Bursting My Bubble

You know I posted about 'Sewing Highs' the other day?  Well, this is the second part of the post and it covers the Sewing Not So Highs.  Not quite the sewing lows maybe, but definitely the sewing 'I can do better than that surely, can't I?'

I'd been getting a lot more confident with my sewing lately.  Over the past year or so I've done loads more than I ever thought I would and well, I guess I was starting to get a little too cocky about my abilities.

I wanted to replace this old crochet hook case of mine.  As you can see, I've rather outgrown it.  I have hooks wedged in far too tightly and some which don't even fit.  Time for a nice new one and having a pretty little image in my head to follow, I was all geared up for a  a pleasurable time bringing it into reality.





The idea seemed fabulous in my head.  Glorious in fact, I was so excited by it and, at first, things went well.  I had some lovely little squares of fabric which pleased me greatly and I was having fun, playing with this ribbon and those trims.  Testing different colours to get the right look.  Happy pottering in the craft room.

And then, somehow things all started to go a little bit awry.  It think it all stemed from the fact that I changed my plan for constructing it half way through.  I decided that my original plan wasn't quite going to work how I wanted and so I came up with a new one and then one thing led to another, and before I knew where I was, it had all started to go horribly wrong.


 Some of the seams got horribly bulky and wouldn't sew nicely or lay flat afterwards.  Then I ended up having to cut through some of my pretty patchwork, which wasn't ideal.  That pretty pink trim on the top flap, which should have been the icing on the cake was a hideous sewing disaster.  You might not be able to tell how bad from the pictures, but honestly it's awful and I can't bear to show you up close.

To cap it all off, I couldn't even sew the hook pockets as I wanted to because the whole awful concoction had ended up too stiff and the poor sewing machine just didn't want to know by that stage.  So it doesn't even really hold the hooks in nicely.


Quite frankly, the whole thing has left me feeling rather deflated.  I think mostly because I was so excited about the idea originally and then it ended up being such and unenjoyable experience by the end.  My bubble was thoroughly burst by it all.  In fact, in a piece of massive (although unplanned) melodrama, I haven't sewn anything since.  (Oh the woe, the tragedy!)

I know that you'll probably wonder what I'm talking about.  And even I think (in the photos at least) it really does look quite presentable.  Cute even.  But remember, Dear Reader, I have shielded you from the true horrors.  The puckered seams, the unsightly sewing lines, the saggy baggy pockets.  If you saw it in the flesh, I assure you... but no (shudder), let's not think of that.

The only thing I truly love and which has not been marred by the whole tawdry ordeal, is those felt cherries. They came out just right, every bit as lovely as I had hoped and imagined they would.  



I have been living with this little case for a couple of weeks now.  Hoping that time would work some magic and heal the wounds, but alas, I do not forget.  My deepest desire, still, is to rip the thing apart and start again.  In fact, I don't think I shall really be happy until I have.

S x


Comments

  1. That looks very cute. Well done!!
    Esther.

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  2. It's pretty :) but, I know that feeling - inside, the secrets... not happy...
    I wonder if aiming to sew the pockets down the seams might not work (next time... don't rip it - do another!). You could plan smaller patchwork squares to fit the hook width. I made something similar for my knitting needles and made the pockets by sewing down the seams with invisible thread.
    Your cherries are perfect :)

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  3. That is so beautiful:)

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  4. I totally know how you feel when things don't turn out the way you plan or think they should. I made a Christmas wall hanging that was like that last year, in the end I threw it away and started again! I do love your fabrics and the gorgeous cherries though, Wendy xx

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  5. I think it's lovely, and heaps better than anything I sew! x

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  6. Ooohh I know the feeling when something is not working out the way you've planned.
    But I think this looks very cute! You really should be proud about - at least - the way it looks!! Liefs Else X

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  7. Sam from Betsymakes12 February 2013 at 20:59

    Oh Sandra you are being far too hard on yourself! Your work is lovely and I admire your neatness. Your hook case does look great and I absolutely LOVE the felt cherries too. But I also admire your honesty and if it's that bad (which it really doesn't seem to be) then just put it down to experience and make another one!!!! 💝

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  8. a very honest post! it's hard to tell from here and I agree the cherries are wonderful! Heather x

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  9. Hi Sandra - we're our own worst critics!! I think it looks lovely I honestly do. I can't believe the complexity of patchwork you tackle now, given how long you've been sewing. Please don't unpick - if you really must - look to your horizons for a newly sewn and improved hook holder ;0) J9 x

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  10. You're right, the photos look pretty cute. I've had things like that, they leave me feeling rather flat and dissapointed. But love the cherries and from here, it looks adorable!

