What to do next?
 

I've just finished a table runner and place mats for a wedding gift. I'm at a point where I can begin something new or pick up a ufo, like putting together finished blocks of the month, a leaders and enders project is close to becoming a quilt of it's own, an applique BOM is sitting on the self with only one block kinda started, orca bay has been completely cut with a few steps completed, I have a blocks done for a twin size farmers wife quilt, fabric has been washed for 2 seperate quilt kits...know what I mean? And I keep looking at patterns of quilts that really call out to me that I can hardly wait to start. So, how do 'you' decide what to do next?

I start a new project and feel guilty about the unfinished ones.

I work on 5 to 8 projects at a time. Right now I have a panel that I'm embellishing, also have a hand applique in the works, a quilt of valor, picking out stitches from another quilt, a block of the month with embroidery and a pieced block of the month. When I get the new patterns for the BOM I do them right away - it is too easy to put them off and then suddenly I have 6 blocks that need to be done. After the BOM's are done for the month I work on a quilt that needs piecing, then a quilt that needs quilting. In the evenings, I do the embroidery and embellishments, unless a quilt needs binding. Once I finish a quilt then I look for another project that fits into my project list - I don't want all hand work, I don't want all quilting, or piecing. By having several in the "current" pile I always have something to work on depending on my mood.

My guild has put out a challenge to us to finish our UFO's. We get points and whomever gets the most points gets a prize. Well the president asked if any of us had less than 17 UFO's to put on our sheet and my friend and I raised our hands, not knowing what was coming. So another lady comes up and hands us each a packet of cut fabric and a pattern. Turns out that someone had tried to put this top together and didn't finish. She also was a beginner (please don't anyone take this wrong, I too was at one time a staunch beginner) and none of her 4 patch blocks were square or even close to being the right size. So I am starting over on this addition to my UFO list. Why????? I am assuming that this quilt will be a donation quilt. So now I have all my own projects to complete, plus someone else's, that I had to start over on. Ugh! Oh well, it might get me over the hump of not wanting to mess with any of them.

I start a new project and "DON'T" feel guilty about the unfiished ones!

I have numerous projects in the works all the time- I work on one for a bit, then maybe have to stop for a specific reason and work on something else for a bit- I do try to complete a couple of them before starting a new one- generally I have numerous going because I always have a hand/travel project to work on- right now I received (beginning of the year) a request for 3 wedding gift quilts from a good friend/customer- the weddings are all 3 in the fall- 2 of the quilts are finished- she picked up one, chose the 2nd and I am still working on the 3rd- then I received a request for 2 twin * antique-y* quilts for a house in Connecticut built in 1784- so I've started to work on those- I have a customer quilt to get quilted, received a call about another one to quilt- sometimes (like the 3rd wedding quilt- I worked on for a couple hours yesterday- hit a road block- became frustrated- set it aside & made 4 donation kennel quilts, hemmed 2 pairs of pants for my hubby- then started on the Connecticut quilts- so... looking at your list- maybe you should set yourself some goals- to work on each of your UFO's /WIP's (which ever they may be) and make some progress before starting anything new- finish one or two- then you will have a clear head for a new project- I do have a list a mile long of ones I personally want to do---that gives me incentive to work on what I have to do---I found if I have no (reason) for a quilt- no idea who I may give it to, or sell it to- I have a heck of a time getting it done- if I start a quilt with a specific person, place, organization or sale in mind I can get them done- if they are just because I liked the pattern or the fabric-but I have no idea who may want it- or where it may go sometimes it takes me years to get them done...

Try a UFO. And if you get tired of it, start a new project.

start a 'bucket list'. when you see a quilt you like, or a post where someone posted a pic of a quilt they finished. then when you are ready to start a new project, you can chose from that list.

I,too, have several projects going at one time. There are so many quilt patterns and so little time, I love to try new ones before I finish the current one.

I am trying to finish a big one before I attempt another large project, kinda. I am embroidering too and still working on my Lovers Knot. Of course it is easier to work on because this one is for ME .

I always seem to get obsessed with something or another. A new technique, a fabric I just HAVE to use, a pattern that struck my fancy....something is always waiting for my attention. I never have to cast around for what to do next...there's always at least one thing I can't WAIT to get my hands on! I only "allow" myself 3 projects at a time max, so as to avoid long-lingering UFO's.

