I think I would be more embarrassed to say.. most of the time I am working on at least 8 at a time, in various stages, however I have plenty that I now call "marinating" until I'm ready to take the next creative move, or finish.. I can honestly say you don't have many 😊
When you fail to finish, there is a reason. Move on. Package up what you have, with original instructions, and donate. Others may be thrilled to pick up where you left off. You would not believe the great projects I have picked up at my local thrift store.
I probably should go check 😂 I have been busy with baby quilts as gifts (6!) and now am ready to move onto something else. I am a part of 2 groups that make donation quilts and sometimes my projects get pushed back so that I can finish a donation project. I need to find a balance! I love your acronym NSO 😊. I have at least 6 of those and that's just those that come to mind!!! I have the fabric and pattern sitting waiting for me to start And then of course there are those on my wish to make list... 😂😂😂
No, No - that BLUE one? boys/teens would Love it. Don't make "your taste" be the deciding factor if you donate. Remember - there are all kinds of people out there. We have a charity here in Poland and I let people come in and choose their own quilt once a year (from about 120). The only requirement I have for tops is that they are well made - and taste or colors has nothing to do with it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder That blue one is nice!
I came here to say similar! That blue one is lovely and I think someone would really love it. It’ll be an easy finish, just get it over with and out of your space.
For me, Some projects are just a creative exercise that never need to be completed. They are for the joy of the experience. A means to express yourself that do not need to become anything.
The one with the blue strips I think would be great boy quilt. I would have some borders to it and make it a boy's quilt. Add the borders and put a binding on it and you'd be done.
35 years of quilting here with WAY too many UFOs. I laughed with your explanations and get it. Every single one. It was so helpful to hear your process. I need to get mine sorted as well.
Thanks Kristen, I feel heaps better now! I am a very slow quilter, sloth-like almost, with occasional bursts of single minded activity when I make mistakes, only discovered when it's time to join the blocks. And I love fabric. Some things become shopping bags😊
I agree with the overthinking comment. The one with dark blue strips is nice, I’m a blue fan so so maybe I’m biased. I think it is pretty and someone would appreciate. Maybe a lap quilt if you don’t want to make it bigger. It would Be beautiful bigger. The on-point bright one is really nice, take off the black and finish it with more bright colors, yellows, oranges…for a baby quilt. It’s really nice. That big light blue with the buttons and domestic stitches is very pretty and retro looking. You should finish it! The contemporary art quilt is unique and will look very cool! Your stuff is very unique and beautiful all in there own way Kristen, try to get “un-stuck” and finish them!! 💗
Watching this while quilting a quilt sandwich that sat on the wardrobe for over 2 years. I think that the most important thing that drives us to finish projects is the love/enthusiasm for it. When it’s no longer there, I tend to put the project aside but the good news is that sometimes it comes back and we get to finish them
Oh Boy! My projects alternate between UFOs and NSAs. Years ago I stopped quilting and gave away most of it. During the pandemic I started again and do have more fabric again than I shall ever get to!I tend to be a fabric collector more than anything! A fabric hoarder LOL! You are so creative and ever evolving in your projects .I appreciate you sharing the highs and lows of the process.Ten UFOs are not a lot so do not feel guilty .Thanks for being so candid.
Hey, Kristen! The Farmer blocks are fabulous! I like the on-point layout shown with a narrow sashing in your top left layout. I think that this would make a beautiful runner or table topper. Alternatively, you could use the same layout for pillows. Love the rainbow HST layout. For the quilted UFO blocks…odd number, so perhaps put them on point-hexi in the middle, flanked by the 2 Dresdens, then 2 darker quilts on top bottom? But, if you don’t love them, give away! Definitely quilt the other UFO top made by another. Thanks, and stay well! Muskoka ON 🇨🇦
I like the one with the blue strips, I think it would be loved by the younger crowd. I did use the Quilted Forest idea, I think had 12 projects and did one a month, I too feel the stress of UFO's. Please keep us up to date with your progress,
I think doing exactly what you’ve done with UFO’s is the first step. Spread them out in front of you, discuss each project. I think it will lead you in a natural path towards a solution. If it doesn’t, then I offer you this. In my own experience I have had projects in which I could not envision its future. At the start of my quilting journey I was keen & excited to try everything. Over time, I honed in on my quilting voice & the creation of these UFO’s became less. After 4 years I would say you are in a natural stage of your quilting journey. I have a specific tote where I can put them away “on sabbatical” & get them off my mental list. Growth, knowledge, inspiration help me make good choices as I review them once a year. If I’m unsure, I just put them back, close the lid & say see you next year. But I have had instances where I’ve quietly waited for the perfect idea, that project percolated on the back burner & all of a sudden it’s like I know exactly what to do with it. And that might be to finish it, use it to complete another project or I know exactly to how to get rid of it. Sometimes you can’t rush a project, it needs to mature. Now with the Farmer’s Wife quilt, may I suggest approaching it as a legacy piece. I have been wanting to do the Dear Jane quilt. It’s taken me a few years to gather the tools, print off the free FPP blocks, pick fabrics. I’ve got a nice box to store it in & my only goal is to make one block at a time. Never look past just that one block. Let it grow organically. I’m 55 & hope I have many years ahead of me, but right now I’m just going to enjoy one block at a time. I hope this wordy answer has given you permission to sometimes tuck away & forget about for a while, over time you will do less & less of that. When the right path for a project reveals itself, you’ll know it. Best of luck as you move forward in your quilting life.
Very fun to watch you go through projects. All of them looked good to me. I make a lot of quilts and I think I have a lot of planned projects that I don't start--sometimes they go back in my stash. You are so right--time is precious. Work on what excites you with no apologies. It seems there is always someone else willing to take up old projects. It's a good plan to give someone else the chance to finish those that don't excite you anymore.
I think they are all worth finishing in their current size. Just quilt them up as is. Keep it simple! That blue QAYG example just needs binding. It will be small but perfect for a baby. With your big QAYG blocks you bought, sew them together as if they are regular blocks with 1/4 or 3/8” seams, to make a top, and then throw them on your long arm with another backing. Who says there can’t be 4 layers in a quilt sandwich. A simple serpentine stitch on the final blocks will anchor the backing and compress this seams.
