1. Once in awhile it's okay to make an entire quilt using a real pattern.
2. It's okay to get rid of WITH WIT fabrics(What In The Heck Was I Thinking?). Stuff them into a box and mail them to someone who might actually use them.
3. The seam ripper is your friend.
4. When you doze off with the sewing machine running, it's time to stop.
5. When you sew through your thumb, it's okay to stop long enough to put a bandage on. Wrap it tightly enough that you don't bleed on the fabric.