Michelle, ma belle... tres bien ensemble
  • Home
  • Knitting Patterns
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
  • Project Archive
Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,

Tres bien ensemble

Perfectly Imperfect.

2/4/2015

39 Comments

 
How much practice does it take to make perfect? Perhaps more than I could ever manage. Each and every project I've ever attempted is flawed. And, you know what, I'm good with that. 
Picture
Often, especially while I'm knitting, I make mistakes. Maybe I twist a stitch, forgot an increase, maybe I skip a repeat. The gravity of the mistake typically dictates whether or not I forge forward. It's easy, relatively speaking, to unravel a few rows to correct an egregious error. Sometimes, I just keep working and accommodate my mistakes by adding/subtracting an extra stitch in the next round, etc...  I like to think of my work as well done, quality handicraft. But, I, friends, am not a perfectionist. 
Picture
I do try to take care. I feel accomplished when I've done good work. I learn from each project. I correct myself along the way. And, I promptly find new ways to make a mess of things, like here, on my latest Hollyburn (only one more, I promise.... for winter, anyway). 
Picture
 I am no stranger to plaid. I LOVE the stuff. Make it a wool plaid, and I can barely contain myself. I've grown accustomed to lining up the horizontal lines across seams when I'm sewing with plaid fabrics. I like the continuity of the lines and the effect it gives to my finished garments. That was my plan when I pulled this yummy wool off the shelf. I was very aware that I had barely enough yardage to squeeze a Hollyburn from my available fabric. I very carefully aligned the grain and found a layout on my fabric using the thickest, center brown stripe as my matching line.  I decided that it didn't matter that I had to alternate the direction of my patterns pieces in order to squeeze them onto my yardage, because I had those center lines matched precisely across the notches!  
Picture
It might have worked. It might have been brilliant say, if the plaid was symmetric. It is, however, not.  This plaid is absolutely directional. I had complete tunnel vision when I started, and I lost sight of the big picture. To start, there are thin brown lines on either side of the center brown stripe. To be exact, there are four thin lines on one side and five thin lines on the other. DOH! There is also a light tan and a light grey stripe woven into the fabric. Again. One color happens above the center brown line; one happens below. All this to say, when I flipped my pieces to sew them together, they didn't line up. 
Picture
If this skirt had been a knitting project, this would be the point where I stopped to ask myself, "Do I care?"; is the error a deal breaker? In knitting, if the answer is yes, then it's RIP city. But this is sewing. Once you cut, you're stuck. As I see it, my choices were to either keep sewing or declare this project a wadder. My aforementioned love for plaid and wool, especially in combination with one another was the deciding factor. 
Picture
Ultimately, this skirt gets a page in the story of my sewing evolution. I didn't toss in the towel after I screwed it up; I know not to make the same mistake again. Live and learn, point out the mistakes to everyone so we can laugh about it together. Gear up for a new project. 

I'm certain I'll never see past this mistake when I look at this skirt (you probably can't either now, can you?!),but it hasn't stopped me from wearing it. The fabric still tickles my heartstrings. It's gloriously warm and it works with a lot of past projects sitting in my closet.  Truthfully, I like more about it than I don't- That makes it a victory, right? At what point do you declare a project dead? What do you do with your dearly departed projects? 
39 Comments
PendleStitches link
2/4/2015 04:31:02 pm

Honestly, until you pointed it out I really didn't notice, I was just two overwhelmed by this beautiful plaid. Even knowing, when you look at the whole outfit, it still doesn't jump out at you, so enjoy this skirt. It's very lovely.

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:13:39 am

Oh, thank you. I really love this skirt, despite its flaw. I'm glad that it isn't the first thing people notice when they look at it. :-D

Reply
Emma link
2/4/2015 05:26:09 pm

Bah. It's a lovely skirt and since you've lined everything up so nicely, just say that it's a design feature and call it a day! :)

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:15:11 am

I like the idea of calling my mistakes design features, but I am still kicking myself for not realizing that this pattern was direction. :-D

Reply
Andria link
2/4/2015 08:01:39 pm

I was looking at the lines of the skirt (love) and the sheer tartan goodness of it. I didn't notice it didn't line up until you pointed it out. Myself, I'd call it a live and learn and wear the heck out of it, it really looks fabulous.

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:16:10 am

This is most certainly a live, learn, and let be project.

