Let 'Er Rip

A particularly frustrating week this week.  Not only is it the week of our house inspection (and now radon testing), but it seems as though on the rare occasions when I have time to actually sew, it hasn’t gone the way I’d hoped.  The Sunshine & Shadows quilt top: putting it together, halfway through I realized I should have used another arrangement, which meant taking out every. single. seam.  My all-Lisette wardrobe for Quilt Market: halfway through the bodice, I realized that the combination of the sleeve design and my fabric selection (the lovely lilac plaid, above) made for a dress that leaned a little too close to the prairie, and that I’d need to swap out the sleeves. Rip, rip, rip.

Anyone who thinks that sewing isn’t much like art therapy, where what you’re feeling comes out no matter whether you want it to or not, hasn’t tried sewing large-scale projects while going through the stress and upheaval of trying to sell their first home (or a zillion other kinds of emotional upheaval, both positive and negative).  I like that I can see my anxiety reflected in front of me, because it forces me to be more honest with myself about it, and take deep breaths, and have faith that all will be well.

Seam rippers are great for making you take deeeeep breaths.

Hoping your weekend–and mine!–is filled with deep breathing and total certainty that all will be well.

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  • Clover@farrbetterlife
    May 6, 2011 at 6:28 pm

    As much as I hate ripping because it takes me away from the finished product I am working on. These moments the greatest “thinking” and “reflecting” happen. And for this I am grateful for my imperfection at sewing.

  • Narelle @ Cook Clean Craft
    May 6, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    What a revelation about sewing therapy! My husband can’t understand why I get frustrated and upset sometimes when I’m sewing, but more often than not, it’s a reflection of what else is going on in my life. The same sewing issues don’t affect me at all when life is running smoothly. Thank you for helping me realise this!

  • Kim
    May 6, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    Somebody needs to take a hexie break.

  • Pam
    May 7, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    Oh, how time appropriate. I just finished making a skirt, that did not go the way I was hoping so took a little adjusting to get it right. It worked out in the end, but took much longer than planned. Isn’t sewing often like that. Such as the 4 day shirt I made with having to make adjustments and fittings and adjustments and fittings. Then when I finally had the pattern how I wanted it, the 2nd shirt went together in 1 1/2 hours.

    Hope the radon testing goes better than your sleeves and quilt.

  • Eva
    May 9, 2011 at 4:53 am

    This is so true! And also a bit ironic, since something that was supposed to make you feel good only adds to the frustration/stress. I guess it’s worth practising how to get into a relaxed mindset …

    All the best for your sewing and the house!!!

  • Eva
    May 9, 2011 at 5:00 am

    I just wanted to clarify that I don’t have that “relaxed mindset” thing down, either …!!! Usually, if I’m stressed, I only attempt small and easy projects where I won’t be too upset if they go wrong …

  • Krystal
    May 9, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    I named my seam ripper “Jack,” because I always feel rather murderous when I have to use it 🙂