UFO Sightings and How to Deal with Them

There are so many UFOs in my sewing room that I've decided to take a structured approach to dealing with them. These are NOT Unidentified Flying Objects, but Un-Finished Objects--quilt projects that for one reason or another have languished, hidden or in plain sight, for far too long.

Some projects got started because I wanted to learn a new technique, some got started because I loved the fabric and just had to "make" something. Some fabric was bought with enthusiasm for a quilt class, and one or two blocks got made, and then the reality of the project just got a little overwhelming. A few are just hanging around waiting for the "right" fabric for sashing, backing, or the like. Despite the reason, I have decided to quit messing around and either finish them up, or donate them to someone else, or actually Throw Them Away!!!

So, this is the beginning (it's January, right, New Year, right), for my use it or lose it approach to my UFOs. I'm making a "deal" with myself--I can't start anything new until I finish or deal with something already begun. It's a one-to-one ratio. If I can't muster the enthusiasm to finish something, stashing it in a drawer is probably NOT going to change my attitude. Besides, new projects sometimes have a tendency to become UFOs, too.

OK- here's the list of things I need to finish or send on to some other quilter's safe haven:

1. Green and Red Dazzling Dresden. I have to applique the centers, make the setting squares, and put the thing together. I have all the fabric; I just need to start cutting out circles.

2. Cheddar and Indigo Monkey Wrench Blocks. I finally have the sashing/setting fabric I like. Cut it out, sew it up, and move on.

3. Russian Sage - this was started with all the funky, retro decorative fabrics about two years ago. It's easy to piece, and will look great finished. Make a decision on final square colors, finish the cutting, and just do it.

4. Tracey's Bed Quilt. These plaids are just what she wants. I just don't like the pattern I was using. Need to find a similar pattern that's not so "fussy" and get going on this. Try to finish by April for her birthday.

5. 1930's Reproduction Sampler. This is really a "pick up and do a few squares" project. Try to plan on two to four squares per month and it will be finished by June.

6. Black Toile Medallion Wall hanging. I let this languish because I just couldn't decide on the borders. Really, who cares. Cut the borders out, sew them on, and put it away for quilting.

7. Vegetable Garden Applique. I started this to have a "garden" in the winter. Get the next block pieces ready to sew and put everything in a bag for a take-along applique project.

OK - breathe deeply and start attacking these things. Believe it or not, sometimes I avoid going into my sewing room because I feel "guilty" about what I haven't finished. Spinning my wheels and submitting to the "inaction is better than any action" is stifling my creativity. I'll report back in two weeks on my progress.