Sunday, February 21, 2016

UFO Challenge

Just wondering if any of you are doing the allpeoplequilt.com UFO challenge here ?  I saw this referenced on another blog and decided to look into it.   According to the website, you identify twelve UFO's that you want to finish over the next year and number them from 1-12 on a downloadable form along with their current status. 


At the beginning of each month, a random number is selected.  Whichever project on your list corresponds to the number drawn, is what you work on for that month.   I'm getting into this a month and a half late, so I cheated a little.  This month's project # is 5, so I'm working on my Vintage Memories quilt which I put in the #5 slot.   I have seven of the nine blocks completed, so I'm hoping to finish all of the blocks and maybe even get some of the borders cut.

I had to go through the cabinets and shelves in my very messy craft room to locate the UFO's that I wanted to add to my list and found a lot more than twelve!  Yikes!  I had to use the back of the form.

Have any of you been shocked when you've realized how many UFO's you have or the money that's tied up in them?   I know we all start out with good intentions and a generous heart, wanting to feed our creative spirit and make beautiful gifts, but while I was ferreting out kits and patterns from shelves and cabinets, I started calculating the cost and it adds up to a staggering amount. 

I have two BOM quilts that I purchased and each kit was about $20.00 a month, plus the finishing kits which ran about another $40.  So I'm estimating each was around $200.00 to $250.00 not including any extra FQ's or yardage that I purchased because I loved it at the time. 

I also have a tote bag kit that I bought to make for a friend that was $50.00;  (4) four Patchabilities "monthly mini" kits that I purchased for about $20.00 each;  another Halloween BOM quilt kit (I bought one pattern but three separate fabric kits to make three of these) at a cost of $35. each plus the pattern $15.00; two charm packs, yardage and pattern and an a machine embroidery alphabet and design to make a Christmas stocking for my grandson at a cost $40.00.

This doesn't include the stashes of fabric, pre-cuts or  partially complete projects that are over 20 years old and non-sewing projects like the afghan for my sister I've been working on for 7 years!

When do you cut your losses and let go of projects you know you don't want to finish and what do you do with them?  Do you sell them online, donate them, swap with other crafting friends?  I'd love to know in the comments section.   Please share? 

I'm also thinking of having an online "yard sale' in the next few weeks so stay tuned.   I'll be listing some fabrics and patterns and there will also be a give-away! 

I'm still looking for a pattern I bought back in 2011 or 2012 for a purse made with strips of batting wrapped with batik fabrics.  I went to the Sewing Diva yesterday which is where I originally bought the pattern.  She no longer carries it but told me the name and because I didn't write it down, I forgot it before I got home.   It begins with "Auntie" something or other so if anyone knows what the rest is, please leave it in the comments below.

Well, I'm off to work on #5 for a few hours and then, since it's a beautiful day outside for a long walk!

Enjoy! 

Gail