Reply
Joyce link
2/4/2015 09:33:32 pm

And there I was thinking look at that perfectly matched checked skirt! The dark lines match and I didn't see the lighter lines until you told me. Don't tell anyone, let them see it for what it is, a gloriously matched tartan-ful skirt!

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:17:09 am

Haha. I don't think most non-sewing persons would ever notice that the plaid doesn't line-up. It's funny how differently I see things since I started sewing.

Reply
Teresa link
2/4/2015 10:04:41 pm

You know I didn't even notice until you pointed it out! I love the plaid skirt and would wear it tons!

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:18:40 am

Thank you! I am wearing this skirt fairly often. I love the fabric so much, I'm able to look past the blunder.

Reply
Lisette link
2/4/2015 11:52:50 pm

I didn't notice it until you pointed it out, but I also have tunnel vision when it comes to plaid, chevron-y a-line wool skirts of this ilk. I don't think other seamstresses would much notice it either, because it is so pretty.
And if you want to feel better, look at the back of a similar skirt I made, also forced by limited fabric, http://vintageorbust.blogspot.com/2011/09/sw-skipping-school.html

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:20:43 am

I think we're more critical of ourselves that we are of others, because when I linked to your skirt, I instantly thought, "PRETTY!" and forgot what I was looking for. :-D

Reply
Sam link
2/5/2015 12:17:54 am

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't even have noticed if you hadn't pointed it out! I'm also sure 99% of other people won't notice, they'll just be admiring your lovely skirt.

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:23:25 am

Thank you! I'm sure you're right. It's funny, though, because when I catch someone looking my way when I'm wearing it, I immediately think, THEY KNOW! (HAHA).

Reply
Tasha link
2/5/2015 12:19:04 am

I think being creative with the supplies you have is a great excuse for it to not matter! Because you love the skirt otherwise, think of it like that-- you couldn't have had it and enjoyed it if you weren't creative in flipping your pieces. :) It's lovely, and a great plaid!

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:24:54 am

So true, I wouldn't have a skirt if I hadn't flipped them. That's a very glass half-full way to think of it!

Reply
Alicia link
2/5/2015 01:48:27 am

I definitely didn't see it until you pointed it out, and then when you did... I loved it. I really truly love that it's not totally symmetrical. I think it adds a little extra pizzazz. Or, perhaps, I'm just deeply covetous of it since I've been wanting to add a plaid wool skirt to my wardrobe for some time, but have no idea where one would purchase such a thing.

I think the only things that ever flat-out kill my projects is loss of interest or complete mis-sizing. If it's a mistake, I can usually fix it. But if I finish the whole thing and hate the way it fits? It's dead to me.

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:28:13 am

I bet you could TOTALLY sew a plaid skirt (nudge, nudge) :-D

I agree with you on fit. It does occasionally happen that I'll make something and it fits HORRIBLY. In fact, I've been working on a dress that falls into this category. I know I will NEVER wear it, because I hate the way it fits. Instead of pitching it, I think I'm going to try to salvage it into a skirt. It's not as easy with knitting. I will rip out an entire sweater to save the yarn. But, it takes some time/distance before I can stomach it.

Reply
Renee Anne link
2/5/2015 02:09:17 am

Honesty, I can't see what the fuss is about. I don't see the issue with these photos. I suppose if I were looking at it up close, I could see the problem but just to see you in your plaid wool skirt, I see no issue.

And I'm one of those perfectionistic types (about some things).

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:30:52 am

I'm glad that it's not glaring! What happened here is that I turned one of my pieces upside down before I cut it. Unfortunately, the pattern isn't symmetric, so half of my panels are facing one direction, and the other are facing the opposite. For example, if there were people printed on the fabric, the ones on the right side of my skirt would be standing on their heads. HAHAHA. :-D

Reply
Teresa link
2/5/2015 02:53:29 am

I often feel like there's 'always something', but the more you look closely at RTW the more errors you spot there too. You should be really proud of this, it's a beautiful skirt. Did you knit your scarf too? :-)

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:32:34 am

SO TRUE! I am constantly criticizing the misalignment in garments placed in the window displays of stores near my office. :-D

Reply
tanyamaile link
2/5/2015 11:26:33 pm

I didn't even notice the slight faux pas until you pointed it out. That's how small your error is. I do so love this skirt. Wool and plaid and some of my favorites as well. If it ever was cold here I'd probably be delving into my winter stash and sewing more of it! I do so love this outfit as well. Everything pairs together perfectly and is picture perfect with the stark contrast of the snow. A winner in my eyes!

