ve been doing repairs only, until if decide what I want to sew. Thinking on tackling making pant for myself.

[@laurihuhn4727]

A very thoughtful make nine and it works for you. Out of this plan you will make nine wonderful items in 2025. Go Ruan, love yourself first so you have enough to share.

[@SewCraftyGal]

Bang on Ruan, you need to mind yourself and too much stress puts pressure on your home relationships and life. I'm defo going to get thru some stash. Your idea to get through one repair a month is genius gona adopt that one...and mindfully sewing is the mantra for 2025 ❤

[@janetcollinson4587]

Mine are very similar to you. I have a large stash and want to work through. I have a full wardrobe so didn't want to make too many this year, however, I've already got 7 items on the go. Going to nake some items for my holiday in may.

[@susieallen5757]

Ruann, I am inspired by your nine resolutions/goals. I am not inclined to do a make nine list as my thoughts and ideas about what to sew change throughout the year/seasons. I can relate to all of your resolutions and plan to sit down and make a list of my own. Cheers and all the best for 2025.

[@janetbowers-dl3fu]

You were like an echo to me as I also struggle with all of the same issues, Thankyou so much for pointing out my flaws, and I too will try to buy, sew, etc with more thought

[@jennymathewson]

I think I need to take a leaf out of your book and learn to say no. I put so much pressure on myself trying to please everyone, and it is impossible. Love your vlogs and look forward to seeing how your year turns out. X

[@adriennefranklin5986]

Hi Ruan, I have very similar goals this year. I found myself doing the same thing. Being attracted by big, beautiful prints and making things that I don't wear or that go with nothing in my wardrobe. I'm going to concentrate on more solids, basics and quality over quantity. I've also been trying to not be sucked in by "bargain" fabrics. I always enjoy your videos

[@annescanapico7168]

Let’s start right off with, yes, I’m the same as you. I started destashing last year. Also went through my sewing room and got rid of/donated items I know I’m not going to use. Also got rid of a lot of old patterns I am not going to make. Your list is brilliant, good luck.

[@BethMcM-c1d]

I repair when I iron it takes no time and is dreadfully satisfying

[@ladylouise1969]

Hey, I’m with you Ruann. It sounds like a good plan. I have a lot of things that need to be mended and actually a lot of alterations because I had gained back some weight due to health issues and I was putting off altering the clothes because I was hoping I’d lose some of the weight gain,but that hasn’t happened- so I think I’m just going to have to bite the bullet and go ahead with my alterations even though I don’t want to… it’ll be a much simpler project taking them in( in the event I do lose weight !)then it will be for me to make them larger, but in any case, I think you have great plans and carry-on!! 😊

[@chlomo2618]

Great to hear about the things you want to focus on in 2025. Re: number 3 - I know what you mean about the fabric leading the project, rather than the other way around. I feel this way sometimes, too. I'm grateful for my lovely stash of fabrics, but I'm sometimes envious of people who don't have a stash and just buy the materials they need for a specific garment as they start it. I think subscription boxes do make it a bit harder to focus on more intentional making, as I think they can encourage a more reactive approach. If you do plan on continuing to receive the boxes, it will be interesting to see how you deal with that challenge (and how it impacts your stash size resolution, too). I know I tend to get waylaid by when something new finds its way to my door.

[@annematthews4643]

Hi Ruan I’m delighted that you have made the decisions about your sewing practice and committing to fewer pleasurable, but time-heavy , Projects. Also that you’ve come through sewing ‘all the things’ phase to producing more considered and satisfying makes. Obviously these decisions should enable you to have more time with family and friends and not take such a toll on you physically and mentally. Love your vlog/s x

[@hc00t]

Great resolutions which definitely resonate. For me, another aspect of intentional sewing/fabric buying is knowing when I'll sew something. From experience, if it's not on my current priority list then it may well end up languishing in my stash, destined to become unloved! Happy New Year!

[@SistasofStitchcraft]

Loving your make 9 Ruan 😍

[@olyb3693]

Philosophy 9. I like it Ruan.

