Sewing Into the New Year – My January Sewing Plan!
A Fresh Start with Fabric and Thread – January Sewing Challenges
January always feels like a blank canvas—a chance to set intentions and create something beautiful. For me, that means diving headfirst into sewing challenges that will keep my creativity buzzing all year long. For my January Sewing Challenges I’m tackling three exciting goals: the PatternReview.com 2026 Stash Contest, one project from my Make Nine Challenge, and the first four prompts of the 52 Week Sewing Challenge. It’s ambitious, but with a little planning and a lot of enthusiasm, I’m ready to make it happen!
PatternReview.com 2026 Stash Contest
The Stash Contest runs through January and February, and it’s all about using what you already own. My fabric shelves are overflowing, so this challenge is perfect for me. Instead of buying new material, I’ll rediscover forgotten gems hiding in my stash. This contest isn’t just about reducing clutter—it’s about sparking creativity with what I already have.
Tips for Success:
- Sort fabrics by type and color to see what inspires you.
- Pair each piece with patterns you’ve been meaning to try.
- Track your progress so you can celebrate every yard used!
Make Nine Challenge
The Make Nine Challenge is a year-long commitment, but I want to start strong by completing at least one project in January. I’ve chosen New Look 6405 – a cross-over front t-shirt in a gorgeous turquoise with black trim that will double as my ‘Sew Something with Knit’ for Week 4 of the 52 Week Sewing Challenge.
Why This Project?
- I took a class on how to sew with knits and want to give the techniques I learned to practice..
- It’s been on my “Make List” for a long time.
- It uses a knit fabric from my stash (hello, Week 4!).
52 Week Sewing Challenge – January Prompts
January brings four fun weekly themes –
Week 1 – Finish a WIP (Work in Progress) – Finish my “Girls on the Go” lap quilt I started MANY years ago using the Turning Twenty . . . Again pattern.
Week 2 – Sew Something with Your Oldest or Newest Fabric – I’m not sure if it’s my oldest fabric but I have this gorgeous dark purple microsuede that’s been in my stash for at least 20 years. I’m leaning towards sewing it up in the skirt pattern that’s on my Make Nine list. But an A-line skirt or cute overalls are definitely contenders!
Week 3 – Make Something Cozy – This pink fleece fabric and jacket pattern both have been in my stash and on my “Make List” for a long time.
Week 4 – Sew Something with Knit or Stretch Fabric – This is project that is also on my Make Nine list! A cross-over front t-shirt using gorgeous turquoise knit fabric that’s been in my stash for a long time
How My January Sewing Challenges Work Together
The beauty of these challenges is how they overlap. By choosing projects strategically, I can meet multiple goals at once:
- The skirt uses stash fabric, meets Week 2 Challenge and is one of my Make Nine projects.
- The jacket also uses fabric from my stash and meets Week 3 Challenge.
- The cross-over t-shirt uses stash fabric, meets Week 4 Challenge and is one of my Make Nine projects.
Turning Plans into Projects
January isn’t just about resolutions—it’s about action. These challenges give me structure, inspiration, and a sense of accomplishment. By the end of the month, I’ll have finished projects, reduced my stash, and set the tone for a creative year ahead.
Plan of Action for Completing the Challenges:
- Week 1 – Finish my “Girls on the Go” Lap Quilt WIP and clear space for new projects.
- Week 2 – Sew a skirt on my Make Nine list from microsuede that’s been in my stash for a long time.
- Week 3 – Make a cozy fleece jacket using fabric in my stash.
- Week 4 – Sew a cross-over t-shirt with jersey knit for stretch practice.
- Throughout January – Track stash usage and progress in my sewing journal.
- Celebrate Wins – Share photos and updates online for accountability and fun!
Join Me on This Sewing Adventure!
Are you ready to kick off your sewing year? Grab your favorite fabrics, pick a challenge, and start stitching! Share your progress in the comments below or on social media—I’d love to see what you create. Let’s make 2026 the year of beautiful stitches and endless creativity!
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Down Home at Dee’s
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