UFOs with Judy
Judy has handed out sign-up sheets for those who are participating. Even if you are SUPER busy, it's nice to set an intention to get some things off your list. Not everyone can finish them, but we can try!
............
The following ideas were great & are still useful if you are having trouble getting those UFOs done.
Thera's UFO suggestions:
UFO Idea # 12
"Have You Noticed?"
As quilters we always seem to be making quilts for others, because
quilting, making things, and sharing what we have feeds our soul. It
gives us joy, and it's our hobby as well.
You need to make a commitment to add YOU to your quilt list!
Most of us work best on a deadline, so here is your assignment:
*Pick the top THREE PROJECTS that you want to finish for YOU.
*Set a deadline of when they need to be done.
*DO NOT move this deadline.
*DO NOT take on other work that makes you miss this deadline.
Now get out these three projects and put them where they can easily be
worked on. (Don't leave them in a box under the bed.)
Now finish something for YOU!
Thera's UFO suggestions:
UFO Idea # 12
"Have You Noticed?"
As quilters we always seem to be making quilts for others, because
quilting, making things, and sharing what we have feeds our soul. It
gives us joy, and it's our hobby as well.
You need to make a commitment to add YOU to your quilt list!
Most of us work best on a deadline, so here is your assignment:
*Pick the top THREE PROJECTS that you want to finish for YOU.
*Set a deadline of when they need to be done.
*DO NOT move this deadline.
*DO NOT take on other work that makes you miss this deadline.
Now get out these three projects and put them where they can easily be
worked on. (Don't leave them in a box under the bed.)
Now finish something for YOU!
UFO Idea # 11
Take a group of finished blocks and challenge yourself to set them in a SAMPLER.
Here's how you do it:
Find a fabric that ties all the blocks together colorwise. Put them up on
your design wall. Lay them out in rows or columns that are pleasing to
the eye. If some of the blocks are too small, do a sashing all around
them.. organize the rows or columns so that the blocks are the same width
or height to be sewn side by side. Pick a sashing size (or not!) Sew the
rows and columns together. Border it and you've got it- a 'free' quilt
made of the blocks you've already done!
UFO Idea #10
Take What You've Got and Go
We all have them - that set of blocks that never got increased enough for
a quilt,a single block or two from a workshop, a set of swap blocks that
you pulled out of the swap due to color or some other reason, a group of
blocks that you've decided you didn't like the fabric choices enough to
move on, or a BOM project that you've lost enthusiasm for after a few
blocks.
There are plenty of opportunities for these blocks!!
- Turn those bits and pieces into other projects by looking at them with a
critical eye.
-Can you take a set of blocks and turn them into a small wall hanging, give
it as a gift or use as a table topper?
-How about taking those blocks and making them into tote bags or pillows?
-Several blocks set side by side can make an awesome table runner!
-Turn the blocks on point and make a larger quilt with fewer blocks..or set
with alternating fabric squares (check the fabric store clearance section)
and an even bigger quilt appears.
-How about making placemats, coasters or hot pads?
-Lots of these projects can be converted and called D-O-N-E and even GIFTED!
-If you love the blocks but don't feel like doing the rest...DON'T!!
Permission granted!
UFO Idea # 9 "Disassemble"
If you have a UFO project that you don't love, but you love the fabric,
break up the set! Give away parts someone else might enjoy working on.
Here's your assignment. If you have UFO projects with fabrics that you
just love but, but you're sure you don't want to finish -
Bust those fabrics back into your stash!!!
UFO Idea #8 "Time to Delegate"
If you can't find anyone to trade with you, what do you do?
Do you find yourself getting stuck on a project at a certain point on each
one?
Do you have part of the UFO you can pay/trade with someone to do?
Bargain with a friend to get through that tough part or pay someone to get
it done for you.
UFO idea #7 "Let's Trade"
Ever thought of trading as a UFO event? You have a UFO that you're not
sure you want anymore - your friends does too. You like hers better, and
she likes yours better. How about trading to move the project along?
You hate to baste, she hates to bind - Switch around and the UFO is done.
Make a list of 2 things you like to do that you could trade services for.
List 2 things you do not like to do. Look for someone in the Guild to
trade with.
Take a group of finished blocks and challenge yourself to set them in a SAMPLER.
Here's how you do it:
Find a fabric that ties all the blocks together colorwise. Put them up on
your design wall. Lay them out in rows or columns that are pleasing to
the eye. If some of the blocks are too small, do a sashing all around
them.. organize the rows or columns so that the blocks are the same width
or height to be sewn side by side. Pick a sashing size (or not!) Sew the
rows and columns together. Border it and you've got it- a 'free' quilt
made of the blocks you've already done!
