A Series of Unfortunate (Sewing) Events

You know that wonderful feeling when you're making a project that's going perfectly, everything comes together just as it should and the end result looks amazing?
 
Well, I've been experiencing the complete opposite for the last few weeks.  Every project (bar one - which I'll share in a couple of weeks) has been a failure. 
 
In the interests of honesty I thought I'd share them with you. 
 
The first one I actually have no photographic evidence of, so I'll give you a brief description.  I had some navy and ivory striped jersey, enough to make a dress.  I hummed and haaa-ed about what pattern to use and then for some reason decided to wing it and basically make something up as I went along. I can't remember exactly what I did or even exactly what I was aiming for now, but suffice it to say I now have some scraps of navy and ivory striped jersey and no dress. 
 
Then a few days later I decided I needed a new top.  We were going out for dinner with friends, and I wanted something new to wear.  I had a metre of pretty cotton lawn in my stash that I'd bought on a whim, and decided it would be perfect for a Style Arc Rosie top
 
Here it is:
 
 
It doesn't even look that great laying on the floor does it?  And trust me it looks even less great on.  The fabric is too stiff for the style, and after I'd finished it I somehow remembered I don't even like cotton tops anyway - because of the inherent stiffness. 
 
So now I have some scraps of pretty cotton lawn and a top I'll never wear. 
 
Thirdly, this week I have been making a skirt.  It's part of my next Minerva Crafts project, so I can't share it in it's entirety now, but I'll show you some bits of it. 
 
I'm using a pattern I've used before - very successfully.  It's the same pattern as this skirt I made last year.  It turned out perfectly then.  This time everything that could go wrong did go wrong. 
 
Firstly whilst overlocking the edges of the pieces I managed to slice through a bit that shouldn't have been sliced through.  
 
Then I sewed the pocket openings up completely when I sewed the curved darts at the bottom of the pockets.  These are the curved darts that aren't symmetrical and I can't get symmetrical however hard I try and are also puckered. 
 
Then I managed to get huge puckers at both top corners of the pockets which I cannot get out. 
 
 
And a close up of the worst one for good measure:
 
 
To top it all, I "finished" the skirt and tried it on - it's too big round the waist.  Ugh!
 
Quite honestly I've had enough of it.  And of sewing completely at the moment!
 
I've got a dress to alter for a friend, I daren't even look at it at the moment as I'm scared some disaster will befall it. 
 
Please tell me I'm not the only one who has runs of failures, and please tell me what I can do about it!

 
 
 photo Samsignature.png



14 comments

  1. Oh yes. I get this too. Where I'm all set to do several projects and my mojo is high and I'm READY. And things just start going horribly wrong :/

    This is when it is time to break out the easiest, simplest, instant gratification project you have. Or something you've made 37 times. :-)

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    1. It always seems to happen when you've got lots of projects planned doesn't it!?

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  2. Oh Sam! It's good to know it even happens to a sewing whizz such as yourself! You've made me feel better even though I feel bad for you. Persevere my dear it'll all (or at least some!) come good in the end.

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    1. I'll just have to make myself another Anna, at least I know I can do that!

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  3. Sam, I have whole periods like that - I find that it is best just to keep going. Have a break for a few days, and then do what Nakisha suggests - something simple. Sometimes I find that I just don't h ave what it takes to sew, for whatever reason - health, mood state, and things go wrong. Just be kind to yourself - I am sure there are plenty of sewers that blog out there who are not quite so honest about things that go wrong - and I am sure they do.

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    1. Thank you for your words of wisdom Sarah Liz. I'm going on holiday at the weekend, and I've put the sewing away until I get back. Hopefully it will go more smoothly then!

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  4. P.S - and you have relearnt a few things - I sometimes have to relearn things too, like what doesn't suit me!

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    1. Yes, I tend to forget things like that every now and then too.

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  5. No, you definitely are not the only one in this category! It really is a dreadful feeling ... love the colour of your skirt anyway ... J

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    1. The skirt fabric is lovely, its really soft with an almost brushed finish. I might have to get some more and try again.

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  6. Yep I agree don't feel like you're the only one that this happens too!! It happens to us all. Move on from the bad and start afresh. It's only fabric after all :-)

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  7. Oh Sam, how frustrating. I think the advice above is excellent, take a break and then sew something simple. I made the most perfect lined bodice a couple of weeks ago - shame it doesn't fit! Am gutted, and it's my second attempt with the lovely fabric, I now have scraps as you do. I'm currently sewing lavender bags and doorstops - about all I seem able to manage! Have a great holiday x

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    1. Oh no! How annoying Jacq! Why is it always the gorgeous fabric that doesn't work out as it should?

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