so not worth it

A great big tote.  Seems simple enough, right?  I should have been able to whip one up in no time, but that didn't happen.  What a pain in the butt this was!  I don't know what was wrong with me, but I made mistake after mistake.  Each little mistake should have been a sign to stop while I was ahead, but I didn't.  I stayed up way too late Tuesday night, determined to finish the darned thing, but then the bobbin thread ran out.  I HATE when that happens.  At that point I was ready to throw this stupid bag in the garbage.  Being the fabric miser that I am, I couldn't bear to do that, so I went to bed.

On my way into work the next morning I came up with the brilliant idea to add a zippered top, something I had never done before.  So, Wednesday evening I spent my time cutting, ironing, and sewing a very nice zippered top for my tote.  I knew that it would be fabulous.  Everything was going smoothly until it came time to insert the zippered top.

Pinning that top in place, then trying to sew the darned thing just wasn't happening.  It. was. a. beating.  It looked like CRAP.  So, I ripped it all out.  More of my precious time wasted, and it was getting late again.  Even more determined to make something out of this cursed bag, I carried on.  In the process of ripping out my zippered top, I ripped a hole in the top of the green fabric, which is now several inches shorter than I originally cut.

What to do, what to do?  I decided that my best route would be to just cut my lining fabric to the level of my exterior (oh, did I not mention that somehow my lining ended up being about 2" taller than my exterior fabric?), then sew them together using some bias binding, which would cover the hole I made in seam ripping.  Thankfully, before I took scissors to the lining, it occurred to me that I could just fold the lining over the exterior, which would essentially do the same thing.  And that's what I did. 

It isn't pretty.  I didn't press before I sewed and the lining stretched as I sewed it, but it's done.  Was it worth it?  NO WAY!!  Live and learn.

**Thanks for all the anniversary wishes!  We don't plan to celebrate until this weekend due to our busy weekday schedules, but I can't imagine what more he has planned (I know there's something...).

Comments

[erin]

i hate when projects have a mind of their own and don't listen to us. regardless, i love the fabrics you used!

[yummygoods]

i love it! i am a bobbin-running-out-hater too. I should just prewind a bunch of bobbins, but i never do!

[LeeAnn]

I just came across my bag of funk-i-fied bags while unpacking. Why do I keep them? I should just cut my losses and throw them out, but them maybe I could salvage some fabric... and the cycle continues.

[Elizabeth K]

It's too bad that you could not create the bag you had in mind but I love your fabric combinations.

[Cathy]

I have a small bundle of bags that didn't turn out quite right that I can't bear to throw away and don't know what to turn them into! I may just end up cutting them up. Yours looks good in the end, and I love the fabrics together.
Cathy X

[amandajean]

I have had projects like that! Good for you for sticking with it to the end. Too bad the zippered top didn't work out.

[Rachel]

You summed up my sewing lately in this one post! Why is it we always get the hairbrained idea to try something new when things are already going wrong?

[MMDesigns]

Argh! I hate it when all those things happen when making a bag! I still think your project turned out well. :) Triumph over the sewing machine!

[lera]

That really turned out cute! It doesn't look like the product of repeated mistakes. (I hate sewing nights when everything is disastrous!)

[Taryn]

it's good to know other people have those "off" days or "off" projects as well. so frustrating. i think it turned out great though.

[Daniela]

What a fun story, sorry you were having so much trouble. I love the bag!!!

[Carrie S.]

That's why I have a hard time pumping out *new* styles...I hate the waste and frustration!

[Anamaria]

Oh dear. I'm sorry for you, glad to know that sort of thing happens to someone else, too! Maybe the bag (which is very cute, really!) could be kept in the back of the car for groceries and such?

[Linda]

My first impression was, "Wow, she's getting all creative with the top." I like the style. And I've had those days myself. And I do think it's worth it. Your brain learned something in all that frustration and it will go more smoothly next time. And I know all about staying up too late...it's become a bad habit for me!

Have a nice celebration, Beki.

[stacy]

I know it was a pain, but I love the tote you created. I love the top portion of this bag - hope it goes smoother next time!

[Thimbleanna]

Well, good for you that you stuck with it -- 'cause it turned out really cute and certainly looks like it was worth it!

[Zoe]

Beki, that bag is seriously so cute and I LOVE the color combinations! Even if it was hard (which I hate projects like that!!) it is still a looker of a bag!! :) :)

[Anina]

I've had projects like this too. And when you look at it you're just reminded of what a pain it was too make. I think it's quite cute though.

[amy]

I have ripped stuff out and tore into the lining and the outside etc. then wrestled with it and thrown it in the closet!

