When I finish sewing a project I always have mixed feelings. On one hand, I’m jumping with joy. At last I can wear/use/give the whatever it is. I can move on to the next project, which has been sitting impatiently in the wings. “Start me. Start me.”
On the other hand, I also feel a tad forlorn. The feeling that I’ve not quite finished it. I could just sew a little bit more. Improve it a fraction. Alter it a tiny amount. Please tell me I’m not alone? 
Times like this I fall back on the 80:20 rule and leave it. That way I actually finish. I may have only done 80% of what I’d really really like to do, but the difference is that I have a finished object. The last 20% is less important. Or at least it has a diminishing return for the effort I put in. Far better to let it go and start the next project. “Start me. Start me.”
This is the bobbin fabric from a few days ago. I loved the answers you gave about which fabric best described you.
I used the New Look 6598 pattern to turn it into a blouse, which I’ve used before to make a floral version. This time I made view D. Shorter sleeves and no collar. I added a bit of length to the sleeves. Also to the body, as the original length tends to show my tummy when I stretch up. It’s OK. I just avoid reaching up. Easy. Solution for everything!
One part that I would improve. Here comes the 20% part. If I had a dressmaker’s mannequin, I would have altered the darts a bit more. It’s not quite as fitted as I would have liked, but I can live with it.
When all said and done, this is going to be an amazingly useful blouse, this summer. I’m already planning to make another version.
I have to thank my eldest daughter for taking these photos. Thank you, slightly taller one. Not without a little amusement thrown into the mix, I assure you. It wouldn’t be her if there wasn’t. Would you like to take a peek at my view? From where I was sitting? Go on then.
No, I’m none the wiser about why a chicken was there.
Any tips on how you know when to finish a project? Gladly received.
Sewing details:
Pattern: New Look 6598 – easy pattern to put together.
Fabric: Bobbin fabric from our local fabric shop
Buttons: Recycled from a handknitted baby cardigan
Seams: french seams.
Your blouse looks wonderful. I know what you mean about knowing when it’s finished though. I tend to pick faults with my work and think maybe I could re-do my top stitching a fraction or the hem isn’t quite perfect. I have to let it go or I would rework them to death and take allthe pleasure out of the process x
I’m glad I’ve finished it. I really need to know when to finish. Even now I’m looking at the side hem. Let it go!
I LOVE that fabric, and it was lovely to see a picture of you sitting at your machine making it. I always imagine everyone has these amazing, dedicated sewing rooms, with everything beautifully organised, and easily to hand. It is nice to see the reality sometimes too.
As for finished products – I am terrible. I am always seeing the faults, and I think I drive the kids mad by picking at wonky seams and off center hems when they are wearing the clothes!
That last photo is priceless – love the chicken 🙂
I do that too. First question the children ask is “Are there any pins in it?” Which basically means – have I finished, yet. Just one more tweak.