petthefabric

Mojo disappeared. I'm suppose to be keeping a journal. Better write that down.

joe'smom

I'm facing the fact that I can't get as much done as I used to (and I was slow then). I used to get a project at least to the finished top stage. All of my projects to that point were planned (I was just starting out and didn't have much of a stash). What happened about five years ago was that (I think in a fit of spring cleaning fever) I suddenly became impatient with my stash and felt a compelling need to organize it into projects. I would then cut the project, construct units if applicable, put enough up on the wall to see what it looked like, bag the pieces and move on to the next one. Another difference in these 'stash' projects was that I didn't necessarily have the same emotional investment in them as I had in my planned, or 'concept' projects, so not the same motivation to complete them. Once I came to the end of the projects I'd gathered stash fabrics for, I started in on planning projects for all of the bundles I'd acquired during the time I prepped the stash quilts. (If I knew how to insert an eye roll here, I would).

In the last few years it seemed like a good idea to join sew-alongs,so as to continue making dents in the sash. However, at the same time, my capacity for working has dramatically decreased. So I need to change my approach. I'm going to get back to finishing the project I start. If I'm not interested enough in it to pay to have it quilted (that's something I'm going to have to start doing, because I don't know if I'll be finishing more quilts myself), I'll give it to a guild who quilts them for charity. That's my plan, anyway.

Which is all leading up to say, I gave away 5 UFOs today (as well as lots of yardage and scraps). I'm very happy there are people who will finish and donate them!

petthefabric

Life happens. And we change with it OR in spite of it. What worked at one point may not work as well, now.
If we're disappointed in ourselves, we have to forgive ourselves and go from here. The past is done and gone. I choose to enjoy the now and hope to enjoy my future.
So, my mojo is gone right now. I'll look for it and enjoy something else in the present. I'm not required to con't quilting. Although I don't see that happening, just a momentary hiatus.

WMUTeach

Joe'smom, it sounds like you have a plan, several actually that have changed over time. To be honest, my production has slowed down too. Don't know why except from time to time I find myself over thinking this or that. I will hear a little voice say, "Just pick a color and get on with it, lady." I do and away I go. Giving away quilt tops is a good solution so you don't get bogged down in UFO's that don't thrill you. If you have folks who will finish them and donate them three cheers for you. You get the fun of creating and can leave the rest to other folk.

Giving can feel real good, too. It sort of clears the decks and the mind. Big breath and pick one you want to finish and move ahead.

Belfrybat

Joe's Mom -- your plan to give away is brilliant as it still reduces your stash and "finishes" the UFOs, just not in the way you originally thought it would. I watched a video yesterday on Quilted! Summit called "UFOs - Quilt it or Quit it?". I'd already quit one of my UFOs that I've taken out every few months to work on then put it back, knowing I'd never finish it. So yesterday I disassembled the contents in the bag, put back any pieces large enough to use and (horrors!) actually cut up the sub-units I'd made and put the scraps in my current dog bed. Never done that before but it felt good.

joe'smom

Good for you, Belfry bat. You took action!

Several of the projects I had planned it made me tired just to think of, so on my list I put them under 'Requiring New Patterns.' One of those patterns had 16ths of an inch measurements! While I enjoy small-piece traditional patterns, I need to be open to making larger piece, simpler patterns.

I also decided a good way to order future projects was by which ones are most in the way, LOL. I have grocery bags full of fabric and patterns stuffed into every available corner of my sewing room, and crowded under my cutting table. They are heavy(!), so it has made it more difficult to tidy up in there (whereas I used to Swiffer that room every morning). So that's where I'm starting.

joe'smom

This reminds me of a thread posted some time ago (which I haven't been able to find -- I think the title had to do with batting), where the poster brought this to my attention for the first time. She commented that the price of batting was such that she intended to consider carefully what projects she cared enough about to follow through with. I've been thinking of that ever since. I think there's the same delight in starting each project, but after that, they are certainly not equally near and dear to one's heart.

happylab

I’m so sorry to hear several members are slowing down on their sewing/quilting. I can understand. I’m glad to hear how we adjust and still get things moving. By gifting to another person or group to finish or find a project we want to put our energy to complete. I understand how expensive batting has become and I understand not wanting to use the batting except for my/our special projects.

well back to our ufo challenge. I have drawn #8. So number 8 on our/your list is our projects this month. Looking forward to pics and progress on your projects.

Belfrybat

I slowed down the last 10 days due to a cold which has turned into bronchitis. I have the "Autumn sampler" on the quilting frame and two passes quilted but discovered that coughing and longarming DO NOT go well together. So no complete finishes for February, but two UFO tops completely done and a third started on. As soon as the cough subsides it won't take long to finish the quilting the two tops. I really had planned on a finish a month, and that might still happen if I can play catch up.

Quossum

Here’s my February finish! #12 on my list was actually a pair of baby quilts, and I only finished one, but the other one is well on the way, so I’ll try to work on it along with my #8!