Ever had a cutting/sewing "marathon"?
 

I'm thinking that I have so many projects I want to do! So I am thinking about having a quilting "marathon" of sorts. My plan is to spend a couple days just cutting several projects out, and then sew and sew and sew as much as I can b-4 I have to press. Then press everything, and get back to sewing, and finally when they're all done I get to quiltand bind them all and admire my work! heehee. I figured if I did it this way for a week or 2 in all my sewing time I might be more productive than I usually am with only starting one project at a time, and having to finish, or nearly finish something b-4 letting myself start on something else. I try to make myself finish one project b-4 starting another one (in all honesty once a quilt top is on the LA cutting and piecing the next one is free game!) in an attempt to avoid having several UFOs, but there are so many things I want to make I feel like I'll never get to work on them. But this way I'd get to work on them all! Well, not all, but like 5-10. :)

Anyway, it's just an idea I had. I'm wondering if anyone here has ever done anything like this? If so, do you have any advice??

In my old age, I would probably get the wrong blocks in the wrong place. Might be a little too confusing for me, but good luck with your plan!:thumbup: I have way too many projects started..need to get them finished.

a friend with OCD

she cuts a bunch of quilts at once, pieces them all, quilts them and then binds/labels them

works for her, but my mind wanders too much

LOL! I've done 2 at a time before without trouble, hopefully adding a few more won't cause problems.

my poor body would be so sore from doing the same task over and over for too long of a period of time. i'm more productive if i 'mix it up'

Holy cow! I have enough trouble keeping the pieces straight for one quilt at a time, much less several projects at a time! I would never trust myself to do that!

I don't even cut everything out for the entire quilt at a time as I find that I change my mind, or my measurements are a bit different than what they were supposed to be. I cut the pieces as I go, as I need them.

Good luck!

Yes, several times. Including in Oct/Nov when I whipped up 19 baby quilts in 2 weeks to donate to our Guild which then gives them to the NICU at our local hospital.

I cut out half of them, sewed them together, pressed them together, then cut the other half (cause I did not know how many I was going to do) sewed them up, pressed them then Figured out the backs, pieced the batting and sandwiched them all the same day, then quilted them all as a group and then bound them all.

Just be careful not to mix up your pieces.

I have cut and sewn two quilts the same at the timenot very challenging they were identical just went to differ people.

Most of the time I am working on several quilts at the same time. Especially baby quilts. I usually cut out about 4-6 and then chain sew etc.

Right now I have 2 lap size going. Just got the first top finished and am working on the borders on the second one. Cut them both out at the same time and chain sewed them together. I hope to get the backs done tonight or tomorrow and then sandwich them and a huge queen size quilt tomorrow evening over at my church.

Same here Nancy. I need to limit how much time I spend on each task. By switching between cutting, sewing, pressing, etc. I don't feel sore in any part of my body.

Due to my lack of space, I can be setup to sew or to quilt, but not both at the same time. So I do exactly what you outline. I cut a bunch of stuff (making my own "kits"), I sew assembly line when I am set up for sewing, quilt when I can.

Me too!!!!!

I think this is a great idea. Especially since I also can either sew or quilt and I use my cutting table to hold the blocks I'm piecing. I may try this on the weekend. Doesn't lend itself so much to paper piecing though (or does it?) and I have several paper piecing patterns I would like to try.

Sunni, don't forget Westminster is Feb. 11 and 12.

I was involved with 30+ quilters from Alex Anderson's MB after 9-11 in making rag quilts. We delivered over 600 quilts to NYC Fire Co's and Police Depts. by the middle of December 2001. So I guess I can say yes, did that.
I have to give credit to Olfa for all their help also......They were wonderful!

And I would be so sore I wouldn't be able to walk LOL I know this cause been there done that and was sorry ;)

Nooooo!!!! I couldn't keep track of everything. I have two quilts and two wallhangings going, and already mixed up fabrics!...or I should say "borrowed" from one project for another.

for quilts, not so much. Back in the day when i was sewing for my kids I would spend a day or two cutting out multiple dresses/shorts/pants in the needed sizes. I got real good at adapting patterns for multiple sizes, too. I would then sew "unit style" like you would in a factory. Wasn't quite as much fun but I got a lot done.

I keep several projects going at the same time, and in different stages. I need to change up tasks, as I don't want my body to rebel to badly...
Try your idea to see if it works for you! You'll have the experience to know to continue that way, or do something a bit different~

Never done more than one quilt at a time but do sewing marathons every Sunday. Just early am and sew till time to go to bed. That's how I get alot done.

I only work on one project at at time. I am to old to maration anything!!!! LOL

I always just cut and make one sample block before I go any further with a new pattern...just in case (1) I hate the block or chosen fabrics together, (2) there's an error in the written measurements or instructions, or (3) I mismeasured something. It's saved me a ton of work, fabric, time, and frustration over the years.