Lovely quilts don’t overthink them finish and make someone happy, the charity list in your area would love your quilts for 2: make into smaller wheel chair sizes and donate 36x36 Hint I hang UFO on hangers keeps them wrinkle free I am trying to finish with timelines❤
No judgement here! You are in good company. I have about a dozen quilt tops alone that need to be quilted. That doesn't include all the piles of blocks and other projects I have started over the years. To finish these UFOs is my New Years resolution every year. I call my NSOs kits. I have lots of those too!
Great projects, Kristen and 10 UFOs is nothing!!! I have at least 3 times that many. I run a UFO Club on Ravelry and work through a list of them each quarter. Full disclosure - as long as I finish ONE from the list, I'm happy!
The paper pieced project is so pretty. I like the blue quilt and I think someone will enjoy the donation. I would cut up the one with all the black. I enjoyed seeing all the projects, even though they are not finished. I think UFOs just go with being a quilter. 😊🧡💛
For the quilt that you are thinking about sending to a dog shelter - cut it into dog bed pieces and serge the edges - no binding. For the improv one that you call ugly - use it as a quilt backing for a charity quilt. It would be acceptable for that. For the bright coloured one with black at the top, cut off the black parts and make it a baby quilt. Great video.😊
Farmers Wife - finish, auction it and donate the funds to one of your favorite charities? Black with meh colors - cut up and turn into kennel quilts. Blue one - would make a great picnic or fort quilt! The finished blocks would make cute market totes!
I have about 60 UFO's, mostly flimsies (quilt tops). I like piecing, but I don't enjoy the actual quilting. I have come to terms with this state of affairs for the following reason. Flimsies take less room to store, and when I want to give a quilt to someone, I can choose one from my large selection of tops. Sometime I even show the tops to the recipient so they can choose. I don't want to tell you how to feel, but I wouldn't feel bad about 10 UFO's. The farmer's wife quilt is going to be stunning. Maybe it will have quilt show potential? I like the NSO concept. I have a few of those too!
Please remember that "ugly" is in the eye of the beholder. Someone would LOVE it. If you do charity quilts, a finished "blah to you" quilt woudl be loved by someone!
I agree with the overthinking comment. The one with dark blue strips is nice, I’m a blue fan so so maybe I’m biased. I think it is pretty and someone would appreciate. Maybe a lap quilt if you done want to make it bigger.
Oh, counting the number of UFO’s that I have would be overwhelming. I always have a number of projects going on, and I do finish a lot of things, but I find myself inspired by new ideas that I need to start right away. Many project boxes in my room have NSO’s that hopefully will be started someday. I love the center diamond UFO that you showed. That will be a beautiful quilt. Enjoy your UFO journey.
I have several project boxes with purchased fabrics pulled together for a quilt. (To be honest, several is not exactrly truthful. It is more like 50) So I have lots of NSO's that I might never start. When I make a quilt with no end use in mind, I get to the finished quilt top and then don't finish the quilt. Currently 9 of those UFO's waiting their turn. Thanks for sharing
OMG, 10 is a small amount! I have seen other quilters on UA-cam with 80+! You have so far to go!! But you are frugal, so 10 seems like a lot to you. You now have a plan for 3 (for sure) and a few more (probable) so you are on your way. The last quilt blocks you showed are beautiful and I probably would have bought them also. I would love to have them but the cost of shipping is probably prohibitive and hopefully someone near you will speak up. As someone else commented here, just because you think it is ugly doesn't mean that it is. I would think a charity would be happy to take any of the quilts you no longer love.
I am a rarity in the quilting world in that i have zero UFOs. I don't let myself start a new quilt until the current one is done. Sometimes that means I don't sew for a week or more because i really don't want to work on my project, but it gets done eventually because I'm super keen to do the next one. I have about 6 or more NSOs - these are my incentive to get stuff finished!! If it doesn't bring you joy, it will for someone else. Just gotta find the right person.
I would be dancing in the street if I only had 10 UFOs! The 2nd quilt you showed, an improv one-- cut it down to kid sizes and quilt with swirls or circles. It's amazing how quilting changes the look! OTOH, getting over the i-don't-like-it hump is really hard. My advice is to donate those tops and concentrate on the ones you love. P.S. I really enjoy your videos. 😍
Perhaps you could use the second UFO (the one with the colors you don't like) as a backing for another quilt. I think that that would be easier than trying to take it apart, and it won't matter too much if you don't like it/think it's ugly because it will be on the back of the quilt.
Do the fun part. For me that's the top. If the rest doesn't get done in my lifetime, the kids and grands might use them as is or actually finish them themselves. No problem.
While listening to a good book, movie, or storyteller, take the seams out of the offending quilt top. Then cut your own (Layer Cake) 10 inch squares, (Charms) 5 inch squares, (Jewels) 2 1/2 inch squares, and (Jelly Roll) 2 1/2 strips, etc., to be used in other projects. Don't forget to save your crumbs. Ugly fabric isn't ugly after you cut it up and sew it into patchwork. I've done this many times and felt great when it was finished.
Funnily enough the blue quilt as you go one that is so close to finished which you didn't like is the only one I did like. Finish it and I am sure you'll find someone to gift it to who will love it too. Leah Louise quilting in the States is collecting quilts for Hurricane Helene victims and has an addtess on her youtube channel to send them to. It will be expensive sending a quilt to the US. I know I've sent a couple to family out there but knowing you're helping people who have lost everything would beworth it.
Make it into a floor quilt or lawn quilt. Even if you don't care for the colors. It would be useful. No worries about being on the floor or outside on the lawn.
So, I have finished watching...I had been going to ask to see your UFO list. I really like the one you have started with the Pfaff/hand quilt look...actually like them all except the blocks you bought and will give away. And I don't dislike them...they just don't interest me very much. The one you did quilt as you go...someone would love that for a kid. Put a border around the rest if you want and finish it. You could even applique something on it...whatever you like. Flowers, or a kite or two...a duck. I can't think what else. I have no idea how many unfinished projects I have...you would not believe the quilt top or two I put in a bag for a charity...one of them had a lot of work. I did it when we moved in with our daughter. Just trying to get rid of things.
