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Conversational Threads

unfinished items, and unstarted projects

lou19 | Posted in Gather For A Chat on

A while ago I started to fret about the lifetimes supply of fabric/crochet threads and supples in my home. Also the disappointing amount of unfinished or unloved made items.

Now I just keep a small record of all completed tasks and projects however small to keep me motivated.

I also try to have a mix of small and larger projects.

 And do something creative – however small- every day. Perhaps a little bit of crochet on the bus or whilst watching TV, sew or press a seam or two. etc etc.

can anyone else share ideas to keep us all sewing, smiling  and sane…………

Replies

  1. sewchris703 | | #1

    I keep a list over my sewing machine of projects in the process of being worked on with the date when I started them.  And then cross them off when they are finished.  As the paper gets filled with finished and unfinished work, I start a new  paper.  I love to see the crossed off work get larger; it's a great feeling of accomplishment.

    Chris

  2. stillsuesew | | #2

    I have a lot of things going at once.  Since I retired and moved to a smaller space I had to downsize a lot.  But I still have too much stuff and my goal is to use it all up.  I do a lot of volunteering and I teach sewing using up my own supplies.  I've made Little Dresses for Africa, many many hats for the Salvation Army coat give away and I'm involved with a group that provides infants with necessary clothing.  Using it up, giving it away.  I do keep a list of projects I want to get to, Christmas presents I want to make, clothing I want to make (even though I don't need another thing to wear.)  Things that need to be finished also find there way to that list.  Life is good.

  3. Teaf5 | | #3

    Good ideas!

    I, too, suffer from UFOs and USPs; your suggestions may help me make some more progress.

    My strategy is to 1) set a deadline, even if there really isn't one, and 2) re-evaluate the project if it remains unfinished. 

    I don't always obey the deadline:  I'm still working on my son's Christmas gift of 2 flannel shirts from last year, but I know I must finish them before THIS Christmas, so I'm back at them.

    If I can't get myself to finish a project, I re-evaluate it:  Is there something wrong with the color? Have I changed my mind about how it will work with my coloring, my figure, my current wardrobe?  If so, I'll try to finish it for donation or take it apart for recycling or re-purposing.  Finishing it for donation --or getting it out of my house-- creates a deadline, which helps.

    I figure that creativity can't really be forced or planned, and if my creativity goes in another direction, I should go with it.  Otherwise, sewing and crafting would be a punishment rather than the joy that it is!

  4. HelgaPataki | | #4

    turn unfinished items into craft kits

    Hi Lou 19

    I had the same problem some years ago.  I ended up re-packaging my sewing supplies into small kits.  Some of these kits I ended up donating away, and others I just kept for myself.  I found my life a lot more organized and less overwhelming.  I did this at a point where my lifestyle changed.  and Oh, the guilt I had from purchasing things that I no longer needed, because trends changed and styles became outdated.  I used to buy things to plan for the future, but when my family grew up,  so did I. 

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