I love reading about your methods of operation! I really like and love anything to do with quilts. I think I'll go with the farmers wife quilt. I've got all of the blocks done and really want to get that one set on point. It's a smaller version of the big one, this one being a large lap or small twin size and I can work more on my fmq with the smaller size. Also I want to continue with my applique because it's something new for me and I'm having fun learning what to do with it. And one more thing, I just came home from a family party with enough fabric given to me to put together a camping quilt for a nephew that is getting married in September. This one will be easy because there will be no piecing, just sandwich and quilt. The back is light weight denim, cotton batting, and a plaid top, dark greens and blues. The hardest part will be deciding motiffs for quilting or just following the lines of the plaid. This will be done on my machine too. No way can I just do one project at a time, looks like there are at least 3 and maybe 4 if I count the leader and ender project. Thanks for the response everyone. Happy quilting.

Nammie to 7 oh I'm so delighted to read your reply. I have tried and tried to explain to friends etc this technique we have. During the day I also use machines for piecing and quilting the evenings are hand work. I find this so rewarding and because I don't sit in one position all day doing one activity. When I go to a class from 10 to 3 I always suffer the next day with neck pain.

I agree with you, it just works better doesn't it. I don't think I am ever bored. There's always something to fall back on.

Put all your project titles into a box and pull one out.

I go see a quilting friend. I'll read a quilting magazine. I'll read QB and remember what deadlines I have coming up.
Think that one should be written down or I'm going to miss one with serious consequences. I'll look through my sewing room for what I've got sitting around. I've not got a good handle on this and waste a lot of time. Interested in what other people have to say.

Rhonda Lee... I like to work on one project at a time until it is finished. If I had all of your UFOs, I would treat them like Dave Ramsey treats debt. Start on the one that would take the least amount of time to finish. Small successes generate momentum.

I think I would finish a UFO-at least one or two. Lots of money is invested in the components of a UFO. To finish one is like money found and it is a leg up if you need a project for someone's special day. It is so freeing to finish something that is just hanging around in a box or bag!

Sometimes I just sit and look through quilt magazines, my stash or the unfinished projects. Sometimes I even do something really off the wall, like cleaning the house, which makes me realize ANY project is better than that, and I can quickly decided on what to do next!!

Oh what the heck is one more UFO......do what ever pleases you....

I thought I always worked on just one project at a time. That was before I sat down and really looked at my sewing room!! I have a set of place mats with only one finished, then there is that Christmas quilt that just needs binding which has been there for 2 years, finishing up a birthday quilt for my MIL's 90th bday, an Advent calendar quilt that needs to be completed by November....hummm that might be all right now. So I guess I am officially a member of the UFO club!! Oh, but I have many others just waiting to be started..... where to begin!!

I believe I have ADHD or something. I get something started and them move onto something else. Kind of like going into a room to retrieve something you're working on in another room and getting distracted by working on something else from that room. Ya'll get the picture.

You sound like me. I have numerous projects of my own that are still assembled in kit form or in some form of completion. Last year I decided I was going to get 4 done. I finished one Christmas lap quilt (the first quilt for us) when babies started coming, DIL wanted a quilt for Christmas etc. Seems I work better with a deadline (gift or crisis) and manage to get those done, but always set mine aside. Oh well. Right now I am working on a rejected baby quilt (not really, but my DIL chose the other design, so I am making this one for our house as a floor quilt). Next I was going to start on a king size BOM for my son and DIL, but got a call from my aunt last week. She began chemo yesterday and I would like to send her a cuddle quilt. I have a quilt retreat this weekend so will assemble all the necessary supplies and hopefully finish that this weekend, to be mailed out next week. The new patterns I see and the fabric I can't wait to use, usually go to the next gift, which is my way of satisfying my need, and theirs. I wish I was as prolific as some of you are. I seem to quilt a lot, but am very slow and methodical...............just my style.

I have multiple projects going at one time. It has really helped me to do the UFO challenge here on the boards. I've gotten at least one UFO finished each month, and yet continue with my other stuff. I made a list of all my UFOs (56) and I cross them off as I complete them.

