Scissor Talk // What's your dream sewing project?

Whether you're new to sewing or you've been at it for years, everyone has a sewing Mount Everest they'd like to climb. You know, that project that you'd love to make, but are scared to start because you feel you're just not ready yet. You don't have the skills, you lack the time, or money, or all of the above.

You pin pretty pictures to your "I would like to make" board, and seek out patterns for months, only to make absolutely zero progress on the actual making process of that project. Sounds familiar?

My sad Mount Everest story is a coat. 

I've been wanting to make myself a coat for years now. Every time I think now is the time - I'm finally going to make it - I get one step closer, but still no coat. The first time I vowed this, I got to buying a ton of lovely wool fabric in peach pink. Somehow, everything after that just fell apart. 

Fast forward a couple of years, and I was looking for just the right pattern, more determined than ever to just do it. Never happened.

Another year or so pass. Still no coat, but so much more skills and confidence this time, or so I thought. I got as far as the muslin before the fear got the better of me.

I've made progress, though. In my attempt to go around that beast of a coat, I've made a simpler jacket (this one), and and changed the lining on an old coat. Slowly gathering experiences and conquering the smaller mountain tips to train for the big one. 

I still don't feel ready. Not enough skills, not enough time, not enough patience - the same lame excuses.

The funny thing is, I never had these fears when I was a complete novice at sewing. Then, every project I made was a freakin' mountain top to climb. Because every new garment was something I had never made before. I gained new skills by DOING. And I was never afraid to screw it up. So what if the lines are crooked? So what if I wouldn't wear it in public? So what if I have to google my way through and end up with a few more grey hair?

There was never an expectation of perfection.

Somehow, I've lost that fearlessness along the way. I want to succeed every time. I'm even afraid that maybe I won't love sewing as much if I fail. So silly really.

Of course, the projects you complete AND love are the ones sewing dreams are made of. But, that doesn't mean it's not ok to fail sometimes. It's a good place for learning and growing. I'll bet you my sewing machine you learned something when making a total fail. Which is not always the case with the perfect outcome.

Here's to climbing higher and higher, until we reach our mountain top. Here's to being a fearless seamstress, and just enjoying the ride - no matter rain or shine. The journey is still more than worth it.

The bonus point you get after a failed attempt? A cool story to tell. How much rather would you love to hear about the time I sewed a corset that ended up fitting my dog better than me, than about the time I made a shirt that fit like a glove? The latter is about one sentence long. I made a shirt and it turned out great. Snooze...

What I'm trying to say is to just go for it. Even if you think you're not ready yet. You might never feel ready. If your dream project is making your first garment - just pick a pattern and go with it! If it's drafting your own block pattern - pick up a book and just do it! Whatever it is, there's no way to do it without doing it. 

Just start, and you'll figure everything out along the way.

I'd love to hear about your dreams and sewing goals. What's that project you'd love to make? What's your biggest sewing fear?

I'll see you in the comments!

xo. Hanna