Friday, August 3, 2018

A Focus on Finishes

Okay...It is time for me to get a little more control in my sewing room!

I knew I had been starting all sorts of projects and ignoring the piles of projects littering my sewing surfaces but I found out today in black and white just how bad things had gotten.



As I dug deep in the piles to document all the projects in various stages, I soon had a whole page full of projects needing attention.  Some projects are on-going and a few I just might adopt out in September during the next Quilty Orphan Adoption event. (The last one was in the Spring.)



So now I am motivated to pluck the low hanging fruit and strive for some quick finishes.  Some of the projects just need to be laid out and sewn.  I am starting with my bowtie blocks.  There are lots of layout options but I am trying to make a final decision.  This one is queen size but I hope to share a finish soon!



I am so glad I have a big order of clearance fabrics and quilt backings coming next week from Connecting Threads.
Perfect timing!



Makers’ Black Friday - Shop Our Biggest Sale Of The Year & Save Up To 70% On Supplies at Craftsy.com 8/3-8/6/18. No coupon code needed.


Craftsy is also having a Maker's Black Friday sales so I just might have to see what deals I can find there.  Maybe a Kaffe Fassett backing for this bowtie quilt!




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24 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

you do have a lot of projects going - I was just looking through mine the other day and I have more than I thought too even with two finishes - they multiply like rabbits!!!

Quilting Babcia said...

That is a LOT of ongoing projects, good that you keep a notebook so you can keep track of them. Mine are either hanging in closets, folded in totes, or worse - laying in a heap in a corner of the sewing room. One more month of finishing up donation quilts for the camp benefit auction and I can finally get back to working on personal projects, can't wait! BTW, I love your multicolor bowtie blocks! That will be a great finish.

Sarah said...

I am in the same mode--lots of piles of projects around my dining room, but three that are at least completed tops with people identified to give them to that I'd like to get finished to clear out some space.

I made a list of next steps for all my WIPs, which really helped clear my mind!

Jasmine said...

I wish you the best in your finishing endeavor. I look forward to seeing what you create. I have more WIP than normal for me as well.

Barb Neiwert said...

The list. We would all do better if we actually made one. You'll be crossing off those quilts in no time, if I know you!

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I find writing out a list to be very therapeutic. I look forward to seeing your finishes as you focus on working through the list!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

With as fast as you work you will have them all done by next friday!!!

Linda Swanekamp said...

I have a three ring notebook with pages in it where I keep piecing projects, what needs to be cut, what needs backing, what needs quilting, what I want to make, etc. All of those sheets are too full. Sometimes it is hard to pick what to do when I have so much listed!

Cathy said...

Good luck! You can do it! That list isn't that BIG ;-)

em's scrapbag said...

Funny how those projects accumulate. Looking forward to the finishes from the low hanging fruit.

audrey said...

Beautiful bow ties! I know what you mean about finding out how bad it really is.:) Love your idea to pick off the low hanging fruit first! Nothing like real progress in finishing to inspire even more of it!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I am in a finishing mood, too! I've got a couple that are ready - yay! I clicked through on your link and ordered some wide backing yardage and a *few* other things. The wide backing will be so helpful!

Karen's Korner said...

That sounds like a plan. Seeing things written down sometimes makes it easier to work through. I like to give each completed item on my "to do lists" a tick when completed.

Ellie said...

I keep telling myself "finishing is overrated!" (vbg) My list ,if I dared to make it, would probably look similar.

Pamela Arbour said...

It is sometimes amazing to see how close we actually got to a finish and stopped just short of the goal. I was surprised to hear that you had any UFOs. I pictured you getting things made quickly and no holding back. I still don't think it is as big as you think. I will have to add mine up soon. I will probably have more!

Quilter Kathy said...

Oh dear... I can totally relate! It's just a sign of creativity!!

Janice Holton said...

I think you have described a thing that MANY of us have in common, but I wouldn't call it a problem. I love having lots of options of things to work on. And as I make a little progress here and there, pretty soon, there will be bunch of things that turn into that low hanging fruit you described! You have inspired me to make myself a list. Just even thinking about the UFO's I have has made me realize that I love the piecing part much more than the quilting part.

Lynn said...

A list can be really helpful, as well as a little daunting. But you are so productive I'm sure you will progress through this really well. The bow ties is a beautiful start. Look forward to seeing the results along the way.

Jayne said...

I knew you had a lot of projects in various stages, but I didn't realize you had that many!! I think now that you have them written down you will start knocking them off your list. The hardest part is staying focused!!

Sandy Panagos said...

I take it that the "low hanging fruit" means the projects that are the closest to being finished? That's the way I do it, too. It's so encouraging to mark something off the list!

Christinec said...

Gosh you are good. I'm afraid to make a list. But I have been motivated to move out this low hanging fruit on my sewing table. Then I will pull out a few more. It really feels good to finish.

Kate said...

At least you've defined the problem (that is probably the most painful step). Attaching the low hanging fruit is wise. Good luck getting your in progress list whittle down a bit.

Mystic Quilter said...

Good idea to sit down and list all the projects, something I should do.Oh I love seeing your bowties, pleased you decided to finish this one first off!

SandyPA said...

Good for you in tacking those UFOs! I made a similar list at the beginning of this year and, like you, was floored by how many I had. Good luck and congratulations on finishing several already.
Sandy at sewhigh.blogspot.com

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