I think I experienced close to a full-blown panic attack last night with my renaissance dress. I went to try it on with the sleeves sewn onto the bodice and it was too tight. I freaked out. I thought I was going to vomit, honestly.
Fortunately, Terry has such a level head and made plans for what we could rip out and where we could shorten the seam allowances to help out. I was working with 5/8″ seam allowances, so there’s plenty of room, it just meant I needed to rip out and resew some areas.
Terry said that he would take care of it for me later (he was heading downstairs to relax and watch some TV for the rest of the night), but I’ve learned that the best way to approach a panic attack is to hit the issue head on, so I continued stitching and found the problem getting worse and worse.
Bed time rolled around and I tried to sleep, but keep laying there, with my panic growing with every tick of the clock. I just kept thinking about how I was going to be in Terry’s way so he wouldn’t be able to finish his costume… blah, blah, blah. So, I got out of bed and started ripping the seams out on the too-tight sleeves, then resewed them with just a 3/8″ seam allowance. Tried them on and it’s MUCH better. Thanks goodness! Crisis averted.
Went back to bed and still couldn’t sleep. I laid there for at least another hour before I finally nodded off for good.
So, I’m tired today and we had to drive separately into work today because we both had meetings scheduled all over the place. I think I may leave early so that I’m not driving home too tired. That way, I can get home earlier and maybe do some more work on the dress before Terry gets home and wants to use the sewing machine for his costume.
Both of us have to be costumed and ready by Saturday. Wish us luck, please!
I’ve had my own recent experiences with the seam ripper and I know it is no fun. But I have complete faith you will both be costumed for Saturday night. There is a huge tradition of people up late sewing at the end of October. It goes back generations. This history tells us that it will be so!
Jenna – you’ll do fine! I know you will.
(((hugs)))
Not only am I sending you good wishes and have my fingers crossed for luck, but I’m setting out bowls of milk (for the elves) alongside an explanation of your predicament in hopes that they will find their way to your house. I mean, it worked for that shoemaker, right? 😉
Take care!!!!
((big hugs)) and good luck Jenna! I’m sure you will do a wonderful job.
How stressful! I am glad you were able to get it straightened out. I am sure you will look great..
That sounds like my sort of panic attack!!
But you sound like you have it all sorted out now – clever you!
Glad you were able to get your sleeves fixed. Deep breath – you two are going to look fabulous!
*hugs*
I’m glad that you found a way to resolve all of that – I’ve had times when I’ve lain awake thinking just the way you’ve described and then been literally driven to get up and go complete it just so that I can eventually get to sleep.
I defintiely want to see pictures of you both in your garb, I’m sure it will look fantastic!
I’m glad that your attack could be fixed… I know it’s not always that “easy”, but you were lucky!
I wanna see picture of the dress, too!
I know how easy it is to get yourself worked up – there are days I do the same! Last night it was my 19yo dd who was almost in a panic because she was exhausted and could not get to sleep. Poor thing was in tears!
Glad your costume is finished. All the best to you for the weekend!