Sunday, May 31, 2015

Oh Scrap! : Orphan Adoption

I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of the projects I have going on right now.  So to help me feel less burdened, I have been taking a hard look at all of the started projects around my sewing room and deciding if many are worth finishing.

I admit, I have a really hard time abandoning a project or tossing a pile of orphan blocks.  I know that there are a number of charities that would love a quilt I am no longer inspired with my choice of fabric.  I also have the option of listing the finished quilts in my Etsy shop.  This worked for me in the past, but the current truth is my time has become precious so I am going to try and let some of these go.

Right now, I have 26 project in the works.  And about 10 are over 7 years old.  Plus my little suitcase of orphan blocks is getting really full!

I just have to let something go!!



So I am hoping someone out there is willing to take one of my projects off my hands!

And thinking there might be some of you who are in the same situation or are willing to take on someone's half finished project, I thought I would hold an Orphan Adoption Event this Saturday.

Orphan Adoption Event
June 6, 2015


I will be hosting a linky party starting Saturday June 6th (and closing on Sunday) where you are welcome to link up your own blog post sharing a project you wish to abandon or orphan blocks you wish to pass on.  You can offer as little or as much as you want.  It can be blocks, patterns, kits, anything that you hope someone else will use and you wish to get rid of the burden.

Here are some details:

1.  I am going to ask that any "orphan" linked up must be given away for free.  (If you are wanting to destash for money, there are other venues to do that on.)  I think it is fair that if you need to, you can ask that shipping costs be paid.  Just be sure and put that information clearly in your post.  And know that both parties enter into the deal at their own risk.  I hold no responsibility.

2. Have clear pictures and descriptions on what you are putting up for adoption.

3. Define the criteria for how you will decide who will adopt the item.  Is it a random number giveaway, do you only want it to go to charity, or is there some other criteria that needs to be met?

4.  Be sure and identify where you are located and where you are willing to ship to.

5. Define how long you are keeping the adoption open and when you expect to award the adoption.


I have a whole project picked out that I will be putting up for adoption on Saturday.  
I know there will be someone who will give it some attention and finish it up.  And I will be so happy to cross it off my list and move on to a more inspiring project!

If there is good participation in this event, it might just become something I host on a regular basis.  So go look on those shelves and those deep dark corners in your sewing room and see what you have to clean out and move on.  I am sure there will be someone who is more than willing to adopt what you have to offer!



Now for you scrappy quilters, it is your turn to share what you have been making this week.

Here are the details for linking up with Oh Scrap!:
  • This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
  • You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
  • If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
  • If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
  • This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
  • Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do!
Quilting is more fun than Housework
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So if you love scrappy projects, feel free to grab my button for your sidebar or posts and get ready to share all your wonderful projects from scraps.  And if you have a great idea for using scraps and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me!









20 comments:

Kat said...

What an awesome idea! I run a small charity giving quilts to the families of patients who pass away in the hospital where I work. I for one would be glad to have anyone's wipe or ufos!

Jasmine said...

What a fun idea. I could have used that a couple years ago. I'm looking forward to June 6.

MoniqueB said...

This is lovely on several levels. Someone gets a project that they can make who may not have the money to put one together at the moment. You get the release of letting something go. I think people would be much happier if they did this more often. Not only with sewing/quilting supplies but with anything useful that is not being put to good use.

ThreeOldKeys said...

Great idea ... I wonder if old swap blocks would be an appropriate offering. Yesterday I looked through the box of blocks I've had stashed since I traded them online back in 1998-2000. They were made by different people (now unknown) and each set followed a theme.
(stars, hearts, teatime, etc.)

Would a set of those qualify as a UFO?

gayle said...

This is an exciting idea! I can't wait to see what pops up. 8)

Vera said...

What a cool idea! I'm not sure if I have anything to put out there but we'll see :)

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Such a great idea! I will be joining in, it's always great to see how someone else gives a new life your old WiP!

Anonymous said...

Great idea! I think it would be really fun to adopt a project or blocks!

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

What a great idea...recycling at it's best.

Anonymous said...

What a fun idea!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Great idea!!!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I pass on my orphans and UFOs and block play to Sarah @Confessions of a Fabric Addict or to my local church quilt group - they go into various charity projects.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful idea! I'm a newbie and would love to adopt a project that someone doesn't want. My husband goes to chemo treatments weekly and they are always in need of quilts. I'd love to donate some completed ones! I have a few started but would love to be able to drop off a pile. Lol. They keep it so cold in there!

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Oh my....I DO have a project I just dont want. The thought of even working on it makes me cringe! LOL!! THanks for the motivaiton to do some cleaning! FUn idea!

Jayne said...

Brilliant!!! What a wonderful way to save those orphans! It is hard toss them, look at them and especially hard to finish them if you are not 100% behind them! Great idea Cynthia!

Lara B. said...

Cindy, your orphan project adoption Linky Party is a brilliant idea! I might not get it together soon enough to link up, but sure will be checking out other people's posts.

Sandra Walker said...

Fantastic idea! Not sure if I can get it together either for next week (and I'm in a yoga workshop Sat/Sun)...there are some very dark corners in my sewing area...egad!

Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty said...

What a fun and creative linky event! Great idea!

Ruth said...

I love that idea! I haven't completely given up on any WIP yet but may have to have a rethink!

Quilting Stories said...

Hi Cynthia! I found your blog through Lara from BuzzinBumble and wanted to thank you for this linky party. Greetings! Christine

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