I have always been easily distracted by the next new and shiny quilting project. This trait has led me to be one of those people who always have a half dozen quilting projects going on at once. Lately, I have been spending more time thinking about what to work on next than actually doing any sewing. I have been feeling dread rather than pleasant anticipation when I go into my sewing room
Are you like this at all? I feel like I lack the discipline to finish anything. I have decided to put this situation into perspective and see if I can do anything about it, because I feel overwhelmed. Quilting should be fun, relaxing, and creative, but lately it feels more like a chore.
I have some ideas on how to get organized, focus on my projects, and get things finished. I hope you will follow along with me and share your thoughts. Are you a “one project at a time” person? Or are you scattered like me? Do you have stacks of UFOs? Does it bother you?
I plan to tackle this issue with baby steps. The first thing I did was pull out a super cute little notebook that makes me happy to write in.
Next, I started listing the current projects I have hanging over my head, making me feel guilty and giving me no joy. This is just page one…
Here is my basic idea to get started:
1) Write down every unfinished quilting project.
2) Note where I left off.
3) Identify the next step needed to move each project forward.
4) Be realistic. If any of these projects can wait until another season or a later time, set them aside.
This is just my starting point. Check back with me on Monday to see what I plan to do for Step Two!
Please do share your thoughts on UFOs, working on multiple projects at once, and how you get things done!
One Response
I have about two dozen quilt projects going at any one time. I like it this way because I just work on whatever I feel like at the moment – cutting, piecing, pin basting, quilting, binding – in whatever colors I feel like looking at. As long as I get one quilt one step closer to done, no time feels wasted. Right now I have 3 quilts with actual time limits – one must be cut prior to a class on 10/30, one baby quilt must be done by 11/7, and one other baby quilt by 2/1. Anything else is just relaxation.