I don’t really make resolutions as such any more; I never stick to them (currently listing loads of running clothes that I bought when I planned to become a regular runner. Everything still has labels on) so I’ve decided that instead I’m just going to make plans for the year instead. Plans are the more flexible, friendlier relative of resolutions; they can be changed, moved or postponed with no guilt whatsoever – so while I’m planning to do some yoga at some point, it’ll be totally fine if I put it off for a while and sit on the sofa eating biscuits instead. Genius.
I’ve made a new Pinterest board to keep track of all the things I want to do, which range from learning ancient craft skills to visiting places I’ve never been to before. The ones I’m most looking forward to are:
- Finally learning to sew properly. At the moment, I can make an envelope cushion cover, bunting and, err, that’s it. I want to be able to whip up tops and dresses, clothes for the kiddos and proper cushion covers with actual zips. I want to be able to nod sagely when someone talks about the benefits of different feet for your sewing machine, and to easily pleat, dart and seam my way through patterns. I do not want to have to cross my fingers whenever I press my foot down on the pedal, nor do I want to spend hours swearing at the machine when it chews up yet another length of my best fabric.
- 2015 is going to be the year that I master knitting. It is, it is, it IS. I realise that I’ve said this every year for the past three years, but this year it’s going to be different. Because my God, if it kills me, SOMEONE will be getting a scarf for Christmas next year.
- I wrote an article a while back on lost crafts for Pretty Nostalgic magazine, and ever since then I’ve been fascinated by ancient and traditional craft skills – you know; dry stone walling, making wooden spoons and that sort of thing. One thing that I keep reading about is basket weaving though, so I’d really love to have a go at that – even if only to stop me having to buy so many of the things from IKEA.
- I want 2015 to be the year that we really embrace visiting places around the UK that we’ve never been to before; we’re planning a trip to Cornwall in the summer, and various little weekends and overnights to places like Yorkshire, Cumbria and Wales. Oh, and I am desperate to visit Bristol!
- I need to learn to cook properly this year; I don’t want to just recycle the same pasta-pizza-bolognese-shepherds-pie routine over and over again for the rest of my life. It’s boring to eat and I’m bored of cooking it – I’m thinking that maybe starting with some decent utensils might help. Mostly because I’ve melted all of our plastic ones.
To see what else I’m planning, check out my New Year, New Plans board over on Pinterest; I think of things I want to have a go at almost every day, so it’s pretty regularly updated!
Follow Victoria Haynes: The Owl and the Accordion’s board New Year, New Plans: Things to Do 2015 on Pinterest.
Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Loving your ideas and shall be pinching a few!
Could you please tell me were that frock top right comes from…I would really love to (try to!) whip one up. Thank you v. much in anticipation, for your reply x
Ooh yes, lots of these are on my list too! I don't stick to resolutions either but I do have a list of things I hope to do. Lots of crafting! x
Beautiful images. Plans somehow sound much more positive than resolutions – especially yours! Good luck with that lovely list.
Good idea. I normally make plans too. Need to have things to look forward to at this time of year. I want to do much the same as you too (such a copy cat! ;-). I can knit and sew but would love to actually knit a jumper or sew a dress etc. I booked mum and I on a basket making course, it was cancelled and I forgot to look for another. I also want to go to Cornwall- let me know if you come to Wales! 🙂 All the best for the New Year, Claire x
I love planning, especially when it revolves around learning things rather than having to endure things (gym…)!Which issue of PN did your articles on old skills appear? I too am planning to make some of my own baskets. I was all set to give it a go in November when I learnt on various online reed shops that reeds from the Somerset levels are not harvested till late winter/early spring. So as soon as bushels are available I'll order some and try my hand at baskets and grow frames for the garden – supporting British growers & making my own. Very Pretty Nostalgic!
Come to Bristol immediately! On the way to Cornwall is a great stopping off point.
I hope you give us a call when you come visit Bristol! I'm also keen to explore more of the UK, I've only been to Cornwall once and it was before Wilf so I'd love to spend some time there in the summer x
Knitting is honestly easy once you get the hang of it. It's so satisfying to make woollies for yourself (and handknitted socks are simply the best). Good luck with the cooking too. I recommend Anjum Anand's 'Indian Food Made Easy' if you're looking for something different and your family likes spicy food. It'll deffo help you break away!
Such an inspiring list – I also want to do some basket weaving this year as it looks so therapeutic and fulfilling – also would love to go to the Isle of ScillyLaura x
My plans are pretty similar this year. I'm thinking about not buying anything new for the summer and attempting to sew any new clothes I want. I'm still a beginner at sewing but brave enough to give it a go. I'm not a knitter yet but have become obsessed with crochet which I want to master this year. We moved to France a year and a half ago and want to start travelling (and camping!) around a bit more. Cooking wise i'm getting organised and meal planning. I'm determined to use all my cookbooks (just so that husband will let me buy some more!) Good luck with your plans!
Happy New Year! I agree plans for the year tend to be more productive than resolutions. Loving your plans,I would definitely like to get sewing again and have plans for visiting more places in the UK with Isle of Wight and Dorset on my list.