Where do you put your UFOs?
 

I just completely cut out a quilt and decided (again) that I don't want to go any further with it right now. I want to start another project. Where do you put your UFOs? I can't find half of mine. I need to figure out a system. I found a couple of them that didn't have the patterns with them (crap). I need advice!

Hi, jcrow
Outer space? LOL sorry just couldn't stop my self!! Why don't you buy the large 2pound size zip lock bags or if you need larger they do have them too put them in those, label them as to whats in each one, get a clear tub to store All of them under a bed!

instead of cutting out a whole quilt you do not want to work on why not just put the fabric for it along with the pattern together in a large ziplock or box - label it & put in on a shelf until you do want to make it?
my ufo's tend to be pieced blocks not made into a top yet- or a top not yet quilted & bound- the first---blocks are in a pizza box or ziplock- the tops are under the quilting machine waiting for me to get to them.
i never cut a whole quilt out at once-unless i am going to work on it to completion...if i want to make it someday i may put the fabric & pattern together so i don't use the fabrics for something else- then later i can pull it out---look at it & decide if i really want to make that quilt or if i want to use the fabrics for something else- if they were all cut out i would be 'stuck'

Mine are under the bed too, each in a plastic bag in crates. I decided that being able to see them all was overwhelming me, so hid them all away, and now only have my current project out. Helps me focus.

Also the Dollar Stores around here have the larger plastic bags that are perfect for storing partial quilts in - put all the fabric and pattern in the bag - then when you want to get back to it - it is all in one place :)

I cut it all out thinking I was going to make it right now, but after cutting it all out...I decided I wanted to do something else. This wasn't doing it for me. That's why I cut it all out.

I save all off the zipper or snap bags that stuff like sheets, blankets and comforters come in. Lot's of stuff in the baby section comes in these bags...lots of shapes and sizes.

I recently organized all of my UFOs. I wanted to know how many I had. I put each one of them in one of these bags with the fabric, blocks, pattern etc. It helped seeing them all, so I could start to think through how to finish them.

All of these bags are kept together (stacked neatly) and I grab a bag when I am ready to work on one...it makes the whole finishing process less daunting. :)

Of course large zip lock backs would work but I just recycled what I had.

unused pizza boxes also work. Check with your local pizzaria. They stack and you can label the end as to what's inside.

Ziplock bags - the large size. And I put the pattern with the project. If it's from a book or magazine I photocopy the pattern. Also include any notes I had regarding colors, etc.

In grocery bags or boxes in the corner of my sewing room...that used to be a family room...tee hee! I have several and sometimes, I even finish one. Does an unquilted top count as a UFO? Those go in the closet.

Gosh I have boxes of unfinished projects and working on one now. Some of the boxed and in a closet that is not used. I really am trying to finish them but it will take ages and something new always seems to be on my list to do. Have to make a dent in that stash of unfinished projects. Now I'm working on scrap quilts...to big a fabric stash.

Yep I use zip lock bags and pizza boxes for extra pieces , finished squares ECt.

I try not to have any UFO's. Right now, I have one in a zip lock bag with all the pieces and the pattern together next to the machine haunting me! Should put it someplace else. Good luck.

I have only just begun to organize these things. Currently I have 2 drawers of UFOs. In organizing from our move last summer, I am trying to get all the parts of each one into 1 or 2 gallon baggies. I found that I had 4 UFOs begun for my DGD, not that she has any shortage of finished quilts.

It is probably simpler for me as I almost nveer have pattern and diredtions to put with the UFO.

I only have one UFO, at present. It's a quilt top (simple purple solid and print pink squares - for granddaughter), which I couldn't decide how to finish. It's basted to a blanket backing (to make it lightweight, easier to wash) but am about to take it loose and maybe use a thin batting . . . and am undecided whether or not to keep the blanket backing (or go for fabric, instead). Have also decided to applique some hearts, in the solid squares (recently found the coordinating fabric). Seems the longer I wait to finish something, the more I want to change/add things. ;) Anyway, I have no organization for UFOs, so it's just sitting out, where I'll be reminded to finish it.

Am hoping to work on that, once I finish a dog bed, I'm making for a friend. For some unexplained reason, I decided it needed a giant quilt block, on the top. :p

I think icon17 has the right idea. I would take it a step further and make a copy of the pattern (just a pic of the quilt) and start a notebook or folder to file them. You can also add notes for items or fabric that's still needed.

