Quote Originally Posted by Dilbert16588 View Post
The other thing that keeps me wondering is - how far do you go before you're over-analyzing and nit-picking? I see other smaller mistakes that aren't visible unless you're almost 3" away from the pleat but look fine from a normal viewing distance. Do I go back and redo those to make it as perfect as possible (what my perfectionist is telling me) or do I be realistic and let them slide, making sure I don't make the same mistake in the other pleats? It's like the comic image of the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other!
In my regular life as a historical re-enactor, the arch-question is to handsew or use a machine. Many use the latter on hidden seams. I tend to completely handsew since I can work without electricity. I was however given the ultimate reality check:

"If the public are close enough to tell; they are just too close."

I agree, the overall effect, particularly of the stripes when viewed from a distance is the most crucial thing. I have to let little things go, yet I am kicking myself for this morning's discovery that I'd bought buckles that are too small. If it's not one thing it's another. (pardon, if i'm using your thread for my venting)

Keep up the good fight.