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 A favorite outfit in 2017, including my Moderne coat. In this picture I am 'stepping into the future' 😆

A favorite outfit in 2017, including my Moderne coat. In this picture I am 'stepping into the future' 😆

It's 2018. And I didn't meet my 2017 goals. And its ok.

Taylor McVay January 4, 2018

My relationship with blogging waxes and wanes. Sometimes, I get on a jag and get really excited about blogging. I've always been fond of writing and I spent many of my younger years heavily invested in LiveJournal (anybody else?!) so it makes sense that blogging as an extension of that form of writing would appeal to me. But other times, I can't muster up any blog enthusiasm.

One thing that does get me pretty excited about blogging is its archival quality. It tracks my perspectives and ideas chronologically. This makes it a perfect vehicle for year end reflections and check ins! I've never been one for new years resolutions, mostly due to the fact that my goals and desires morph and transform constantly, though I've tried to be more focused in recent years. I'm often quite surprised to see what I've accomplished when I go back to read these plans, though in some cases I've clearly dropped the ball. As I'll get into below, there's clearly something to glean from this balance.

My memory is rather terrible. Perhaps one of the few joys of having a terrible memory is that I can read a blog post from a year ago and it feels like a brand new story. So, I went back to the blog archive to check in with early 2017 Taylor and see what she had to say about goals for 2017.

At the end of my 2017 post, I listed 3 goals:

  1. Release both a Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter pattern in 2017

  2. Do another artist residency

  3. Find more ways/projects to connect my business with my work as an artist/educator

In all honesty, when I read this section of my 2017 goals, my heart sank a bit. I did not release two patterns this year. In fact, I barely released one. I also did not do a residency. And while I definitely brainstormed some excellent baby ideas regarding connecting my educational work, art, and business, I didn't make much concrete progress on that front.

This is the part where I would normally start to feel down and play the 'compare yourself to others' game. But instead, I'm going to look at the ways in which not meeting these goals helped me grow.

In terms of patterns, I was well on my way to release a spring pattern sometime in May, but I ran into a multitude of problems in the testing phase and ultimately had to table the pattern until further notice. This was a bit of a blow, but at the same time the issues with the pattern and the deadline were causing me so much stress that making the decision to wait was a major relief.

So I didn't release a spring/summer pattern. But my 'pattern fail' really encouraged me to streamline my pattern development process. I created a system for labeling drafts, managing pattern workflows, and keeping my pattern edits accessible and organized. This completely changed my mindset and process when working on Moderne and saved me countless headaches. My only issue that really held up Moderne's release was my own time constraints teaching nearly full time. I also came up with a concept for a fit party, which I think contributed immensely to Moderne's development!

I also had a big realization with my small business group this year. I realized that for me, creating patterns has never been about fashion with a capital F. So it doesn't really make sense for me to operate on a fashion schedule. Especially with only one or two days a week to work on the business! I also realized and wrote about how I tend to work slow. So I'm going into 2018 following this pattern creation mantra: Quality over quantity, timelessness instead of trend, art before commerce.

What I did accomplish this year

Part of the reason I did not meet many of the aforementioned goals is because I was busy doing other things I really love, like teaching! While I may have had goals to do this, that, and the other, so many other unexpected challenges and opportunities came up instead.

I taught a lot! (really)

I taught Draping 101, History of Fashion, a graphic design course on brand identity, a capsule wardrobe class, several 'Make it Fit' workshops, Intro to clothing design, many clothing construction workshops, a shirt making class, and more.

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I got more involved locally

I'm now the co-chair of the town cultural council. I've also been helping out with local arts advocacy initiatives and cultural projects.

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I printed Geodesic!

...which has been my most successful printed pattern to date!

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I released Moderne!

After many hurdles and a tabled pattern, Moderne became real! Just under the wire.

moderne-testers-02.png
moderne-testers-01.png

I added more sewing tutorials to my website!

Not as many as I'd like, but I made a good start! I have a bunch planned for the new year!