Thanks! Yes that blue qayg one has been popular in the comments and I think someone is going to take it off me. Go figure- I really don’t like it, maybe my taste level is off! 😂
4 yr quilter here also, i am finishing ufos...as quickly as i can...the 2nd one, just cut it in 6-8 big squares, sash it...put border around it if u choose, or you can use it as a back...someone will find it beautiful
I'm in Northern Ireland and am a very new quilter. I would love to work on one of your UFO's. BTW you are very informative, and I so enjoy watching and learning from you. 🙃🧡💚💜
Thanks so much! Send me an email with the one you are interested in. A couple are already spoken for but happy to send you one if it’s still available- wouldn’t be too expensive to send to Northern Ireland.
If you feel they are too big, maybe cut them into baby blankets or table toppers, make a small or round appliqué and then put a binding in a fun color. It's inspiring to watch the beauties and I have learnt a lot about color and make the best of all colors. It's fun to realize how your own taste change.
An yes...I too have many NSO's...as well as many ufo's (I definitely have 12 ufo's, 6 wips, and at least 20 nso's) most of my ufo's are stalled at the binding stage. I usually have to work up the motivation to bind because I don't enjoy doing it
If I were you... I would take the one hanging up on the wall and sandwich it by the first one showed (colorful with black in it too) or the white one with the pockets and colors that were the timed class. Two UFOs...one quilt. Two were muted colors and I would throw those together since they aren't 'your colors". Combining and gifting, or donating to a shelter, would get them out the door if you didn't know what else to do with them. It would also allow you to get more done. Make December or January 1st your deadline. The quilt as you go would be a great donation quilt - it looked nice and heavy. My UFOs built up this spring when some major things happened and I stopped sewing completely. I've just gotten started again (less than a week ago) and clearing things out ASAP is my goal. Many quilts will be given to neighbors for their children. I like to call them 'reading quilts' cause they are just for cuddling.
I think you are overthinking a lot of these. That cream one with the random placed pieces is ready to be finished. It's cool. Just finish quilting it and bind it and put it on your wall.
I have one that I havn't finished that I screwed up . I just havn't got back to it for a couple of years. Just got discouraged with it because of the mistakes. I like that blue/white mixed strip one.
Thank you. I have moved 3 years ago. Most of my things are still in storage, that includes half knitted and half crochetted things...also needle work. Was busy with quilting also. It's not easy for me, but what can i do? Must wait untill things changes! Blessings from South Africa Africa🤗🤗🌺💐🙏🙏🙏🇿🇦🇿🇦
If you just removed the black from the "square on point quilt; it would make a beautiful baby quilt or lap quilt. Just my opinion. Thank you for sharing.
I have a design book overflowing with ideas, colours and costings but as my health issues slow me down I have one EPP hexagon quilt waiting for the right colour outer border and binding and one whole cloth quilt about to start. WIPS are more common for me in crochet as I can pause a project more easily knowing I can simply unravel it if it is not what I wanted. I have no doubt I would join you all in quilt WIPS given the chance. I love the QAYG blue WIP and almost all he others. And I wholeheartedly agree about not just giving away the ugly items. One thought though for Q4CL can some of the less appealing quilts make hot water bottle covers? Given the size they may look more appealing.
Interesting- I hadn’t thought of smaller items. I think I might have takers for some of these but I’ll see what’s leftover and maybe offer them up on the Facebook group. I don’t see myself taking the time to make lots of small things to be honest but more than happy to give it away for someone else to do that! All the best with your EPP!
I won't even count my UFO's. It's too depressing. I also have some NSOs and a category of purchased fabric I love, for which I don't even have a plan as yet. Your videos are inspiring, and I love that you aren't reading from a script. Thank you.
What you call NSA, I call quilt kits. I design a project, get pattern/sketch it, the fabrics, thread all kitted together in a container/project bag. I have no UFO's as I finish projects I start. I'm usually doing 2 projects at once and kitting up more as I get ideas. So, I have at least 30 (?) kits to start. I make them up faster than I do projects.
I get all excited by a particular block or quilt on Pinterest and leap right in. Once I have the top finished I lose interest. Probably have about 15 of those. Then I have a bunch of Teddy Bear blocks and Easter Bunny blocks that were intended as baby quilts. Those babies are now in school, so its too late to do anything with them. I can definitely relate, Kristen!
That darker blues one right after the black and rainbow colors, that you don’t like and have no goals for… I can send you my address & shipping costs, I love it!
Haven't read all the comments but watching your video yesterday l thought that if one really doesn't like a particular quilt, instead of undoing all the hard work, just use the quilt top as a backing for another quilt so it becomes a reverseble one!??
Kristen, you are so, so relatable! I currently have 5 UFOs. I typically stop working on a project when I've made a small/large mistake, or, when the pattern/colors don't work. A year ago, I told myself I couldn't start a new project until I completed 1 UFO first. That strategy decreased my number of UFOs from 10 to 5, and it felt great to get them done. Dog beds/blankets, picnic blankets, pillows/pillow cases, and giving them away are options. You are delightful!
@@ScrapFabricLove Haha! Forgot I was using my husband's account. I am Kathy. I thought the Farmer's Wife, black/rainbow color, blue jelly roll type quilt, and rainbow 1/2 square triangles were exquisite!
the first few q/tops were cute, but I would cut the black out, n add more light pastels, n they will look great. The last several were beautiful n should definitely be finished. The one with thin grayish lines, would be great for a teenage boy… U win, u have more ufo’s than me. Haha😅
I agree about UFOs weighing on me. It really bothers me to have it build up. Would now be the time to compile a strategy for addressing ufos and why we get stuck and how to get unstuck? Can i make a few suggestions? With the farmers wife quilt, would you find inspiration for finishing on an online group? Lots of people are doing the same blocks, maybe someone else will shake you out of a rut. They might make a nice cushion cover set for a nursing home, they may spark memories of childhood for someone. Instead of thinking of them as quilts, do you need any tote bags or winter storage solutons that you could use these for. Also, for your rainbow baby quilt, i think the colour is throwing you off maybe. I feel the rainbow colours are childlike but the black contrast is giving it more of a vibrant teen feel. Maybe change it to a teen charity quilt. Would a local nursery or playschool like a quilt for the floor or the reading corner. Just a suggestion.
