It was meant to be - sort of a - poke - at where things can go wrong. And perhaps a reminder to check on some things before continuing -
I have had all those things happen - over about thirty years - and most of them were learning experiences - one way or another -
which is why I now
- wash everything washable before cutting it
- check the pattern - and/or make a test block before progressing if something seems wonky
- now know that instructions and patterns are not always 100% accurate
- now know how to get all sorts of stains out of fabrics
- have learned how to improvise
- can do almost invisible mends
So most of the experiences were not all bad - a bit frustrating at the time - but "overcoming" was a high.
I go to great lengths to avoid bleeds and shrinkage, though. Much easier - for me - to avoid the issues at the outset by washing before cutting than trying to undo the damage later.