Now that I am home full-time I thought it best to take inventory of the projects on the go. This pile represents what I would call active UFOs. That is, as opposed to the ones that have long since been abandoned... From the top to the bottom:
The crayon rock inspiration quilt. I now have the top done and backing cut. On to basting. I might get to it this weekend, if my knees are up for it.
My Slaveship quilt. Inspired by the novel The Book of Negroes it got to this point and I stopped. Then I picked up some African fabrics to add to the top at Quilt Canada, but I haven't put it together.
Water quilt. Oh the water quilt. I haven't touched this in a year, but I think about it constantly. As soon as I get a semi-permanent design wall up and a full day to myself with no interruptions I plan to get the top done.
Values quilt. This was my first values quilt using HST, a la Katie. I love, love, love it and really wanted to get it basted. I already know how I'm going to quilt it.
Improv Sampler. This is one that should be at the top of the pile. I want to teach Improv again and this quilt should be finished. To be honest, I might bite the bullet on this one and get it done by a long armer. Maybe.
The Low Volume Circles. This top came together so quickly in the late winter, and I even got it basted quite quickly. And I know how I'm going to quilt it, but I just need to actually do it.
So, now what? I refuse to pressure myself to finish, nor do I give in to the pressure to have something new to blog about. If you've read here for a while, you know that I like to talk about quilting as much as I like to quilt!
I do believe that it is good to stop, take stock, and prioritize every now and then. Considering that I'm doing that in the rest of my life's activities, it only seemed appropriate that I do it here too. And I'm happy with where I am. Sure, I wish the pile was a bit smaller or I had the ability to get through the basting process a bit easier. But it is what it is.
And really, it means a little time to stop and savor the process along the way.
12 comments:
I love to do an inventory .. every so often.. and i love you documented your THOUGHTS on them.. that is GREAT! so... are ya gonna pick one? Or just enjoy the pile and start something new?
i vote for number 2.... just saying...
A little tingle went down my spine when I read, "I refuse to pressure myself to finish, nor do I give in to the pressure to have something new to blog about."
Not that I don't think it's lovely to actually finish projects, but I love that you are freeing yourself to be open to your creative muse without being boxed in and forcing yourself to finish something first.
I enjoy observing how your projects come together whether you finish them or not. I think your really luring me in to the "process mode."
Yay for no pressure! And really, your pile isn't all that bad. Have fun deciding which one to work on first!
It's fun to have 'in progress' quilts to work on when you just want to sew. I like variety too. I hope you get your design wall soon so you can analyze your quilts as you walk by, walk into the room, or just sit to study them.
This is compelling me to do an inventory myself, and also giving me the freedom to not put pressure on myself after the inventory is completed.
Oh boy, can I throw old stuff out to split my UFO list? Can't wait to see the value quilt!
You go, girl. Thank you for this post - I am approaching a similar moment - a huge active UFO pile, teetering between pressuring myself with imaginary deadlines and just letting it go and finishing it as I finish it. I guess part of it comes from the desire not to be wasteful - having spent money on the fabrics, notions, etc - but I am finally realizing that the process is what I love best, so I'm ok with letting it take a while. :)
I try hard to never put pressure on myself to finish UFO's. They are what they are, and if they are meant to move forward, they will. I applaud your "no pressure" attitude as well, and I love what you said about stopping and taking stock, along with prioritizing. If everyone did that we'd all be doing much more rewarding and personally fulfilling work.
Love Pat Sloan's comment...as we always say at beyond the reef - it's not like chocolate, it doesn't go bad...I say start another one! You can quilt in the winter...
I recently tallied my "pile" of nearly finished, just need borders, piles of fabric inspiration, no ideas how to continue, OMG what was I thinkings and half way theres.
I got to 81.
You are doing fine.
LOL
Lush
Sydney, Australia
Oh - and I LOVE that garden quilt in your title banner! I have been slowly starting in on a canning cupboard quilt. Maybe I will expand the idea to include some garden themes. Do you have any bigger photos of it? So cute.
I'd say it's nice to have quilts in all different stages, as some of yours are here -- then you always have something that will interest you to do!
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