How many project wips (works in progress) do you all have right now?
This week I got the idea to make a quick mosaic of all the unfinished projects I have laying around! I will be the first to admit that I can get really off track. I realized long ago that I will never be the type to have just one or two projects going at a time and I decided I would never hesitate to begin something new, just because I already have several things yet to finish. Of course this adds a certain amount of unnecessary stress to my life, especially when they really start piling up! Like now!
I'm hoping that by sharing all that's unfinished here today, some of which I need your help with, and by reading your own wip problems or solutions, if you're kind enough to share, I can get back on track!
Here it goes,
The most popular project wip I have that gets asked about if or when it will be finished, is this quilt top. It is my favorite, it's very special to me, and has already been so long in the making! Well, it's been spray basted to it's quilt back, I began adding my machine quilting stitches, and something went wonky with my bobbin and I have to rip that all out!! So, it got shelved only out of frustration.
My Indie quilt is the project wip I am most eager to see finished! I really want to have it professionally long arm quilted as soon as possible -- which is where you come in! Can you recommend a service? Or maybe you provide one? I have reached out to four quilters now and for some reason I've never heard back from any of them or their schedulers? Since I live in such a small town, I don't have a LQS who offers this service, and since I have this sewing blog I was hoping and thought it would be fun to find someone here in the states who blogs their quilting!
Small projects -- I have a few!
Those bags I recently started for the kids? I was off to such a good start, but my measurements were off on the first one I finished. Haila still loves it, but the boys informed me that theirs could not look anything like hers or it would be too "girly." Back to the bag drawing board and time to turn this patchwork into something else!
This pillow top is pretty close to being finished. It's for my best friend who will be happy to receive it whenever. She knows I love her!
These pretties are waiting to become more of these pillows, that might be my most favorites ever!
This pieced house project that I started quite a while ago. I'm not going to lie -- I have no idea what I'm doing with this? I was thinking floor pillow, but now I'm thinking this could grow into something even bigger!
Completely planned out projects -- I have several!
All of which are quilts in the making. No need to rush any of these, I'm just excited about them!
More unfinished quilts -- My Carnaby QAYG and my Linen & Glimma Quilt Top! The big problem I have with finishing quilts is the batting. It gets so expensive, I never seem to have it on hand, and the closest seller of the kind I use is 45 minutes away. I almost bought a role to have here when I came across a great deal, but I didn't jump on it, and now I'm really regretting it!
Finally, my Tsuru Quilt Top. I just sent this off to Cloud9 for Quilt Market, so I have some time before it's even possible to see this finished!
Of course, I did start something new yesterday, as well. I know, but I couldn't help it! My brother and his wife are expecting and an Alphabet Quilt has been requested!! This one is going to be a tutorial, and I'm super excited!!
So, do you have a wip problem of your own? Secretly I'm hoping I'm not alone in this! Or maybe you have a successful tip on how to manage staying on track and seeing things finished before beginning something new? Please share!!
And, if there's any particular wip of mine that you would really love to see finished, pretty please let me know! That's just the motivation I could use!! ♥, Maureen
p.s. Today, as part of "Celebrate Mom" week on Happy Quilting, I'm guest posting with some photos of my family's shared creative space, along with some of our story, and a wonderful Fabric Giveaway!!
This week I got the idea to make a quick mosaic of all the unfinished projects I have laying around! I will be the first to admit that I can get really off track. I realized long ago that I will never be the type to have just one or two projects going at a time and I decided I would never hesitate to begin something new, just because I already have several things yet to finish. Of course this adds a certain amount of unnecessary stress to my life, especially when they really start piling up! Like now!
I'm hoping that by sharing all that's unfinished here today, some of which I need your help with, and by reading your own wip problems or solutions, if you're kind enough to share, I can get back on track!