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  11. I know how you feel - I think we have all experienced a project (or more!) which in our heads is so wonderful and exciting, then it all goes horribly wrong and our amazing vision fails to become reality! I have been known to throw items across the room in sheer frustration and disappointment!!!

    I agree that the cherries are absolutely perfect and adorable! I think the whole thing looks good from the pictures, but it's your happiness that matters. I don't think you'll be happy until you've managed to turn your idea into beautiful perfect reality. I'm sure you'll manage it - some things are worth re-doing. And when you've created what you hoped for, then you will be back on top again, and raring to get going with new ideas!!!

    (I know the pain, though - I'm currently on attempt three of a shawl I'm crocheting - I have kept going, desperately hoping the end result will be worth it. If it isn't... well, tantrums may be in order!)

    Maria x

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  12. And of course it does look smashing on the piccies lol would washing it help to soften it up abit?
    And your right..........the cherries are divine!

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  13. Well I'm impressed with it - the pretty patchwork and lovey ricrac trim look great to me and the cheeries are perfect. I know what you mean about being disapointed though because if you are not happy with it, it will never seem quite right no matter what others say. Often though we are our own worst critics x

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  14. You are too hard on yourself it's absolutely beautiful!I am totally in awe of anyone who can sew like that.Those cherries are adorable.How long did it take to make? Sue

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  15. Please don't be despondent. You haven't messed up at all! What you have is a really pretty design but some of the execution didn't go quite to plan, partly because of a change of plans along the way. So it stands to reason that you had to re-think your processes about the making, which is never easy when coming up with a design from scratch. I'm just as particular when it comes to the stitching details etc so I do understand that in this instance it doesn't pass muster. (Not that we can see of course, the photos you show us, confirm it is a really lovely design well worth persevering with.)

    However, you should just see this as part of the design process and it is quite normal to have to do several proto-types before it is spot on. So, you can see how pretty it looks but now you just need to think of easier and more proficent ways to get there. There is always a hard way and an easier way. Also, I have to say that many sewing machines are at fault as they will not sew through quite reasonable thickness of fabric and at their worst literally chew it up. It is not your lack of compentance at all. Some people have very powerful machines in order to cope with what we expect of them.

    Now you have a 3D version in front of you, take a while to disect it and ponder over different ways of making it that wouldn't be so stressful. I shouldn't let it beat you! (You've said as much as well.) Especially as something so lovely could be yours in total Cherry Heart perfection if you gave it one more shot. Don't be cross with it though, I bet you learnt a lot while making it. No need to rip it up though. I love the colours and the fruity aplique.

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    1. You are so right. I think writing the post has helped in a strange sort of way, but having had a bit of time to 'get over it' (!) I do feel like I want to make it again. I know I can do it better next time and although I want it to look very much the same I'll feel so much better knowing it's constructed and finished in a much better way.

      I must admit, I was surprised my sewing machine didn't cope slightly better, it's the first time I've felt frustrated by it as it's done me proud so far. I'll give in a nice clean and a new needle and hopefully all will be well.

      Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! :)

      Sandra x

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  16. I truly don´t see anything wrong with it...but it is you that needs to be happy with it. Yes! those cherries are adorable!!!
    ♥ Ana BC

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  17. That is so gorgeous - the top pic looks like a quilt and I reckon it would be a super cute quilt too!

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  18. You see flaws but all I see is a very precious hook case. Please don't rip it apart - it's too pretty to die. If you don't want it, I will take it off your hands and out of your sight where it will live a long and loving life.

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  19. Don't feel too bad, We have ALL had times like that!! You will just need to mourn a sufficient amount of time, get back to that sewing machine and take control, give it another go so you can reap that satisfaction! Seriously, we have ALL had times like this. I think I had so many I finally just gave up on my sewing machine (except for patching) and stuck with my crochet. Never met an afghan I didn't like! Cheer up!!

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    1. Thanks so much Darlene! I'm replying to you here as I didn't know how else to reach you, so I hope you get this. I'm feeling much more like giving it another go, especially after all the fab comments you've all given me!

      Thanks again,

      S x

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  20. The cherries are absolutely perfect and adorable. I hope that helps. :)

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  21. Hi Sandra - sorry to read about your tussle with your new hook holder. It does look lovely from where I'm sitting and, as the saying goes, if it works why fix it?! I know what you mean, though, it just niggles at you, doesn't it? Take heart, though, and keep going with the sewing. Chris x

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  22. I've had a few sewing disasters myself. You never really get over them. Like the cute Easter dress I made my daughter, what was it? Oh, maybe 17 years ago. The fabric was perfect, the pattern adorable. The collar never did lay down nice and smooth...

