Vesuviusmama

June 19, 2009 - WIPs and UFOs

To me, there is a difference between Works in Progress (WIPs) and Unfinished Objects (UFOs). For WIPs, I have a plan. They aren't done because I got distracted with the next "must-do!" project, and when I return to them, I know exactly how and where to start up again. For example, I know where I am going with this Bonnie Hunter pattern, Virginia Bound.

I just needed more neutral scraps to continue. Of course, while waiting to get the scraps, I got sidetracked by some other projects, but I WILL go back to this one. Or my Grandmother's Flower Garden.

I mainly work on this during the summers when I am on vacation since it travels well, and I hate to be too far away from a quilting project. Before I continue with this flannel buzz saw quilt, I am waiting for more flannel scraps that someone in the guild has promised me.

So again, there is a plan.

UFOs are different. Since I make most of my quilts from ideas in my head instead of patterns on a page, I often get stuck. I don't necessarily have an idea for the whole quilt before I begin, so I often reach a point where I can't figure out what to do next. Take this UFO for example. Originally, this was to be for my mother.

I wanted to do a medallion on point, then make it square, which I did. Then, I thought it would be fun to put it on point again. OK, but now, I don't know what to do to make it square again. This UFO is about 4 1/2 years in the making. I have since made my mother another quilt, a Delectable Mountains which both she and I love. But what to do with this forgotten stepchild of a quilt?

About 4 years ago, I made this quilt for a friend (she is in the AKA sorority, and their colors are pink and green).

I had some scraps left over, so I started piecing this together.

Yet again, I got to a place where I wasn't sure what to do next. In fact, I had added a white border with 3-dimensional prarie points on each side, but it was just too busy, so I took them off again. Hmmm, what next?

My first completed quilt was a baby quilt for my nephew.

I had a couple of these fussy cut bathing ducks left over, so I made them the centers for these log cabin blocks.

But now what? This has been languishing for quite some time in the UFO pile, too.

There are others, but you get the idea. Does anyone else experience this? Just getting stuck? Of course, one way to avoid this would be to make all my quilts from a pattern, but that just isn't how I operate. Even the quilts I make from patterns are mine in some way, usually with different borders, perhaps with an altered placement. I guess I do this to myself, but it is so frustrating to me to leave something unfinished with no plan to finish it.

June 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Countryquilter

I use patterns because I'm not as creative as you. I guess my creativity is in the colors put together and that sort of thing. Can the ducky one be made into a pillow or is it too large? Part of a pillowcase? The other ones I don't have any ideas for, but I sure do like them! I don't know how large they are, but table toppers? Wall hangings? Rhoda

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June 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Andrea

I always seem to get stuck on borders - think it's becuse I like to make pieced ones and thats a whole lot more work. I have loads of borderless tops - lol !

Andrea

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June 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by cherylwillis

beautiful work- I don't like to get hung up on labels (don't want to have to keep track) Projects are subject to change and done when I quit working on them. I have some that may sit for years and then be gifted to another to finish. The only time frames I allow myself to be concerned with are still subject to change. I like the idea of sharing your progress b/c it offers motivation and ideas to others. I would never see a UFO as a bad thing, they are all just pieces that need to 'age'.

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June 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Jayces

I love the green and yellowone that's on point...i'm picturing another thick border with a nice vine running through it with some more scrappy flowers appliqued on it...keeping a bit of open spaces so as not to detract from the awesome big center block, but still making it dimensionally larger. I like the idea of the ducks into a pillow....or if you prefer I actually have a rubber ducky fabric that I got in a "blind" scrap back that I think may be the same yellow and blue you used that I have no idea what to do with. i'll take a picture of it and post it tonight or over the weekend some time and you can let me know if you want it to add to that one. They're all beautiful! Trina

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June 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by MaryMM

You have put my mind at ease. I have so many "aging" projects that it baffles me sometimes. And the thought of just putting something together and letting the quilt talk to you is again, beyond my thought process. I want my blocks to all be the same and in neat little rows and only sized big enough for a bed. Seems I need to get a life!! LOL MaryMM

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June 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by quiltluver

I like Jayces comment about the vine border. That would tie in well to the flowers in the center. If you inherit quilt blocks or partially done quilt tops from someone else, does it then become your UFO? Karen

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