2017-10-09_10-55-39_765.jpeg

I grew an awesome garden and honed my cooking skills!

Our best garden so far since moving to our country home! Tons of flowers, Pears, 7 types of tomatoes, an herb explosion, eggplant, cukes, peppers, and lots of delicious meals as a result.

2018 goals

Here's a paragraph from my last year recap that made me think about my 'goals' in a different way.

I feel that overall, 2016 had me going down all sorts of paths not yet traveled and the new directions I found myself in were sometimes disorienting. However, I feel like I have traveled miles outward, expanding my scope as an artist, teacher, and business owner, as opposed to miles forward in any particular direction. This was not my plan, but I think it's working out to my advantage and perhaps 2017 will be the year of convergence.

I'm not exactly convinced that 2017 was the year of convergence that I'd hoped for, but I think 2018 has the potential to be. So here are my goals for 2018:

1. Expand my teaching scope

As I've been building my presence at the college where I teach, I have the opportunity to  design some of my own electives for the fashion department. This is something I've been brainstorming for years! I'm hoping to develop, among others, a semester long course on the intersections between fashion and art (especially conceptual art and performance). I also hope to bring these types of courses to you out in the world beyond the Boston Metro Area.

This also includes more pattern tutorials on the website, as well as a whole section dedicated to fit!

2. Get a few more blueprints patterns ready to release

Instead of giving myself a goal of how many or when, I'd just like to release a couple new patterns in 2018. Leavin' this one real loose and open.

3. Make more zines!

This was one of my goals for 2017 and I think 2016 too! In 2016 I created two zines but 2017 was not so fruitful. I have a few in mind and some that have already been started. I want to turn my capsule wardrobe workbook into a zine in early 2018. I have a few fun zine ideas kicking around as well.  I also want to challenge myself to bring them to some sort of zine fest.

4. Continue to Hone My Wardrobe

I'm going to do the #makenine challenge this year and have some pieces I'd like to create for myself, both 100% selfish sewing and concepts that could develop into future patterns.

Stretch Goals

  1. Design a mini collection: Just for fun and because teaching in a fashion department has me jazzed about it, I want to create a season-less mini collection in the vein of Blueprints, but with its own identity. I'm not sure how it will materialize because I'm sort of against mass produced fashion, but I think it would at the very least be an awesome design exercise. Focusing on one solitary design at a time (indie pattern style) can feel a bit tunnel-visiony and unfortunately, I don't have the time or man power to release a pattern 'collection' a la Named patterns. So I'd like to at least sketch something fun for this year. I have some ideas.
  2. Get an intern! This will help with with above mentioned project.
  3. Exercise more! (This ones a constant, but doesn't hurt to add it in here)
  4. Play more music! I don't miss being in a band but I do miss the occasional jam session.
  5. Make more art! Printmaking, embroidery, drawing, painting, video, whatever. And maybe even integrate it into my Blueprints concept.
  6. Make some more historical costumes. I had a blast creating my ren faire costume and would love to take a crack at other eras, especially so I can show them to my History of Fashion students.

What are your goals for 2018? Any repeats from last year? Any goals you didn't meet but something good came from it?

Tagswardrobe, small business, year in review, lesson learned, goals
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Recent Blog Posts

Featured
Mar 31, 2018
Hand Knit Cuffs & Collar for Moderne
Mar 31, 2018
Mar 31, 2018
Mar 14, 2018
Adding a Lining to Moderne V1
Mar 14, 2018
Mar 14, 2018
Mar 2, 2018
Adding a zipper front to Moderne
Mar 2, 2018
Mar 2, 2018
Jan 9, 2018
2018 Make Nine Plans and Wardrobe Goals
Jan 9, 2018
Jan 9, 2018
Jan 4, 2018
It's 2018. And I didn't meet my 2017 goals. And its ok.
Jan 4, 2018
Jan 4, 2018
Dec 11, 2017
Moderne Tester Roundup (and fit party, and test versions)
Dec 11, 2017
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Nov 28, 2017
Introducing Moderne!
Nov 28, 2017
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Oct 10, 2017
Slow Fashion October: Slow Whenever, Loving Change, and Uniform Goals
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A Capsule Wardrobe Workshop
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Instagram

