Drowning in unfinished projects
#61
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,926
Found another great motivator, today. I went to the 20% sale at Keepsake Quilting and saw a lovely wall hanging on the wall. It's a loon in sillouette. Have everything I need for it and it doesn't look too complicated. I am itching to start it but will wait until I get at least three things done first.
#62
The only time I actually finish a project from start to finish is if there is a need to finish -- like a gift. I have so many tops completed and waiting to be sandwiched, etc. One is sandwiched and being hand quilted (and has been for a very long time). I was a teacher and wasn't a quilter at that time, but I did make garments then, so I'd always manage to make a new garment while I was off on holiday. Of course some lingered to be finished, but they were started. I do understand procrastination!! Good luck.
#64
I have less UFO's than I used to because I just chose a project and jumped in to finish it. As I finished teh first one, I was thinking about how to finish another one. I still have a few to do but the pile is smaller. I used some of them for Christmas gifts...it really helped my budget this year.
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Alberta
Posts: 308
I was in the same spot. I had 19 ufo's plus 8 sewing repairs. I did the quickest done 1st to get them out of the way . I also looked over them and decided if the project was something that I really want to do or was I going to finish them just because they were there. I eliminated 3 projects that way. I am done to 11 now and assigning each to a month in the coming year, if I get any finished before the end of that month I'll start the next as I really want to get them done. I did decide which I wanted to do next. Some of them are seasonal so assigned a month that would have them complete well ahead of the season they were for. That is get the fall stuff done in spring. That way i would not get in a frenzy trying to get them done in a hurry. This meant that the items that i wanted to get done for this winter will get done for next winter. I just had to skip over a season to keep my sanity. Good luck.
#67
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,139
My sister and I are finishing some of my Mom's UFOs. I see why they were neglected - mostly poor cutting, a phase I have been through - but decided to ignore the imperfections as much as possible and finish them up. One is done and gets compliments from those who see it, another is pieced, but lap size, much smaller than the original intention. It's cute, but far from perfect. However, one of her grandkids will treasure it.
Perhaps the secret is getting yourself motivated? Pick one of your UFOs and decide who will get it. It can be a charity project, but motivate yourself by imagining someone loving it to tatters. That's motivation!
I also like the idea of choosing the one that needs the least work to finish it, and finishing it.
Perhaps the secret is getting yourself motivated? Pick one of your UFOs and decide who will get it. It can be a charity project, but motivate yourself by imagining someone loving it to tatters. That's motivation!
I also like the idea of choosing the one that needs the least work to finish it, and finishing it.
#68
Drowning in unfinished projects
I am there with you. I thought maybe this year I would put each UFO in a baggie, give it a number, put corresponding numbers in a bag and draw a number. When I finish that one, I draw another number and work that one until finished. I think that will keep me from procrastinating while I make a choice. Just a thought. I have several that need to be done so I can then start working on my cupboards full of stash and scraps. Making a quilt right now for my granddaughter's wedding in June which I am using all scraps for out of my cabinets. I am so glad I can use up some of my fabric. After all, isn't that why we bought it in the first place?
#69
Just one thing at a time, one day at a time and you will be able to catch up. I understand all the unfinished projects because I get bored and have to move on to something new, but just make yourself see one thing at a time and you will do a lot better. It's a reward that you won't understand until you see yourself doing it.
#70
Right there with you--and all the rest. I actually function best if I have more than one project going at once because I sometimes just stall out on a project and need to put it away for a while. So I don't really feel guilty about not going straight through from start to finish. It also helps me to think of them as Works in Progress not UFOs.
What used to really get to me was when I wanted to finish one and couldn't find it in my sewing cave, OR discovering a UFO years later that I had forgotten I ever started. Something that helped me is when I started storing my WIPs in those square plastic containers designed for scrapbooking. They are inexpensive (coupons, coupons), stack neatly and are see-through. So far I have only one project that would not fit in the bin with all its fabrics, instructions, templates, etc. Best thing is I can SEE what's in them. If I'm looking for a particular project, there it is--always at the bottom of a stack, of course, but at least I know where it is. And it's been a while since I entirely LOST a WIP.
What used to really get to me was when I wanted to finish one and couldn't find it in my sewing cave, OR discovering a UFO years later that I had forgotten I ever started. Something that helped me is when I started storing my WIPs in those square plastic containers designed for scrapbooking. They are inexpensive (coupons, coupons), stack neatly and are see-through. So far I have only one project that would not fit in the bin with all its fabrics, instructions, templates, etc. Best thing is I can SEE what's in them. If I'm looking for a particular project, there it is--always at the bottom of a stack, of course, but at least I know where it is. And it's been a while since I entirely LOST a WIP.
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