I have a shelf in the walk in closet of the master bedroom that runs the length of the wall (about 10 to 12 feet). When I get tired (it does happen) of piecing and sewing, I cut, label and place the pieces in zip lock bags, put in a plastic tote or storage tub found at Dollar General. I include a copy of the pattern as well as the front cover of the pattern book or magazine that it was in and mark the outside of the tub with the name of the quilt pattern and the name of the person it is going to (if it's meant for a gift). When a quilters retreat comes up, I can grab a couple of these "project" containers and I'm ready to go. I keep my fabric stash under large containers under every bed in the house and still overflow into closets, cabinets and anywhere there's space.

I never do this. I always seem to finish piecing whatever it is that I'm working on before I move on to something else. Where I have a back log is when the finished pieced tops go into the next room where the long arm is. I'm not comfortable with my long arm yet, even though it's been over two years, and I procrastinate forever over quilting them. I currently have 8 quilts waiting to be quilted. I stack them in an old cabinet that has glass doors. That way they are always looking out at me to remind me that they are still waiting. Poor things.

I use clear plastic boxes from Walmart that stack really well. It helps me keep the pattern or magazine with the other materials for the project. I also use a black Sharpie on a 3x5 notecard to write the name of the project, and I tape this to the inside of the box so I can read it when the boxes are stacked. This system really helps me find things quickly.

I have a stack of Art Bins and the cubes to store them in. I have two of the double deep ones, two of the skinny ones and 10 of the regular ones. I keep things that are still in progress in them. UFOs that are ready to be layered and quilted go in a dresser drawer.

I keep the tops that need backing and batting on skirt hangers in the closet. The others are in those 12 x 12 plastic totes. Yes, I said the others, I have about 8 hanging in the closet and another 12 in the totes. This is my project for the summer--finish my UFO's. I don't think I will get them all done, but I'm hoping to make a big dent in them. Wish me luck. So far I have finished one--lol--good start, huh.
Sue

Clear plastic shoe boxes on a shelf in my sewing room. That way I see what is in the box and they are all together material, pattern and thread and other notions that I need.

Love the pizza box storage idea, but for me the ufo's are in a jelly cupboard in the guest bedroom. It is full, and that means I have to stop stashing. I put all the fabric for a project in zip bags up to opaque garbage bags (over buying). Mark on the outside the quilt pattern, what I have, what I need. I have to start putting dates on them. Found a put together ready for baby quilt that I wanted to do 10 years ago, duh!!! That was before I did the bag storage, it was in a hope chest under lots of stuff. I have to stop stuffing -.

The very first thing I do when I start a quilt is get out a small size wash basket that I have tons of. Got them at Target, 2 for $5. I make a copy of the pattern and put it in the bottom. Add the material on top. I never cut a hole quilt at one time, just a little as I go. If I interupt a quilt in the works I just put everything into the basket so it is all together. They stack up easily and I always know where to find my UFOs. I do not like to hide them away. "Out of sight, out of mind."
peace

I was at Lowe's this past weekend and found some 10 gallon ziplock bags. Talk about awesome UFO storage options! I did punch a few holes in them so that there is air flow.

UFO Rotation System
(of my dreams)

UFOs are stored in plastic containers. Every UFO project is labeled and I choose 3 projects I’d like to complete. I work on one project for 8 hours stitching time, then move on to the next project. When I have completed 8 hours on each of the 3 ongoing projects, I’m feeling much better about my UFOs!. Then I go back to the top project and start over. When these 3 projects are finally completed, I quickly select 3 more UFOs and repeat the process. (I figure it will take me a year or so!)

During some rotations, I may not finish a single project, but the on the next rotation, I may finish two! When I’ve finished 8 hours on a UFO, I can put it away with a clear conscience; I’ve put an honest effort into ridding myself of the guilt for buying fabric, etc. for a project and tossing it to the side.

Here’s a simple chart with a series of X-marks to show how many hours I have done. Each X represents 8 hours of stitching time. My chart looks something like this:
1. Elvis Throw XXXXX
2. Batik Quilt XXXX
3. Linus Project XX

If I have a project with a deadline, I’ll work it into my rotation by working for 8 hours on number one, then 8 hours on my urgent project. Then I’ll move on back and work on my second UFO line up for 8 hours before returning to my urgent project etc., and so one. The urgent one will work up quickly, and the rotation will continue moving along.

