Calming the Chaos by Finishing UFOs
There’s something quietly powerful about finishing a project, especially when it comes to finishing UFOs that have been sitting and waiting for far too long. Those unfinished pieces carry a kind of mental weight, lingering in the background of our creative space, and finally completing them brings a deep sense of relief and clarity. Each finished project, no matter how small, feels like reclaiming a bit of energy and focus, turning what once felt like clutter into something meaningful and complete.
It doesn’t have to be a big, show-stopping accomplishment. It can be something small, something simple—something that’s been sitting patiently, waiting for just a little bit of attention. But the act of completing it? That’s where the magic lives – finishing UFOs.
For me, finishing something creative has a way of grounding me. It pulls me out of the mental clutter and gives me a sense of calm, of purpose, of closure. In a world where so many things feel ongoing or unfinished, tying off that last thread—literally or figuratively—feels like reclaiming a bit of control.
This weekend was one of those moments.
Finishing UFOs – Bindings
I finally sat down and finished the binding on two quilts. Two. That had been waiting far longer than I care to admit. And interestingly enough, the push to get them done didn’t come from a deadline or a burst of inspiration—it came from rearranging my sewing and craft room.
Sometimes, all it takes is shifting your space to shift your mindset.
As I moved things around, I found myself looking at a tote filled with quilts that still needed binding. Three of them. And I had this simple, practical thought: If I finish these, that tote can go. More space. Less visual clutter. One less thing hanging over me.
So I got to work. The blue quilt pictured here is the first one finished. The youngest two granddaughters have already tested it out. The red Stack n Whack shown here was quilted in the spring on 2024 – it was waiting for the binding for two years! Finishing UFOs!!
I didn’t finish all three—my back made sure of that—but I got through two before it started protesting. And honestly? That felt like a win. A real one. Not just because of the quilts themselves, but because of what they represented: progress.
And it wasn’t just the quilts.
I also finally completed my Challenge Wheel block. It took me long enough to get it done, and there were moments I questioned if I’d ever get around to finishing it. But now that it’s done, there’s that same sense of satisfaction—the quiet pride of sticking with something and seeing it through. Even better, now I find myself looking ahead with a little spark of excitement, wondering what the May Challenge will bring.
That’s the beauty of finishing something—it makes room, not just physically, but mentally. It clears space for what’s next. So, does organizing your creative space count as finishing UFOs? Since mine isn’t finished, I can’t count it yet.
The room isn’t perfect yet. There’s still organising to be done. My desk needs attention. Some corners haven’t quite found their rhythm. But my scraps are back in their bins – two three drawer storage. They live under my quilting table and the scrappy fabrics were taking over. Now, it looks neat and clean. My ironing board is accessible again. And the space is starting to feel usable, welcoming… mine.
Controlling the Chaos
And that matters.
Because creativity doesn’t thrive in chaos all the time — although when I am in the middle of some creative adventure, it definitely looks chaotic. There will always be points when my creativity needs a little breathing room. It needs small victories to build momentum. It needs those moments where you can step back and say, I finished that.
Even if your “finished” looks different from what you expected.
Even if you only get partway there.
Even if your back reminds you that you’re not as unstoppable as your mind thinks you are.
Finishing something—anything—has a way of reminding you that you’re moving forward. Those things are shifting that you’re capable of creating, completing, and continuing.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to feel grounded again.
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Until next time.