I wonder if you could make some simple gift bags for Xmas or birthdays with the improv quilt pieces. Or grocery bags. Useful but not precious. Make a few then the rest goes in the scrap pile.
I know I must have well over 30 UFO’s. I do not feel pressured to finish any time soon. I will get to them eventually. I have a stack of quilt tops 20+ and backs just waiting to be put on longarm and quilted. I will get most of these quilted over the winter when I have more time. 75% of quilts I make get donated, so as, long as constructed well I am happy.
Ugh, 10 UFOs seems like a lot to me. But I usually finish what I start (even if I stop midway and convert it to a dog bed or other charitable item). I totally understand the various resistances to finishing a quilt. But for me it is harder to set it aside and then restart later, than it is to just push through and finish it. I recently finished my only UFO! It had been sitting in a box for about 5 yrs! After not looking at it for so long, I instantly realized why I had set it aside. I redesigned the layout and pesto it was a breeze to finish. Most everyone in my quilt club has UFOs, some have just a couple of them and some have way more than you do. Consider it a win if you can at least finish 1 or 2 of those UFOs within the next year, especially if you don't add any more UFOs to the stack. None of your UFOs are ugly. They may not be to your tastes, but somebody is going to love them. I promise it will feel so much better to finish them and give them away than to have UFOs hanging around sucking up your precious energy and taking up space in your quilting room.
Totally get this. And that was absolutely how I felt when I started but now I feel like I spend so much time just trying to finish things I’m not getting as much enjoyment out of it. I’d rather spend my energy on projects I love. Thankfully I have a few emails already and I am going to be able to pass some of these on! Hurrah!
@@ScrapFabricLove I understand that. I have to weigh how much time/energy it would take to finish it vs how much time/energy does it rob from me laying around. I have a VERY small quilting/craft space (~10ftx10ft) so I might have more motivation than most people not have have things like UFOs laying around. Congrats on finding other people who are interested in taking on some of your UFOs!!!!
q #2... waaaiiiit for it. OR put it as is in a garage sale. someone might fall in love with it and finish it. Q #3... take off the black and reshuffle the rest to be a whole quilt.... maybe put the black as border. Q#4...blue stripes example quilt is worth finishing ))))), maybe best use as is (finished of course) is charity quilt for small boy. I like it and boys will too. Doggies won't care. #5 stash buster can be saved with stuffing and stitching. It needs cush. #6 bonus blues/greens, calm, worth finishing with random stitch patterns...another worthy finish. #7 white base timed experiment...needs more chapters of the project... not ready for stitching yet. #8 boughten hsts... colors look like yours ))))) go for it. The person will show up and it will be perfect. Central diamond layout is very good. #9 whole squares and 1/4 squares would be good base for floral appliques.#10 boughten big blocks QAYG ... join and border the blocks that look similar.... keep the Dresden plate pair for something else.
How much time has to elapse between WIP and UFO? Three tops have stuffing and backs tacked on, one in stitching progress over a year on the frame, another that will become LogCabin, colors pulled stacked on ironing board. 25 printouts of "next" to work on pinned to the walls. Rolls of piano keys in progress. Random box of small squares waiting for the right quilt still pinned on the wall as "next". 25 bins of mostly-one-color scraps waiting to be matched with the printouts on the walls. All of it makes me happy. )))
I have too many tops that need quilting. I’m not sure but at least 20. I’ve been working on them for several weeks and have finished 6. I don’t have very many that aren’t completed tops probably 5-6. You can tell my least favorite part is the quilting.
So how many UFOs do you have??
@@ScrapFabricLove I have 12 but I am actively working on 4 of those so maybe they are WIPs instead 😊
Yes those ones definitely WIPs! So only 8 for you! Less than me anyways 😂
I think I would be more embarrassed to say.. most of the time I am working on at least 8 at a time, in various stages, however I have plenty that I now call "marinating" until I'm ready to take the next creative move, or finish..
I can honestly say you don't have many 😊
When you fail to finish, there is a reason. Move on. Package up what you have, with original instructions, and donate. Others may be thrilled to pick up where you left off. You would not believe the great projects I have picked up at my local thrift store.
I probably should go check 😂
I have been busy with baby quilts as gifts (6!) and now am ready to move onto something else.
I am a part of 2 groups that make donation quilts and sometimes my projects get pushed back so that I can finish a donation project. I need to find a balance!
I love your acronym NSO 😊. I have at least 6 of those and that's just those that come to mind!!! I have the fabric and pattern sitting waiting for me to start
And then of course there are those on my wish to make list...
😂😂😂
No, No - that BLUE one? boys/teens would Love it. Don't make "your taste" be the deciding factor if you donate. Remember - there are all kinds of people out there. We have a charity here in Poland and I let people come in and choose their own quilt once a year (from about 120). The only requirement I have for tops is that they are well made - and taste or colors has nothing to do with it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder That blue one is nice!
I agree. I love the blue also.
I came here to say similar! That blue one is lovely and I think someone would really love it. It’ll be an easy finish, just get it over with and out of your space.
I also love the blue one!!!
Agree - finish the blue one. I think charity - someone would love it.
I love the blue stripe one. Put it up for sale.
Thanks!
I understand about things being not your style. But to me the blue one is fantastic.
Consider the strategy used by "The Quilted Forest" "project of the month". It is a fun motivator 😊
For me, Some projects are just a creative exercise that never need to be completed. They are for the joy of the experience. A means to express yourself that do not need to become anything.
Love the farmers blocks. Beautiful!!
Thanks!
Just add plain or big printed squares - and finish it
Love the first. I agree with you give up the second , I’d take it back to fabric
The one with the blue strips I think would be great boy quilt. I would have some borders to it and make it a boy's quilt. Add the borders and put a binding on it and you'd be done.