I also never cut the borders or binding until I'm ready for them. It's too easy for the measurements to be different from what was planned or for me to change my mind on fabric choices. There's just no way I would ever cut several projects ahead of time. Good luck and have fun if you decide to go that route! ;)

I do the same. And also, if I did it all cutting, all sewing, all sandwiching, etc. I'd NEVER finish because my favorite processes are the cutting and the piecing. I would be piling up those tops and never finish them -- as it is the tops are piling up....and I do them one at a time.

I am sore and tired of doing 4 quilts in 6 weeks. One is almost finish another is ready for the LA lady cause it is to big for me to do on my DM. Two more are all pieced and have to make boarders and make backing and quilt and bind and make labels for all of them. I am going to make small items for awhile.

I have ADD and fibromyalgia (which gives a person a foggy brain). I can't even chain piece very well. I put my pieces on a flannel board, take two pieces down to sew, press and return to board before I take any more down. It is a slower process, but saves lots of unseeing.

I am in the middle of doing that right now. I cut out 3 and them worked on them a little in turn. I did it because one of them was the same block over and over and I get bored. One was a sampler and the variety kept me going on all three. Now to get them quilted and bound.

Once a year we have a "Lock-In" from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. In addition, we schedule a UFO for that day, so some of us are almost sewing for 24 hours. Each year we have a couple more brave souls who go the distance. We do a pot luck and in the past have had breakfast as well. It is alot of fun.

I do that all the time. For some reason, I prefer to work on several things at once. I've never mixed up the pieces, the fabric used for each project is generally so different. Try it and see it if works for you.

Hmmm, there's a thought. I'd like to try a disappearing 4block. I could make one block to test it, figure out my measurements and cut enough for a couple of quilts. My guild has a call out for twin sized quilts for a women's shelter. Might be a way to use up some fabric, too.

I tend to work thhis way all the time. I have somehting to cut, something to sew, somehting to applique and something to quilt on the go at all times. If I get tired of doing one thing I can switch to something else/ I also have a few paintings and some knitting on the go as well.

Last year I decided to take about 6 patterns and fabric "on the road". We drag race and I have down time between rounds (after car maintenance) and in the evening.
I cut and tagged each quilt then put each one into a gallon or two gallon (whichever fit the best) zip lock bag. I made sure the pattern instructions were added. I actually printed a copy to make it easier to put everything together as two of the quilts were from the same book. No need to carry any extra weight!
Did this one weekend while we were at a race. When we got home it took these "kits" with me to the fabric store to get thread, trim etc. which I put in each correct bag. They were then stored in a small closet designated just for my quilting. I have a swing machine, a tote with threads and notions and a quilters tote with everything a quilter would need. I can set up and be ready to sew in about 15 minuets or less.
Every race weekend I had a quilt to work on. Sometimes I would work on two at a time, if I was strip sewing. Last year I finished all six, plus three more I made up mid-season. I have several that need to be quilted yet. Most I FMQ this winter and gave as gifts, most baby-lap size quilts and wall hangings. I love rain during the week of a race, I can sew more. Sun for the weekend is a must...got to race to win!
This year, our race season starts a month later than normal, so my travel-sewing will be off to a slow start.
Maybe I should get off the computer and go upstairs and sew?

I "kitted" several quilts last year but I just made one at a time. It was a lot of fun to just go get a new kit! This year I am determined to get my UFO's finished...I found 3 I didn't even remember. I am afraid if I tried your suggestion I would sew them together all wrong!

I cut several quilts out at one time, organize them in the see through 9" x 13" plastic cake containers with a copy of the pattern, and sew on them when I get 15 mins. at a time or longer. I purchase the containers at walmart (they come in 2 paks) and stack on one another so do not take up a lot of room. If I do one top at a time, have a tendency to get bored with it, so this way can work on whatever strikes my fancy for that day. Usually will complete them all about the same time and can move on to another group. Most important thing....keep a copy of the patten with the top! Ask me about that one.LOL

Wow! Thanks for all the replies. I'm glad I'm not the only one to think of this. I'm glad it's worked out for some of you.
Last night I cut 3 tops (except for sashings which I usually cut after the blocks are done), and another one is from precuts, so that's 4 ready to go. I just need to decide on a pattern for the last one and cut it and I'll have 5 freshly cut, one WIP (work in progress), and a few to quilt. :-) These may get done yet!

I make a lot of quilts for homeless families (425 since 1996) and always have a lot of projects going at one time, and I sometimes do get into marathons where I will cut for 40 hours in one week, piece for 30 hours in a week, quilt for 25 or 30 hours in a week, etc. I generally don't stop what I set out to do until I reach the end, but might do some each day, not do it without taking breaks.

