Tuesday 22 September 2020

Lessons Learnt

 I've finished a project, isn't it pretty?


Take a closer look.


Okay, you can stop laughing now. It just goes to show that not everything I make turns out well. Actually, the photos make it look even worse that it is, and that's saying something. This was a cross stitch I started ages ago, just a small design from a magazine and they'd shown it turned into a card. In hindsight I should have finished it off in a similar way but in my wisdom I thought it would look nice turned into a stuffed ornament. Never mind the fact that my sewing skills leave a lot to be desired and the fact that I've never in my life attempted anything like this before. I even had a go at putting a trim around the edges.

The back doesn't look quite so bad.


Lessons learnt:-

1. Make sure that everything is lined up and centred properly.
2. Find a way to stop the edges fraying. Leave a larger seam allowance?
3. Don't attempt things which are out of your skill set. Okay, this is probably wrong. How else am I supposed to learn if I don't give things a go?

Actually, I should have taken more time over it. I was in a bit of a rush to get something done with it so that I could start something new and I knew at the time that I wasn't in the right frame of mind to take proper care over it, so I think I could have made a bit better job of it if I'd tried, though I'm not making excuses, it's pretty bad!

This little heart will sit in my craft room where I can see it. It will remind me what happens if I don't take care over things and it will encourage me to do better next time. Let's see if my next finish is an improvement on this one.

21 comments:

  1. Your comment not to rush is the key, I cut out a new face ask in a small amount of fabric, did it quick and messed it up. Lesson learnt.

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  2. I think it looks rather cute! Take pride in your achievement, however imperfect you think it is.

    To stop edges fraying you could use pinking shears if you have them, they make a zig zag edge of sorts. Or you could iron the fabric pieces with some starch, that helps, too. With small things, pins are a bit of a pain and I sometimes hand baste the layers in place.

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  3. All things considered, Jo, I don't think It's all that bad. The stitching is lovely and it's bright and cheery.💖

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  4. I think its fine. I can't tell you how many projects of mine have ended in the bin. lol
    Briony
    x

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  5. It's a very pretty design and is far more skilful than anything I I could attempt. X

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  6. I rather like its wonkiness. I know what you mean though it is a reminder to us that we should not work on things when we are not in the right frame of mind. But we can always improve when we try it again, as you say. Sewing does get easier the more you do it, and leaving a big seam allowance is always a good thing in my book. You can always cut off the 'extra' after your have sewn if it is getting in the way, carefully though!!!

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  7. It looks alright to me. Don't be hard on yourself it's still a nice thing to keep.

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  8. I always iron some thin stabiliser/interfacing on the back of my cross stitch before I turn it into a little pillow. It stops it getting a lumpy look and feel, and always use a wide seam allowance for stitching them together as cross stitch fabric is notorious for fraying. x

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  9. I quite like its imperfections. On a positive note the stitching is very well done.

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  10. It looks ok to me, don't be too hard on yourself.
    I do like the colourway, so bright and cheerful.

    All the best Jan

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  11. Everyone had to start somewhere and for a first ornament it's not so bad and you chose a difficult shape to finish.
    It's very fiddly making up an ornament, some tutorials make it look so easy, it's not until you start that you realise it's far from easy. I bet the next one you make will be perfect x

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  12. I think it looks good, Jo. We all have things we've made that could look better but they're part of the learning process. I absolutely agree that, if you're not in the right frame of mind to do something, you should leave it for another day. I tell myself that quite often about housework! 🤣

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  13. Really Jo....nothing wrong with that at all. It's gorgeous & would make a lovely pincushion or attach a ribbon to hang on the Xmas tree. Ooh.....another thought, could also make an appearance on Valentine's Day (giggle). Some of us are doers & the need to make & be busy keeps us sane, whether it be perfect or not. You did it, is what matters. Take care, stay safe & huggles.

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  14. Agreed the back does look better than the front but don't beat yourself up about it. Actually I think it's rather sweet :)

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  15. Oh My Goodness what is wrong with that sweet heart? You are too hard on yourself!!!!f I don't sew at all. Ive been avoiding sewing a seam on my pant. I cut about 4 inches off the bottoms as they were not petite and I should not have really bought them.

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  16. It looks great, maybe take some stuffing out so it's a bit flatter if it's bothering you.

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  17. I think it's quite charming, handmade things don't have to be perfect mine never are I always make so many mistakes with whatever I make. Display it and look upon it with pride. xx

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  18. I think it's lovely, maybe take out a little of the stuffing.xxx

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  19. Its still cute. I'd proudly hang that on my tree ..front and center. Doesn't always have to be perfect. The fact that you tried skills you may not be the best at....its show you have gumption and heart! (No pun intended)

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  20. I am SO glad that you have shown this to us. So many times I look at other people's perfect creations and feel despondent about my own homely skills so it's encouraging to see that some other people make things that look a bit lumpy too, and helpful to see the lessons that you have shared. It's real life. Thank you, Jo. x

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  21. I think it's rather lovely. Not every thing has to be perfect. But yes, knowing when you're not in the right frame of mind, and to leave something for another day is a lesson we all learn from time to time.
    xx

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