When It Is Time To Walk Away

Anyone who knows me personally, knows I LOVE to sew. It’s very relaxing and peaceful, typically. I love making things, being productive and creative and sewing is just one way for me to ensure I thrive. Yes, one of the many ways I thrive is to sew and it gets even better when I’m making something for someone else! Sometimes, however, projects can be challenging and knowing when to ‘just put it down and walk away’ is very important.

Recently, I was working on a sewing project for one of my grandsons who is turning 10, is learning to draw and he’s pretty good at it. So, grandma decides she’s going to make a holder for his drawing pad, pencils and other accessories he may need. Insert thumbs up here. I got this. Uh huh. Step 1, open Pinterest app, it’s where I go for almost everything sewing, patterns, DIYs, ideas, you name it I go there. Ok, full transparency, it’s where I go for almost everything if I need an idea how to organize my small bathroom, yep it’s there.

Step 2, spend at least 30 minutes trying to find the pattern you actually want to use, because you know once you enter Pinterest there are so many fun things to look at that it will most certainly not be a quick trip! Then decide which one of the five patterns you saved to use. In this step you should also read the entire pattern just to be sure you understand what’s involved.

Step 3, gather materials/tools and begin project. The most time-consuming part (in my opinion) of a project is the set-up. For sewing, it’s the ironing/measuring and cutting (measure 18 times, cut once, maybe that’s just me).

I was on step 3 for quite some time. It was like Ground Hog’s Day. Remember that movie? Yep, stuck in a time loop, trying to get it right.

First cut, save time… cut two layers at once. This does work with some material, however you really do need to ensure the bottom piece doesn’t have any flaws. First cut, first mistake. Proudly gathered up my pieces and made the other two cuts I needed, only problem was I failed to pay attention to the fabric pattern which was, of course, the wrong direction. Ugh. Ok, cut the more fabric in the right direction. Done. Wait, the bottom piece had a flaw I didn’t notice. Ugh. What happened? It was literally at this point I knew if I didn’t walk away I would just keep making mistakes.

Put away rotary cutter, leave project on table, turn off lights and leave the room. That little voice in your head “just step away and no one gets hurt….muwaahahahaha”

Return to sewing nook the next day and try again. Finally, measured and cut right, fabric pattern is correct as well. Whew.

Step 4, sew. Easy enough. I’m not an expert, but I am not a novice either. Pin fabric right sides together and begin. Going well, looks good. Until…

Step 5, turn right side out and iron. Ugh, noooo. It appears I’m still having issues with this little project. Seams didn’t catch all the fabric, rip the seam out and try again. At this point I just want to be done. But it’s for my grandson’s birthday (which is in a few days and I have to ship it) so I press on (pun intended).

Step 6, add plastic canvas for stability and sew closed. Nope, didn’t come out right either. It is a good thing this isn’t being graded and true, my grandson isn’t going to look that close or probably going to care.

Step 7, mail the package with love.

Do you have times like these? Do you have any of those Bear With Me Please moments when you just have to walk away? When you have that realization that if you don’t leave now, you will just keep making mistakes. If you don’t put it down and walk away you will be frustrated and potentially the situation will only worsen. Frustration and stress affect not only us personally but everyone around us.

We should be able to see our imperfections and be ok with them, without allowing something or someone dictate what kind of person we are or what we can accomplish. Mistakes and imperfections gives us character, it is what makes us different and unique. I love the diversity we have as a nation, as people, as individuals. What do you need to walk away from? When do you decide enough is enough and walk away?

Share your thoughts with me please, I would love to hear them.