Let me explain.
I started this blouse with a totally different pattern in mind. As I began working with the fabric for the blouse, I found it very difficult to cut. It shifted around my cutting mat as if it were alive and it frayed like crazy. I gave up on my initial pattern, and just winged it. I decided to go with the inherent nature of the fabric- and let the edges fray. I feared the worst- yards of (not inexpensive) fabric would be wasted. But the blouse turned out so much better than I expected!
Now I wish I would have bought more of this fabric in the blue (it's out of stock: I just bought some more in a deep red, and in saffron) !
The title of this post came from this blog that I stumbled on today. It's so true. While I think it's ok to have high standards, fixating on being perfect, and sticking to some preconceived plan, can keep a person (me) from making decisions and getting anything done. There is no room left to play or explore.
This blouse is to be a part of my small ERMIE summer collection- and I plan to add hand painted stripes to it...but who knows? Maybe my plan will change again.
EDIT ** Oh, see Tomory in the background gardening in the last photo (not to mention my saggy black jeans...I lost some weight while I was sick... too lazy to buy a new pair & I'll gain it all back eventually...I'm a blogger, not a model, dammit!) ? So imperfectly perfect!
holy moly, Jennifer! I love it! Perfectionism runs in my family too. I guess the only cure is to flip it the bird. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis blue and the edges fray are marvellous yes!!! Sewing is often surprising and we rarely get what we expected in the beginning (oh sorry for my english!)..
ReplyDeleteAnd I really agree with you about perfectionism....
Yes, I've run into that problem too! But the tank looks amazing — especially with the frayed edges and choice of blue. I can't wait to see the version with the hand-painted stripes...
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about perfectionism and fear. Good to recognize and then to let go...
ReplyDeleteHappy sewing! The tank is looking good :^)
It's great hearing how this top evolved. I really like the pictures and how you formatted this post. When I clicked onto your page I was listening/am listening to Bonnie Prince Billy. It's totally working as a soundtrack to your blog!
ReplyDeleteIt's a happy accident! The top came out gorgeous even if it's not what you had planned. I know what you mean about the desire for perfection keeping you from getting things done... I have piles of fabric and patterns that I've never cut out because I'm afraid that I'll mess them up. Right now they're all potential projects instead of possible mistakes; something I'll need to get over if I ever want to expand my wardrobe :)
ReplyDeleteLovely blouse, love the frayed edges! And couldn't agree more with what you've written. Perfectionism is too rigid, no room for flexibility, for haphazard beauty.
ReplyDeletea good reminder. i've been a bit stuck lately, so thank you.
ReplyDeletethe blouse is gorgeous. it reminds me of a documentary about jodorowsky i watched recently - he said that once you understand something, it dies. better to not understand it and see where the weirdness takes you. living in the uncertainty.
ReplyDeletevery beautiful - can't wait to see more of your work.
the blouse is gorgeous. it reminds me of a documentary about jodorowsky i watched recently - he said that once you understand something, it dies. better to not understand it and see where the weirdness takes you. living in the uncertainty.
ReplyDeletevery beautiful - can't wait to see more of your work.
I dig the fraying! the color & cut too :)
ReplyDelete