Nothing like an outfit of all your favorite colors and me mades take your mind off the deceptively sunny 39 degree April weather. ☀️❄️🤷🏻‍♀️
#blueprintsmoderne #kalleshirtdress #handknits #handmadewardrobe
Nothing like an outfit of all your favorite colors and me mades take your mind off the deceptively sunny 39 degree April weather. ☀️❄️🤷🏻‍♀️ #blueprintsmoderne #kalleshirtdress #handknits #handmadewardrobe
One of these days I’m going to get this loom setup and start weaving... maybe during summer vacation? Too many crafts, too little time 😌
One of these days I’m going to get this loom setup and start weaving... maybe during summer vacation? Too many crafts, too little time 😌
My MIL makes this really amazing deodorant - @dabdeodorant . It’s vegan and organic and smells lovely (not too strong) and actually works really well. Most deodorants (even natural ones) really irritate my skin, but this stuff is super gentle and it works really well, too! Especially after a marathon day of teaching. If you’re into natural body products, or just want to support an awesome woman owned small business, check it out! ✨🙌
My MIL makes this really amazing deodorant - @dabdeodorant . It’s vegan and organic and smells lovely (not too strong) and actually works really well. Most deodorants (even natural ones) really irritate my skin, but this stuff is super gentle and it works really well, too! Especially after a marathon day of teaching. If you’re into natural body products, or just want to support an awesome woman owned small business, check it out! ✨🙌
I’ve been part of a coven of small business crafty ladies for a few years and it’s been a tremendous experience. Today we had our last meeting before one of us moves to a different state. We ate lots of snacks and talked about projects and drew cards for the future. Our group will continue in new ways, but it felt right to mark the occasion. 💫
...
Sharing in struggles and being open and listening is a wonderful way to build community, small or large. I’m still working on a blog post about how we’ve structured our group. Hopefully one day I’ll finish it and it can be of some use to others!🧡 (😘 @khgarts @eloise.draws @eyetradehandmade )
I’ve been part of a coven of small business crafty ladies for a few years and it’s been a tremendous experience. Today we had our last meeting before one of us moves to a different state. We ate lots of snacks and talked about projects and drew cards for the future. Our group will continue in new ways, but it felt right to mark the occasion. 💫 ... Sharing in struggles and being open and listening is a wonderful way to build community, small or large. I’m still working on a blog post about how we’ve structured our group. Hopefully one day I’ll finish it and it can be of some use to others!🧡 (😘 @khgarts @eloise.draws @eyetradehandmade )
Finally getting around to finishing this crazy appliqué top! All scraps from my stash, stitched onto a top salvaged from a dress gone wrong. Still changing some shapes around but liking the progress so far... #applique #scrapbusting
Finally getting around to finishing this crazy appliqué top! All scraps from my stash, stitched onto a top salvaged from a dress gone wrong. Still changing some shapes around but liking the progress so far... #applique #scrapbusting
Testing out a shaped pocket. I forgot to add seam allowance to the pocket (it happens to everyone!) so it’s a bit on the small side. I’m also not sure how it will hold up in this slinky linen. But it’s super cool Iooking so I’m giving it an 8.5/10! ✨ #patterndrafting #sewing #ilovepockets
Testing out a shaped pocket. I forgot to add seam allowance to the pocket (it happens to everyone!) so it’s a bit on the small side. I’m also not sure how it will hold up in this slinky linen. But it’s super cool Iooking so I’m giving it an 8.5/10! ✨ #patterndrafting #sewing #ilovepockets
I feel very strongly about pockets big enough to hold a notebook.🧡📓#handmadefashion #blueprintsmoderne #giantpockets
I feel very strongly about pockets big enough to hold a notebook.🧡📓#handmadefashion #blueprintsmoderne #giantpockets
Just browsing through some bits from my sewing ephemera collection. I’ve collected it for years and really cherish the bits when I find them but rarely have a look through later on. Maybe I should open a museum... 🤔🏫