35 years of quilting here with WAY too many UFOs. I laughed with your explanations and get it. Every single one. It was so helpful to hear your process. I need to get mine sorted as well.
Thanks Kristen
Thanks Kristen, I feel heaps better now! I am a very slow quilter, sloth-like almost, with occasional bursts of single minded activity when I make mistakes, only discovered when it's time to join the blocks. And I love fabric. Some things become shopping bags😊
I agree with the overthinking comment. The one with dark blue strips is nice, I’m a blue fan so so maybe I’m biased. I think it is pretty and someone would appreciate. Maybe a lap quilt if you don’t want to make it bigger. It would
Be beautiful bigger.
The on-point bright one is really nice, take off the black and finish it with more bright colors, yellows, oranges…for a baby quilt. It’s really nice.
That big light blue with the buttons and domestic stitches is very pretty and retro looking. You should finish it!
The contemporary art quilt is unique and will look very cool!
Your stuff is very unique and beautiful all in there own way Kristen, try to get “un-stuck” and finish them!! 💗
Watching this while quilting a quilt sandwich that sat on the wardrobe for over 2 years. I think that the most important thing that drives us to finish projects is the love/enthusiasm for it. When it’s no longer there, I tend to put the project aside but the good news is that sometimes it comes back and we get to finish them
I like the blue strips quilt. It would be a good quilt for a boy.
My boys don’t like blue unfortunately- one loves pink and the other loves red…😂
Oh Boy! My projects alternate between UFOs and NSAs. Years ago I stopped quilting and gave away most of it. During the pandemic I started again and do have more fabric again than I shall ever get to!I tend to be a fabric collector more than anything! A fabric hoarder LOL!
You are so creative and ever evolving in your projects .I appreciate you sharing the highs and lows of the process.Ten UFOs are not a lot so do not feel guilty .Thanks for being so candid.
Hey, Kristen!
The Farmer blocks are fabulous! I like the on-point layout shown with a narrow sashing in your top left layout. I think that this would make a beautiful runner or table topper. Alternatively, you could use the same layout for pillows.
Love the rainbow HST layout.
For the quilted UFO blocks…odd number, so perhaps put them on point-hexi in the middle, flanked by the 2 Dresdens, then 2 darker quilts on top bottom? But, if you don’t love them, give away!
Definitely quilt the other UFO top made by another.
Thanks, and stay well!
Muskoka ON 🇨🇦
Thanks for the suggestions! A few of them have found new homes already! 😂
I like the one with the blue strips, I think it would be loved by the younger crowd. I did use the Quilted Forest idea, I think had 12 projects and did one a month, I too feel the stress of UFO's. Please keep us up to date with your progress,
3rd remove the black and make the rest a baby quilt.
That was my first thought as well!
The black feels quite heavy and more teenage. I think it needs white or light contrast for infants.
I agree
You are not bad, I love to make tops but do not like to finish them…….i probably have 25 or 26. Eek!!
Thanks for making me feel better 💕. I think you have lots of company - so many quilters are in the same boat!
Blue one donate, I like the colors
I think doing exactly what you’ve done with UFO’s is the first step. Spread them out in front of you, discuss each project. I think it will lead you in a natural path towards a solution. If it doesn’t, then I offer you this.
In my own experience I have had projects in which I could not envision its future. At the start of my quilting journey I was keen & excited to try everything. Over time, I honed in on my quilting voice & the creation of these UFO’s became less. After 4 years I would say you are in a natural stage of your quilting journey. I have a specific tote where I can put them away
“on sabbatical” & get them off my mental list. Growth, knowledge, inspiration help me make good choices as I review them once a year. If I’m unsure, I just put them back, close the lid & say see you next year. But I have had instances where I’ve quietly waited for the perfect idea, that project percolated on the back burner & all of a sudden it’s like I know exactly what to do with it. And that might be to finish it, use it to complete another project or I know exactly to how to get rid of it.
Sometimes you can’t rush a project, it needs to mature.
Now with the Farmer’s Wife quilt, may I suggest approaching it as a legacy piece. I have been wanting to do the Dear Jane quilt. It’s taken me a few years to gather the tools, print off the free FPP blocks, pick fabrics. I’ve got a nice box to store it in & my only goal is to make one block at a time. Never look past just that one block. Let it grow organically. I’m 55 & hope I have many years ahead of me, but right now I’m just going to enjoy one block at a time.
I hope this wordy answer has given you permission to sometimes tuck away & forget about for a while, over time you will do less & less of that. When the right path for a project reveals itself, you’ll know it.
Best of luck as you move forward in your quilting life.
Very fun to watch you go through projects. All of them looked good to me. I make a lot of quilts and I think I have a lot of planned projects that I don't start--sometimes they go back in my stash. You are so right--time is precious. Work on what excites you with no apologies. It seems there is always someone else willing to take up old projects. It's a good plan to give someone else the chance to finish those that don't excite you anymore.
I think they are all worth finishing in their current size. Just quilt them up as is. Keep it simple! That blue QAYG example just needs binding. It will be small but perfect for a baby. With your big QAYG blocks you bought, sew them together as if they are regular blocks with 1/4 or 3/8” seams, to make a top, and then throw them on your long arm with another backing. Who says there can’t be 4 layers in a quilt sandwich. A simple serpentine stitch on the final blocks will anchor the backing and compress this seams.
Lovely quilts don’t overthink them finish and make someone happy, the charity list in your area would love your quilts
for 2: make into smaller wheel chair sizes and donate 36x36
Hint I hang UFO on hangers keeps them wrinkle free I am trying to finish with timelines❤
those big blocks at the end...make into decorative pillows
easy peasy
No judgement here! You are in good company. I have about a dozen quilt tops alone that need to be quilted. That doesn't include all the piles of blocks and other projects I have started over the years. To finish these UFOs is my New Years resolution every year. I call my NSOs kits. I have lots of those too!
Great projects, Kristen and 10 UFOs is nothing!!! I have at least 3 times that many. I run a UFO Club on Ravelry and work through a list of them each quarter. Full disclosure - as long as I finish ONE from the list, I'm happy!
