Can someone explain...exactly where is that line?
 

I have done really well this year using up stash fabric and finishing things. I got stockings, wall hangings, covered boxes and 3 quilts completely done for Christmas. Quick pillows and fleece only this year for charity. The only fabric I have purchased was pretty much necessary except for some vintage Christmas fabric for my vintage friends' pillowcases. I have a problem falling in love with new stock at the LQS but have prevailed maybe only because I don't have the kind of money I used to. My goal was to finish at least a couple of my harder actual in progress projects...not going to admit how many...before I start anything new. Okay, here's where I need someone to please define start for me.

I had bought a flannel panel w/bears, fish, etc (because I am a sucker for bears) a couple of years ago and have gathered some matching fabric here and there. I have not made anything for for my older son for a long time because he ruined one but am kind of feeling guilty about that. Tonight, I found that box of matching flannel and there's plenty so I won't have to buy any more . It's now in just in one box...not cut out, pattern undecided but it's calling me. His birthday is in a month but will it break my self imposed moratorium on not starting anything new or is it already started?

I feel it was already started and you should continue this one before you begin anything else. Or you could put this one and another one on a piece of paper in a hat and draw which one to start first. But in the end which everone you feel you want to do more than the other you better work in it first as if not its all your going to think about while you are working on the other project!!

My thoughts are that you have accomplished SO much this year, you have decreased your stash, you have remained frugal, now you have the desire to make another quilt as a gift to a loved one AND you own the needed fabric....so, what are you waiting for? Have fun and happy quilting!!!!

Already started. The thought is the beginning , go ahead and ....finish....even if not cut out yet. LOL

You can take a little detour and then get back on track finishing projects and shopping from your stash.

I figure if you own the material and thought about what you wanted to do with it, it's already a project. Go for it, girl!!!

Personally, I think that every quilt gets finished exactly when it is meant to. Sometimes that is a weekend, sometimes that is 19 years. Quilts are tricky things and they have their own agendas. It is best not to fight it, you have already started the project and have a short time frame to complete it so you can move back to your other projects in relatively quick order. I try to avoid moratoriums of that nature. It is essentially thumbing your nose at the Quilting Gods and they usually respond by teasing you with a brand-new, too-tempting-to-resist project! :)

When A quilt calls to you ... and this was it seems is calling for you to make it.... Answer the call! or it will keep ringing.

Make it! You bought this fabric with a quilt in mind and your sons birthday is a special day--you have time to get it done. This will still get your goal closer--using what you have. Get going girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You should do what makes you happy, that's why we quilt.

Thanks to you all for your positive reaction! Will start cutting in a couple of days...after Christmas tree is done. Happy holidays to all of you!!

Just go for it! If it's in your stash, and in your head - you aren't breaking any rules. And the new year starts soon. You are just getting a jump start on 2012! And his birthday IS soon.

Artistic inspiration trumps intellectual discipline (sometimes).

Checked the Quilters Rule Book, on page 3567, section 89c, exception 15, it states that quilters may start a new project when de-stashing, or working at a self imposed mortatorium, if the heart tells them that its is the right thing to do. No pennalties or judgements will be made to the said offender if their heart is deemed true. So see if the Rule book says it then I think you should be ok. The quilt police won't be called in. Sure you may get a few funny looks from the under quailifed judges of your life but they can't possibly know what your heart says to do. Hope this helps!

I love this!! :thumbup:

it was started when you bought the fabric with a quilt in mind! GO FOR IT....

Its for your son! Do it!

It is obviously a WIP and needs to be finished. No new purchase necessary so it meets that criteria as well. Move forward and it will be done in no time.

I agree completely. Have fun making your bear quilt and giving it to your son.

Already started. You've purchased the fab and put together a kit so therefore, have at it.!!

Two things...1. Starting a quilt happens in the mind and you've obviously started this one a long time ago. 2. You won't be breaking your commitment to use from your stash. So, I give you permission to go for it and enjoy. Don't feel guilty...GO FOR IT!!!!!

Absolutely...already started.....no question about it !!!!!!! once you have the fabric it is WIP or UFO

Not done yet? Why not? You have had this idea for two days. Let's get busy and see how quickly you can get it done. Lol. Yeah, I got one of those in the works too. Unfortunately, I have my wonderful Tin Lizzie up for sale so I don't want to use it until it sells. She is so nice and clean, she sparkles. I will miss her as she taught me how to quilt and now I need a bigger one so I can quilt more for others.

Go for it. It was started when you bought the fabric. Do not feel guilty.

Go for it. Do it while you are motivated. And stick with it to finish the project. Then pick up one of yor UFO's and get started finishing! Your son is important! Give him your love with a new quilt.

I say strike while the iron is hot...it's already a WIP since you have the fabric and the idea in your head...that's where it starts being a project. You will be very happy to complete this as it shows forgiveness for the quilt he messed up previously and he will be very appreciative of the quilt and the thought behind it.

leatheflea said it best! no quilt police, and if the rule book says it's a go, then it's a GO!

I have found that if I don't work on a project I feel like working on I don't get anything accomplished. I tried not working on a new project until I finished another one and it just wasn't working as I did not feel like that is what I wanted to do. Go with your instinct and do what your heart tells you to do & enjoy the process, it will all work out.

Merry Christmas

I had never thought of it in quite this way before, but I agree. Quilts have their own time line for being complete.

Yep just do it...I whole hearty agree...after reading your message I would consider it a UFO since it was previously purchased...you gotta change your way of thinking sometimes :}

In my opinion, if you bought the fabrics to use in a quilt, then it is a started project!

I say go for it. Sometimes for me getting everything together for a quilt is more of a chore than actually making it.

Go for it!! Birthdays are something very, very special and it being your son's makes it even more special. Have fun. :)

It's already started. If you have anything that you can actually see and touch, then it's started. Just the new ideas in your mind are the ones you'll need to stay away from until you finish your other projects. Have fun!

I cannot believe the response I have received for this! Thank you all so much! This one seems to be "official" but of course, all the responses were convincing. I have a packed week but I am going to start by putting all my Christmas projects out of sight. I did finish all but the big one but once my slate is cleared, I can start cutting. Happy holidays to all !!

It's been started for several years. You should definitely make this for your son. It seems to be a sign since you found the box of fabric. Have fun. I'm sure he'll love it.

Go and do what your heart tells you and quit playing games with yourself to motivate! You already had the fabric, soooo you were half way begun already. WINK WINNK!!:)

Absolutely make it. You've already got the fabric, it's calling you. You need to answer.

Creating a birthday gift for someone you love trumps self imposed restriction every time. It's in the quilters law book!