Dopamine Sewing: Turn Mistakes into Learning
Peppermint West End Jacket made with FS Lovebird FS Signature Finish Midweight Fabric
Peppermint West End Jacket made with FS Lovebird FS Signature Finish Midweight Fabric
“It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me…”
Famous words from Taylor Swift and entirely accurate for me. If you follow me on social media, then you know that I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. My most current mistake? Choosing the wrong pattern for my fabric choice.
In garment sewing, pattern makers help us by offering a list of suggested fabric to use with their pattern. The wrong fabric could skew our perception of a good pattern, and vice versa, so it is always smart to listen to those suggestions. For this pattern – I ignored that advice and did what I wanted.
“I’m the problem.”
Peppermint West End Jacket made with FS Lovebird FS Signature Finish Midweight Fabric
Yup. I made my own bed on this one. Okay okay okay- so what exactly did I do? It can’t possibly be JUST the wrong pattern choice? Nope, I made several other mistakes. It isn’t the end of the world, and you may laugh at me for this. You might say “Caitlin…that is a small blip!” and then proceed in telling a story about a horrific mistake with a serger and a wedding dress…
Linen is a beautiful fabric that’s luxurious and comfortable. It also has an unforgiving bias- if you stretch it just a tad too much, your pieces won’t match. Linen requires certain techniques, cough-staystitching-cough. Meanwhile, the Peppermint West End Jacket is designed for a more durable fabric.
Peppermint West End Jacket made with FS Lovebird FS Signature Finish Midweight Fabric
In my frustration of mismatched necklines and under arms, I forgot my cargo-style pockets and steered away from adding sleeve plackets. Before all that even began, I cropped the length too much! What started out as a thought out project, quickly became…not what I wanted. I had a vision of a modern Safari jacket, reminiscent of 40’s fashion, with a modern (and neon) twist. Don’t get me wrong, the West End Jacket is such a fun pattern that I have sewed before in a denim. It showcases flat felled seams and a very customizable pocket and cuff details.
One thing I love about the sewing community is most people are willing to share their experiences, good and bad. This is especially important when it comes to sewing patterns or material. (Thank you to everyone who sewed Double Cotton Gauze before me!!) Honest reviews can help others avoid the same mistakes or even decide if a pattern is right. If you have a bad experience, don’t be afraid to share! It might help someone else in the future from dropping a jacket too much.
Peppermint West End Jacket made with FS Lovebird FS Signature Finish Midweight Fabric
How am I feeling now? Ultimately, I can’t be mad. Yes, the jacket didn’t turn out how I envisioned it, but I learned from the experience. I learned that I need to be more aware of what linen wants to become instead of forcing it to act like canvas. I learned that not every project is going to turn out, but I can accept and move on. I also learned that muskets (even tears) will make me a better maker.
What is the worst sewing mistake you have made? Or the biggest lesson you learned? I am sure we can all relate!
About Author
Caitlin Snyder
Caitlin is a self-taught sewist living in Los Angeles, California, with her extremely patient husband, happy French Bulldog, and skeptical cat. Her painting and design background inform her need to create. Sewing her wardrobe is her current passion (some say obsession). Laughing over a meal and wine is a close second. Instagram: @caitsnyd_sewsLeave a comment
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31 Comments
Carolyn Wallace
A name — not really 😉 — for a sewing group for everyone who’s commented here. We are members of ‘The Bad Words, but Persistent, Sewers.’ Or something like that.
Carolyn Wallace
Thank you, each and every one of you, for posting your ‘mistakes!’ I’ve made many, and forgotten most of them. I get frustrated, swear and then usually stop sewing for at least a couple of hours, saying — to no avail, usually, ‘It’s part of the process.” I remember that many years ago, 60+ years ago, in home ec class, required back then, I wanted a red cotton blouse. I laid out — and cut — all the pattern pieces except the yoke. Oops! There wasn’t enough fabric to cut the yoke on the fold; so my teacher told me to 1) follow the layout suggested on the instructions next time and 2) cut out the pieces after laying out the pattern pieces! That blouse had a pieced yoke, with a nice seam in its center. I wore it proudly anyway. Another time, many years later, I cut out two identical sleeves — argh! I don’t remember what I did to ‘fix’ the mistake, but I figured out something. I’ve made many mistakes over the years. I know that because I’m a patient and expert ‘unpicker’ of stitches!
