True confession: I've gone off sewing

(Plus totally pinched my post title from the wonderful Karen).

Thankfully, I don't think it'll be permanent. God only knows what would happen to my sense of self if it was.

But I had such good ideas for February, and I feel like everything, including the ideas, has conspired against me over the last week, to the point where I'd like to just throw in the towel. Can you help me?? I'll show you the evidence - any and all creative rescue plans are welcome!

Exhibit #1:

It's a briar, of course. The pattern I was excited to get for Christmas and even more excited to be sewing along with this month. This was my trial version, in a jersey I didn't really like much any more (too sludgy), so in principle it's only a muslin. Nonetheless I sewed the whole thing meticulously to test-run, and the top indeed sews up beautifully. Or it would have if it weren't for my first pet hate - breaking my only double needle halfway through. The rate I get through double needles, it'd probably be cheaper in the long run to just buy a coverstitch machine and be done with it (mental note to self: actually do the maths on this).

Anyway, that's not really the point. The point is - look at that fit.

Gah! A twitter shout led to some kind hand-holding by Tanit-Isis who confirmed my suspicion that it'll be fine with an FBA and something about the swayback (plus a narrow back adjustment too? All thoughts welcome!). But I am just so utterly fed up with fitting. In my head this was going to be one of those knit tops that miraculously come out right first time. Boo.

On to sewing-grump Exhibit #2: an unfinished Jasmine.

This is why I am fed up with fitting, and frankly, with making an effort to get things right in general. Make no mistake, it'll be a beautiful blouse when it's done. I have finally got the fit of this right! After FOUR muslins. Yes FOUR. And it's a slinky, warm poly crepe with wonderful drape that takes just that little bit extra effort to sew nicely. BUT. But. I was planning this post a few days ago, at which point I thought the blouse would be finished that night and was in love with the idea - hence the photoshopped swooning. You know what? EVERY night for the last four days I have thought - tonight's the night! And guess what - it's still not done! It still hasn't got sleeves. And I am SO FED UP with sewing it but can't bring myself to move on till it's done. Gah and more gah....

Exhibit #3:

This one is not a bad thing per se but an attack of nerves. It's a dress that will involve Yet. More. Fitting. I just can't take it any more!! But I simultaneously so want to join in the February Frock Fest fun. Also, I'm not a natural polkadot person. I really don't know what inspired me to buy this in the first place, apart from the fact that it's chocolate brown and mint green and hence makes me think of mint-choc-chip ice cream.

click for source

I want to do the view shown made up on the pattern cover, but can't decide if with the collar it'd just be polkadot overkill. What say you, sewing stylists? I mean, it's a really good collar that I know will flatter, I just don't want to turn up at work looking like a fancy dress party of one.

And finally, Exhibit #4. Which is not illustrated. It's another true confession.

Last week when I was ill, I couldn't do much else than sleep, or sit on the sofa watching tv, drinking lemsip and sulking because I had gone off eating, and, well... I was knitting.

Indeed. After a gap of at least 20 years, it turns out I still know how to knit (thanks Mum/Grandma!) Just the basics, but enough to make myself a cowl which has hardly left my neck since. And I love it. It's like magic, the way this beautiful squishy fabric grows in your hands, and all you have to do is meditatively and rhythmically keep those needles moving. I can't wait to start my next project.

That's in fact what I really just need to admit to myself: I'd rather be knitting.