Ha Ha....that sounds exactly like me! Unless I have a deadline, I do what I want, which is usually start something new!

Never feel guilty about UFO's, but its fun to watch the finished things stack up like the unfinished ones. Maybe you could finish two projects, start on something new, and go back to the UFO's again. Wouldn't take long before you'd have a lot more finished than waiting

My goal for this year is to complete many ufo's that have been staring at me for months and some for years. I have finished 7 so far this year and have at least double that to go. I don't know if I will ever have a clean slate to work from since I do many charity quilts and always have wedding, baby, birthday, Christmas and other holiday ones to start and complete but I feel the load lightening and it is inspiring me to see all the finished projects so far. No matter what you decide, feel the joy inside you when you are quilting. We are all human ufo's and we can strive to meet the end but who knows when that will be.

I, too, have several projects going at the same time. When I get tired working with a certain color or block that is when I switch to one of the other projects. Then if I have a request for a quilt, I will put all others away till the requested one is finished. Then it is back to switching back & forth again. Most of the time my attention span is very short.

I've been trying to alternate UFOs and new projects so the UFOs don't multiply quite so fast. Still have quite a few though! Keep hoping that a finished or almost finished one will be what is needed when I want a quick gift, but so far that has only happened twice. Rest of the time it seems like the color choices are not what's needed or I need one for a baby gift and anything suitable has already been gifted. So right now I'm trying to get one done that I really would have liked to have done a couple weeks ago and I haven't been able to do any sewing til last night and didn't get as much done as I had hoped to then. But at least it is moving along and I'm liking how it is looking.

Finish a ufo then reward yourself and start something new.

I put the names of all the options in a tin and draw out the next one to be tackled. I also tell myself that the unfinished ones are insurance against running out of things to do

I only work on one project at a time, but that doesn't mean I don't have the next one, and the next one, and the next one planned.. and buy fabric or fat quarters for them in the meantime....I'm always printing out patterns and ideas, slip in a bag project for a feeling of quick success, and will buy a kit for later. Right now I have two baby quilts due by Nov., so I know what's coming next. Enjoy it all is my advise.

My New Year's resolution was to do one UFO in between every new project I start. That way I can satisfy my urge to get materials for new projects, but I also finish my old ones, too. So far it's working out great. I find that quilts I started years ago may or may not interest me as a "keeper"...but they will always be fine to donate, and there are so many worthy causes..just set your mind to finish one in between each new project...you always get a great sense of satisfaction just from finishing it, and it won't be there "haunting" you!

I like this idea. Let's see: deadline for class sample then draw from the tin.
Someone posted they need 2 baby quilts by Nov so better get started.

I must be crazy. Here's some of my deadlines:
Wed-Teach FMQ, Thurs-Plein aire at Fish Camp
This Friday: long arm quilt for customer-Dancing with the Stars is over-better get back at it.
Next Friday: long arm quilt for customer
ASAP: class sample, supply list and description for FMQ level 2
July: 1-woman show, descriptions, method of hanging, 3 more quilts (finish quilting Day Lilies)
Before summer: long arm a new bed quilt (optional, may wait another year)
ASAP: change quilt at art gallery and get internet entries completed
UFO's; permission to never complete
End of May; quilt retreat-have project organized
End of June: ASG retreat-have sewing project organized
Yep-better get back to that long arm.
Maybe I don't need a tin full of options, just a reminder list.

I normally work one project from start to finish, as my creative juices flow only if I concentrate on one or possibly two, things at a time. That's just how my mind works. I can't combine messes. (And one project does make a big mess by the time it's completed)

I love when I get something finished. It reminds of that great feeling so I can go back and finish a UFO. Of course, I get deterred and have a start a new project. It's a vicious circle - but a fun one! :)

Taught class-everyone was very happy with their progress. And they want me to teach a different FMQ & signed up for another of my classes. One woman drove 2+hours to class. I teach at a Bernina store. 2 of the ladies had new Berninas and got lots of tech support and experience on their new machines.
Opted out of plein air.
Quilt is 1/2 complete and will finish today. Doing good so far.
gotta get that new class sample finished

I'm horrible can never stick to one project at a time, was like that with other crafts too.