Now if I could just implement this idea, it would be a dream come true!!!

I finally got organized a few years ago. All my UFOs are in 2 gallon ziplocks with all the materials and a copy of the pattern. Most of my UFOs are patterns from books and they would get all bent up, so just a copy of pattern goes in now. I 'file' them in beer boxes (free from liquor store) and the boxes are in a bookshelf (there are 3). Each box holds 8-12 projects depending on the amount of extra fabric I have for it.

Not having all the 'parts' together was the primary reason why many of my UFOs never were completed. I've gone from 80 UFOs (not including PIGS), to about 75 UFOs (including PIGS) since 2004. Any time that you are going to put a project away, save yourself effort and write on a piece of paper where you are. I must spend 2 hours trying to figure out my next step.

I have all the tops that are complete but not quilted in a Rubbermaid container. I started doing this in order to also contain the matching binding and sometimes the backing until I get to it.

As far as completing UFOs, I found the Stashbuster's system of working on only 4 projects to be the best. I have 2 UFOS, one in-progress and one new one going at all times. If I don't have a new project, I just pick up another UFO and make some progress on it.

I like the idea of using rotation method, but it works way better for my cross-stitching than my quilting. Once I start quilting a quilt, I want to just keep quilting on it, so pick up on handwork or other hobby stuff since I can only sit at the sewing machine a few hours a day.

Mine are all in clear plastic totes. Theoretically, they're easy to access when I decide to finish them.

This is what I do with mine but make sure you put a copy of the pattern and all the fabric for backing, binding etc in the bag. I have been stuck later when finishing a UFO by not having any fabric suitable for binding. I have 2 huge tubs under the bed with quilt tops and UFOs

I put mine in a plastic container with all the fabric and pattern, and any notions that would go with it.
Then I put a label on it and put away in a cabinet.

Depending on the size of the UFO, I use those Rubbermaid boxes -- usually the shoebox size or larger. But in a pinch, I'll use a zip lock bag or even a plain old shoe box.

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i use one of these artbins that I got at Joannes with a 50% off coupon.. I label it with blue painters tape under the handle but still readable.. I get them in assorted colors. I put all fabric, thread and pattern needed for this project so i dont use it for another project.. Works great for me.. I only keep 8 on hand and when they are full i will finish one up..

You can get pizza boxes from any store that sells large portioned items. Gordon Food Services is the one in our area. They sell packs of 20 or 25 different sized pizza boxes. Some pizza places may give you 1 or 2, but they are going to charge also. Just get your own set. Then just stack. You can share yours with friends.

I have mine in plastic boxes, the dollar tree has a nice sized one and I have 15 of them with UFO's, I am making myself finish three tops before I start something else, so far it's working. The idea of the empty sheets and curtains packages is a very good idea, I don't use them for I can stack them like I can the boxes. I give all those to my quilt buddy

For cut pieces I use the gallon size ziplocks or tupperware on shelves in my sewing room. Completed blocks, rows and whole tops get folded over a hanger in my hall closet.

In plastic cases where the pieces and instrutions will stay all together with whatever finished blocks there might be. I hide them where ever they may fit.

I put mine in small totes, label them and store on a shelf. I can easily find them when the "feeling" comes over me to get it done! Works for me.

I hate totes and boxes... It is too difficult to see what is in them... also, out of sight out of mind... if I havbe to move things around and restack things..... I'm NOT going to go hunting for it.

I have several clear plastic drawer systems...... I put everything into a large ziplock ( depending on projects size-- Ziplocks come in EVERY size ) I TRY to label them but honestly I rarely do... The project then goes into the UFO -- I preferred to call mine..... "ongoing projects" drawer... I can easily pull out the drawer ( I stand my bags on end so I can sort thru them easily) and instantly SEE what I have to work on.
I LOVE starting projects.... I'm a little slower at finishing them...... sigh

I put them (and there are many) in boxes and then the boxes go into an unused closet. I' beginning to work on them now and don't think I'll ever get to the bottom box. I can't hand quilt anymore due to severe arthritis in my hands and shoulders and need to have them machine quilted and the expense would wear me out. Small ones I will machine quilt.

For me, it's too confusing to keep track of cut pieces and how they are supposed to go together. So I always try to complete the quilt top. Then I might stash it to be finished later, but at least the pieces are all together. I have many tops with backing fabrics set aside for "later". I guess you can tell that the quilting is my least favorite part of the process.