Gotta love a dual purpose product! I did not design this one, but so appreciate how it is functional and fashionable all at the same time. It’s a secret pocket, infinity, travel scarf. It looks like a regular infinity-style scarf, but has a little zipper to allow you to stash your passport, ID, credit card, money, or whatever you want inside – ssshhhhh!

I have to say I’m not a fan of the money belt or the nifty necklace that holds your essentials down the front of your shirt. They are bulky and uncomfortable, not to mention unattractive. I’ve learned that it is important, particularly in some destinations, to conceal your valuables in a location that is difficult to access and/or unexpected if you’d like to keep them. Since I know a little about sewing, this scarf seemed like a reasonable project. Making one would be cheaper than buying one. And what kind of challenge would it be if I read the entire detailed instruction tutorial on Pinterest beforehand?

Reading instructions is not my M.O. It’s like I knew this about myself, but it was never more clear than during my attempts to manufacture this item without a clear plan. I don’t want to know all the answers before I begin. I want to figure them out as I go. There is a creative, problem-solving challenge in doing something new that, for me, is spoiled by reading the directions. I want to see if the “tools” in my box will get me where I want to go. And if my abilities will not get me there… I can always fall back on the instructions.

Needless to say – my first attempt failed. My steps were out of order and I lost a little fabric in the correction. Failure is a part of learning. I don’t beat myself up over it (seeing if you can salvage what you’ve still got is a whole new challenge). Heck, I don’t expect to get it right the first time; close maybe. The second time I figured it out, but it was a bit messy. By the third scarf, I was finding a groove. Part of the beauty of this scarf project was that it allowed  me to see that this is how I tackle most things in life. While I rarely get things right on the first try, I also don’t let failure get me down. And now that I see that more clearly, it’s easier to see that not everyone is like me. For some it’s hard to jump right in, for others moving past failure is more of a challenge. Some people study it until they know they will get it perfect the first time. Because of this scarf project not only do I have a new, cute, travel accessory- but also a greater appreciation for how different people tackle problems. Dual purpose scarf, dual purpose project.