Sewing Projects | Jul 13, 2010 | 1 Comment

Wisconsin State Fair Entries

in other words: OMG PANIC, PANIC

I foolishly signed up to submit three sewing entries in the Wisconsin State Fair. My grand delusions intentions were to submit a dress in the Cocktail, Party or Bridesmaid Dress category, one in the First Time Sewing Entry category and one in the Independent Sewing Pattern Company category.

This is also the week I hope to run a half marathon over the course of four days. And work full time. And schedule a Vic Mizzy photo shoot. And work the East Side Green Market on Saturday.

Like I said (to quote my dear Editor Erin): OMG PANIC PANIC.

Now, I’m trying not to worry too much. I figure I can cut out all the pattern pieces on my lunch break, sew when I get home at 9 p.m. Do any hand stitching on my lunch breaks as well. But I’ve only ever made two things from a commercial pattern before. AND IT TOOK ME WEEKS.

Did I mention State Fair entries are due on Monday?

I just ordered the Ceylon dress pattern from Colette Patterns in Portland, Ore. I’m thinking of doing it up in a really crazy floral print, but the little old lady judges at State Fair are pretty conservative.

I’m getting ahead of myself here. This was meant to be a thinking-out-loud-in-an-orderly-manner-so-I-can-quit-OMG PANIC PANIC-ing.

1. I don’t think I’m going to be able to accomplish any of this. It’s not that I don’t believe in myself – because I know I can make it work. I just have way too much going on and I make way to many promises and I end up in a cold sweat the night before with a hundred things started and nothing even close to done. Then I cry and go to bed.

2. I need to focus on one project first. To save my sanity. There are no consequences if I don’t finish. The best idea would be to get the Colette dress done, as there are extra prizes in the Independent Sewing Pattern category. BUT, I don’t think the pattern will even ship until Friday. Which means there is no way I will have it in time.

3. The halter dress will work! I made a simple halter dress a few weeks ago that will work for the First Time Sewing Entry category. Wow – just typing that made me feel better. One category down!

4. Start the party dress tonight. I’ve got the fabric and pattern picked out already, I can potentially get it done by Friday. If the Colette pattern comes on Friday, I reschedule the Vic Mizzy shoot for next week and use the weekend to get dress done.

Watch for photographic proof that I’m actually accomplishing something.