Today I lost an argument with a ribbon. Again. I was sewing black satin ribbon onto one of my jackets because the sleeves looked boring and I refuse to wear boring things. The problem was getting the ribbon through the loops.

Every time I thought I had it threaded correctly, it slipped right back out. So I pulled harder. The ribbon responded by twisting itself into a knot. Mr. Graves from the fabric shop watched this disaster for a minute before informing me that I was using “far too much force.”

I informed him that the ribbon was being difficult on purpose. He ignored that and told me to keep steady tension instead of yanking every time it got stuck. Apparently pulling harder does not magically solve everything. I remain unconvinced. Still, I tried it his way. Slower. Steadier. The ribbon slid through much easier. The loops lined up. The bows sat exactly where they were supposed to.

Annoying. Mr. Graves said, “See? Works better when you stop forcing it.” I hate that sentence. Mostly because he was right. The jacket looks amazing now. The ribbon and I are still enemies. But if I buy three more rolls tomorrow, that has nothing to do with enjoying the process.

Absolutely nothing.

— Mina