It is so thoroughly frustrating to spend hours making something, only to finish it, put it on, and have it be wrong. Not aesthetically wrong, but technically wrong. You can't tell, and no one knows but me (and DH), but it's annoying all the same. Was I too tired when I was working on it? Did I misread the instructions because I was hurrying to finish? All I know is that I went from super excited (Yay, it's done, it fits, it looks great!) to packing up the machine and vowing not to touch it again unless I absolutely have to. Don't worry, I'm much better now. DH reminded me that hobbies are supposed to be fun, and I have a tendency to take myself much too seriously. Having the zipper ends be 1/4" off is not the end of the world. It's called "perspective" and with a little time and reflection, I know that sewing brings me much more satisfaction than failure, so giving it up is just not an option. Sorry for the rant, but I needed to get that off my chest!BWOF 12/2008 #106 Jacket (2 1/2 dots)
I knew the fabric was going to be pain when I first sunk the scissors into it. Lint everywhere! Used the serger to finish all seams, which eliminated all lint and fraying. I'm not sure of the technical description, but my best guess is its a crinkled poly/nylon layered outerwear (purchased from the co-op online). There's a bit of puffiness to it, which also contributed to some frustration with seams laying flat. Slightly bulky at seam intersections, but nothing terrible. No drape either, but that was okay, it's a outerwear jacket and I was more concerned with about having warmth. If I had to do over again, I would've serged the pocket edges prior to attaching them, you can see that the corners were left a little undone since I couldn't get to them afterward.
My second issue was the zipper. In retrospect, this was really where I messed up. It was a tad bit too long, and I should've trimmed it properly and taken more time carefully placing it. I have a really bad habit of cutting corners when I'm eager to finish. I didn't realize until after I had the facings all sewn down and the hem stitched closed that the left side is about 3/8" higher than the right. I didn't notice it when I tried it on, since I couldn't see the bottom of center front real closely, and I didn't zip up the jacket all the way to the top. Stupid, stupid, stupid... The bottom is worse that the top, but sorry, I'm keeping that picture under wraps!
Will anyone notice, other than me? Probably not. But it's there, and I know it. Could I rip it out and fix it. Yes. Will I? Probably not. Just thinking about ripping it out makes me so mad, I want to scream. This was preventable, I'm not a beginner, and it made me feel like a failure, as my students say, an "epic failure". Part of me really wants to pack up all my sewing stuff, put it out of sight, and walk away. Everyday I see all of your awesome projects, with your fabulous fit and how you all manage to make something new almost daily... it makes me wonder if I'm doing something wrong. The truth is, I have a very full schedule, and that's all there is to it.Third issue was the fit through the waist. From the armpits down, it was huge. It fit like maternity wear! I tapered in the sides from the armpit down, taking about 1 1/2" in at the hem. I also took another inch in at the waist from center back, tapering from between the shoulder blades to the waist, and back out to nothing at the hem.
In the end (a few hours after realizing my mistake), I'm happy with the final product. It's not perfect, but close enough for me. I have the jacket to wear to work that I wanted, and a lesson learned the hard way that (cliche warning!) a stitch in time does save nine!Parting Shot: (I haven't done one of these in forever!)
The first quilt I ever made, I gave to my mother. It's mine now, and the kids love snuggling under it on the couch, since they fit under it! This project also has it's beginner flaws, but it's super warm (double layer of batting) and reminds me of my mom, who taught me how to sew. The print fabric that ties the colors together is all sewing notions.
12 comments:
Okay, Mrs. Type A. No one is ever going to notice that. And really, how often do you zip a coat all the way up to the top? I really like it but the fabric does look like a pain, even from Alaska. I think it's a winner but I understand your frustration. I get annoyed with myself about stuff like that too.
What little angels snuggled under that quilt.........Stop beating yourself up. Keep the collar unzipped, or throw a scarf in there. I like the style line of that back seam and how it goes up into the neckline. You did fine and have a nice new jacket. Now, move on chica!
Don't be so hard on yourself. No one will notice. I definitely know how you felt, but leave it like that.
Great fabric and a lovely jacket, that's all I see.
You sound like me. I berate myself repeatedly when something isn't perfect. Don't zip your jacket all the way up, and no one will be the wiser.
Anyway--you're going to need that warm jacket, because we have snow on the way!
For sure no one will ever notice. Sometimes it's best not to tell on yourself!!! As several have said you probably won't ever zip it up all the way anyway. Otherwise it looks perfect. It fits well, which is attributed to your knowledge of fitting. The quilt is so pretty and colorful, no wonder the little ones like to snuggle under it. You do have a lot on your plate!!
I'm sorry the finished product isn't what you hoped. Sewing can be so frustrating, I'm right there with you. I'm always way more critical of my sewn garments then RTW, but then after awhile I forget what I was so upset about. So maybe this jacket can marinate in your closet through the summer and when you come back to it in the fall those small little imperfections won't bother you as much. Hugs!
I think the jacket looks just great. Love your quilt too, the kids certainly seem to be enjoying it.
Your jacket looks great (and warm!). Like you said, no one will notice the zipper. You probably won't zip it all the way to the top anyway, and if you do, you'll probably wear a scarf over it!
Oh I love it!! I couldn't figure out your first paragraph AT ALL and thought you were looney tunes (welcome to my world, btw). :D GREAT pictures of you too. You look so pretty with your hair blowing in the wind!
Then when I read about the zipper, I agree with all above...no one will ever notice and you'll feel better about it after time and wonder why you got so worked up. Ask me how I know!
Now that you've made your goof, chances are it won't happen for a while and you can sew with confidence. Unless you're some kind of super freak or not human, you're going to make mistakes. The next successful project will make you feel better, honest.
I think it looks great. Love the photos of you wearing it. I hardly ever do up my coats and don't really know anybody who does - just throw a scarf around your neck and you'll be fine.
But, as with several others, I will often pick my projects apart. I think it looks great. g
We all beat our selves up over our mistakes, even the small ones. I have a dress that I made in a bold plaid that only one of the skirt panels isn’t pattern matched. I felt really insecure about it, but you know what, no one else notices. I get more complements on that dress then anything else.
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