Thursday, October 14, 2010

UFO Busting

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while, you know that I am a habitual Starter, but the Finishing leaves something to be desired. If you haven't picked up on this little nugget of knowledge, you can confirm this fact by looking at the tabs under my header and checking the lists of UFO's and kits that I have made.

When I first started quilting, I was not confident in my fabric and color choices in any way and when I saw a quilt that I liked that was offered in kits, I bought the kits. They accumulate, let me tell you. And quickly!

I came up with a list of goals for 2010 with the intent of gaining better control over my UFO's and kits, but there has been little progress in the fight. I seem to keep coming up with new quilts that must be sewn immediately if not sooner. I am doing my best to work on UFO's! Honest, I am!! I have even pulled out at least 2 to take with me to retreat next week.

In any event, it appears that others have the same affliction as I do where UFO's are concerned. So much so that Pat Sloan has come up with a 12 Step Plan for busting the UFO's. She posted Step #1 on her blog today. She of course calls the steps 'tips,' but really! Let's call a spade a spade! lol

I believe that at this point, my lists are mostly up to date and I am going to go with them as is. I may change them after retreat, but I don't see myself having much time before.

So how are YOUR UFO's looking? Do you need a 12 Step program?

15 comments:

Libby said...

WOW! That's hard! I was just taking a break from straightening my sewing room!! What a mess! Scraps, fabric, books, magazines and UFO's all out of control!! I always rolled my eyes when some poor soul would say that they lost a project in their sewing room!! Well, not anymore!

I need to make me a list, Girl!!

Becca Quilts said...

To start a 12-step program, don't you have to come out of denial first? ... I'm not sure I'm ready to take that step :-D.

elizabeth said...

LIBBY I HAVE LOST (WELL MISPLACED) MANY PROJECTS AND LATER FOUND THEM WHEN I WASNT LOOKING FOR THEM. SOMETIMES I COULDNT BELIEVE I LOST THEM IN SUCH A SMALL AREA OF MY BEDROOM. I KNOW I PUT IT THERE WAS SAID MANY TIMES. I KEEP SAYING I NEED TO DO BETTER IN THIS AREA. JILL I THINK YOU DO A GREAT JOB IN KNOWING WHERE YOU PUT YOUR STASH OR PROJECTS

Patty said...

I'm not too sure 12 steps is enough for me. I'll probably need 20 or more!

Vic H. said...

OMG...did you see all that she had to work on (I said that a little self-rightously...even though I probably have just as many!! LOL). I think I'm too embarrassed to honestly list all that I have bought and have going on...I'll have to gel on this idea. Oh the shame, oh the horror!!! ;-D

Kristie said...

I just don't think there is any help for me! I'm the one that still has at least 45 tops that need quilted and probably that many more started that hasn't even made it to the "quilt top" stage.

I will go check out Pat Sloans blog and see if it will help me...
Kristie

Kate said...

I made a valiant attempt at recovery this year. I took 5 quilts off my UFO list as finishes, including the two oldest. But I think I'm in danger of falling off the wagon, I've found 3 new projects I really want to start!

Babs said...

I've vowed two things since beginning my blog.

First, I refuse to do any kind of stash report. It's my business as to how much fabric I own :) After all, isn't it whomever dies with the most fabric....

And I refuse to keep a list of UFO's and be held accountable for finishing. I may have a list, but if some of those (or the majority) stay on that list, then so be it. As long as I am being productive, I'm a happy quilter :)

HOLLLLLAAAAA!!!!
-Babs

quiltin cntrygrl said...

Oh yeah!! I have so many projects and as you know added one more today.. Guess I will be following those 12 steps to see what I can do.

Brenda said...

Maybe knowing that I love to start things is why I took those 6 months off this year.... but, guess who went blog hopping and found a project she just has to do, and I fell off the no-sewing wagaon, and I am back in my very over-crowed, project filled, pattern filled, book filled room, with another project started that was not even thought of last week....
Hmmm, I think I am going to go check out Pats blog. Thanks Jill. I need all the help I can get now that I am back in the saddle......
I will let you know how it goes. And you do finish!!! I have seen the ones you've done! Me??? I get them almost done, then.......

so this will help - I am sure!

Anonymous said...

I'm on a fabric shopping fast, so UFOs are the only joy I get these days.

I can't buy new until I seriously work down my stash/UFOs. No excuses.

Deanna said...

I made a list nearly a year ago and it has really helped my focus. And, it has been very satisfying to check items off as they are complete. I have strayed away lately and become distracted, but this helps my resolve. And there are new things I want to start and holiday sewing and it would be so much easier with some of the clutter (physical and mental) cleared away.

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

My list of UFO's isn't quite as long but they are always there saying 'finish me' in tiny little voices in my head - lol. I guess they are yelling loud enough.

Gina said...

Well I've got a list of UFO's anyway. It's not the listing them tht's the problem it's the working on them.
I've joined her forum so hopefully I'll get the help I need

Love and hugs Gina xxx

InfinityQuilter/Knitter said...

Hmm, definitely gotta check out Pat's tips. As we've discussed, I need help in that area too. NEXT year I'm going to tackle some of the kits I've accumulated.