What does one do with UFOs that are VERY outdated? I have several quilts that I started 10-15 years ago that don't fit my current decorating style and probably wouldn't appeal to anyone I know. I'm willing to finish them because I don't want them to go to waste, but I'm a little sad because I don't know what to do with them.

I'm contemplating this because I have these projects in boxes and I'm getting them ready to move for the 3rd time in 3 years. They need to be finished!!!

Donate them!

You will know that they are being used for a good purpose.

You can dontate them to the local cancer center, senior center or battered women's home. I am sure they would be loved.

Good idea to complete and donate!

Finish and donate to a nursing home or women's shelter.

If I had the money I would say sell them to me. I make quilts to sell and help raise money for child heart disease.

I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding a place to donate them.

Most definitely donate them. I had made a quilt for a friend at work when she got married, but she quit the day after the wedding and we were unable to get together for over 6 months. So it finally dawned on me that maybe she didn't want my wedding present, so I gave it to the church, who gave it to someone they felt needed it.

I will be more than happy to finish them and donate to Project Linus for you.

Agreed! Donate them. Someone will love them. You can also use them to practice new techniques as you finish them.

Cheers, K

backs of quilts??

Oh, I agree with the donate them. So many stories about quilts making such a difference in recovery.

I agree. There are lots of places that could use them.

Gads ... such a problem??? Every quilting group I belong to does charity quilting. Those quilts go to a variety of folks in need: foster children with special needs, disaster victims, a home for young girls to get off the streets, and many more.

Contact your LQS or state quilt guild for help in donating if you can't find any other place for them.

ali

There are some quilt sites that exchange or take PIGS (projects in grocery sacks). If you google or bing Quilt UFO Pigs-- they will show up.

I don't know why I didn't think of donating them!!!! I know just where they'll go, too. I've been taking my best friend to chemo on Fridays and I stay there all day with her. I often help the other patients by getting them blankets and snacks, and I am often discouraged that the donated afghans are so rough and scratchy. Cotton quilts would be so nice. Thank you all for the suggestion!

K, I need to hone my longarm skills, and they will give me lots of practice!

I have some outdated fabric, I wondered what to do with it. Opened a magazine and saw the pillowcase project. That's what I am going to do. Won't take much time and will be useful. I'm going to check with our local "family resource" center to see if they would like to have.

I don't think there is such a thing as an outdated UFO. If you still like the fabric then why don't you finish them? Someone will love them and you can donate or gift them. I have a 20+ years range of fabric and don't go with current trends. I love my UFOs and my old fabrics.

if you do not have any interest in finishing them there are a couple of groups here on the board helping others learn to sew/quilt who always appreciate donations---earlier in the year i got rid of lots of orphan blocks-ufo's by donating them to the groups who have the motivation- just not the funds ... they will really put them to good use.

Great idea!

There u go! God was showing u what to do with them! Love your pic- reminds me of partridge family!!!

Every winter a group of us go out and find homeless people to give blankets to. This would be perfect for them, they are grateful no matter what the design.

You could do a PIF. Only those who donate to a charity would be eligible. They would pay postage and need to post a picture of the completed project and where it will be given. Once you see the "outdated" quilt, it may not look as bad as you think and would help others. Just a thought.

Charity, cancer patients, kids in need, soldiers, etc. There is always someone in need of a little love

donate them; offer them up to others you know; if they are out of state just ask them to pay shipping. If you know any quilters you can normally find someone who will complete your work and love them as you did.

This is so great; I'm sure especially the ones w/children would love to have something to hold onto; that is thiers to cherish. It'll give them comfort and keep them warm.

I have a UFO top that I thought I would never finish because it was done before I knew what I was doing. (the points will be cut off.) Donation! And I could practice my FMQ, which needs a lot of practice! Thanks for the tip! As of now, I don't have a deadline project and all my family/friends have quilts already. Yahoo! Quilt without guilt!
I have another that just needs the border ripped off and it will become an Amish-type quilt that will be pretty nice.

Donate them! They will bring back memories of good times to someone.

give them to the poor

I would as well if you choose not to complete them. I have been donating time to Linus up here.

Ditto many of the suggestions, homless shelters, assisted living, nursing homes, womens shelters and so on.

Donation is such a good idea. I started a bargello quilt in a class and got as far as sewing the strips together. I decided I didn't like the color combination and told a friend that I was going to throw it away. She said she would finish it so I gave it to her. I haven't thought about it again. Whatever she does with it is OK with me. I'm sure she will donate it somewhere. That's if she ever finishes it. It's out of my sight and didn't get tossed into the garbage.
Sue

Yes--donate them.

OMG - I didn't think ANY quilt was EVER outdated, regardless of our decor - we seem to call 'older' quilts "treasures" when we see them now. To me they represent the love SOMEONE put into every stitch to provide comfort & warmth for people they loved.

Someday these will be "treasures" also - hopefully to your own family. I have a quilt made by my grand mother & HER mother the year my mom was PG w/me (1934) - IT IS A REAL "TREASURE" TO ME & my dgtr already loves it, knowing it will someday be hers.

Sorry to be so vocal - guess my age is really showing when it comes to beautiful quilts. :oops:

Have a blessed day & may all your quilts be filled w/love. :lol:

It's funny you said that, because the quilts I love the best are ones that look antique. I primarily make quilts using Civil War and 1930s repro fabrics, and to me, they are timeless.

The "outdated" ones are those that I bought trendy fabric or kits for. Because they were fashionable at the time, they look dated to me. I was trying to be trendy, but, alas, I'm just an old-fashioned girl. But now I know someone will love each one of them!

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Some one else might like them. I know I always look for older fabrics. For some it has nostolgia. Maybe try the freebies donation board on QB.

That would be wonderful!

CONGRATS - that is a WONDERFUL gift to give & I'm sure they will all love the warmth of them (I've heard they get 'cold' when going thru chemo).

Donate and take your tax write-off.

I know what you mean about "outdated: but when we stop to think about the retro fabrics, the 30s fabrics, Civil War reproduction fabrics, how can we call a quilt outdated when we are copying fabrics and designs of so long ago.

Your outdated quilts will be so welcomed and comforted by the people who are gifted with them. I can think of nothing better for you to do with them. And, as you mentioned, think of all the practice you'll get by finishing them. Good luck.