The first step binds one to the second. – french proverb
In the spirit of goal setting and taking back control from works in progress, I have come across Pat Sloan’s excellent 12 UFO Buster Tips. I have summarized these tips (and printed them out) and now I am ready to head for the sewing studio and do battle with my WIPs. If you are losing the war with your own WIPs, then I strongly suggest checking out Pat’s blog (loads of details, tips and photos). She even has a UFO group over there for extra support!
•Know what I have. Count my projects in progress. Group A (Almost Done-Love and Finish). Group B (Almost Done-Lost Interest-Give Away). Group C (Partially Done-Love and Finish). Group D (Partially Done-Give Away or Sort). Group E (Barely Begun-List).
•Pick 4; one that is fast to finish, one with a deadline, one I love, and one long-term project.
•Mandatory! Daily set a timer and sew. Always have a project out.
•Give myself rewards for finished UFOs.
•Fix 3 lack of organization items that keep me from sewing my UFOs.
•Find a Buddy to account to each other.
•Trade services or UFOs.
•Delegate.
•Disassemble-break up a project that I don’t love. Use the fabric for something else.
•Quick and easy finish-flannel, quilt top and grid quilting.
•Set orphan blocks in a sampler (hot pad, tote bag, tablerunner, pillow, coaster, etc.)
•Pick 3 projects to finish for myself. Set a deadline.
There is no reason why Pat’s tips couldn’t be adapted and applied to other works in progress. Are you a gardener? Do you have an overgrown monster bush that needs taming? Would a particular flower do better in a different location? Make a gardening list. Are you giving a room a makeover? Need to get painting done? Need a storage solution? Get it on a list and get it done.
Do it!
LC's Cottage 