Why do projects become a UFO and what now?

We started with our UFO challenge by setting forth the task to gather all your UFOs and make a list. Do you have it? Because we are ready to start the next step.

When you were getting together projects you might have found some and wondered why you never finished. Or you groaned and remembered exactly why you didn’t finish it in the first place. Either way, sometimes knowing why a project became a UFO is a good way to figure out how you can revive it and complete your project.

Here are just some of the reasons projects get tossed aside.

Pattern Problems:

Was the pattern poorly written? Or maybe once you got started you realized it was a lot harder and time consuming than you originally expected.

Technique Problems:

Did you use the wrong seam allowance or cut incorrectly and your quilt is going to be smaller than you originally intended ? Maybe you started the quilt before you knew that it was a good idea to trim HSTs. Sometimes if you make a mistake it’s easier to shove a project into a closet than fix it.

Fabric Issues:

Did you get into the quilt and realize that you didn’t have enough fabric? Maybe you started regretting your original fabric choices because once you saw them together, they just weren’t working. Or your fabric preferences  changed since you originally started it. These can all be reasons you might put a project away and forget about it.

Not Like Your Original Vision:

It’s really hard to stay motivated to work on a project that just isn’t turning out like you envisioned it. Sometimes things just don’t look the same as they did in your head when you were planning the quilt.

You Got Distracted By Another Project:

Pinterest and Instagram are great for inspiration, but sometimes they make it hard to stick with one project. It’s easy to get excited about a fresh idea and abandon a project for a fun, new one.

You’re Dreading the Next Step:

Did you get to a step in the quilt making process you can’t stand? It’s hard to want to work on a project that feels like a chore.

Finish as Originally Intended:

The easiest ones to finish are the ones that were just cast aside because you got distracted by something else. Take those UFOs and determine the one closest to being finished and just get it done. The satisfaction of completing a project will give you the momentum to keep going.

And sometimes finishing as you originally intended means letting go of perfection. Finished is better than perfect! Even if you set aside a project because the seams didn’t match up or your quilting is a little wonky, embrace the imperfections! You won’t even notice them once you’re curled up under it.

Change Direction:

When something isn’t turning out like you intended it’s easy to get frustrated and forget about the project. One option, though, is to change directions. If the pattern was harder than you expected then add sashing or negative space so you need to make less blocks. Orphan blocks can be turned into a pillow or mini quilt.

It can be hard to let go of the original plan. Sometimes when you step back and allow yourself to reevaluate, you might even end up in a new direction you like better!

Donate:

There’s a couple options for donating a project.

You can finish the project and then donate it. Or you can donate the in progress project. I once had a crochet project that I hated working on and I felt like it was holding me back from other projects. I gathered up all the supplies and what I already had completed and donated it to a thrift shop.

Just because you’ve lost a passion for a project and don’t want to finish it doesn’t mean there isn’t someone out there who’d love to!

Salvage:

It’s an extreme measure, but you can also just salvage what you can and then just walk away. Maybe you can use the sashing on a different project, or there’s a fabric you’d like to use for something else. Get you seam ripper and rotary cutter and just get to work.

We have another UFO sheet to help you continue to work through your UFOs and organize them. Now don’t feel required to do this, none of this is required. We really just want to provide you with as many tips and tools to help you work through that UFO pile. So use what’s helpful and leave the rest.

Make sure you check in with us and tell us how your UFO finishing is going! Tag @bouldermqg on Instagram and use #bouldermqgUFOs.