UFO Challenge 2026
#201
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Coos Bay, OR
Posts: 238
Oh my goodness you guys, I just realized how many UFOs I have to finish. There's like 20+ quilt tops and as many totes and boxes of things that have started being pieced. I really feel like I HAVE to get at least 12 done this year and wonder how many years of UFOs I have ahead of me. I also know that if I dont do them nobody else will. And, of course,I have project of my own Im starting. I have an opportunity to take a class on flying geese (I will conquer the nasty trianges) and the scrap bings are stuffed, which means I can start the tonal scrappy quilt I've always wanted to make. Im really trying to stop myself from making more UFOs though.The struggle!


#202
@Cedar I can relate. Thanks to this board's challenge and retirement, I have made good headway into my UFOs, but mine looked about like yours, just in boxes instead of hung up! SO many UFOs....and yet how could I deny myself the pleasure of starting new projects now and again?
I like your idea of committing to 12 a year (if that's the number that feels do-able for you). Write down the 12 that you feel the most strongly about finishing, maybe a variety of "levels of completion," and tell yourself that those come first. I do let myself start new ones, but I try to do that only if I can commit to taking that quilt all the way through (even if working on it while working on the current UFO project) without IT becoming a UFO itself!
Over time, you'll chip away at it, but you will get there!
I like your idea of committing to 12 a year (if that's the number that feels do-able for you). Write down the 12 that you feel the most strongly about finishing, maybe a variety of "levels of completion," and tell yourself that those come first. I do let myself start new ones, but I try to do that only if I can commit to taking that quilt all the way through (even if working on it while working on the current UFO project) without IT becoming a UFO itself!
Over time, you'll chip away at it, but you will get there!
#203
I did it.... I caught up with the Challenges. The quilt below is UFO #2 an unfinished mystery quilt from 2019. I was given to me to finish because the quilter has serious arthritis in her hands and can not longer quilt. The top was about 2/3 finished and has been sitting in my UFO basket since 2022. Now it is done and ready to go "out the door."
I have a couple more of hers on my list but they will wait until later in the year.
I have started working on another UFO but doubt it will be finished this month.
I have other things I would like to work on for a little while.
I have a couple more of hers on my list but they will wait until later in the year.
I have started working on another UFO but doubt it will be finished this month.
I have other things I would like to work on for a little while.
#204
Congratulations, Cedar, on getting your UFOs in one place ready to go. Don't they look pretty all hanging in a row. Lots of us have been or are in the same place. That is why we are in this group!
I did the same a few years ago and I redo my "collection" each January. I am on year 5 or 6. Cedar, for my 2 cents. Go back to your quilt tops on hangers. Choose one that is the easiest to finish and do it. Today, tomorrow, this week, just do it. Simple quilting, machine binding and move it on. (I am practicing my machine binding on UFOs. It does get better and faster. It is WAAAY faster than my preferred hand stitching the binding to the back.) Then choose another UFO and repeat.
One thing I had to do, and it only hurt for a moment, is to give away some of the UFOs. My quilting group of about 50 gals, does a thing where you put a UFO in a paper grocery bag and put it on the give away table. Our rules, you can't peek inside and once in your possession, it is yours and you can do what you wish with it. (UFOs have turned into jackets, place mats, toddler quits or just finished, what ever.) I also donated a couple to Goodwill. Just disliked them to much to invest my time.
Keep encouraging us, Quossum. That slow and steady wins the race plan works for UFOs too. It doesn't matter if it takes a year or 6 years, we just want to see our fine ideas, piecing work, investment in time and materials finished. We can then step back and pat out selves on the back with a deep Ahhh!
One a month is the UFO Challenge in this thread. You can start now if you want. Make your list, and go for it. twelve out the door is a good accomplishment. Every now and again you can get two done in a month and that is icing on the cake. It leaves room for other project what you want to make. Yeah, for all of us conquering our UFOs this year!!
I did the same a few years ago and I redo my "collection" each January. I am on year 5 or 6. Cedar, for my 2 cents. Go back to your quilt tops on hangers. Choose one that is the easiest to finish and do it. Today, tomorrow, this week, just do it. Simple quilting, machine binding and move it on. (I am practicing my machine binding on UFOs. It does get better and faster. It is WAAAY faster than my preferred hand stitching the binding to the back.) Then choose another UFO and repeat.One thing I had to do, and it only hurt for a moment, is to give away some of the UFOs. My quilting group of about 50 gals, does a thing where you put a UFO in a paper grocery bag and put it on the give away table. Our rules, you can't peek inside and once in your possession, it is yours and you can do what you wish with it. (UFOs have turned into jackets, place mats, toddler quits or just finished, what ever.) I also donated a couple to Goodwill. Just disliked them to much to invest my time.
Keep encouraging us, Quossum. That slow and steady wins the race plan works for UFOs too. It doesn't matter if it takes a year or 6 years, we just want to see our fine ideas, piecing work, investment in time and materials finished. We can then step back and pat out selves on the back with a deep Ahhh!
One a month is the UFO Challenge in this thread. You can start now if you want. Make your list, and go for it. twelve out the door is a good accomplishment. Every now and again you can get two done in a month and that is icing on the cake. It leaves room for other project what you want to make. Yeah, for all of us conquering our UFOs this year!!
Last edited by WMUTeach; Today at 03:51 AM.
#205

