Project complete

Amazingly, I have managed to finally complete a project.  I bought this vintage flowery material a few weeks ago, washed it and that is as far as it got.  I decided I wanted to make a pillowcase, so today, was determined to finally get on with it.  Here it is.  It is backed with calico and is too big for my pillow, but I used an existing pillowcase as the pattern.  The stitching and execution would not bear close inspection but I am pleased with it and it gives the material a new use.  However, having completed the project, there are a few things I have learnt for next time.

Notes to self:
1. Remember that when you wash fabric, any fabric, but especially vintage fabric, it may change in texture.  When I bought it, it was a stiff-ish cotton fabric which I thought would be great for soft furnishings.  After washing it, it became very slippery and was extremely difficult to sew, even when I pinned and tacked it. 
2. Try to think about the pattern and get the pieces the right way round, which will save time and temper.  I sewed it all up then realised I had sewed the flap of the pillowcase the wrong way round. Grrr!  Elementary mistake, but I really should have avoided that.
3. Tidy up as you go along.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am messy.  This morning, there were threads everywhere, sewing paraphernalia everywhere and a general pickle which now needs to be tidied up before I have lunch.  Tidying as I go will perhaps never be a target I meet, but I can try harder.
4.  Choose a suitable material for your project (even if you love the fabric you have just bought and are determined to use it, no matter what).  The vintage material was a nightmare to sew.  If I had used a nice simple cotton material, things would have been much easier.

Do you think I'll remember any of these very sensible notes next time I embark on a project?  No, nor do I.