Project fails, what do you do?

**nuisance26** · 08-02-2010, 08:21 AM

~What do you usually do when your projects fails? Do you immediately fix it, set it aside for another day, or scrap it altogether?

I'm a "wing it" kind of sewer so I probably have more fails than most people. 50% of the time I immediately fix the project. The other half is set aside for another day. 90% of the time I end up pulling out those projects and deciding they aren't worth the fixing(I'm using recycled materials in the first place after all!)and I either toss them or cut out anything still useful and scrap the rest. It's rare that I fix and finish something that failed.
How about you?~

**The Muse** · 08-02-2010, 09:41 AM

I guess it depends on how badly it failed. If I can salvage it, I do. If I can't, I repurpose as much of the fabric as I can.

I was working on a full apron that went horribly wrong, but I was able to salvage it into a half apron and use the failed top part into pockets and a waistband.

I've never straight up thrown a project out.

**Darlene** · 08-02-2010, 09:51 AM

I often times have to just walk away for a bit. Things usually go better when I don't feel frustrated and have had time to calmly figure a fix.

**imagine** · 08-02-2010, 10:01 AM

Fail what is fail? LOL

I consider most fails a change in plans. (like Muse's apron)

I tend not to like to follow patterns so most times if things aren't working right they just change mid course.

**tervsforme** · 08-02-2010, 10:02 AM

I am like Darlene and I tend to put it down for a while, then pick it up and decide what I want to do. Most times, I will make it work, as Tim Gunn says! LOL

**mek42** · 08-02-2010, 10:14 AM

Step 1: Carefully and calmly verify that all pins have been removed from the project.

Step 2: Switch the valves to full open, wad up the project and throw it into the dark corner of the closet in an act of pure catharsis.

Step 3: Carefully and calmly put the sewing machine away until the next time I try to debunk the myth that boys can't sew.

**frugalfranny** · 08-02-2010, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by imagine

I consider most fails a change in plans. (like Muse's apron)

Originally Posted by Darlene

I often times have to just walk away for a bit. Things usually go better when I don't feel frustrated and have had time to calmly figure a fix.

I do a combo of both.........put it down......(the amt. of time it goes down DEFINITELY correlates to how frustrated I was in the first place!)

and WHEN I decide to pick it back up again........I move on to plan B........or C ....or????.......sometimes I just look at it and put it back down!!

**frugalwarrior2** · 08-02-2010, 02:15 PM

Your supposed to put in the corner of the sewing cabinet until the child outgrows it. Then you can donate it to S.A. What??

**craftypam** · 08-02-2010, 02:38 PM

EXACTLY what Darlene said. If I don't, I'm afraid using the seam ripper will ruin the fabric. And right now I'm trying to finish a dress for son's wedding next Saturday. Only have zipper and hem to do.

**mauimagic** · 08-02-2010, 11:28 PM

It depends on what I am working on and the deadline associated with it - if any.

I made my prom gown Sr. year in high school - went to Boston to pick up the fabric - used a Vogue pattern - it was a fitted long sheath with jacket out of a white brocade. As usual I made it at the last minute - and put the zipper in upside down - had to fix it because I had nothing else to wear and I could not get into the dress without fixing it. I am totally amazed that I remembered this since I graduated in 1964.

When possible, if necessary, I will put the project down and take a break - oh and breath!!

**nuisance26** · 08-06-2010, 11:43 AM

~Had a project fail last night. Not exactly sewing but I ripped up an old sheet into strips to try a toothbrush rag rug. It was so thready that every loop I made tangled the strands. Untangling the strands gave me paper cuts from the poly/blend. So I threw all the strips away. Maybe I should have cut the strips instead of tearing...~