Why Do Quilters Have UFO’S

If you’re like me, or most other quilters, you probably have at least one or two (or several dozen) UFO’s lying around. (For anyone who doesn’t quilt, UFO’s are what quilters call unfinished quilting projects). Why do I have all these projects laying around unfinished? Is it a lack of motivation? Laziness? Or just simply a lack of time? I’ve come to the conclusion it’s none of the above. OK, maybe the lack of time one. Mostly I think it is because quilters are highly creative people. How does that translate into not getting your projects done you ask? It’s simple, boredom. Halfway through the project fascinating new techniques, patterns and fabrics are now old hat. I want to move onto something new and different. It’s not that I have a particularly short attention span (although some days mine seems shorter than others). Instead, I want to move on to the next exciting project that challenges me in new and creative ways. The problem is that I get to the point where I really need to finish something (especially customer quilts) before starting on something new. Making it hard to accomplish anything.  Wanting to work on the new stuff, but needing to finish the old before starting. There’s a point where there are so many unfinished projects; I don’t know where to begin. This has been particularly difficult for me lately. I went to Quilt Market in November and came back with several new and exciting opportunities, but before I can really start on them, I need to finish up my current obligations. It’s not like I don’t have time, although I never have as much as I want, it’s more that I lack the motivation to do the “old, boring” stuff first, when what I’m really wanting is to jump right in with both feet and start something new. I have this same problem when I start a new exercise program. It’s fun and exciting for the first week or two, and then it starts to get monotonous. So how do I get motivated to finish those old UFO’s and still have fun with the new stuff. First, I made myself a deal. For every customer quilt or other previously started project I finish, I earn two hours working on something new. Second, I try changing things up. When working out, this might mean running outside instead of on the treadmill, or one week running M/W/F and the next T/Th/S. This may not seem like much, but changing your routine even a little can make it seem less monotonous helping to make it more challenging and interesting. For quilts, I like taking an old unfinished project and adding a new technique to it. Maybe putting some applique on top of the piecing, or strip piece what was supposed to be a plain old border. This helps to finish up some of those quilters UFO’s. But the best way to motivation is both the easiest and the hardest thing to do; just start. I know it’s easier to sit on the couch and think I’ll start tomorrow, or I’ll start after the holidays when it slows down, but the truth is there is always going to be something making life busy and interesting. The only way to get those projects done, eat healthier, or start exercising is just to make yourself get up and do it. Turn off the computer, get up off the couch, and go work on something. Who knows you might find yourself remembering why you chose the project in the first place. At the very least, you will have one less UFO, and a reason to start a new project. In fact, that’s what I’m going to go do right now. Happy Quilting