[@elywolf9825]

Hi Ruan, Love the thoughtfulness of this First Vlog of the Year! I know that I can put this advice to work this year. As far as mending, I have a different perspective on it, I'm 70 and have grown up around mending. My Grandmother's & Mom, and my best friends Mom made a living at mending. And they were very creative at what they did. I do a lot of mending of my Husband, Son and Grandson's pants/shorts, and look at it as how can I make them structurally sound again, I say creative mending. It is part of Sew Frugal, to put something back in our wardrobe that is just waiting for a little love again☺️. I remember getting a apron that was made for my Mother, in the 1920's from a feed sack. They started printing floral patterns on cotton feed sacks here in the States in 1925 for garment making. I passed it down to my Daughter still in good condition, and then to my Granddaughter 4 generation's. Love the Challenge you have set for yourself, hope you are very successful this Year! Looking forward to seeing how you get on with it! Liz 😎🌴☀️ S.Fla.USA.

[@tracycharalambous5223]

Happy New Year Ruan. Your make 9 or resolutions 9 sound a very good idea to me. Don't you think the world outside our door gets faster & faster & instead of saying "hang on this isn't right" we try to keep up with it all. We only notice when the things we love to do, that bring us joy & comfort & respite start to merge with the " I've got to get through this job" feeling that we start to recognise we're starting to burn out & the creative joy diminishes. My 2025 is going to be very intentional in all things. I'm learning to politely say no to alot of things. It's very liberating & hopefully it will give me time for me to enjoy sewing how I want & need to. Thanks for another lovely podcast Ruan. Always a pleasure listening to you jabber on whilst I make dinner. Take care of yourself. 😀♥️

[@joangilmore3598]

Definitely need to have time for yourself. Great idea doing crochet with your little boy. Lots of good ideas.😌x.

[@SandraPhillips-th7qn]

I think your plans are perfect. Although I love what you make what I love more is your chat when you are being you. A more contented you is better for all of us.

[@pamfarrance]

What a brilliant and thoughtful blog. Well done Ruan. I think slowing down and being more patient with your sewing will be just, if not more , satisfying than your sewing journey to date. I wish you a happy 2025 and good luck with the plans. Why don’t you stick a photograph of your big holiday destination somewhere prominent in your sewing room as a reminder of your saving goal 😊

[@SewnontheTyne]

Love these resolutions - you'll smash it, I'm sure! How cute - doing crochet with your little one. Then you can teach me! xxx

[@jacquelinelittle8096]

I am with you on this journey.

[@marianweber831]

Ruan I love your plans for 2025 . I need to make some for myself. I have so much fabric that it is ridiculous. I collected them by just buying the fabric become I liked it. I have had some for 4 years or more. I am planning also to part with some and only buy fabric when I decide what I am making and use some of what I have. I also need to make outfits and not random pieces. Lets see if I can do this. Great video Ruan.

[@robynlaszlo6128]

Great video i absolutely agree I'm going to sew with intention and trying new techniques and patterns I've had in my stash for a long time enjoy your week 😊😊😊

[@mariannejorgensen5210]

Good luck with your 9! 💐 I have to admit that 80 % or so of your manuscript could have been written by me 😅 So: You really inspired me by this list! Thanks! 😊😊

[@yolanda7664]

Oh my goodness, we are so much a like! Lol...first of all, I dislike making adjustments to my garments but more so my family.....thet bring stuff all the time. I want my sewing time for my things but I want to help them too and then......a huge pike accumulates until I have to do all the mending. Not my favorite at all. Yes, I agree with saying no. I've not participated in many events due to there are so many, I feel stressed to keep up. Again, I want my sewing time to be happy and not stressful, plus, a lot of them you can't win if you are in the USA. I always thought, I don't know where you get the energy to be a working mom. Wife, you tuber, all the things you participate with... I just don't have the energy. Don't get me wrong, I do a lot of things too but when I lost my mom, Jan. 2023, I started to prioritize my family time. So, I kind of lost my sewjo for quite sometime as my mom and I were besties besides family. I am getting back into sewing slowly but all of the contest that come available can be very overwhelming and stressful, and I stay clear of those. I love to watch all the fun, but I don't participate. I don't think badly about you not doing much. Plus, your boys are growing up so fast, spend your time with them because, as I already know, before you know it....they are grown and off to college...enjoy your time with you family...I don't want you to have regrets.....spend you holidays with you family. This is a wonderful make 9, put yourself and your family, everyone's mental health first. I'm totally in the same boat. ❤ We will follow and love u anyway.

