Summer 2016 Bucket List // Number 20 // CHECK

HEY! Remember that Summer Bucket List I posted 2 weeks ago? I’ve already checked off one item! WOOHOO!

Okay, so I kind of feel like a cheater, because when I put number 20 as “Sew curtains for the front window” – I was already started on the project. It’s been one of those projects I’ve been meaning to tackle since we moved into the house! But, I must confess, when I created my bucket list, the material had already been purchased, cut, and was half-way pinned. No sewing had taken place yet! So, since sewing was specifically what I said I wanted to accomplish, I only half cheated.

Here’s the reason I added it to my bucket list though: I hate sewing (and I needed 1 more item to make my list complete & I couldn’t think of anything else! HA) But seriously: I really hate sewing. I love just about every other DIY project out there & I love knitting and crocheting, but anything that has to do with a needle & thread, I run the other direction from.

I really can’t tell you why. I took sewing classes in school and remember dreading it. I never truly learned how to read a pattern and remember always being frustrated at the whole process. Cutting material was too final for me – there’s no fixing it if you mess up. At least when you put needle & thread to the material, if you need to, you can rip your stitches out – it may take you 32 years – but it is possible! So, I think that’s it – the finality of the whole sewing process makes me anxious.

But, every once in a while, I decide to tackle a sewing project – in this case, my oddly short front window that I couldn’t find curtains that fit. Here’s what the process looks like:
I walk into JoAnn Fabrics and tell myself: it’s really not that bad. Look at all this beautiful material! I have such endless gorgeous options!
I find what I need and make my way to the sewing counter. The lady who cuts my fabric is so nice, I wonder why I ever hated sewing so much in the first place!
I get home, set myself all up: sewing machine, thread, bobbins, scissors, pins, iron – let’s do this!
I cheerfully watch Netflix while measuring and pinning away. This really isn’t so bad at all! Look! I’m already all done with one curtain! Only 3 more to go! This is a breeze!
Then I realize that I bought material that is a pattern – a striped pattern – and that curtain I just pinned up is crooked. Crap. So, all the pins come back out, the measuring tape comes back out, and I’m on a mission to get this right!
..17 hours later, I’m pulling my hair out wondering WHY I ever thought this was a good idea! HAHA

Seriously though, I’m writing this down so that I remember – Kara! In about 2 years, you’ll decide to tackle a new sewing project. You’ll buy material and borrow your sister’s sewing machine and cheerfully set out to be Susie-Homemaker. It’s a trap! Do yourself a favor, and pay someone else to do it!

It won’t work, but it was worth a try.

Let’s not even talk about what happened up here. UGH.

I’m just thankful to be done & to have beautiful curtains for my front window that I absolutely love!