Here it goes,
The most popular project wip I have that gets asked about if or when it will be finished, is this quilt top. It is my favorite, it's very special to me, and has already been so long in the making! Well, it's been spray basted to it's quilt back, I began adding my machine quilting stitches, and something went wonky with my bobbin and I have to rip that all out!! So, it got shelved only out of frustration.
My Indie quilt is the project wip I am most eager to see finished! I really want to have it professionally long arm quilted as soon as possible -- which is where you come in! Can you recommend a service? Or maybe you provide one? I have reached out to four quilters now and for some reason I've never heard back from any of them or their schedulers? Since I live in such a small town, I don't have a LQS who offers this service, and since I have this sewing blog I was hoping and thought it would be fun to find someone here in the states who blogs their quilting!
Small projects -- I have a few!
Those bags I recently started for the kids? I was off to such a good start, but my measurements were off on the first one I finished. Haila still loves it, but the boys informed me that theirs could not look anything like hers or it would be too "girly." Back to the bag drawing board and time to turn this patchwork into something else!
This pillow top is pretty close to being finished. It's for my best friend who will be happy to receive it whenever. She knows I love her!
These pretties are waiting to become more of these pillows, that might be my most favorites ever!
This pieced house project that I started quite a while ago. I'm not going to lie -- I have no idea what I'm doing with this? I was thinking floor pillow, but now I'm thinking this could grow into something even bigger!
Completely planned out projects -- I have several!
All of which are quilts in the making. No need to rush any of these, I'm just excited about them!
More unfinished quilts -- My Carnaby QAYG and my Linen & Glimma Quilt Top! The big problem I have with finishing quilts is the batting. It gets so expensive, I never seem to have it on hand, and the closest seller of the kind I use is 45 minutes away. I almost bought a role to have here when I came across a great deal, but I didn't jump on it, and now I'm really regretting it!
Finally, my Tsuru Quilt Top. I just sent this off to Cloud9 for Quilt Market, so I have some time before it's even possible to see this finished!
Of course, I did start something new yesterday, as well. I know, but I couldn't help it! My brother and his wife are expecting and an Alphabet Quilt has been requested!! This one is going to be a tutorial, and I'm super excited!!
So, do you have a wip problem of your own? Secretly I'm hoping I'm not alone in this! Or maybe you have a successful tip on how to manage staying on track and seeing things finished before beginning something new? Please share!!
And, if there's any particular wip of mine that you would really love to see finished, pretty please let me know! That's just the motivation I could use!! ♥, Maureen
p.s. Today, as part of "Celebrate Mom" week on Happy Quilting, I'm guest posting with some photos of my family's shared creative space, along with some of our story, and a wonderful Fabric Giveaway!!
My first choice to see finished would be your Glimma top. It just speaks to me for some reason. The only WIP tip I have is to finish up a few small projects. It can be really satisfying to bag out a couple over a weekend and it ups the motivation to keep working. Of course my list is extraordinarily long LOL
ReplyDeleteOh those pesky mistakes are always a sure way to have a project pushed aside. I do that with my sewing and knitting. I have a few unfinished projects, but if they have been unfinished for too long then I just banish - give away or take the fabric back. Your work is so wonderful. And your quilts are amazing!
ReplyDeleteOMG! All that fabulous fabric..... I'm drooling...
ReplyDeleteAnd that is why I have no $$$ for batting!! :)
DeleteEverything you start is so pretty! LOL I can't wait for that tutorial!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a WIP problem per say, but I do have 3 (soon to be 4)tops in the queue to quilt. I have 5 tops on progress, a wall quilt that I am not sure is done (I am still chewing on it), another quilt top that is cut.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 prayer shawls that need to be done and a bunch of pillow covers and valances to make for a charity project...these will come to the top of the to be done, just waiting for some color requests a for prayers shawls so I can dig through the stash, and the material to arrive for the pillow covers and valences..