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:34:12 am

Thank you! It's a double edge sword that you're not able to wear wool. On one hand, I would LOVE to never have freezing weather, on the other hand, I would be totally sad if I never had a reason to wear wool. :-D

Reply
Ruth link
2/6/2015 01:06:44 am

That plaid is gorgeous! Because the brown is the dominant colour and the thick brown lines match up, I don't think it's that noticeable that the other colours don't match. Wear it with pride!

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:46:27 am

Thanks, Ruth!

Reply
V Reed link
2/6/2015 02:26:54 am

I will say unlike the rest of the commenters, I noticed the problem in the first picture. However, I only noticed the problem because I was battling a very similar problem just a couple of weeks ago. I have a lovely plaid flannel that I very much want to make into a skirt, but I keep running up against the lack of sufficient yardage for the patterns I've tried. Thankfully, I was trying to match up two different lines and realized the pattern wasn't mirrored both directions or I would have a similar skirt. :)

Lesson learned for you. Wear it and own it, I say! It's a gorgeous skirt even if everything doesn't match up. Next time match the dominant stripe and one of the minor stripes in your plaid as well. Another thing you can try on limited yardages, sometimes your pattern can be squeezed in if you cut on the cross grain, if you have a nice wide width.

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 12:52:31 am

Haha. At last! I was beginning to wonder if I was maybe a little more of a perfectionist than I was acknowledging (either that or completely OCD and anal retentive). :-D I'm glad that you managed to avoid having the same issue with your skirt! :-D

Reply
Miss Crayola Creepy link
2/6/2015 04:19:06 am

I'm with everyone else, I didn't notice anything. So, I vote that you wear it. It's too beautiful to sit in a closet!

I'm glad that you mentioned "perfection" in the post. I often think about what I have made and if anything would be considered perfect (NOPE!) and if others are the same way or if they have made perfect things.

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 01:07:05 am

I think we can all be really critical of the things we produce. I think it was Jenny from Cashmerette who took pictures of herself in her RTW jeans and compared them to pictures in her Ginger jeans to put some perspective on the fit of them. I thought that was really a great idea. I do try to be careful and I like things to be 'my best work', but I think most of the things I make land in the realm of 'reasonably good' and acceptable rather than perfect. :-D

Reply
Alice link
2/6/2015 05:03:19 am

I love this skirt! I can totally relate to what you say about mistakes, and perfection, and that you shouldn't let them stop you from wearing your sewn items. You know what? When you study RTW closely, they are far from perfect, so whatever you have taken great care to make will no doubt be better :)

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 01:09:34 am

I agree about the quality of RTW vs. the things we make ourselves. That's not to say all RTW is produced poorly, but they certainly don't have the same attention for details and the most definitely aren't going to tweak the fit of a garment to better suit my figure! :-D

Reply
Kerry link
2/11/2015 12:09:33 am

I'll agree with everyone else that the matching issue is really not too noticeable. It's a lovely skirt and perfect for winter weather. I'm definitely not a perfectionist either.I'd rather just push on and get something finished or scrap it, than leave a UFO too. For me, it's better to keep the momentum going rather than fussing over perfection. Which will never happen! :-)

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 01:13:00 am

Oh, UFOs are the absolute worst! Momentum is key. If I drop below a point of motivation with a project, it's doomed. :-D

Reply
Esther
2/12/2015 11:12:50 am

Yep... me too... had to really LOOK to see what you were talking about... nice skirt.. looks warm, AND well made.

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 01:13:53 am

It is cozy and warm, especially paired with some of my other woolies!

Reply
steph link
2/17/2015 07:43:19 am

you lined up the dark, dominant stripe perfectly.....I thought it was a design element. and the fit is perfect, too. Great skirt. :)

Reply
Michelle link
2/24/2015 01:14:25 am

Thanks, Steph! :-D

Reply
Brooke link
2/24/2015 06:03:59 am

The fact that you matched the most obvious focus of the plaid (brown stripe) makes this work. You squeezed the skirt out of the amount of fabric you had and it all looks thoughtfully planned an intentional! It's a beautiful plaid and it is the most minor of mistakes such that I wouldn't even call it a mistake - you made it work! Love your skirt!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    “The
    follow us in feedly
    “Vintage

    Archives

    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010

Thank you for respecting the intellectual property rights protected by the copyright laws of the United States and International Copyright Treaty.
  • Home
  • Knitting Patterns
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
  • Project Archive