Originally Posted by Cybrarian
Mary, I know some would think this funny [it's not drugs, alcohol etc], but I think you are wise to realize some behavior changes are in order. I am no expert, but I know you can't change everything at once. This is a long haul deal. If you had to answer in 15 seconds or less, what is the one thing you most want to change? Is it the finished projects just sitting? Could you pick one place you store them, then narrow that to a shelf or a specific number of items or something and sort through those with the goal of finding 10 items to donate? Is 10 too many? How about 5 or even 3?
If it is a finished item who would use it? Women? Children? Men? Elderly? Okay, now what organizations in your very immediate area reach out to that group? Would your husband or a friend or other family member be willing to take the items for delivery before you change your mind? [It might be a while before you can get to the point of taking something yourself]. Do a print out from the organization if they have a website with some pictures, if there are any, with the information of the mission of this organization. Keep focused on who you are helping, not on what you are giving up.
If it can't be finished items what about just a couple of quilts that need binding? Is there a guild, church or other public group that does charity quilts? Could you find at least 2 or 3 you could pass on to them? If not quilts what about a few bags of scraps?
I don't know if this is any help, but I know changing behavior must be done in small steps with little successes adding up. You can do this. You have recognized the need to change your behavior--that is the most important part! That is huge! I look forward to your future posts. This was very brave of you to start this thread.
This post is great! Thanks for writing it out.
I'd had quite a few UFOs due to so much being donated to me, but I've gotten it down to just a sailboat quilt and a basket quilt (the squares are done--donated to me) and I think one more that I cut out a couple of years ago. The rest of the tops are made. (I'm not worried about finishing up the rest of the way--I'm more worried about unfinished tops since I usually try to finish up the sandwiching and such in a group), but being overwhelmed by too many quilts cut out and started at once is not a nice feeling.
My current count of 3 or 4 projects is fine as it means I can work on what I'm in the mood for. Having 10-12 started or going at once is too much even for me... :) I'm almost caught up now. I've been working on scrappy things this year to try to get control of my sewing room again...and I've made several scrappy tops. Someday I'll get my kids to hold them and take pics.
But I did have a crisis earlier this year when I couldn't get into my sewing room. So, I folded my fabric, put my started projects in one spot and cut up most of my myriads of scraps/leftovers--fabric that was cut off the edges after binding, etc. I got rid of one piece of furniture which wasn't really fitting the need I had, and moved two big portable wardrobes in there and use them to put my totes of freshly folded fabric in.
I still have some of a mess (esp. compared to some who post here), but at least I don't feel overwhelmed anymore and
can get in my sewing room and sew and actually know where things are. I find the piles happen regularly though, so I have to keep cleaning it up!