[@debbierasmussen7254]

Great plans, I need to follow your advice on all nine❤️

[@lauragoode3931]

Hi Ruan. I’ve been a silent watcher and lover of your channel for nearly a year. You are by far my favorite vlogger as your style is so natural and relatable. I’m at a very different stage to you in my sewing journey as I only started a year ago but your make9 seems well thought through and very achievable because it doesn’t relate to specific garment. Your resolution about trying different styles resonates with me as I do exactly the same thing. I can’t tell you the amount of patterns I will discard because I think they won’t suit me. I am different shape to you (absolutely a pear shape) but funnily enough I have just bought a pinafore pattern after deliberating for ages. It’s actually not a million miles away from the fibremood pattern you chose. Can I ask what you think of yours? Has it surprised you? Do you love it?

[@margaretwilson6427]

I think your make 9 is very sensible x

[@kazuritribe]

Overcommitting… I have a friend who says what might be a good idea on Monday, may not be by Friday (usually with reference to social commitments)… but it is a good idea to come back to for many things! If you are keen on saying yes, don’t straight away. Give it a couple of days. Then say yes if you are still keen!

[@donnabronner4837]

I love, love your make 9. You've been living in my head! Good for it!

[@ruthwilson6524]

Brilliant - I love what you have decided. I’ve settled on 6 fluid aims too. I’m not stressing stash, but I’d like to only replace 25% or less of what I use, mindful makes - take time to make things I’ll love to wear and enjoy the clothes I already have, I’m using indyx to catalogue my wardrobe and plan outfits. All the best with your 9 aims in 2025

[@lettylettebowskie]

I really like your intentions for your sewing! Personally, I'm also more fluid in my sewing and having 9 projects set in stone for one year, would kill all the fun in sewing. Repairing / Mending and Refashioning old makes made it also on my list.. I've even started last week on some mends! Have a wonderful year in sewing/crafting ahead of you

[@highlandsewandsew1045]

So much of this resonates Ruan. Great vlog.

[@donnabrisbois7714]

I need to make a list like this too as making a traditional make 9 list goes out the window as each new exciting pattern is released and tempts me away from my original “want to do” list. I have the same problem as you with making things, and then struggling to find some thing to wear it with, so I have been trying to focus on making full outfits. I also need to make more solids and basics which will help I think in having more things that go together. Another thing I want to do this year is pull fabrics from my stash with a sort of color theme that go together and focus on a few solid colors such as gray, black, teal, white and then the prints in my stash that go with them.

[@paulamattsson8583]

Hi Ruan very thoughtful approach to “make nine “❤

[@amdelorey]

These are great thoughts about make nine "resolutions". It has prompted me to think about sewing up my stash. I am thinking I will put some deadlines on my stash. Things I have planned for a piece of fabric. Make it by end of 2025 or move it along. Maybe I will get a few new garments (as promised to myself) out of this resolution. There are some beautiful pieces that I deserve to be wearing. And underwear. I too have been wanting to perfect underwear. Maybe this is the year.... However, my first project, which I expect to take all winter-spring is the CC Phoebe Coat in Italian wool, lined in bright pink swirling viscose satin, interlined with wool. Oh so cozy! Even planning a muslin! I may not get to wear it until next year but very excited about this plan. Happy New Year Ruan!

[@samjones9465]

I too had a massive pile of "repairs" - I also do my daughters and grandbabies alterations and repairs. Nanny my tights have a hole in them, nanny I've ripped my jeans etc I always say yes and then my stuff goes to the bottom of the pile. October and November were my big repair months and now I just have 1 dress to repair - hopefully this is where you can help me - the shirring eleastic at the back of the dress is no longer elastic and I have no idea how to fix it. I also took up crochet in October (see Crystal at Bag-O-Day crochet - her tutorials are so clear if you have any problems) and have made the grandbabies and my daughter hats that fit them in the colour and styles they wanted - so proud of myself. My goals for this year is to manage my own expectations of myself. Take on projects that I want to do - obviously I'll still be doing bits for the grandbabies and my daughter but also do stuff for me - like make myself a hat and maybe some gloves as I have rather large hands for a woman, I would also like to make a shawl, make some summer tops that are actually long enough and some summer shorts/skorts and skirts. Other than that I am not buying fabric to store away - it's going to have a 1 year life, if I've not used it by December it's leaving my house unless I really, really love it and have just not found a pattern I love - this includes wool and fabrics.

[@Sewcrastinate]

I set myself 5 plans for 2025 Number 1 on the list is to master fit! I find the sizes I fit into across patterns varies between my bust waist and hips so just following a pattern I alway have to make adjustments. Look forward to hearing about how you approach that too!

