Managing Quilt UFOs and WIPs for 2025
This past weekend, I finally found time to start organizing my creative chaos. I rearranged my quilting machine/table, sewing machine, and cutting area. Sometimes, I just need to shake it up a bit. While December is usually a crazy month for us, it was nice to do the rearranging. My Quilt UFOs, WIPs, and scrap fabrics are now organized.
Scrap Fabric Organization
I sorted my scraps according to color and put them in separate drawers. The three-drawer cabinet fits under my machine quilting table. The bin can now be used for something else. It is nice to free up that floor space. Utilizing the area under the quilting table helps keep the sewing room organized. I always feel more motivated and creative when things are organized. The truth here is that I did not iron the scrap fabrics! They are sorted into six colors: red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and purple. I have a separate basket for neutrals, both dark and light.
Frankenbatting
It is time to create larger batting sizes from the leftover pieces: frankenbatting. This process can be tedious, but the fact that I have helpful batting sizes is worth it. It also neatens the pile of batting scraps. Here is another post on frankenbatting.
After a couple of hours, this chore will be taken care of for a few months. I will probably also fill my bobbins for both machines, so I have no excuses. I enjoy preparing for a great sewing day. We will have to see when that sewing day will happen.
Quilt UFOs and WIPs
First, I had to decide which projects were considered Quilt UFOs and which were WIPs. Projects I am actively working on will fall under the heading of WIPs, while projects I started and set aside will go under the heading of UFOs.
Quilt WIPs
- Row by Row Border
- Frosty Winter Border
- Jack’s Chain – needs more rows created
- Mariner’s Cross Foundation Piecing – time to put the pieces together
- 4th of July Foundation Piecing – time to put the pieces together
- 2025 Quilting With Tamara Mystery – coming soon; just testing the pattern now
- Old Town Mystery – need to get caught up!
Quilt UFOs
- Bindings – 5
- Machine Quilting – 10
- Scrappy Hearts Quilt – click on the link for the pattern
- Scrappy Stars Quilt – click on the link for the pattern
- Greek Squares Scrappy – click on the link for the pattern
- Stash Busting Mosaic Quilt
- Variation on Disappearing 9-Patch Scrappy
- 6-Pointed Christmas Star
- Starlight Table Topper enlarged
- Hexagon Stars
- Lucky Clover
Creating a 2025 Quilt UFOs and WIPs Jar
So, this is what I have done for the projects that are listed above. On scraps of paper, I have written the projects: ten Machine Quilting slips, five Binding slips, two border slips, two mysteries, three scrappy projects, Jack’s Chain, and a Christmas project. As you can see, I didn’t put them all into the jar. Right now, there are 24 slips of paper in the jar. We will see how many I can accomplish this year.
As I finish the project listed on the slip, I will grab another. There is no waiting until the next month to complete another project. Another part of this is that I will add a slip to the jar for binding as I complete a machine quilting project (for example). Throughout the year, as I complete one type of project, it will often lead to adding another slip.
Who is Ready to Join me in the Quilt Jar Project?
You can add as many projects as you want to your jar, even if it is one. You can also add “chores” you want to complete in your sewing room: organizing, sorting, downsizing, or creating a list of needed supplies. I had to order more needles for my quilting machine. So, I should be all set for the new year unless I get crazy about breaking those needles.
Things to remember:
Time: Even 15–30 minutes daily can make a huge difference and help you feel less overwhelmed.
Track Progress Visually: Consider creating a visual progress board to pin or track each project as you complete it. Whether it’s a whiteboard, a fabric swatch system, or a digital tracker, it can be rewarding to see how much you’ve accomplished. I will pin up my completed slips.
Share: It helps when we share what we are working on. When others get excited over my projects, it really amps up my motivation. Let’s help each other to stay motivated.
Until next time.
