In Black and White

The list of my sewing room projects has finally been updated, by listing all the UFO's, PIG's and PIM's. Sorting them by category helps keep things in perspective, since there are 45 total.

UFO's - Unfinished Objects, or projects in progress. Ten doesn't sound too bad, though this list is mainly sewing or quilting, and doesn't include knitting, crochet and weaving. Two quilt tops need borders added, and I'm fussing with colors and sizes. These are both quilts that I will most likely keep for myself, or if given as gifts only to a very special person. Three other quilt tops have pieces cut out, and one is a group of blocks from an exchange, where I need to make about 15 more blocks plus pieced border blocks. Napkins, burp cloths and a new studio apron are also cut out and need just a bit of dedicated sewing time.

PIG's - The largest group at 26. These are Projects in a Grocery Bag (usually plastic shoeboxes), with a pattern or sketch and some fabrics in mind. They range from a small embroidery to two bed-sized quilts (backing included). Two are not fabric-related: stitch markers for knitting, and beaded snowflakes.

PIM's - Scaled back to 9, but the group most likely to grow. Projects in Mind are usually just a pattern, purchased or marked in a magazine, or drawn in a sketchbook. Unless I've printed out a diagram, the many many quilt designs in my Electric Quilt 6 program aren't included.

The last two years I have worked with my UFO list to try and finish projects, or let them go. For example last year, two sets of blocks were given away to someone else, several projects were released, but quite a few were finished. I gave myself permission to just make tops for charity, quilting them if they were really special. This lets me try out ideas or use up fabrics that attach themselves to a design in my head.

The next step is to add my knitting, sewing, weaving and spinning ideas to the list, just to help keep things in perspective. Ravelry's "Stash" database has helped me face up to my yarn accumulation, and is a good reality check every time I fall in love with a new pattern. My favorite part of creating things is choosing a design and the materials. I do enjoy the process of creating things, but often need an external motivator (such as a deadline for a gift) to finish things.

First Finishes

Our Christmas Eve celebration was delayed twice -- once because of snow, and once due to illness. The bonus was seeing more family that had been out of town, and having more time to work on projects!

The Fingerless Mitts are from the pattern Notwoven.

The Gingerbread Men ornaments are from Urban Threads, an embroidery company with very fun designs.

Resolutions

Making New Year’s resolutions is not an easy thing for a procrastinator. I’ll think of a few things, maybe even jot down a note or two, but never get all the pieces together. I’m trying to approach my different craft interests in a more comprehensive way. I belong to an online quilting group called A Dozen Done, the original premise was that we would set a goal of finishing one quilt a month. I also belong to Ravelry, where I have projects in progress, as well as a listing of my yarn stash, and some of my books. My resolutions for my fiber crafts have a lot of overlap.

I like the Slow Stashing idea presented on Knitter’s Review. It describes how to take a careful look at your yarn stash for sorting and purging, but also how to be mindful and conscious of new purchases. It would help me a lot to at least write down why I purchase certain yarns, especially with online orders. I have done a better job in the past year with fabric purchases. The goal is to purchase fabrics to finish something in progress, or complete the parts of an idea quilt (usually sitting in a plastic box with perhaps a note about the intent).

My sewing studio wants to be usable, especially the large cutting table that ends up being a dumping ground for things to put away (new purchases, leftover project parts). I want to go in the studio and be inspired and encouraged to work on things, not depressed about how many things are waiting to be finished. I got a good start on New Year’s Day by putting projects into boxes and onto shelves. I made a list of what is in the two closed cupboards, and also what is sitting on open shelves in boxes, so when I do get inspired to work on something, it can be easily found.

I want to finish some knitting and crochet projects that are actually used. There is an afghan project that is now (as of last night) in its third incarnation, that I want to finish and use. The Daily Sweater is growing slowly, but it is progressing. Charity hat and scarf projects are ongoing too, using up smaller bits of yarn in complementary colors. I like them for meetings and travel, and have been trying different patterns to learn new skills.

And I want to set some goals for gift and donation projects. Nothing spurs me on like a deadline. I made a lovely lace scarf in two weeks for a Christmas gift in 2007. I would like a similar scarf for myself! Charities collect different things at specific times of year, and the projects can be started well ahead of time. Examples: Project Linus has twice-yearly project parties at a local store; school auctions are scheduled well in advance.