2025 Sewing Goals: Stitching with Purpose (and Less Hoarding)
A new year, a fresh start, and—let’s be honest—a fabric stash that still hasn’t magically sewn itself into garments while I’ve been busy with life (rude). 2024 was a bit of a whirlwind, with sewing taking a backseat to baby life, but 2025? I’m reclaiming my sewing time (after I’ve finished the DIY house reno). The plan is simple: make things I’ll actually wear, reduce my ever-growing fabric stash, and maybe, just maybe, stop hoarding fabric scraps like a Victorian-era rag collector.
I used to set myself New Year’s Resewlutions and attempt the Make Nine challenge, however not a year has gone by where I have met these aims. Instead, I’m setting myself more realistic goals for 2025. So, if you’re interested in my ramblings, please enjoy what I hope to achieve with my sewing this year.
1. Breastfeeding-Friendly Wardrobe Staples
If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that most of my pre-baby wardrobe was designed for people who don’t need easy boob access 24/7. Button-downs and wrap styles have been my go-to, but I want to make a few more stylish, breastfeeding-friendly pieces. Think chic yet practical dresses (looking at you Adrift Shift), clever zip placements, and tops that don’t scream ‘nursing wear’ but still get the job done. As I plan to breastfeed for as long as possible and hope to expand our brood in the future, it seems only sensible to transform my wardrobe into a veritable milk bar. Given my limited free time, I'm aiming to complete one sewing project every month or two. I also intend to challenge myself by tackling at least one new-to-me pattern, rather than perpetually relying on my tried-and-true favourites. To achieve these (hopefully realistic) sewing goals, I'm considering the following patterns:
1) Adrift Shift by Gracie Steel with invisible zippers added to the side seams.
I’ve made three breastfeeding friendly versions (with side seam invisible zippers) of this already and have worn them to death since baby was born.
I’d love to make another neutral version, as they’re always easy to style in a rush, however I may add something different like a button placket or trim to jazz up the neutral.
I also want to try and get more colour into my wardrobe, and a maxi red and pink version calls to me (see picture). Perhaps I could have a double ended invisible zipper in a new bust seam between contrast colours?
2) Fleur top/dress by Fabric Godmother.
I’m still not over the Ganni tie top trend. Earlier this year, I made a version of the tie front top by modifying the Anthea blouse, however the Fleur top/dress has a clever placket behind the ties giving it a bit more modesty and meaning I don’t need to wear another top underneath. This makes it much more breastfeeding friendly as I done have to dig under another layer.
This is a new-to-me pattern, so watch this space for a review and sew along of my attempt at it.
3) Bubble Frock by Lydia Naomi
I've adored this style of dress since Cecilie Bahnsen's Fall/Winter 2021 collection, but I've been hesitant to make one for myself due to my more generous bust requiring proper scaffolding. However, with my body changing, I'm eager to wear what I want, especially if I can make it breastfeeding-friendly.
This is a new-to-me pattern, and I'm considering adding a double-ended invisible zipper at the bust seam of the Bubble Frock to facilitate nursing access. However, this might add too much bulk, which is why I’ll definitely be making a toile to find out. If it doesn’t work out, I'll opt for invisible zippers at the side seams instead. I’ll be sure to document those toiles and tribulations for your enjoyment!
4) Saltwater Slip by Friday Pattern Company
Living in the tropics means the less layers the better, and the easier something is to wear the more it gets worn.
I made this pattern a few years ago in a white light-weight linen and wore it as a nightie until the straps came off (an easy repair and due to my bad sewing technique). However, my pp body means it’s a bit of a squeeze to wear now, and so my wardrobe is lacking a “Saltie”.
I’m thinking of making a maxi version this time and changing the adjustable straps to ties because I have an unhealthy obsession with bows.
5) Lane Pants by Syd Graham
Since 2021, I’ve been wearing the Pomona Pants on heavy rotation as they are so damn comfy and easy to wear. I’ve probably got about 11 pairs of the shorts and trousers, however, I miss the side seam pockets and so have been eyeing up the popular Lane Pants pattern for a while now.
Before pregnancy I was all for elasticated waistbands and that has not changed since baby arrived. Comfort first.
This will be a new-to-me pattern, but it’s extremely popular on social media and the reviews look good.
6) Zamora Skirt by Madswick Patterns
You may look at these inspiration photos and think, “Alice, you’re mad. Why are you wanting to make a white skirt if you have a baby?”. And you would be right, I am mad. But white maxi skirts just look so good, plus they go with everything and make you feel like a swishy princess.
Rest assured, I will be doing regular blog updates on how my white skirt is holding up with a small human housemate. Plus, any stains can be covered with BOWS!
7) Cynthia Blouse by Viki Sews
Ok, so this may be the most impractical and unrealistic option, just because I really probably don’t have the time to make a new-to-me shirt pattern. Especially in a quality that I would want it, which would be high-end couture. And especially as I would want to add some fancy trim to give it that bit of extra pizzaz.
But for real, I have been marvelling other sewists’ Cynthia blouses on the gram for a while. It looks like such a staple, and I am a big shirt wearer (my fave is my Cornell shirt with the Olya shirt collar).
2. Homewares
Because My House Deserves Nice Things Too
I’m usually all about sewing clothes, but I’d love to put my skills to use around the house, especially if I can use up the two huge bags of fabric scraps I have in the attic. I’ve also been making a lot of effort to DIY renovations in the last 12 months, so it only seems appropriate that I start sewing for the house too. I’m thinking gingham and stripe cushion covers to jazz up the sofa, bows on everything, and maybe some new cafe curtains for the kitchen (especially now that our neighbours’ trees are falling down and they can see directly into our kitchen).
There are also things that I/we need in the house, such as oven gloves, laptop cases and toy scoop bags. And if I added fabric detail to the existing picture frames gathering dust on the floor, maybe we might actually hang them on the wall?!
And finally, I would love to add some personal details to our house, such as a name sign/banner for my baby’s room (just incase I forget it with my mum brain!) and some personal heirlooms, such as bunting with “Happy Birthday” and “Merry Christmas” that we can bring out at the appropriate times of year.
3. Fabric Scraps
It’s Time to Let Go (or Actually Use Them)
I have a tendency to keep every last fabric scrap just in case. This year I want to transform these textile trinkets into something fabulous. Picture this: a patchwork Saltwater Slip or a maxi-length Adrift Shift, each piece telling its own story. And if I find myself with larger remnants, perhaps a contrasting panel dress reminiscent of Rixo London's 2018 collection? As for the tiniest of scraps, they'll find their final resting place in glass jars, destined to become the stuffing for future pouffes or cushions. Waste not, want not, as they say!
4. Shop My Stash
(Before Buying More Fabric… Ideally)
My fabric stash is a thing of beauty—and excess. This year, I want to be more intentional about using what I already own rather than being seduced by every new fabric drop (although The Fabric Broker makes this very hard as every collection is just too damn good). If I’m going to add to my stash, it needs to be for a planned project, not just because it’s pretty (easier said than done).
2025 is all about mindful making—sewing with purpose, using what I have, and creating things that fit my life right now. Let’s see how long I last…
What are your sewing goals for 2025? Are you tackling your fabric stash, sewing more practical pieces, or finally using up those scraps? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your plans (or just enable each other’s fabric addictions).