annesthreads

Of course. There's no way I'd just throw them away. That's why I'm looking for ideas here. Through all my decluttering, the question of how things can be reused or repurposed has been paramount. I grew up in the 50s and early 60s, when times were hard for many people, including my parents, and try to avoid waste as much as possible. I won't keep things that no longer add positively to my life, but I want them to do some good somewhere else.

annesthreads

Good idea. I'll see if I get any replies to this post that give me more UK leads, but I may give this a go if I'm still stuck.

Jingle

I totally finish every quilt I start. I have no room for unfinished projects. Last year I donated 29 quilts, 1 afghan. My Daughter donated several quilts and assorted crocheted items. I can't store all the quilts I make so I found homes for another 10 or so quilts besides the ones above.
Couldn't you finish them up and donate them, if you can't find someone to do it?

joe'smom

I wholeheartedly agree that you should get those UFOs out of the house. But as far as the guilt, even though you won't be finishing the quilts, they will be finished by someone, and so the investment in fabric and time wasn't wasted! You developed your skills, enjoyed yourself, and someone will benefit in the end. Good luck finding the right place for the UFOs!

Barb in Louisiana

Another thought....about half way through almost every project, I begin to dislike the colors, the shapes, the pattern...everything about the quilt. Thus another UFO is born. When I make myself go back and finish them to the point of quilting and binding, I fall in love again. It's amazing how different the finished quilt looks.

But, I do agree, if you just can't or choose not to finish them, find someone who will finish and donate them for you. Many will then cherish your UFO's. If you are lucky, you may see one of them on Facebook one day.

Jeanne S

I agree---find a home for them and get rid of them. We all have UFOs for various reasons and they feel like failures somehow! But I chalk them up to learning experiences and changing tastes over time. I really hope you can find a group that will repurpose them for charity. Good luck to you!

annesthreads

I've tried - have set myself targets, have even blogged about it to try to motivate myself, but with many of these projects the interest has just gone and I procrastinate because I don't want to do them - I want to work on something that energises and excites me. I think my tastes and interests have changed over the years. Also, probably significantly, some of these were started during a very confused and unhappy time in my life, and maybe there are unconscious associations with that pulling me down too.
I admire your approach: I hope I've learned lessons about being disciplined and seeing things through. I never want to be in this position again.

annesthreads

Thankyou. Yes, this is why it's vital to find a home for them. The book I'm using for my decluttering says that when getting rid of your "mistakes" , whatever they are, before you let them go you should say thankyou to them for what they've taught you. Sounds a bit crazy, but there's wisdom in it.

tessagin

I had a couple and I just did not like them. I went ahead and sewed them together with what was cut and made it only as large as the fabric I had. Then donated them. One was large enough but I didn't want to waste a lot on batting. I didn't really pay that much for the fabric (on sale). Turned it into a reversible. Went to animal shelter

Gramie bj

GET RID OF THEM!!!! If they make you feel guilty, give them away, it is a freeing experience. You will have more room in your sewing area, your mind, and your soul. Your heart will be lighter and you will be able to enjoy working on your next project. Last year I gave some unfinished quilt tops to my guild, They were finished and passed on to those in need. It is really nice not having them looking over my shoulder every time I sat at my machine or looked for something in that room.