Just browsing through some bits from my sewing ephemera collection. I’ve collected it for years and really cherish the bits when I find them but rarely have a look through later on. Maybe I should open a museum... 🤔🏫
Participated in the 2nd annual Community Arts Advocacy Day today in Franklin MA. A fantastic event with workshops, networking, and an awesome panel discussion with intelligent and passionate folks from arts organizations around Mass. Thanks to everyone who came out today to participate and to the #franklinculturalcouncil !
...
Here’s @chairstarz and I in the photobooth I created for the event.(You can see some more behind the scenes in my stories!) #caad2018 #artsmatter #advocacy
Participated in the 2nd annual Community Arts Advocacy Day today in Franklin MA. A fantastic event with workshops, networking, and an awesome panel discussion with intelligent and passionate folks from arts organizations around Mass. Thanks to everyone who came out today to participate and to the #franklinculturalcouncil ! ... Here’s @chairstarz and I in the photobooth I created for the event.(You can see some more behind the scenes in my stories!) #caad2018 #artsmatter #advocacy
Sticking with the theme of miniatures... a demo of how to sew a shirt yoke using the #burritomethod from tonight’s shirtmaking class.
Sticking with the theme of miniatures... a demo of how to sew a shirt yoke using the #burritomethod from tonight’s shirtmaking class.
Nothing like an outfit of all your favorite colors and me mades take your mind off the deceptively sunny 39 degree April weather. ☀️❄️🤷🏻‍♀️
#blueprintsmoderne #kalleshirtdress #handknits #handmadewardrobe One of these days I’m going to get this loom setup and start weaving... maybe during summer vacation? Too many crafts, too little time 😌 My MIL makes this really amazing deodorant - @dabdeodorant . It’s vegan and organic and smells lovely (not too strong) and actually works really well. Most deodorants (even natural ones) really irritate my skin, but this stuff is super gentle and it works really well, too! Especially after a marathon day of teaching. If you’re into natural body products, or just want to support an awesome woman owned small business, check it out! ✨🙌 I’ve been part of a coven of small business crafty ladies for a few years and it’s been a tremendous experience. Today we had our last meeting before one of us moves to a different state. We ate lots of snacks and talked about projects and drew cards for the future. Our group will continue in new ways, but it felt right to mark the occasion. 💫
...
Sharing in struggles and being open and listening is a wonderful way to build community, small or large. I’m still working on a blog post about how we’ve structured our group. Hopefully one day I’ll finish it and it can be of some use to others!🧡 (😘 @khgarts @eloise.draws @eyetradehandmade ) Finally getting around to finishing this crazy appliqué top! All scraps from my stash, stitched onto a top salvaged from a dress gone wrong. Still changing some shapes around but liking the progress so far... #applique #scrapbusting Testing out a shaped pocket. I forgot to add seam allowance to the pocket (it happens to everyone!) so it’s a bit on the small side. I’m also not sure how it will hold up in this slinky linen. But it’s super cool Iooking so I’m giving it an 8.5/10! ✨ #patterndrafting #sewing #ilovepockets I feel very strongly about pockets big enough to hold a notebook.🧡📓#handmadefashion #blueprintsmoderne #giantpockets Just browsing through some bits from my sewing ephemera collection. I’ve collected it for years and really cherish the bits when I find them but rarely have a look through later on. Maybe I should open a museum... 🤔🏫 Participated in the 2nd annual Community Arts Advocacy Day today in Franklin MA. A fantastic event with workshops, networking, and an awesome panel discussion with intelligent and passionate folks from arts organizations around Mass. Thanks to everyone who came out today to participate and to the #franklinculturalcouncil !
...
Here’s @chairstarz and I in the photobooth I created for the event.(You can see some more behind the scenes in my stories!) #caad2018 #artsmatter #advocacy Sticking with the theme of miniatures... a demo of how to sew a shirt yoke using the #burritomethod from tonight’s shirtmaking class.
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