What would prompt a marathon might be a fabric donation, where new-to-me fabrics need to be washed and cut, or where I'm making a quilt in a class and need to cut pieces (35 hours of cutting with a rotary cutter for a Bonnie Hunter mystery), or when a cable station does a marathon of shows I like and I piece while watching. Sometimes friends might sew with me and we get on a roll. Recently, a friend had a deadline and we both pushed the quilting/binding for eight hours until done. It could also be prompted by lousy weather when I'd rather be inside. It is always nice to have pre-cut strips waiting for me when I need them.

I have different stations set up for quilting, piecing, serging (I also make clothes), pressing, cutting, etc. However, I do need to alternate between jobs so my muscles don't get sore. I always want to have another project to turn to, that is ready for me to do, when I finish one. If I have a couple different types of projects ready, say binding, or quilting, or piecing, then I can choose what I feel like doing. That might be something to keep in mind.

Currently, this is what I am actively working on:

1 quilt to be bound
3 quilts sandwiched, pin basted, and ready to be quilted
7 quilts and backs waiting to be sandwiched
1 quilt cut out and ready to start piecing
1 set of blocks done QAYG style and needing sashing; I have to find the right fabric
Another 5 sets of blocks ready to be made into tops
One set of blocks waiting to be put into a top; I just made the back
Another set of blocks set into groups and waiting for their turn on the design wall
A number of inactive projects or those waiting in the wings. I have a whole shelf of those.

Is that 20 quilts I'm actively doing at the current time? They will get done. Having more projects in the pipeline keeps me interested. I also have several in the design stage.

I finished ten (10) quilts in the past month. Most of these were adult size. I used various patterns.

If you keep your stuff organized so you can find it later, and you also be sure to take breaks so you don't get hurt or sore, you should be okay. If you are like me, you won't want to cut out too many in advance in case you change your mind about the pattern before you get to it. Go for it!

Golly dog Gal! Won't you get confused during the process? I'm making twelve blocks at the same time for one quilt and have to keep checking to make sure I have the right blocks together!!! You go for it! You have to be a young 'un! When I was young, I could have probably done a few at once. I vote for you! Impress me and give us the good results!!!

I usually cut several quilts at one time but have learned to label everything very well because when I go back to sewing them, 'sometimes' I can't figure out what goes where!!!!

Hey, I'm in the same boat as cricket! I have several (?) in varying stages.
QOV on the longarm now, on final approach, then trim, bind.
a customer baby quilt to do on LA, 3 of mine waiting to go on.
a QOV - blocks done, need to put together, do borders, quilt, binf
2 scrappy cribs on design wall in various stages of assembly
Santa on other design wall, 3 bargello borders sewn, 4th on DSM now, then border it, quilt it, bind it.
Coloring a crib sized wholecloth - Irena Bluhm style
Designing a wholecloth wall hanging
Still working on GFG.
Oh! And a couple UFO's if I get bored!!

For my self, I usually have about three project going on at one time. When I get stuck or bored with one I move onto another one. I usually come back to all my projects. Currently I have one that needs to be quilted, one that needs to be sandwiched and a few that I need to make into quilt tops (all the piecing done). I am working on the BOM from craftsy, so I have piecing to do there. My downfall is finding new patterns I want to start, I always see something I want to make for the future.

I like to "Marathon" cut, then place each individually in large zip-lock bags-marked well and with pattern. I keep them separate and work on them 1 at a time. I am also afraid I would get them mixed together. But I like to have the cutting done-it makes me feel like it is about 1/2 done with the cutting done. If I run across a good sale I may pick up the backing fabric and always put it with the "kit" I plan to use it on.

I only piece tops for my guild's Project Linus blankets so, yes, I do marathon cutting. I basically inventory my stash every January (February this year!), select "companion" pieces and make up medium to large sets from the stash. My raised 6' two mat cutting table is on the screened in porch so I save cutting until spring and fall when the weather is really nice. I have a smaller mat on my big sewing table but just cut strips into units and only rarely need to use that one for cutting up fabric.
I do marathon cutting where I get 10" squares, 4 1/2" strips and 2 1/2" strips from these companion fabric sets. Odd leftovers are cut into 1 1/2" strips. I use the initial or end cut strips (uneven waste) to tie these cuts stacked together for later marathon strip piecing, etc. I mostly do Wicked Easy quilts and Potato Chip or just checkerboard. I have a tub of 2 1/2" strips for jelly roll race style quilts and a huge pile of 1 1/2" strips for scrap strip piecing when that mood strikes. The 10" has really been a useful cut since I can further cut it if needed. These cuts do about all I need for my piecing!
This works well for me. I finished piecing 75 tops for our PL projects in the last 6 months of 2012, took a long cycle trip to Alaska and kept up with our two crab pots' production as well as regular cooking and a wee bit of cleaning! (I clean house every three months whether it needs it or not!)
Since I have lots of cut squares and strips on hand to work with, I spend the really cold, really hot, and rainy or inclement weather sewing tops and I am never bored with it.