It’s Time to Turn Project Quilt UFOs into Finished Products
What is a Quilt UFO? You know those projects that are just sitting there on a shelf, in a closet, or in a tote? Those projects you start but never finish? Sometimes life gets in the way; sometimes, you just lose interest in it. Nevertheless, it is that time of year again, time to look at the pile of projects that are calling your name to finish. Each month, we will focus on a project to finish. Do you have Quilt UFOs you want to finish? Are there projects that have been taking up space in your room?
I have two foundation piecing projects that I want to complete. At the last retreat I attended, I only brought those two projects. I knew that if I brought something else, I would quickly set aside the foundation piecing.
This first one is 4th of July by Judy Niemeyer. actually, both the foundation piecing patterns are Judy’s. The 4th of July one is actually a discontinued pattern. I provided the link for the newer version. Mariner’s Star is the second foundation piecing pattern I plan to work on. It is also discontinued.
As you can see, I have had these projects for a while. The patterns are so intricate. The use of curves and spikes is what caught my attention. The only way for this quilter to accomplish that type of work is to use paper piecing.
How to Choose Projects for 2024
This year instead of choosing twelve projects I want to focus on, I am choosing just a few more complex projects. You have a choice. 1) You can choose twelve projects and assign one to each month. Or. 2) Choose a couple of more complex projects that you want to complete.
Do you have projects that you look at and wish they were finished? Do you dread digging back into a complicated project? Maybe 2024 is the year to complete those projects.
I have my two projects and I will divide up the work between the twelve months. If I work on a manageable amount each month, I won’t get sick of it and shove them back into the tote. There is also a pile of machine quilting that I need to do, so I added that to my list. And finally, my Jack’s Chain project. I love the look of this one, but often set it aside for other quicker projects.
Create your list
Are you the type of person who likes to cross off items completed? Me too! I accomplish so much more if I have a list to follow. It helps to keep me from jumping from one project to the next. Obviously, I have jumped from project to project in the past; otherwise, I wouldn’t be trying to finish up these projects. Many of my projects are from a time when I was working full-time and teaching quilting classes. Such a wonderful time in my life, but I have no idea where I got the energy to do all of that.
Project Quilt UFOs List:
- 4th of July by Judy Niemeyer – 57 different pieces to complete before putting it together.
- finish six pieces a month, leaving the last two months for putting it together
- Mariner’s Star by Judy Niemeyer – 64 different pieces to complete before putting it together.
- finish seven pieces a month, leaving the last two months for putting it together
- Machine Quilting & Binding: one project each month
- Jack’s Chain
My list looks small compared to last year, when I had 12+ projects to focus on. But, there are twelve quilts to be completely finished in addition to the foundation piecing quilts. I need to be realistic in my goals. Here is a link for what I am using to keep me organized; feel free to print it and use it.
Accountability for Quilt UFOs
I challenge you to create a reasonable, attainable list for your Quilt UFOs for 2024 and then share it. You can share it on the FaceBook page or share it below in the comment section. It is one of the reasons I share my list with you – to keep me focused on finishing these projects.
I would love to see what you are working on this month. Feel free to comment below or share on my Facebook page.
Until next time….
You may be interested in these posts on Scrappy Quilts and Quilting UFOs.
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