I feel your pain. I am a finisher and I have at least 30 UFOs. I have listed them and numbered them and work toward finishing them
The paper pieced project is so pretty. I like the blue quilt and I think someone will enjoy the donation. I would cut up the one with all the black. I enjoyed seeing all the projects, even though they are not finished. I think UFOs just go with being a quilter. 😊🧡💛
For the quilt that you are thinking about sending to a dog shelter - cut it into dog bed pieces and serge the edges - no binding. For the improv one that you call ugly - use it as a quilt backing for a charity quilt. It would be acceptable for that. For the bright coloured one with black at the top, cut off the black parts and make it a baby quilt. Great video.😊
For the ones that that you don't like and are just a quilt top use as backs.
Farmers Wife - finish, auction it and donate the funds to one of your favorite charities?
Black with meh colors - cut up and turn into kennel quilts.
Blue one - would make a great picnic or fort quilt!
The finished blocks would make cute market totes!
I have about 60 UFO's, mostly flimsies (quilt tops). I like piecing, but I don't enjoy the actual quilting. I have come to terms with this state of affairs for the following reason. Flimsies take less room to store, and when I want to give a quilt to someone, I can choose one from my large selection of tops. Sometime I even show the tops to the recipient so they can choose.
I don't want to tell you how to feel, but I wouldn't feel bad about 10 UFO's.
The farmer's wife quilt is going to be stunning. Maybe it will have quilt show potential?
I like the NSO concept. I have a few of those too!
That is good logic. I like the idea of letting someone actually choose from all the options you have. 💕
Please remember that "ugly" is in the eye of the beholder. Someone would LOVE it. If you do charity quilts, a finished "blah to you" quilt woudl be loved by someone!
You could always auction them off. Someone might be really happy get them and finish them
I agree with the overthinking comment. The one with dark blue strips is nice, I’m a blue fan so so maybe I’m biased. I think it is pretty and someone would appreciate. Maybe a lap quilt if you done want to make it bigger.
Oh, counting the number of UFO’s that I have would be overwhelming. I always have a number of projects going on, and I do finish a lot of things, but I find myself inspired by new ideas that I need to start right away. Many project boxes in my room have NSO’s that hopefully will be started someday. I love the center diamond UFO that you showed. That will be a beautiful quilt. Enjoy your UFO journey.
I have several project boxes with purchased fabrics pulled together for a quilt. (To be honest, several is not exactrly truthful. It is more like 50) So I have lots of NSO's that I might never start. When I make a quilt with no end use in mind, I get to the finished quilt top and then don't finish the quilt. Currently 9 of those UFO's waiting their turn. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching?
OMG, 10 is a small amount! I have seen other quilters on UA-cam with 80+! You have so far to go!! But you are frugal, so 10 seems like a lot to you. You now have a plan for 3 (for sure) and a few more (probable) so you are on your way. The last quilt blocks you showed are beautiful and I probably would have bought them also. I would love to have them but the cost of shipping is probably prohibitive and hopefully someone near you will speak up. As someone else commented here, just because you think it is ugly doesn't mean that it is. I would think a charity would be happy to take any of the quilts you no longer love.
I am a rarity in the quilting world in that i have zero UFOs. I don't let myself start a new quilt until the current one is done. Sometimes that means I don't sew for a week or more because i really don't want to work on my project, but it gets done eventually because I'm super keen to do the next one. I have about 6 or more NSOs - these are my incentive to get stuff finished!!
If it doesn't bring you joy, it will for someone else. Just gotta find the right person.
I would be dancing in the street if I only had 10 UFOs!
The 2nd quilt you showed, an improv one-- cut it down to kid sizes and quilt with swirls or circles. It's amazing how quilting changes the look! OTOH, getting over the i-don't-like-it hump is really hard. My advice is to donate those tops and concentrate on the ones you love.
P.S. I really enjoy your videos. 😍
Perhaps you could use the second UFO (the one with the colors you don't like) as a backing for another quilt. I think that that would be easier than trying to take it apart, and it won't matter too much if you don't like it/think it's ugly because it will be on the back of the quilt.
Turn those last blocks into pillow covers and donate to a senior center to put on their beds.
Do the fun part. For me that's the top. If the rest doesn't get done in my lifetime, the kids and grands might use them as is or actually finish them themselves. No problem.
While listening to a good book, movie, or storyteller, take the seams out of the offending quilt top. Then cut your own (Layer Cake) 10 inch squares, (Charms) 5 inch squares, (Jewels) 2 1/2 inch squares, and (Jelly Roll) 2 1/2 strips, etc., to be used in other projects. Don't forget to save your crumbs. Ugly fabric isn't ugly after you cut it up and sew it into patchwork. I've done this many times and felt great when it was finished.
Funnily enough the blue quilt as you go one that is so close to finished which you didn't like is the only one I did like. Finish it and I am sure you'll find someone to gift it to who will love it too. Leah Louise quilting in the States is collecting quilts for Hurricane Helene victims and has an addtess on her youtube channel to send them to. It will be expensive sending a quilt to the US. I know I've sent a couple to family out there but knowing you're helping people who have lost everything would beworth it.
It just shows how different folks taste is doesn’t it? 😂. Someone else has offered to take it off me as well!
You could gift the farmers wife blocks to me! I’d really appreciate all the work you put into it.😂
You could the second one as a backing maybe.
Make it into a floor quilt or lawn quilt. Even if you don't care for the colors. It would be useful. No worries about being on the floor or outside on the lawn.
Or charity - a person who needs a warm bed doesn't care about design
So, I have finished watching...I had been going to ask to see your UFO list. I really like the one you have started with the Pfaff/hand quilt look...actually like them all except the blocks you bought and will give away. And I don't dislike them...they just don't interest me very much. The one you did quilt as you go...someone would love that for a kid. Put a border around the rest if you want and finish it. You could even applique something on it...whatever you like. Flowers, or a kite or two...a duck. I can't think what else.
