SEW - What’s On Your New Year’s Resolution List?

With 2024 just a few short days away, everyone is already talking about New Year’s Resolutions! The internet is bursting with new year challenges, suggested e-courses, printables and other forms of inspiration to help keep us motivated to set and ACHIEVE those goals throughout the year. Whether you're resolving to learn a new sewing skill or to finally finish the sewing projects that have carried over to this year, here are some tools that the staff at Marshall Dry Goods have collected - and find particularly helpful for taking action and staying motivated as we charge into 2024!

TAKE A FREE ONLINE CRAFT CLASS

The internet is full of fresh ideas and comprehensive, high quality video courses to get you started with your craft projects, especially at a beginning level. What a great way to get a jump on that new skill you're itching to learn this year. Instead of listing many resources here, simply go to YouTube and search “Free Online Sewing Classes” and you’ll be surprised at the options! Free options!

START WITH A CLEAN, CLEAR SPACE TO SEW

Sometimes clearing the clutter helps to clear the mind. Starting a new sewing project when your space is clean and clutter-free can set you up for a win for the new year. Many of us dread opening the “craft closet” each time, for fear that it will all come crashing out and on us! Organize your fabric, supplies and patterns. Throw away, or even better - GIVE away items you simply do not use any longer. A sewing beginner who is learning would love it! 

PICK AT LEAST ONE DAY A WEEK TO SEW

Consider choosing a day of the week to focus on those incomplete projects. We all have those half-knitted sweaters or quilt tops laying around, waiting to be completed. For accountability’s sake, post photos of your progress or - better yet - finished projects on your blog or preferred social media platform. Your friends and followers will be delighted by what you're working on, and their comments and encouragement can help get you to the finish line.

LISTEN AND LEARN SOMETHING NEW

We’ve mentioned the internet already in this blog, but consider watching an online tutorial, or listening to a sewing podcast to expand your mind and your ideas. Instead of “whistle while you work,” listen and/or watch while you sew in 2024. The insight and advice to be gained by experts in your field can keep you motivated and inspired.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

Reaching your sewing goals and finishing those projects can be “SEW” enjoyable.  Remember that reaching your goal is a journey, with many small steps along the way.

Here are some other sewing resolutions to consider:

• Less starting and more finishing

• Less “comfort zone” projects and more challenges

• Less worrying about perfect and more smiling, more sewing

• Less stash-building and more scrap-busting

• Less sewing with Netflix and more sewing with friends

• Less comparisons and more smiling and more sewing

  
  

Rome wasn’t built in a day and most sewing projects aren’t completed in 24 hours. Taking small actions to reach your larger goals deserve to be celebrated. Surround yourself with inspiration and remind yourself that even a small sewing step toward achieving your goal is worthy. 

The staff at Marshall Dry Goods wishes you a happy and prosperous new year! As a reminder, we have all the fabric you will need to make your sewing goals come true. Give us a call today, or stop by and visit us at 310 West Main Street, Batesville, Arkansas.