The Car Organizer

As I was making this Car Organizer, I was reminded of the time I chose a sweater with an intarsia sheep and some crazy stitch that required picking up stitches four rows below as my first knitted sweater project. Before this sweater, I had made a scarf and mittens. It was way too advanced for me. But this sweater has been a source of confidence for me. Every time I look at a knitting pattern that looks extremely difficult, I think to myself that I can knit anything because I knitted that sheep sweater.

Although this pattern might not be a perfect equivalent for sewing, I felt, while I was making this, that I was way in over my head. After I cut all the pieces out, I realized that I should have bought fusible interfacing. I didn't buy fusible interfacing because the pattern said to buy "interfacing". I guess I should have read the instructions first? I'm still not sure why it didn't call for FUSIBLE interfacing in the list of ingredients. I ran into some other confusing parts and got so frustrated that I (literally) threw everything in my closet and thought about how terrible it was that I spent all that money on materials and there was no way I was finishing this stupid thing! But Joanna talked me out of abandoning it and the night before we left for our vacation, I got the nerve to finish it. I worked on it for 6.5 hours straight, only taking a small break to eat dinner. But I finished it in time for our long drive! Woohoo!

Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. The only complaint I have is that it isn't as sturdy as I thought it would be. I used the same type of stabilizer that the pattern called for, so it's not because I didn't use the right materials. The next time I make another, I think I will also add some plastic sheets (you know, the kind used to make templates) into the sides. You can see in the last picture how the sides are bending out a little. But considering that this was a bit advanced for my skill level, I'm so happy it turned out so well and can hardly believe I actually did it! It really has boosted my confidence because it shows me that I really can sew as long as I take it one step at a time and allow my friends to talk me out of giving up. Thanks Jo!