I’ve only ever made one New Year’s Resolution. Surprisingly it was successful. I’ve now been flossing my teeth every day for a year straight. It probably wasn’t that much of a challenge but I don’t really believe in setting ‘life-changing’ resolutions anyway. So this year I’m increasing the difficulty – if only slightly – to motivate myself to finish all the unfinished (or not yet started) projects within either the next month or by summer (depending on whether painting is involved). Forget spreading them over a year. I know that means I’ll put them off.

1. Finish this Ridiculous Pile of Sweatshirt

Due: January 31st

This guy has eluding my for the past month and a half. There’s a lot more finished there than it seems in the pictures. This is how it’s been sitting on the dress form for the last few weeks, aptly displaying how I feel about it. I bought the fabric over a year ago and finally decided to use it to make something similar to Nikita’s Hathor Hoody from 2011. I quickly realized that I didn’t have enough fabric for a hood so i settled on a hoodless version. After sewing in the pockets and basically finishing everything but the sleeves and neckline I realized things weren’t going so hot. The shirt probably won’t be as bad as I imagine in but I just hate the idea of spending time on it and having a less-than-perfect result. So in the next few weeks I’m hoping to find some time to finish it up despite my sweatshirt resentment!

Hathor Hoody by Nikita via Karma Loop

2. Paint the Curtains

Due: January 31st

Big old Windows

Our not-so-new apartment came with some pretty huge windows which I love. Unfortunately they work directly against my hatred of curtains. So to save money and keep things simple we bought a ton of discounted canvas and hacked an Ikea sliding panel system to create our own panels which were long enough to cover the 8′ windows. Since July we’ve been intending to paint or screen print them with custom patterns but we’re too indecisive. Each window has three 2′x8′ panels. I’ve already laid out a design for one panel so I’m hoping to get at least two panels (one per window) done by the 31st. Then we can evaluate whether we should paint all of them. Of course this is totally dependent on whether we can handle the paint fumes since it’s too cold to open the windows though I doubt fabric paint will be a problem.

3. New iPad Mini Case

Due: January 31st

Some Leftover Felt

Original iPad Case Design

I love this first case so much I think I’ll make the mini version!

4. Paint the Wall

Due: January 31st and/or the First Day Warm Enough to Open the Windows

This is a three-part goal. First, I’d like to finally post the time-lapse video of Keith and I creating the linework on our wall (Sol LeWitt style). Second, we would like to fill in a few of the lines with orange paint. We already have the paint but are afraid we should wait until it gets warmer and we can open the windows. Third, we’re planning to create a lighting / entrance area ceiling installation which will attach to the wall. Hopefully we can figure this out by the 31st.

 5. Spray Paint Storage Boxes

Due: Spring

This will also probably have to wait until spring. We’re intending to design either icons or some kind of numbering system for all of our storage boxes.

 6. More Photography!

Due: Ongoing

I’ve been slacking with photography lately. Not that I’m some great photographer by any means but I do enjoy taking photos. I’d like to get into using my camera more often again.

7. Order Waterjet-Cut Steel Versions of my Old Earring Designs

Due: January 31st

I’ve literally been meaning to do this for two years! If I don’t finish this one I’ll go crazy. I’m planning to redesign these earrings to be cut in steel and slightly enlarged. I’d really like them just for myself but would consider getting more cut for sales as well.

8. More Yoga!

Due: Ongoing

No Resolution list is complete without a fitness goal, although mine is not that ambitious since I have no problem going to yoga. The challenge instead will be finding time (and money haha) to return to taking classes 3-4 times per week rather than 2-3 times per week.

9. Eat More Ice Cream

Due: Ongoing

Some would say this is in complete opposition to number 8 but I love ice cream and intend to continue my ice cream eating adventures which expanded last year with the inclusion of Pinkberry and Berryline Frozen Yogurt. Maybe I’ll even attempt to make some! In the spirit of ridiculous New Year’s Resolutions - check this out too.

10…….

And then of course there’s all the project ideas I’ve been saving up. Hopefully some of these will be finished before 2013 ends.

Happy New Year!