How to Make a Mistake

As I said in a previous post, I no longer get too bent out of shape about "mistakes" made in the creative process.  In fact, I don't usually call them mistakes anymore because I looked up the definition of mistake:

1. An error or fault resulting from defective judgment, deficient knowledge, or carelessness.

2. A misconception or misunderstanding.

Nahhh, that's not what it is, it's more like an unplanned detour onto a scenic route.  Creating something is rarely, if ever, a straight shot from Point A to Point B and you get in trouble when you try to make it that.  I've learned so much from those detours.

Like this shade.

I wanted to change the light above the dining room table.  The one I had originally bought from Home Depot was serviceable.  That should tell you right there that it had to go.  And, I broke it before we ever moved in when I bonked it with my big hard head.

 How boring is that?

I found a shade of suitable size and shape at the, you guessed it, thrift store.

I removed the black and gold trim and was on the lookout for fabric.  I walked into Hancocks one night and something in the right colors caught my eye.

This is the right side of the fabric and it's more rust than the red  it looks here. I love the great big print.  I liked the "wrong" side of the fabric better and decided to use it.

That great big print was the problem.  It is a REGULAR print. I hadn't measured the shade (what?  me measure?) and when I did, I found that the bottom circumference was 1 inch larger than the top.  That means I would have to cut the fabric on a curve...which means the print would be all whopperjawed.  Look, I'll show you what I tried.

See those big darts?  Lampshades don't typically have darts. But that's what needed to happen to keep the print running level.  Not at all attractive, would you agree?

What to do?  Go to your stash.  And looky what I found

Similar colors, graphic print but the key is it's an IRregular print.  I've had this fabric for a long time (it's probably older than my firstborn) and am thrilled to finally have a use for it.

Mistake, nahhhhhh.