UFO Idea #10
Take What You've Got and Go
We all have them - that set of blocks that never got increased enough for
a quilt,a single block or two from a workshop, a set of swap blocks that
you pulled out of the swap due to color or some other reason, a group of
blocks that you've decided you didn't like the fabric choices enough to
move on, or a BOM project that you've lost enthusiasm for after a few
blocks.
There are plenty of opportunities for these blocks!!
- Turn those bits and pieces into other projects by looking at them with a
critical eye.
-Can you take a set of blocks and turn them into a small wall hanging, give
it as a gift or use as a table topper?
-How about taking those blocks and making them into tote bags or pillows?
-Several blocks set side by side can make an awesome table runner!
-Turn the blocks on point and make a larger quilt with fewer blocks..or set
with alternating fabric squares (check the fabric store clearance section)
and an even bigger quilt appears.
-How about making placemats, coasters or hot pads?
-Lots of these projects can be converted and called D-O-N-E and even GIFTED!
-If you love the blocks but don't feel like doing the rest...DON'T!!
Permission granted!
UFO Idea # 9 "Disassemble"
If you have a UFO project that you don't love, but you love the fabric,
break up the set! Give away parts someone else might enjoy working on.
Here's your assignment. If you have UFO projects with fabrics that you
just love but, but you're sure you don't want to finish -
Bust those fabrics back into your stash!!!
UFO Idea #8 "Time to Delegate"
If you can't find anyone to trade with you, what do you do?
Do you find yourself getting stuck on a project at a certain point on each
one?
Do you have part of the UFO you can pay/trade with someone to do?
Bargain with a friend to get through that tough part or pay someone to get
it done for you.
UFO idea #7 "Let's Trade"
Ever thought of trading as a UFO event? You have a UFO that you're not
sure you want anymore - your friends does too. You like hers better, and
she likes yours better. How about trading to move the project along?
You hate to baste, she hates to bind - Switch around and the UFO is done.
Make a list of 2 things you like to do that you could trade services for.
List 2 things you do not like to do. Look for someone in the Guild to
trade with.
UFO Tip # 6 "Be a Good Scout"
___________________________________________________
Idea #5 "Search and Rescue"
Ask yourself these questions:
When was the last time I actually saw the top of my cutting table?
Is my ironing board piled high with crap that needs to be put away, OOPS, I mean treasures I purchased?
Do I have my newly selected 3-10 UFOs in a spot where I can actually get them? Where are my scissors, rotary cutter, favorite ruler, needles and thread?
Can I just SIT DOWN and SEW anytime?
Do I have a project at the ready (a box under the bed in the other room doesn't count)?
You need your "stuff" at the ready!
Don't waste precious time hauling out your sewing machine, looking for the
rotary cutter, clearing off the ironing board, hunting for handwork so you
can take it with you.
Your assignment:
Identify three organizational problems that make it hard for you to get to work. Share that info with someone (we did this at Guild). Now fix those problems.
Reward yourself when done.
An organized person is a productive person.
__________________________________________________________
Idea # 4 "Let's Make a Deal"
So how do you "Make a deal" with yourself to complete some UFOs?
What motivates you? What would you like to have as a reward for working
on a project that might be a bit tough? Take a photo or post a list of
those rewards.(book to read, special treat to eat, a new project to
start).
Your assignment: Make a list of 3 rewards. You can post these lists in a
conspicuous place in you sewing room/house or bring a photo to share with
friends at Guild.
Go to work on a UFO, then REWARD YOURSELF!!!!
________________________________________________________
- Use the "Buddy System."
- Report your progress to others.
- Share your lists with each other.
- Call on a friend when you haven't touched a UFO in days-weeks-months!
- Get some friends together and have a UFO sew day.
- Go on a hunt - gather at each others' homes and to be sure all UFOs are
- accounted for.
- You need friends to make it through.
___________________________________________________
Idea #5 "Search and Rescue"
Ask yourself these questions:
When was the last time I actually saw the top of my cutting table?
Is my ironing board piled high with crap that needs to be put away, OOPS, I mean treasures I purchased?
Do I have my newly selected 3-10 UFOs in a spot where I can actually get them? Where are my scissors, rotary cutter, favorite ruler, needles and thread?
Can I just SIT DOWN and SEW anytime?
Do I have a project at the ready (a box under the bed in the other room doesn't count)?
You need your "stuff" at the ready!
Don't waste precious time hauling out your sewing machine, looking for the
rotary cutter, clearing off the ironing board, hunting for handwork so you
can take it with you.
