I was painting the stairwell walls and had put covers down to protect the carpet, as you do. I had just finished washing the skirting boards and lining them with masking tape so was ready to go.
The paint and brush were in the kitchen and as I left the stairs I disturbed the covers but thought it would be OK to redo them once I had the paint. BIG MISTAKE!
Coming back with paint and brush I stumbled on the damned covers and when trying to stop myself from falling I spilt the paint. It could have gone anywhere, but no, it zoomed in with pinpoint accuracy to the uncovered part of the carpet!
Thank goodness I have insurance.