Adios, Charlie.

I debated calling this post "Erin the Quitter" or "F is for Fail," but those both sounded super negative and I don't think quitting a sewing project is necessarily a bad thing. In fact it can be a great thing!

My friends gifted me the new Closetcase Patterns caftan pattern, Charlie and I was stoked because it is really really cute. I traced the pattern, cut out some beautiful Birch Fabrics chambray, and got to sewing. I worked on it here and there over a couple of days, doing small bits of sewing, but last night shit hit the fan. For the LIFE of me I could not get that center panel sewn in without puckers. I can't tell you how many times I sewed and ripped out stitches, it's embarrassing. Let's just say that my seam ripper and I spent a lotttttt of time together haha. I was so frustrated and angry and hot (no AC) and was probably being really annoying to my friends, Lauren and Arleen, who I kept texting.

Then in the middle of my rage I realized that this is a hobby, not my job. Sewing should be fun and if I'm getting pissed off then I should stop. The moment I gave myself permission to quit it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Quitting can be ok! Life is too short to force yourself into sewing something that doesn't make you happy.

That said, I am not bashing the pattern. I think I wasn't precise in my stitching/cutting for that center piece and precision is definitely key for making that panel sew in correctly. Will I try sewing it again? Right now I'd say "no," but who knows, I'll probably change my mind after I chill out for a while.

Also, I just reread my Sewing Bummer Recovery Tips post and that gave me some good ideas, so tonight I plan on sewing a couple of knit shirts and I am really excited about it. Cheers to easy TNT patterns!