Tuesday 26 October 2010

Oh no, I've messed up again! What makes me think I can sew??

So, there I was this morning, taking pictures of the sewing machine cover that I started sewing for my mum last night when I spotted a fundamental error.  I had a metre of this lovely linen:

(Sorry, I don't know who makes it or what it's called, I bought it from a bolt at my local Husqvarna shop and don't remember seeing a label).  I had been thinking about the pattern for days and days, I was winging it but I thought I knew what I was doing. 

Last night I promised my husband I'd only be upstairs on the machine for an hour so I got to work.  I cut the interfacing to shape (I wanted to use heavy weight, but couldn't find it anywhere.  It did of course re-appear when I'd finished cutting the medium weight interfacing!), ironed it on, cut the linen leaving a seam allowance, zigzagged all the edges to prevent it fraying prior to sewing it up tonight.  I was so proud of myself for doing it.  Then this morning, picture time, a sudden realisation hit me. 


The animals will be upside down on the back.  And sideways on the side.  Duh!  I should have cut a panel for the front/back/sides and one for the top.

Ah well.  I don't have enough of the fabric to start again and, let's face it, my mum will love it anyway!!  I'm sure all you mums out there will agree (I really, really hope so!)

I also managed to do some more stitching...

You must be able to tell what it is now!  I hope to be posting a lot over the next couple of weeks as I've got a LOT of presents to make and I'm hoping this will motivate me - actually I don't really lack motivation, so I suppose I'm hoping it speeds me up!

5 comments:

Sammi said...

That is how we learn...by making mistakes. You are not the first to have a pattern upside-down and you will not be the last. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I've made that same mistake...And as you grow in your skill, you will learn to cherish the memory of those errors that you made in the beginning. A thought however....could you take it apart and cut the long panel in half, flip 1 half around and sew a seam at the top...You could do a narrow seam and a narrower hem than you had planned. Just a thought....either way, I bet your mother will love it!

Lisa said...

Hi Wendy~ Oooh girl, I have SO been exactly there. I can't even tell you how many things I've goofed up and continue to goof up while I'm learning to sew. But you're right, your mum will love it. Oh, and it made me giggle when you said you told your husband you'd only be on the machine for an hour or so... I say that all the time, next thing I know he's coming in to kiss me goodnight and several hours have passed by! Ugh... the life of a learning craft/sewer... So, thanks for visiting me while I've been out of commission with computer problems! I'm up and running again with a shiney new laptop, yay! I've missed visiting all these wonderful blogs (I'm following yours now, yay!)so I'm off to see what else you've been up to!
Cheers!
Lisa

Marilyn said...

Hi Wendy, I agree with the other two - most of us have been so excited about what we are making only to find that we have cut or sewn something wrong.
I am sure your Mum will appreciate your learning curve and love her sewing machine cover. The fabric looks beautiful.

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Sheezzz... don't you hate that!
Chalk it up to expereince Wendy and I bet your mum will love that you have made it.

XUE said...

Of course she will love it! I love everything that my children make since it took time & effort. Warm wishes from Tokyo, Japan.