Gigi Heck
I love to change patterns and experiment with different collars, sleeves, etc. Most of the time it works, but occasionally I have an epic fail. It all comes with the territory! And I agree, linen is sometimes a fussy fabric to work with and requires prep work, for sure! I think your jacket is adorable!
Caitlin Snyder
I think I learn something new about linen everytime I sew with it, LOL!
Darcy Bowden
I want whatever you Hong-Konged your seam allowances with!! Self made bias tape or commercial? I agree with Lora. Your lightweight jacket looks good to me : )!
Caitlin Snyder
Thank you!! I used a self made bias tape form a checkered quilting cotton. I sadly can’t find it any longer as it was a warehouse style fabrics store I got it from 🙁
Susan Jackson Rafter
Back in the late 70’s when I was 19 or so, I sewed satin 3 piece suits for a rock band. I had sewn since I was 10 in 4-H, but nothing had prepared me for sewing on such a slippery fabric, men’s pant and jacket details, a very demanding client, and having to sew on my bedroom floor because I didn’t have a table for cutting or for my machine. I got through it and the suits lasted them until their style changed. I swear I would have left town so they couldn’t find me if they wanted more of the same.
Lu Smith
I had a near miss when cutting my Wedding Dress! There were supposed to be two back skirt pieces, but I only had enough fabric for one. After a frantic trip to the bridal shop I found that there was no Ivory Silk Taffeta to be had anywhere.
So I cut the one piece in half, adjusted the placement of the pieces, made the dress and it turned out perfectly! It would have had too much gather had I bought enough fabric.
I wish I had too much so I could gift the leftovers to the bride who only had one sleeve. I shed a tear for her on my wedding day.
The worst real mistake I made was when making heavy textured curtains for a friend. I swear I looked at that fabric dozens if times and pinned notes to the top of each cut length. When I hung them there was one upside-down drop in the centre of the feature window.
She would not hear if me resewing them (small stitching impossible to unpick), so at least I don’t have to see it. I shudder when I step through her front door.
Susan Jackson Rafter
The curtains! I can just imagine!
M Davis
It’s always a win win when you can still come out with a garment that you can still wear and it takes you on a route that still is CREATIVE!!! Just imagine no paint on a canvas , there would be no art. As with sewing it’s always an adventure to see what our garment will become. Thanks for sharing … FIESTA 🙂
Jane Cassidy
My first sewing mistake, when i was 10, was making a skirt from fabric with stripes that included open space. My mother memorable was starting a major sewing binge and a successful keto diet at the same time. Several months later i had a whole bunch of new clothes several sizes too big.
Jane Cassidy
Keyboard changed most to mother. Oops.
Nalani Mcclendon
Ha, you really caught my attention. I was trying to figure out your mom on keto!
Nancy Crockett
I started sewing when I was 12. I’m now 73. My biggest problem is forgetting that I’m not shaped like a younger women and patterns aren’t shaped like me. I can measure and adjust until I’m blue in the face and mostly my creations just don’t fit.
Carolyn Wallace
I think your ‘problem’ happens to many of us. May I suggest, most respectfully, that you consider a pattern from Fabrics-Store. They are expensive, sure, but many of them don’t require a lot of fitting and adjusting. They have more than one garment usually, as well. They have what I consider classic style and the instructions are detailed, with illustrations, too. If you get stuck, there’s phone help available! Plus, sometimes a pattern goes on sale. I think you deserve creations that flatter you, that you like and that fit the way they’re supposed to fit!
Caitlin Snyder
Thank you! I love that idea and already got one to try!! I agree with you – we all deserve creations that we love!
Susan Bechamp
Technically I take the same size as my sister, but I have to alter some spots for a more comfortable fit. My most memorable mistake that stymied me was forgetting to allow for the seam allowance I needed. That may not seem like a significant problem but I found it forced a long sleeve top to have a shorter length than what I wanted. I recut the sleeve with leftover fabric and started again. The mistakenly cut, too-short sleeves then became large pockets that weren’t originally planned.