    Yep, she wore it alright, 17 years ago. I still remember the collar. :-(

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    1. I know, right? These things are so frustrating aren't they? I shall have to have another go... I know I can do it better!

      At least I'm not the only one, thanks Anon :)

      S x

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  23. You must be very good at 'shielding' us from your mistakes because it looks quite lovely. Think of it as a 'draft' copy and write notes on what worked well and what you would 'tweak' for next time. Your blog is lovely.

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  24. Even though you were disappointed in the finished product, I still am inspired by it - would be a perfect gift for my daughter. Think I'll give it a try! Gail - journeyofavintagegirl.blogspot.com

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  25. Oh, I know that feeling :( It always feels a little silly but it really does hurt! You'll get your mojo back, don't worry! And your next case will be awesome. :)

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  26. It looks beautiful from the photos! I need to make one for all my hooks. I have them all in a zipper pouch. Those felt cherries are too cute! xo Heather

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  27. Lol! I laughed reading this...cruel of me I know. But you're right....it looks pretty good in your pics :-)

    x

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  28. I am just like you ... I skim along the surface of my crafting life like a beautiful dragonfly and then all of a sudden I fall from grace and end up like Bambi!
    I always try and make the best of it but end up needing to throw it in the bin as I remember the Bambi bit every time I look at it.
    I am exactly the same when I break things no matter how precious. Glue just reminds me of the disaster. So it is wrapped in newspaper and in the bin quicker than a wink.

    I love your cherries too! Cherries of every kind are just perfect .

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  29. I know that kind of heartache too well. That last picture is so so pretty though.

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  30. Oh my goodness soooo darling and pretty!! :) Have a happy day!! xo Holly

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  31. I loved this post. I have experienced that way too many times.... I am able to start over no problem with failed knitting projects (the pulling apart of the rows is actually extremely therapeutic!), but if I am working on a painting that just isn't working.... well.... I can't start over. I have to fight it through to the finish, and consequently end up with a sub-par painting. In the 15 or so years that I have been painting, I have only scrapped one. Which is probably not the best thing, as I have some really terrible paintings floating around. But to be fair, sometimes the fighting through the ugliness actually has produced some of my best paintings. And as far as your needle holder is concerned, I want to be the first to say that it really is adorable. And I agree- the cherries are wonderful!

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  32. Tinylittlesquares13 February 2013 at 19:06

    Well I think it's adorable and very lovely. I do believe that rather than undo it you should give it to your sister. She would love and care for it. ;-)

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    1. Thank you my dear! lol! Possibly so, but you being said Sister, I think your opinion is biased and can be disregarded! ;)

      S x

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    2. Tinylittlesquares13 February 2013 at 19:24

      Really.... As said sister you know I would love it and just think starting a fresh would be the best course of action. Hehe. X

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    3. lol! Well, this is true of course, although you haven't trying putting anything in it yet, you might change your mind... But I do plan on making another so, you may get lucky!

      S x

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    4. It looks absolutely beautiful :) I made one a couple of weeks ago http://plainjane66.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/hook-book-tutorial.htmland I'm always thinking 'ooh now why didn't I do this or add that' but you know - it does the job! Well done I'm sure your hooks are nice and cosy x

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  33. Oh, in my opinion it is really sooo nice! I love the details, the cherries... sweet, and choice of fabric... really cute! :) And your stash... wow!!!
    Sandra, have a lovely week!!! Jolana

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  34. I think its lovely!

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  35. oh dear. I know that feeling well! I did a tutorial on a crochet hook case, last year I think. I'll find you the link if you're interested?

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  36. All so very lovely!

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  37. You are so funny! WHat are you talking about??? It is bloody gorgeous. But I know... yes I know how it feels... It happened to me today. Playing around with a new pillow case, having this great idea... Changing my idea as I go, adding this changing that and now half way through I am so not happy with what it is turning into... I should have stayed with the original plan. Simplicity rules. Sometimes the creative play can go overboard. Maybe because we want to do so much... I hear you. I see a beautiful crochet hook roll but I hear you... This is how we learn though. Remember every creation has a purpose. This is a process. Maybe you can start all over with a new one and learn from your mistakes and afterwards feel enormously proud when EVERYTHING will fall into place.Or you just get that ripper and get on with it. I would just go on and make a new one. Ditch the old.
    I enjoy reading this after all. It is good to see someone sharing their frustration over a "failed" project. It makes crafting real because we all do. How could ever learn and make progress in our skills otherwise...
    Annette
    My Rose Valley

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  38. I can relate to something like this happening. Your cherries are so super cute and your patchwork makes me happy but I do feel you pain at the reality not matching the idea.

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