I've had a little time to think lately. About my life and what I want in it. It's good to take the time to do that sort of thinking now and then. I find that my best contemplating comes when I'm tucked away sewing and making something. Sometimes I listen to music or NPR, but sometimes I just enjoy the relative quiet.
While browsing sewing patterns recently, I realized that it's indicative of the way I look at life: with Great Expectations. I don't envision a failed project. No, I envision the dress or skirt fitting the intended wearer perfectly.
I thought about that concept----- do Great Expectations set me up for disappointment in sewing and in life? Well, they have. There are more than a couple handmade items that wound up tossed in the corner or even in the waste basket out of frustration. And in my life, I didn't envision becoming divorced, or going back to college at 40, or wrestling with blended households, and complications. Maybe we never envision these things.
But all in all, I believe in Great Expectations. It's good to set the bar high as long as one's able to deal with the possibility of disappointment and alterations from plans. It's good to set goals and to believe in one's dreams, even if they never come true.
And when I think about those projects I've tackled and my visions of grandeur, I enjoyed those daydreams. Even when the project did indeed turn out as expected, I enjoyed the dreaming and the anticipation more than the final project. It was the process.
There is a recommendation within the envelope on Colette patterns: "The best advice for sewing is to relax, take your time, and enjoy the process of creating something just for you." And maybe that's good advice for life, too. Enjoy your dreams. Enjoy your Great Expectations, whether they come true or not. Enjoy the process.
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The project photographed here is from the book, One-Yard Wonders. It's the Summer Nightie. It was a quick and fun project. I like the way it looks, as well. Close to what I envisioned! I used some vintage cotton and made my the bias tape from muslin. If I make more of these nighties (Voile would be nice!), I will change the inside seams and elastic casing to make it look more "finished." (I have a thing about the inside of garments looking as nice as the outside). Also, it fits me fine but the cup portion is a little on the slim side (FYI). All in all, I'm happy with the way it turned out.
