How are you going to keep yourself on track for using your stash?
 

I finished a quilt in 2006 with a Buggy Barn crazy quilt theme. Last night I came across some extra portions of blocks and decided to create fabric and cut out 9-inch square sections for potholders.

The only thing that will keep me on track is a journal.

So far, I have sewn together pieces of Insul-Brite to make ten potholders. I've also zigzagged odds and ends of Warm and Natural to create ten potholders. While at it, I was inspired to zigzag the remaining pieces of Warm and Natural to create usable portions for other projects.

With ten tops, ten Insul-Brite layers and ten Warm and Natural layers the backing squares were next. From scraps I was able to cut six squares and only had to use one fat quarter for the remaining four squares.

Three potholders are now completed. Seven more remain to be turned, closed and topstitched.

How do I feel? I accomplished something. The leftover block pieces and backings were from high quality LQS fabric and the scraps of Insul-Brite/ Warm and Natural are now usable. I am sure a local soup kitchen will put these potholders to good use. The bonus is straightening up the sewing area and creating something useful.

After I finish the potholders, I will work on another UFO started three years ago. Hubby bought us a Christmas wall hanging so perhaps I will alternate projects.

Thanks, in advance, for your suggestions.

I keep a semi-private blog to track what I do. I too feel pretty good about using up some blocks I made several years ago, in a project for donation today. I am happy that someone will get some use out of fabric that has been warming my shelf for years.

I had a journal, but lost it and with it my lists!!! I do keep notes in my little notebook I keep in my purse, so I can refer to the math etc I have done...

Thanks for your thoughts. I think I am on the right road as listing everything to be done was overwhelming. Since I have more than one project going at a time, I'll have variety. However, I really do need to see some progress/completion in order to feel I am keeping my head above water. Sewing is relaxing for me so I struggle to get things accomplished while enjoying myself. It would be good for me to use my time and talents to help others!

I have a list of all the quilts I have made. I tried a list of all the quilts I want to make but tossed it as when I start another I didn't look at the list. I am trying to use as much of my fabrics as I can. I just pick out fabrics from my stash and refuse to buy anymore.

I track usage in every quilt, and post it on my blog. I link up to "Stash Report Sunday" on PatchworkTimes.com every week, and it keeps me honest and motivated about using my stash. After my first year, I actually got my stash down to zero. So now I aim more for a balance in/out, and like to watch my usage (which translates to # of projects) go up over the year.

Honestly, I don't. Often I have a deadline looming and that propels me to finish a project (often a UFO). Other times, I pick one project and break it into the required steps. That at least has a good chance to get the top done. Actually, I must live for at least 80 more years to use up what I got. lol

i simply don't shop=--- if i'm working on something i (shop) my shelves- not run to the store.

I'll whine now ... I don't want to use up all my stash. It energizes me and I don't have to count those calories when I touch them so longingly.

Actually I have a wipe off board and only list 10 items at a time. More than that and it is overwhelming.

I am not much of a journal person. Do that only for special projects.

ali