Sew,
What are you sewing for? Who are you sewing for? Why are you sewing? These are all questions I had to answer for myself in the last few days. I had decided for myself last October, that next year, I would win.
That simple though clogged my thoughts for a year as pushed myself to the limits of for the sake of competing at a silly competition.
Everyone knows about the idea that bloomed from this quest. A perfect Mashup of the Sixth Doctor's iconic costume with Renaissance style lines. I was sure that this would be the toast of the faire and my win was sealed.
I worked for months, mostly just acquiring all the different fabrics and props. I spent about 40+ hours of sewing time, then styling of the wig, then painting, then even some last minute mittens when I knew it was going to be 40 degrees (it even snowed that day).
That morning I woke with excitement. I piled on the layers and skipped into the faire. I knew I was well received and I was having a blast interacting with all of the wonderful workers.
Finally, the contest arrived.
There were many doctors represented, but I was the only six, the most complicated of them all, in my head I was screaming, "Of course, this is finally mine!"
But then it wasn't.
I lost.
Voting was by popularity, not by skill, talent or anything else of value. Within seconds, I felt like my months of work was for nothing. I left the stage gracefully and continued to walk away. I wanted nothing more than to go scream at someone, but that wasn't the right response and I knew it.
Moments like this make me forget why I sew in the first place. It should never just be for the recognition. It's for the joy. All of the wonderful moments I had before the silly competition are what I need to remember. What I need to focus on. For winning at the competition of life is far more important. You win by showing up every day and smiling and helping make others happy.
SEW!
Here she is, the final masterpiece that I am very proud of.
What are you sewing for? Who are you sewing for? Why are you sewing? These are all questions I had to answer for myself in the last few days. I had decided for myself last October, that next year, I would win.
That simple though clogged my thoughts for a year as pushed myself to the limits of for the sake of competing at a silly competition.
Everyone knows about the idea that bloomed from this quest. A perfect Mashup of the Sixth Doctor's iconic costume with Renaissance style lines. I was sure that this would be the toast of the faire and my win was sealed.
I worked for months, mostly just acquiring all the different fabrics and props. I spent about 40+ hours of sewing time, then styling of the wig, then painting, then even some last minute mittens when I knew it was going to be 40 degrees (it even snowed that day).
That morning I woke with excitement. I piled on the layers and skipped into the faire. I knew I was well received and I was having a blast interacting with all of the wonderful workers.
Finally, the contest arrived.
There were many doctors represented, but I was the only six, the most complicated of them all, in my head I was screaming, "Of course, this is finally mine!"
But then it wasn't.
I lost.
Voting was by popularity, not by skill, talent or anything else of value. Within seconds, I felt like my months of work was for nothing. I left the stage gracefully and continued to walk away. I wanted nothing more than to go scream at someone, but that wasn't the right response and I knew it.
Moments like this make me forget why I sew in the first place. It should never just be for the recognition. It's for the joy. All of the wonderful moments I had before the silly competition are what I need to remember. What I need to focus on. For winning at the competition of life is far more important. You win by showing up every day and smiling and helping make others happy.
SEW!
Here she is, the final masterpiece that I am very proud of.