Your assignment:
Identify three organizational problems that make it hard for you to get to work. Share that info with someone (we did this at Guild). Now fix those problems.
Reward yourself when done.
An organized person is a productive person.
__________________________________________________________
Idea # 4 "Let's Make a Deal"
So how do you "Make a deal" with yourself to complete some UFOs?
What motivates you? What would you like to have as a reward for working
on a project that might be a bit tough? Take a photo or post a list of
those rewards.(book to read, special treat to eat, a new project to
start).
Your assignment: Make a list of 3 rewards. You can post these lists in a
conspicuous place in you sewing room/house or bring a photo to share with
friends at Guild.
Go to work on a UFO, then REWARD YOURSELF!!!!
________________________________________________________
Idea #3 "It's All About Time"
Sometimes you feel you just don't have time to quilt - life seems to get
in the way. This is UFO busting, so it's MANDITORY to make time. If your
don't work on a project, it just won't get done! It's not going to finish
itself.
Here's your assignment: Set aside time each day: 10-15 minutes each day
and sew, sew, sew!! You will be amazed at how much you can get done.
Pick a time when you can work on your project
*10-15 minutes in the morning before you begin your daily routine.
*How about lunchtime for a handwork project?
*15 minutes after dinner.
*After you put in a load of wash.
There are 10-15 minutes in your day. Put down that book. Don't fiddle
with the TV, or sew while you listen to a favorite program. Talk on a
phone headset or use the speaker - hands free allows you to work as you
talk. Reduce your Internet time by 15 minutes.
Think you will forget to sew? Use your phone to remind, most have an alarm.
Next- you must have your project out so you can work on it
Set it next to a chair or your machine with a light, thread, scissors, etc. Have
everything at the ready!
Our mantra for Idea# 3 is
"I cannot count my day complete 'Til needle, thread, and fabric meet."
______________________________________________________
Idea #2 "Pick Some"
From your sorting last month, pick 3 to 10 projects to work on -
no more, no less.
Here are some ideas to help you pick:
Idea # 1
" The Sort"
Sort all the projects you have started as follows:
Group 1 - Almost done-not much left to finish, and you love the project
and want to finish it!
Group 2 - Almost done but...You 've lost interest in the project and don't
feel like working on it anymore. GIVE THEM AWAY- you'll feel better.
Group 3 - Partially done, & you love the project and want to finish it!
Group 4 - Partially finished but... Do you really want to finish?
Group 5 - Barely started - Do you want to keep it or not?
REMEMBER:
'People with goals succeed because they know where they are going.'
____________________________________________________________
Sometimes you feel you just don't have time to quilt - life seems to get
in the way. This is UFO busting, so it's MANDITORY to make time. If your
don't work on a project, it just won't get done! It's not going to finish
itself.
Here's your assignment: Set aside time each day: 10-15 minutes each day
and sew, sew, sew!! You will be amazed at how much you can get done.
Pick a time when you can work on your project
*10-15 minutes in the morning before you begin your daily routine.
*How about lunchtime for a handwork project?
*15 minutes after dinner.
*After you put in a load of wash.
There are 10-15 minutes in your day. Put down that book. Don't fiddle
with the TV, or sew while you listen to a favorite program. Talk on a
phone headset or use the speaker - hands free allows you to work as you
talk. Reduce your Internet time by 15 minutes.
Think you will forget to sew? Use your phone to remind, most have an alarm.
Next- you must have your project out so you can work on it
Set it next to a chair or your machine with a light, thread, scissors, etc. Have
everything at the ready!
Our mantra for Idea# 3 is
"I cannot count my day complete 'Til needle, thread, and fabric meet."
______________________________________________________
Idea #2 "Pick Some"
From your sorting last month, pick 3 to 10 projects to work on -
no more, no less.
Here are some ideas to help you pick:
- Pick one that is fast to finish and get started.
- Pick one that has a current deadline.
- Pick one you love working on and are motivated by it!
- Pick one that will be a gift. (Goes with the deadline idea)
- Pick one that's a long term project. ________________________________________________________
Idea # 1
" The Sort"
Sort all the projects you have started as follows:
Group 1 - Almost done-not much left to finish, and you love the project
and want to finish it!
Group 2 - Almost done but...You 've lost interest in the project and don't
feel like working on it anymore. GIVE THEM AWAY- you'll feel better.
Group 3 - Partially done, & you love the project and want to finish it!
Group 4 - Partially finished but... Do you really want to finish?
Group 5 - Barely started - Do you want to keep it or not?
REMEMBER:
'People with goals succeed because they know where they are going.'
____________________________________________________________
