Thanks for following along as I attempt to identify my UFOs and make a plan to finish them.
To improve my quilting focus and prioritize and complete my UFOs, I need to modify one behavior. That behavior is how I manage my quilting time. When I walk into my sewing room and see project after project in varying stages of completion, it stresses me out. I know I need to get a handle on all these projects, and this is what I have done so far:
1) I got a cute notebook and listed my UFOs and what steps need to be taken to finish them.
2) I prioritized my top three UFOs to tackle one at a time. The other projects were set aside to assess later. For starters, I recommend focusing on no more than three UFOs at a time. This is working great for me. I finished my first UFO, and am now working on the second (pictured above).
3) Step three is to create a system to manage the time I spend in the sewing room. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, I believe short, focused quilting sessions are the way to go. I will start with baby steps and set aside 30 minutes at a time. It is important not to be interrupted and to give your full attention to the task you have selected for this 30-minute sewing session.
The Border of the Month quilt project that Corey Yoder hosted this summer is almost finished, but for a pieced border. I am using already-cut leftover 2 1/2″ squares. Since no cutting was needed, I could just sit down and start piecing. In the 30 minutes I set aside for this task, I completed the two side borders.
It is important to focus on completing just one milestone at a time. You will see tangible progress, and each completed step gives you a reason to feel good about your work. I already feel I have nearly completed my second UFO!
5 Responses
Woohoo! I, too, just finished a UFO last night, and it has motivated me to quilt again. I had gotten stuck, not being too interested in finishing a RWB quilt that I had begun for Quilts of Valor. I am so over RWB. So, I set that quilt aside and finished a bright, pretty, happy quilt and now I feel motivated to finish the RWB quilt.
Congrats on your finishes!
I like the short bursts of time. They also pass by so quickly and you tend to run over a bit! But it’s a perfect way to reward yourself after completing chores too!
You’ve got a focus plan in place & it looks like you’re making great progress! I love the scrappy border that you completed!
You nailed a big problem for me— I set aside an hour each night, but by the time I check email, look for something that is missing, and text a friend, there’s 15 minutes left! I’m going to try to make a specific goal and start right in.
The little sewing blocks of time have really put me in a better mood. I didn’t think 20 mins of sewing would accomplish much but it’s working out really well. I don’t have to think about what needs to be done next because it’s right where I left it….104 flying geese almost finished. wooo hoooo!