[Lisa Clarke]

My bobbin always runs out when I have about 3 inches left to sew in a project. What a pain in the neck.

[rohanknitter]

Sorry for all your frustration but I'll admit, it makes me feel better to hear that even more experienced sewers have sometimes have projects that just won't behave!

ps. It is cute - I love the fabric combos

[Sarah Jackson]

Oh such a bummer! Use it with pride - it's very cute even if it isn't what you had planned. Sometimes it's just that way.

[Teresa Hardy]

Please don't hit me for saying this, but remember that all experiences, bad or good, teach us something.

I tried to make covers for my kitchen banquette and I was so angry with myself for 1. not consulting some sort of instructional documentation first to see how it's done, 2. not measuring properly, 3. giving up (I did finally get sick of looking at them and finish it, but only after 2 YEARS!)

So, I learned at least 3 things from it.

For what it's worth, I think it looks adorable. Keep at it, you have a good eye. Just be patient. And maybe sewing late is bad for you because you're tired and make more mistakes. I know I do.

[carrie]

it turned out so good! i hate when projects go awry--i usually put it down, grab a glass of wine, and go back to it when i've calmed down.

[Bean]

Hehe, I loved reading this - I've been in the same position too many times! WHY must the bobbin always run out when you're ready to SCREAM already, too?! *hehehe*

[Melissa]

Seems like most of my projects are like that lately. Hence the reason I haven't finished anything in a long time! I just put it aside and start something new A LOT!

[cindy]

It was worth it! It's super cute and I'm sure you learned alot in the process. Even if the only thing you learn is to quit when you're too tired or not into it.

[Lisa {milkshake}]

Beki, are you kidding?! That bag is gorgeous!

[Robyn]

I can so relate. got one of those in the works now. I have ripped out so many times. I'm near the finish, though. Though it was a headache, I love the fabrics and really do like the end result.

[Brigitta]

You have been a busy bee!!! And I can imagine your frustration with the bag; I would have given up! And belated happy anniversary and many happy years to come!!!

[starry]

I think bobbins exist to terrorise sometimes lol.

I love the black and white fabric. Where did you get it? I've been looking for a fluffy kind for ages but no luck.

[faithful chick]

I have so enjoyed reading your blog recently. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of camera do you have? It takes really great shots!

[punkychicken]

i always feel like when the bobbin runs out right as i am finishing there had better not be a big stick or say...a bat next to the sewing machine. i could do some serious damage.
i still love those fabrics...chin up, you are the only one who will see its flaws, i promise.

[jessi]

I'm so glad you shared this with us! This is so how I feel about my sewing some times. I keep thinking that I should do a "Pet Peeves of Sewing" post - running out of bobbin thread just inches away from finishing your project would be at the top of the list!

[estea]

ah, the pitfalls of being a fabric miser...

love your mix of prints, though.

i propose a glass of wine, mead or good port when things go dreadfully awry. but then you know me.

;)

[Jody]

Sorry it was frustrating. I do love the fabrics together.

[Lesley]

Yup - I had a day like that on Friday.

I've never been able to work out the whole zip thing on bags.

Yours looks lovely in the end and I love the way you've used those fabrics together.

Hope you have a great weekend xx

[Lisa]

I think it still looks good. I love the fabric too.

[erin s]

Oh how I feel your pain. Been there done that so many times. Yay for you and your perserverance!! It looks lovely!!

[Karen Ross Smith]

I love your bags, and I ma really enjoying your blog. Thanks for sharing!

[jona]

Thanks for being willing to share your mistakes. The words that come to mind are: "Been there, done that, got the bag to prove it!"
I'm still to scared to try a zipper so I admire your bravery.

[Sara]

Sorry about your bag frustrations. I do like your choice of fabrics...very bold.

[tamara]

Oh Beki, I'm feeling your pain and your frustration about this bag. There are just those kinds of sewing days *sigh*, but thankfully there are so many more of the better sewing days like your great patchwork pouches. :)

[amy h]

It may have been a pain, but I really like your fabric choices here!

[Giabella Designs]

I think you should carry it and wear it proud! Most people who don't sew wouldn't even notice the mistakes. They will tell you how awesome it is and when you tell that you made it, they will be envious of your talents!

I like it.

[Chara Michele]

Oh my! :) It looks good, but I can totally understand feeling this way about a project...

[lla]

oh ugh.

I hate learning thing the "hard way" - although, when I do learn something the hard way, it's a lesson that stays with me!

Hope your weekend was fabulous...

[Darcy]

I've been experiencing the same things lately while trying to sew my kids Halloween costumes! I think your bag looks great in the pictures.

[Abby]

But it looks good! Happy aniversary!

[Felicia]

Glad you survived! It is pretty :)