Sunday, January 04, 2015

Goals for 2015


I'm a little disappointed about 2014; I didn't blog as much as I wanted, and I definitely didn't finish many projects.  Started a lot and planned more, but didn't finish many.

I'm not one for resolutions, but I think setting a few tentative goals for 2015 might not be a bad idea.

1. Sew more


I have a large, fully stocked sewing room and two weeks out of each month to get in it.  I think I just need the motivation to get in it.  So I'm joining SarahLiz's Make a Garment a Month.  I'm not sure if I'll dive in as deeply as others, with project planning on their facebook group every month, but I think it'll be a good challenge to get sewing!

2. Make garments I'll actually wear


Looking back at my 2014 projects, I'm starting to recognize what I wear vs what I want to wear.  There's a big difference.  For instance?  Since I finished up my Linden sweatshirt in November, I've barely taken it off.  In fact, my January garment is going to be another version of it because the original needs a break every now and then.  Obviously it's a win.

Linden Sweatshirt

In contrast, I started knitting my Marion cardigan last June and finished it by August.  Well, finished the knitting.  I never did sew in the ends and block it.

Marion Cardigan
And it's not the pattern's fault!  It's a lovely pattern and I really enjoyed knitting it.  I just, don't wear cropped sweaters, and I'm not a fan of the uber bright, grass-green colour.  You'd think you'd know that considering how much time you spend staring at the yarn and fabric as you work with it.  But I cast off the last sleeve and just didn't like it.  Colour and length were both off for me.

I do want to re-knit this pattern, but in a neutral colour and hip length at least - then it'd work in my wardrobe.  For now though, this sweater is getting shoved into the Ignore Drawer; maybe I'll revist it in 2016 and see if it's a better 'fit' then.  It is a pretty sweater, it's just not me.

So yeah - need to pick out patterns that I'll actually wear.  Hint?  This RTW top is my absolute favourite right now.  Can anyone guess what pattern I'll be revisiting soon?

My favourite RTW top
My co-worker keeps calling my style 'lumberjack chic'.  Considering that I wear a lot of plaid shirts, wool work socks, and jeans, maybe my style inspiration should be Paul Bunyan.

3. Blog more

There are so many things I want to blog about, but I get hung up on something (like this post - obviously it had to be the first post of the year) and don't get them done.  Or I don't have decent pictures.  Or that my posts need to be perfect.  Or I'm in camp and out internet is being ridiculous.  Or any number of other excuses. 

I'm not going to commit to a specific number of posts per week or month or anything like that, because that's just not realistic for me.  But I'm going to try to stop thinking that the blog posts need to look and sound clean and professional.  I'm not a professional and hell, I'm a geologist - I'm often not clean.  I'm not going to let that be my excuse anymore.  And if I'm hung up on one project post, I'm going to try not to let that block other possible posts.

I am my own worst enemy sometimes.  Silly Heather, move on and keep writing!

4. Play time with rocks!


Vesicular basalt sample found in the Yukon River.  Oxidized to the reddish-purple.
Seriously guys, I am the biggest geek when it comes to rocks.  If anyone comes into my office at work, they're lucky if they escape without a 5 minute explanation about this rock or that structural feature.  My underground buddy dreads when I bounce into his office with yet another pretty rock or a fist-full of maps.  I need to start sharing this stuff with you all more, because geology rocks! 

It's in the blog title.  You were warned.



So yeah, goals. 
Here's to a fun a production 2015 everyone!

12 comments:

  1. Rocks Rock!!! I am a big fan of unslick blogs. The slick ones I have stuck with are because the people who own them just happen to be fabulous also and it's not their fault they happen to be better photographers than the rest of us hehe,
    Let it all hang out, we'll love you all the more for it!

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    1. Heh, I'm so glad people enjoy the rock posts. They're quite fun to write, and I have a lot of them I'd like to make!

      I keep seeing these gorgeous blogs and I admit, I find myself thinking that my posts aren't good enough. But that's ridiculous because this is supposed to be my space, it can be as cluttered and poorly lit as my sewing room. And I like it that way! :)

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  2. Happy new year!
    Cant wait to see what you sew up this year :)

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    1. Me too! And I can't wait to see what you make up this year too. I'm pretty impressed with your swim suit!

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  3. I completely relate to #3. I just launched my own blog last night after spending an embarrassingly long time agonizing over layout, color schemes, font choices, etc., and then struggling to write a first post. I was convinced that if it wasn't perfect right out of the gate, if the look was't polished and I didn't come across as poised but approachable, everyone would judge me, no one would read it, I would be friendless forever, etc. Ridiculous, right? Makers create the most amazing, welcoming community, and I don't follow the blogs I do because of their superior font selection skills or expertly polished prose--although I do appreciate those when I see them. I follow them because of their warmth and openness. So thank you for being one of those awesome warm and open bloggers who reminds me that this is a no-judgement zone, we makers are all in it together, and it's better to just keep writing! Also, thank you for sharing your rocks, because they are super cool. :-)

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    1. Congrats on the new blog! I hear you on that first post jitters. I don't remember it being that hard on Sewing on Pins, but was I ever intimidated writing the first posts on Things I Make. I'm still feeling a lot more pressure with this blog for the same reasons you mentioned, which is so ridiculous!

      This is such an amazingly supportive community, and my favourite blogs aren't the polished pretty blogs (although I do love them), but the blogs from everyday people sharing their everyday creative projects (low light photos and bad hair days included). I don't know why we put that sort of pressure on ourselves when it's our spaces to do what we want, and everyone is so chill.

      Anyways, I'm looking forward to seeing your blog! And also HI! I just reread your message on Ravelry and I'm writing a response as we speak! Aha sorry, it kind of got lost in the holiday madness, but I'm getting back to you! ...a bit late. :)

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  4. I recently stumbled on to your blog and enjoy it emensley. As a knitter I enjoy seeing your projects and as a family of rock collectors appreciate the rocks. We have baskets and bowls of rocks throuhout the home. Thanks for sharing!! Happy knitting & enjoy your rocks.

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    1. I'm so happy people are excited for rock posts! I'll get on those soon. :)

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  5. I always look forward to reading your blog, Heather. I get why you feel like you need a streamlined blog with professional looking photos, but think of how many bloggers you like that don't worry about that. I can think of several that are mostly wordy with very few images and they're so good. In the end, it's all about content. If your expressing yourself truthfully, the way you want thru your blog, it's perfect.
    Also, don't you feel more like your talking with friends when people don't worry about slick posts and just say whatever? I do. I've wondered what you do "at camp." I'd love to hear more about it as well as your crafty exploits. Hope you have a wonderful new year!

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    1. Aw, you're very kind. I never used to care about having a streamlined blog, but as people I've followed streamlined theirs, I felt the pressure to change mine. But you're right - I used to feel so much more open and like I was chatting with friends before. The last couple of years, I've felt so much more stiff in the writing, and I think that's why my blogging slowed. BAH. Definitely a good time to realize this - a new start in a new year! :D

      I'll try to do a camp post soon! I do love my job, and I'm so lucky to work in such a beautiful place.

      I hope you have a wonderful year too!

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