I have no idea how many unfinished projects I have...you would not believe the quilt top or two I put in a bag for a charity...one of them had a lot of work. I did it when we moved in with our daughter. Just trying to get rid of things.
Thanks! Yes that blue qayg one has been popular in the comments and I think someone is going to take it off me. Go figure- I really don’t like it, maybe my taste level is off! 😂
4 yr quilter here also, i am finishing ufos...as quickly as i can...the 2nd one, just cut it in 6-8 big squares, sash it...put border around it if u choose, or you can use it as a back...someone will find it beautiful
Just my thought too
I'm in Northern Ireland and am a very new quilter. I would love to work on one of your UFO's. BTW you are very informative, and I so enjoy watching and learning from you. 🙃🧡💚💜
Thanks so much! Send me an email with the one you are interested in. A couple are already spoken for but happy to send you one if it’s still available- wouldn’t be too expensive to send to Northern Ireland.
If you feel they are too big, maybe cut them into baby blankets or table toppers, make a small or round appliqué and then put a binding in a fun color. It's inspiring to watch the beauties and I have learnt a lot about color and make the best of all colors. It's fun to realize how your own taste change.
I love it!
Use the big one that’s blah as a backing.
An yes...I too have many NSO's...as well as many ufo's (I definitely have 12 ufo's, 6 wips, and at least 20 nso's) most of my ufo's are stalled at the binding stage. I usually have to work up the motivation to bind because I don't enjoy doing it
The white one i would just sandwich and bind same with the few that are already pieced and finished.
If I were you... I would take the one hanging up on the wall and sandwich it by the first one showed (colorful with black in it too) or the white one with the pockets and colors that were the timed class. Two UFOs...one quilt. Two were muted colors and I would throw those together since they aren't 'your colors". Combining and gifting, or donating to a shelter, would get them out the door if you didn't know what else to do with them. It would also allow you to get more done. Make December or January 1st your deadline. The quilt as you go would be a great donation quilt - it looked nice and heavy. My UFOs built up this spring when some major things happened and I stopped sewing completely. I've just gotten started again (less than a week ago) and clearing things out ASAP is my goal. Many quilts will be given to neighbors for their children. I like to call them 'reading quilts' cause they are just for cuddling.
Finish the blue one.
I think you are overthinking a lot of these. That cream one with the random placed pieces is ready to be finished. It's cool. Just finish quilting it and bind it and put it on your wall.
blue one, nicu quilt...
The first ones that you don’t like the colours, cut apart or donate them to charity shops. I have done that.
I have one that I havn't finished that I screwed up . I just havn't got back to it for a couple of years. Just got discouraged with it because of the mistakes. I like that blue/white mixed strip one.
Thank you. I have moved 3 years ago. Most of my things are still in storage, that includes half knitted and half crochetted things...also needle work. Was busy with quilting also. It's not easy for me, but what can i do? Must wait untill things changes! Blessings from South Africa Africa🤗🤗🌺💐🙏🙏🙏🇿🇦🇿🇦
I'd take the black and mauve one apart and use the fabrics for something else. I like the square one.
Thanks for the suggestions!
If you just removed the black from the "square on point quilt; it would make a beautiful baby quilt or lap quilt. Just my opinion. Thank you for sharing.
I always like black with the bright colors but you are not the only one who said that so I’ll have a little think!
add dark blue if "something" is missing - advice from my painting teacher
I have a design book overflowing with ideas, colours and costings but as my health issues slow me down I have one EPP hexagon quilt waiting for the right colour outer border and binding and one whole cloth quilt about to start. WIPS are more common for me in crochet as I can pause a project more easily knowing I can simply unravel it if it is not what I wanted. I have no doubt I would join you all in quilt WIPS given the chance. I love the QAYG blue WIP and almost all he others. And I wholeheartedly agree about not just giving away the ugly items. One thought though for Q4CL can some of the less appealing quilts make hot water bottle covers? Given the size they may look more appealing.
Interesting- I hadn’t thought of smaller items. I think I might have takers for some of these but I’ll see what’s leftover and maybe offer them up on the Facebook group. I don’t see myself taking the time to make lots of small things to be honest but more than happy to give it away for someone else to do that! All the best with your EPP!
Kristen I would buy them from you
The triangle quilt is beautiful
If you’re in Scotland, your NSO should really be a NeSSY; not started sewing yet.
The blue strip quilt, cut it up for a bag. You may love it then.
I won't even count my UFO's. It's too depressing. I also have some NSOs and a category of purchased fabric I love, for which I don't even have a plan as yet.
Your videos are inspiring, and I love that you aren't reading from a script. Thank you.
On line auction 1.00 reserve.
What you call NSA, I call quilt kits. I design a project, get pattern/sketch it, the fabrics, thread all kitted together in a container/project bag. I have no UFO's as I finish projects I start. I'm usually doing 2 projects at once and kitting up more as I get ideas. So, I have at least 30 (?) kits to start. I make them up faster than I do projects.
I get all excited by a particular block or quilt on Pinterest and leap right in. Once I have the top finished I lose interest. Probably have about 15 of those. Then I have a bunch of Teddy Bear blocks and Easter Bunny blocks that were intended as baby quilts. Those babies are now in school, so its too late to do anything with them.
I can definitely relate, Kristen!
That darker blues one right after the black and rainbow colors, that you don’t like and have no goals for… I can send you my address & shipping costs, I love it!
Awesome! Send me an email!
Take the 2nd back to fabric.
Thanks!
Haven't read all the comments but watching your video yesterday l thought that if one really doesn't like a particular quilt, instead of undoing all the hard work, just use the quilt top as a backing for another quilt so it becomes a reverseble one!??
Kristen, you are so, so relatable! I currently have 5 UFOs. I typically stop working on a project when I've made a small/large mistake, or, when the pattern/colors don't work. A year ago, I told myself I couldn't start a new project until I completed 1 UFO first. That strategy decreased my number of UFOs from 10 to 5, and it felt great to get them done. Dog beds/blankets, picnic blankets, pillows/pillow cases, and giving them away are options. You are delightful!
