A tale of two projects...

I was doing more sewing yesterday, on two different projects. One turned out better than I imagined, the other I approached with more reluctance and proved to be a lot less delightful, although it turned out fine.

It struck me that comparisons could be made between those projects and certain sorts of writing projects.

Let me start with the project that turned out better than I hoped. I bought the fabric, a remnant, because I'm making something for envelopes that may arrive at the wedding and it was the same color as the bridesmaids' dresses. It has a bit of a pattern on it, like a damask, that you can't really see here. I suspect it may have been drapery fabric.

I was thinking I could use it to cover a box, but then it occurred to me that I could think outside the box (ha!) and make a drawstring tote for the envelopes, calling on memories of the very first sewing project of my long ago home ec classes (remember them?). I even had some white cord left over from another project, and I already had the right color thread, too. So yesterday I made the tote - and it turned out great, in no small part because of the weight of the fabric, which also held a press really well.

This was like one of those stories/books where you have a glimmer of an idea, and then you think, "I could do this...and this...and this..." and before you know it, it's just percolating along as if it's writing itself and it turns out even better than you thought it might. This has been a rare experience for me, writing-wise, but it has happened, and I got the same feeling when I finished the tote.

The second project involved an outfit I made years ago for the RITA awards. At the time, the buttonhole attachment on my sewing machine wasn't working, so I was limited in terms of design. I opted for a wrap-styple, sleeveless top and a skirt. I was really pleased with the finished product, which probably explains why I kept it, even though I'd gained sufficient weight that it no longer fit. It also didn't take up much room in a drawer.

Having lost weight and needing an outfit for wedding events, I took it out and put it on. And you know, I still love it, it still looks great and it's classic enough that it didn't look dated. Only problem - the skirt was floor-length.

Was. I shortened it yesterday, with great reluctance. And then I had to re-hem it. The background of the fabric is black, which meant sewing on black hem tape and then hand-sewing, and let me tell ya, black on black is no treat. I got it done, though. (Since I didn't realize I'd be blogging about this, I didn't take any "before" pictures, and the finished outfit needs a good press, so I don't have a picture of that, either. Maybe later.)

It struck me that this was like a writing project that I really like, but needs some revision before it can sell. Although I recognized the need for the revision (I hadn't worn this outfit since that award ceremony), I approached the revision with great reluctance. Eventually, though, I bit the bullet and did the work, which wasn't nearly as easy as making the totebag. Still, the design was sound and I liked the fabric, and I wanted to wear it again, so it got done. Do I love it as much as the longer version? No, but at least it's going to get worn. And I didn't have to do a thing to the top.