But It Should Fit!

[Seshat]

Another thing you can do is to limit yourself to people who have an understanding and appreciation of how much effort hand-made things are.

My cross-stitch and other crafts go mostly to my family and close friends; most of whom either currently make things or have made things. I'm currently doing a major project: a 50th wedding anniversary cross-stitch for my parents.

My father made me a turned wooden pen for my birthday. (The mechanics were purchased, the pen body is gorgeous and hand-made.) I still have hand-knitted clothes - and a hand-knitted doll - from my mother's crafting. I KNOW my parents will fully appreciate the cross-stitch.


It's not a total guarantee. Some crafters are rude idiots. But you're more likely to strike people who understand and appreciate the effort among crafters (or people who've given crafting an honest try) than the general populace.

[houdini]

Taking a break and doing something for you is definitely the best thing to do - I always find it helps me to do something that no one else has a say in, no one else can object to, and that I want to do. At the moment it's a space duvet, which is awesome and simple and such a silly project that it's fun - but it's something for me, that I will enjoy.

It's crap that you got caught in the crossfire, but at least karma's biting her in the (modified) ass sooner rather than later!

[FerrousBueller]

I've been doing a lot of mulling. Have come to the decision I'm going to do something fun for myself. Build something outside my comfort zone and just... shake things up a bit.

Also, have been asked to help with a project locally. Designing things for projects I have no stake or soul in... but it'll be an emotional break for a bit. Web pages, business headers, that sort of thing.

And thank you all for the kind words and encouragement

[fireheart]

And no plastic surgery.

Or at least it's doesn't affect clothing size. >.>

[Aragarthiel]

On the other hand, no divorces

And no plastic surgery.

[fireheart]

If you have any children or child relatives in your family who do any sort of performing arts, why not see if you can help with costuming there? My mum did this when I was a kid which meant that her skills weren't going to waste (she made the curtains for a school "stage" for a school play that still get used today some 15 years later but she also made a few costumes for both my sister and I for dance productions). The downside is stage mums, but at least with stage parents you can TELL from first impressions if they'll be that way. On the other hand, no divorces

If you have a scout troop in your local area, see if there's a gang show troupe as well (they're typically linked with scouts and in some cases Girl Scouts/girl guides too) as they are always looking for help with making costumes and managing them backstage. My mum currently does this. All the performers are assigned to a "patrol" that contains a mix of girls or boys from different scout troops and also has a patrol leader and assistant patrol leader. Each patrol has a "wardrobe" lady who assists the patrol with costume changes and maintains the costumes backstage and this is where my mum comes in. She's dealt with a few "diva" girls and that behaviour results in you being less likely to get a role in the following years. (Or if you do get a role, it'll be in the group singing numbers and no "solos" of any kind)

My sister has gone through the ranks over the years doing gang show. She started as a group singer, then had a couple of "dance numbers" (we found it hilarious that she was dressed as a sailor for her debut) and its eventually culminated in her now helping handle casting for the show.

[XCashier]

That really sucks, you went through all that and basically ended up with a pyrrhic victory. That woman was just plain poison, and her husband was wise to dump her. Sorry you got caught in the wreckage.

Definitely going to step away from costuming for other people for a while....I'm too ... well... -me- to give up making stuff altogether.

That's good to hear, that you aren't totally giving up. Talent like yours shouldn't be wasted, or given up on due to one (admittedly horrible) experience.

I just really hate seeing someone with that amount of talent letting it go to waste. I'd give my left arm to be good at something, more than just the slightly-above-average I tend to max out at.

Same here. And it's sad to see someone so gifted get burned out by scumbags who do not appreciate talent when they see it.

[FerrousBueller]

I feel better after sushi....

Definitely going to step away from costuming for other people for a while. I'm going to paper the town with resumes and just try and clear my head. I'm too ... well... -me- to give up making stuff altogether.

She did not admit to having plastic surgery but, at this point, it's common knowledge. I don't know all the details in the divorce proceedings, but I understand that the husband is filing for the costs of the procedures. With our case, she denied it but the judge agreed I couldn't be held responsible for her 'change in condition.' Anyone with a pair of eyes can see she had work done. More-so with how bloated she is getting.

I'm being catty again.

I have to thank my wife for being there through all this. She's helped me keep a straight head on. I'm just... well, mostly struggling with the faith in humanity. When I first posted this, I thought it was a crappy customer. Never thought it would get as ugly as it did.

Thank you all for letting me vent.

[taxguykarl]

Sorry to hear that news. It just goes to show how one SC can ruin it for everyone.

[MoonCat]

Have some chocolate or wine or both.

Or some chocolate wine. I can vouch for this one.

I don't see how they can claim ownership of two things they never finished paying for, but that's what a lawyer can sort out for you. It's definitely a major PITA and I hope everything works out well for you. That woman is a real piece of work.

[Sapphire Silk]

I'm so sorry to hear this news.

I hope that in time you'll continue creating for yourself. I don't blame you for not wanting to do it for others.

Whatever you do for a job, I hope you get a happy career deserving of your obvious talents.

[Aragarthiel]

Think of it this way: she gave you all this trouble and ended up lonely, with plastic surgery that is pretty much pointless now, and from the sound of it, she's probably going to lose everything in the divorce. Not only that, but it sounds like she can't even afford a new wardrobe, so she got what she deserved. You got one person that bad, you probably won't ever encounter another as long as you live, and when you do have a tough customer, you can always think, "At least it's not like it was with HER..."

If you still want to quit, consider giving yourself a time limit (six months, a year), and if you don't want to come back to it after that, you don't have to. I just really hate seeing someone with that amount of talent letting it go to waste. I'd give my left arm to be good at something, more than just the slightly-above-average I tend to max out at.

Good luck with things, however they go.

[eltf177]

I remember this thread, what a sucky outcome. It's a pity you can't countersue the dumass bitch but as you were told it wouldn't be worth the time.

Best of luck to you...

[notalwaysright]

Aww. That sucks. I've worked for a place who "won" a court battle, but still had to finish the roofing job. Which was the absolute worst. And it's sad because there are so few costumers anymore. I will restrain myself mostly, but I swear everyone now just makes a no-sew tutu and calls it a costume. (Nothing against the concept, just that I have gone to real effort before and basically made a fool of myself.) Or order something online from ebay, then complain because it's cheap looking.

And I dunno if you are able to talk about it, but if you can... Did she admit to the plastic surgery??

[FerrousBueller]

Update.

I quit.

I completely surrender- I'm giving up costuming.

She tried to sue me directly. I fought it and, as of Tuesday, judge is throwing it out and I "win. " I say "win" because I'm out time, money, motivation felt and ... well, every time I sit at my sewing machine all I can do is seethe about this. Only silver lining is this is going to show up in her divorce filings too. Also, she's starting to look fat. Like somebody stuffed a bloated sausage in a black skirt and pinned 2 party balloons to the chest.

I was paid for the dresses but not even a pittance of what I lost in time and turmoil. I filed a counter suit but several lawyers have told me outright 'It isn't worth the battle. Even winning will come out a loss for you.'

So, I quit. I'm going back to work in web marketing.

Humans suck. I'm convinced it is the hubris of our own species that will wipe us from the Earth and, right now, I'm kind of in favor of it.

Enjoy the dresses, Fat Sausage Butt. May your gloriously jubbly-hips be as hideous as your soul.

I'm going to go get some sushi now.