Stages of Sewing/Crafts/Projects

1. Discovery. "Oooooh, how cute and/or fun!" "I can fix my own washing maching?!?"
I blame google for most of my hair-brained ideas.

2. Excitement (mixed with self-delusion) "Oh, I can totally do that. And it will be awesome. Because *I* am awesome."
This phase is really fun while shopping for said project, though sometimes I'm afraid I'll hurt my arm or back from all the preemptive patting.

3. Doubt. "Uh, I may be in over my head here."
I wish the doubt would set in before I made the investment and started a project. Unfortunately, the excitement phase lasts too long. If I'm sewing, this is when I call mom. However I reserve the right to call her even if it's not a presser foot or bias tape-related question.

4. Renewed Ambition. "No, I can totally do this. Look, it's coming along! Just taking a little longer than I planned."
Thank you, internal cheerleader. Sometimes I want to punch you, though.

5. Anger. "What in the name of marshmallows possessed me to think this was a good idea? Why do I do this? WHY?!?! I am banning myself from all craft/fabric/repair stores."
This self-loathing phase is when the Diet Coke and M&Ms come out, even if Dave laughs at the lengths I go to to enjoy said treats with paste-covered hands.

6. Bargaining. "Just finish this project and you'll never do anything like this again. And you can have ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream."
Oh, wait, and I have Junior Mints in the freezer! Do it for the Junior Mints!

7. Depression. "This looks nothing like it's supposed to. It's clearly not worth any more time and should just be thrown out/flushed/burned."
Treats are usually involved in this stage, too.

(Repeat steps 4-7 many times depending on the length of the project. I always wondered why Michael's has such a large supply of candy at checkout; after looking over this list, I realize it must not be only me. And phone calls to Mom aren't limited to step 3, and can be interspersed throughout.)

8. Acceptance. "It's not going to look exactly like the picture, but it's good enough."

9.* Self-Congratulations. "I did it! It could be more awesome, but it's pretty good. Yay me!" And then I jump online to find my next project and repeat the whole process.

*I hope I get to that point. It doesn't happen with every project,though.


Right now, I'm just wondering what kind of idiot thinks making a pinata for her soon-to-be 5-year-old's birthday is a good idea, especially since she hasn't touched paper mache since kindergarten. Clearly, I'm on number 5.