Good work reducing your UFOs!! And thanks for your lovely words! 💕
@@ScrapFabricLove Haha! Forgot I was using my husband's account. I am Kathy. I thought the Farmer's Wife, black/rainbow color, blue jelly roll type quilt, and rainbow 1/2 square triangles were exquisite!
the first few q/tops were cute, but I would cut the black out, n add more light pastels, n they will look great. The last several were beautiful n should definitely be finished. The one with thin grayish lines, would be great for a teenage boy… U win, u have more ufo’s than me. Haha😅
😂 a few are going to new homes as some folk are keen on the ones I’m not - so hopefully I won’t be a winner for long!
@@ScrapFabricLove yay 😀
I love the black top with rainbow colors at the bottom ❤
Thanks!
Don't despair. You can send the 1930 quilt blocks & the Book to me !
I also love your QAYG method....I plan to make several of them!
Good luck with it!
I agree about UFOs weighing on me. It really bothers me to have it build up. Would now be the time to compile a strategy for addressing ufos and why we get stuck and how to get unstuck?
Can i make a few suggestions?
With the farmers wife quilt, would you find inspiration for finishing on an online group? Lots of people are doing the same blocks, maybe someone else will shake you out of a rut. They might make a nice cushion cover set for a nursing home, they may spark memories of childhood for someone.
Instead of thinking of them as quilts, do you need any tote bags or winter storage solutons that you could use these for.
Also, for your rainbow baby quilt, i think the colour is throwing you off maybe. I feel the rainbow colours are childlike but the black contrast is giving it more of a vibrant teen feel. Maybe change it to a teen charity quilt.
Would a local nursery or playschool like a quilt for the floor or the reading corner. Just a suggestion.
I wonder if you could make some simple gift bags for Xmas or birthdays with the improv quilt pieces. Or grocery bags. Useful but not precious. Make a few then the rest goes in the scrap pile.
I would love to finish the quilt blocks but in yhe us. Maybe just donate or try to sell them.
Do the one on the wall!!! It looks like fun!
Thanks!
Ten is low. I have over 50.
Gosh - thank you for saying 10 is low. Maybe I’m being naive about how many I will end up with over time!! 😂
Why not finish the farmers wife for festival of quilts?
I know I must have well over 30 UFO’s. I do not feel pressured to finish any time soon. I will get to them eventually. I have a stack of quilt tops 20+ and backs just waiting to be put on longarm and quilted. I will get most of these quilted over the winter when I have more time. 75% of quilts I make get donated, so as, long as constructed well I am happy.
Ugh, 10 UFOs seems like a lot to me. But I usually finish what I start (even if I stop midway and convert it to a dog bed or other charitable item). I totally understand the various resistances to finishing a quilt. But for me it is harder to set it aside and then restart later, than it is to just push through and finish it.
I recently finished my only UFO! It had been sitting in a box for about 5 yrs! After not looking at it for so long, I instantly realized why I had set it aside. I redesigned the layout and pesto it was a breeze to finish.
Most everyone in my quilt club has UFOs, some have just a couple of them and some have way more than you do. Consider it a win if you can at least finish 1 or 2 of those UFOs within the next year, especially if you don't add any more UFOs to the stack.
None of your UFOs are ugly. They may not be to your tastes, but somebody is going to love them. I promise it will feel so much better to finish them and give them away than to have UFOs hanging around sucking up your precious energy and taking up space in your quilting room.
Totally get this. And that was absolutely how I felt when I started but now I feel like I spend so much time just trying to finish things I’m not getting as much enjoyment out of it. I’d rather spend my energy on projects I love. Thankfully I have a few emails already and I am going to be able to pass some of these on! Hurrah!
@@ScrapFabricLove I understand that. I have to weigh how much time/energy it would take to finish it vs how much time/energy does it rob from me laying around. I have a VERY small quilting/craft space (~10ftx10ft) so I might have more motivation than most people not have have things like UFOs laying around.
Congrats on finding other people who are interested in taking on some of your UFOs!!!!
I have probably 15-20... some that I did 10+ years ago, and there was a error, and I just didn't have the mind capacity to pull it apart and fix it
q #2... waaaiiiit for it. OR put it as is in a garage sale. someone might fall in love with it and finish it. Q #3... take off the black and reshuffle the rest to be a whole quilt.... maybe put the black as border. Q#4...blue stripes example quilt is worth finishing ))))), maybe best use as is (finished of course) is charity quilt for small boy. I like it and boys will too. Doggies won't care. #5 stash buster can be saved with stuffing and stitching. It needs cush. #6 bonus blues/greens, calm, worth finishing with random stitch patterns...another worthy finish. #7 white base timed experiment...needs more chapters of the project... not ready for stitching yet. #8 boughten hsts... colors look like yours ))))) go for it. The person will show up and it will be perfect. Central diamond layout is very good. #9 whole squares and 1/4 squares would be good base for floral appliques.#10 boughten big blocks QAYG ... join and border the blocks that look similar.... keep the Dresden plate pair for something else.
How much time has to elapse between WIP and UFO? Three tops have stuffing and backs tacked on, one in stitching progress over a year on the frame, another that will become LogCabin, colors pulled stacked on ironing board. 25 printouts of "next" to work on pinned to the walls. Rolls of piano keys in progress. Random box of small squares waiting for the right quilt still pinned on the wall as "next". 25 bins of mostly-one-color scraps waiting to be matched with the printouts on the walls. All of it makes me happy. )))
After reading the comments, I realized that flimsies are UFOs as well. That probably doubles mine. I also have several NSOs 😂😂😂
We can all make our own definitions! If you want to leave your quilt tops out of your definition no one will stop you!
a laundry basket overflowing/ufo’s 😮😮😮😮😮
Glad we are your therapy, and you are ours! LOL
I have too many tops that need quilting. I’m not sure but at least 20. I’ve been working on them for several weeks and have finished 6. I don’t have very many that aren’t completed tops probably 5-6. You can tell my least favorite part is the quilting.
Well done finishing 6!!
The one that you cut up. You could make into lap quilts to donate to a local nursing home
Or like you thought about for the blue stiped one and donate it to a dog shelter