Lesson #1) always get a yard or two extra than what you think you’ll need. Mistakes happen, no one pre plans them. Leftover fabric is still useful. (Think color blocking).
Lesson #2). Be flexible and adapt as needed. Adding pockets wasn’t in my original plan, but having pockets has made this top one I reach for so often I’m going to make another.
Maybe some mistakes are meant to be. I got more out of this one than just a lesson or two.
Jane Cassidy
Pockets may not be planned but they’re never a mistake.
Caitlin Snyder
I love the lessons you learned and will put those in my “proverbial” pocket!!
PHYLLIS LUSSIER
I am 1.5 years into learning how to sew my own clothing. So many errors but lots of fun and learning how to turn mistakes into success. I recently cut a pair of linen pants way too short. After a fair amount of bad words I calmed down and got out my linen remnants and added lengrh from just under the knees to the hem. Lucky i am short in stature, so i had enough remnant fabric. So top of pants beige and cream stripes, bottom solid cream flares. C’est la vie! I l Iove them.
Caitlin Snyder
Love that!!
Maria Davila
I’m sure EVERY seamstress has a share of mistakes. I tend to experiment a lot with fabric and also yarn when knitting, and sometimes end up throwing away a project midstream. I have also made wonderful garments that I continue to use over and over. I consider every stitch, every piece cut, a win. It trains your brain. And I love your light jacket – no, it’s not a safari jacket, but it would be beautiful over a white summer sundress (I have one made from signature linen) ; I’ll buy it if you’re looking to sell it!
Caitlin Snyder
I know who to go to if I get rid of it lol! I have been thinking a lot about the idea of mistakes and learning. And I am coming to a place of “Learning is valuable, even if it’s not always fun.” Mistakes will ALWAYS happen when you are doing something new right? I think I would rather make the mistake in action because I experiment with something new, rather than spending hours upon hours of research and study but never taking action.
Diane Kenny
Caitlin, this may make you laugh out loud: A million years ago, when I was a young sewist, I made a shirt for my husband out of cotton flannel. The print was of geese flying, and the fabric typically would have been used as a lining for the sleeping bags everyone used then. It was a really fun shirt! One of our dearest friends saw it and wanted it, so I told him that I’d make him one. He wanted a meditation shirt, so easy-peasy, no button plackets on the sleeves, no buttons down the front. Sadly, I placed the pattern pieces onto the print upside-down, so that when it was finished, the shirt had geese flying belly-up. Our friend was defionitely benefitting from his meditation regime, becuause when he tried the shirt on and looked down at the print, he said, “Never mind. It’s rightside-up when I look at it.” And he smiled. Isn’t that just the coolest?
Caitlin Snyder
HAHAH I did laugh out loud!!!! I am SO nervous to sew with identifiable images for JUST that reason! What a good natured friend!!!
Mary Reilly
I’ve just packed up my machine for the day (note: it’s noon here). It’s been a weekend of dumb mistakes, pattern frustrations, and general heatwave-induced irritation. I’ll power back in at some point soon, but I’ve found that there are times when it’s best to shake it off (that Taylor Swift gal is a fount of life lessons!).
Caitlin Snyder
Agreed!! I hope you were able to shake it off and get back on there!
Susan O'Gara
I’m going to guess that the word muskets in your article was supposed to be mistakes. I’m laughing because I’m usually that person that you’re talking about. We could form a club, called The musketeers!
Thanks for sharing your experience and being vulnerable. And I agree with Lora that the jacket looks cute. I would wear it, but then…
Caitlin Snyder
Oh no!!! You guessed correctly (laughing although my slightly embarrassed!), that it meant to read “mistakes.” Maybe we can be the “Mistaketeers”?? hehe
Lora Mesiano
I don’t get what the problem is? I think it looks great!
Caitlin Snyder
hah! Thank you! The “mistake” was the struggle for me. Sure it looks cute- but throughout the process I kept running into issues. So the end result is not what I had hoped for. It is totally wearable still!!