[@jwhitty8172]

Wise choices, very close to what I would like to achieve. I'm all for it.

[@SistasofStitchcraft]

Good for you learning to say no, it’s one of the hardest things to master 🤩

[@vickietatlow9585]

I think all your ideas are amazing hun. I have been doing something similar this last year and it is so much more satisfying, as your taste change as the year goes on, new fabrics scream at you a pattern new or old and you get to decide how you look which always makes you feel better. I have used Vinted to buy cheap clothes in a style I wouldn’t normally wear just to see if I like that look before I make a style up in an expensive fabric. You can always sell it if you don’t like what you bought or add to your wardrobe of you do. I did this with wide leg trousers now I have made a few different patterns and love them 😊 your mental health is so important I find if I look good I feel great. I use that on particular bad days and make more effort. We only have now make the most of it hun. Big big fan by the way 🥰 xx

[@Dopaminedressmaker]

I always put off mending- did a batch over the Christmas period and it took far less time than I thought and so nice having the things back in my wardrobe! Will I remember this feeling and not put it off again? Probably not 😂

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Same - you are not alone in this.

[@sandrarj6429]

I'm thinking along the same lines, too. I'm going on a 6 week holiday and need to put together a coordinated wardrobe but I'm having a hard time because of the mismatched clothes I have sewn! I'm going to be sewing plain tops and pants to blend with what I have, and make some Pyjamas. Unfortunately I won't have time to learn to sew knickers even though I have the supplies and patterns.

[@chrissycrompton7585]

Great vlog Ruan. I love your make 9. Great idea to do the repairs. Hopefully, they'll be small fixes, not a lot of time invest, and another garment in your wardrobe 😊. Amigurumi crochet is a great way for your son (and you) to learn. Small projects, they can be easy to make, and there's usually a cute little animal at the end! 🐰🐭🐧

[@justsewit_tk5477]

I used Craftsy to learn to make jeans and bras! I'm like you where I get excited by making all the pretty things but my lifestyle doesn't suit that (my son wrote a story about life on our farm and had me as a character trying to start the firefighter in a maxi dress😂🤣 - that is about where my wearing maxi dress on the farm ends!) I actually get excited when I make a lovely bra and it doesn't have to be lacey either! I get excited by the fact that it fits well and makes me feel really great very much like the pretty dresses do. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE making dresses but I work with children and dresses are just not the practical kind and besides, I wear a uniform. Making bras is something that can compensate because, let's face it, they tend to sort of be required. And when I do get to make those dresses, the bras make them look a heap better. I've been making the shorts I get to wear to work. There is NOTHING in this world like wearing something that fits like a glove. So that is where Craftsy comes in for me (they charged my premium membership just recently and it definitely WAS NOT $1.49! I think if you were a new person looking to join that price is an absolute steal! SO worth it!)

[@nikkilatray4356]

I have repairs hanging in my sewing room, too! 😂

[@karinassyrom]

Agree, agree, agree!!! I totally agree with you on everything 😁 I also want to make garments that fits better, rather than just making a lot of them. I do like the idea of picking type of garments rather then specific patterns for the make 9. that’s what I thought I’ll do this year.

[@SueTownson]

I think you've really made Make9 focus your sewing journey which I think is the aim of it. Great list to help you shape your sewing to suit you, I've only been sewing 2 years and Make9 was my first plan/challenge. Year 1 I made 6/9 and Year 2 5/9. It's true your life takes a different path to what you thought even on a small scale so I did like my other garments and would like to sew the 4 I didn't manage [the 3 I didn't manage in 2023 got carried over to 2024 and still weren't achieved so are counted in that 4] This year I have gone for 9 different pattern houses but have left 8/9 flexible to allow for that - Yes I must have that garment moment. I've already done my Style Arc which was No 1. And half way through my Sew Different jacket [no 2]. I was going to do WIP for all 9 [by that I mean patterns cut out not half done] I do buy fabric to match patterns usually so have quite a lot bagged up ready to go. Going to be a fun year - you have lots of goals to tick off. I think crocheting with you son will be awesome. So long as you are patient LOL with yourself as well as the little one!😎❤

[@carolwebb9948]

Watching this vlog sewing a new garment…and happily ignoring the mending pile!😂😂

[@carolwebb9948]

That said, I love your take on make 9!