What kind of batting do you use? I could be on the look out for you. :) I have 2 wip. The first quilt top I ever pieced and all these pink camo squares I cut up to turn into a puff (biscuit) quilt for my daughter. These have been wip for about a year now, an both are before I found out about designer fabrics. I started hand quilting the first pieced on the other night, for practice mostly.
ReplyDeleteIf your wip were my I would start with finishing the smaller ones like the pillows and the bag. Quick finishes and you could knock a couple off of your list. Then It would be hardto choose from there...Glimma, Tsuru, Carnaby, and Indie. You've got time for the ABC one right lol and your sketch stitch quilt I would try to find some time everyday to work on it since its so special :) BUT I only have two wip and they aren't fabulous ones like yours, and we are getting ready to move soon so that's keeping my new piles of fabric whole for the moment. Plus it's so hard for me to cut into these fabrics because I don't feel like I can do them justice just yet.
I have a few but I recently cleaned up my sewing room and I decided to cull out WIP that I would never get around to finishing. If they are not something I really love I removed the useable things from the project and then I donated anything that someone else could use.
ReplyDeleteIt cleared out a lot of projects that have been sitting there for ever. I must admit it is so nice to go into the sewing room and not have to move those projects around so I have a place to work on the items that I want to work on.
Now the only WIP to finish is the binding on the quilt that I started for my oldest son. He informed me this morning that it is only 1 month to his 11th Birthday.....I think I started the quilt when he was 3 it has been a while in the WIP pile.
You are not alone! I few months ago I cleaned my sewing room and found 20 WIPs, some quilts I had completely forgotten about! I have only been sewing for 1.5 years :D!
ReplyDeleteI designed project sheets to keep me motivated. The sheets I designed have spots for priority and what stage of the project I am in. It has really helped me figure out what I am close to finishing and what can wait. My list is still pretty long, but I am working through them! I've been better about not starting so many new projects, because I don't want my project list to be two pages LOL!
I have tons of WIPs so that should make you feel somewhat better :).
ReplyDeleteAs for your batting issues...have you tried ordering from JoAnn's online? they have free shipping if your order is over a certain amount and they have coupons for an extra % off your entire purchase pretty regularly. If you can get it at 40% off + and extra 15% off + free shipping maybe it would benefit you (I know I have a role Warm & Natural in my closet that that I got for less than $6/yd doing just this).
I look forward to seeing all of your projects when you get them finished!
Oh my goodness, Maureen,I am so far ahead of you , in being behind!
ReplyDeleteI like to keep three projects going - one in each stage - one cut and in the piecing stage, one pieced and in the quilting stage, and something ready to hand-bind. Anything more and I get a little frazzled. The exception would be that I have begun turning leftover fabric into potholders or mug rugs for small gifts. I get these to the hand-binding stage and then pile them up for car trips or waiting rooms, etc. I agree with one commenter - finish up two or three things that need the least work. You'll get a natural high from the finishes.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried contacting Jenny Doan from the Missouri Star Quilt Company? They do mail in Long Arm services and some of the pics I've seen are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAs for WiPs *cough UFO's cough*.. Umm yeah I have a few Let me think.. 3 sampler quilts, a scrappy trip along (nearly done!!), 2 kid's quilts and starting a 3rd soon. Plus I've lined up a half dozen charity quilts for to FMQ :D Got 2 ready to go by my machine and four more in various stages.
And to top it all off I had to completely re-organize my sewing area!! I have sewn jack diddley in a week :/ Le pout. ;)
I'll look into it, thanks Christina!! So, is that your way of telling me "wip" is the wrong acronym? lol This is good to know!! :)
DeleteMy husband has a tendency to fuss at me if I start something new without finishing what I've already started! LOL I have 2 quilts in the piecing process and one flimsy (Christmas present)waiting to be basted and quilted. I just cut out two new quilts for next week's quilt retreat, one is a baby quilt and the other is a rag quilt for Christmas for my nephew.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least you're ahead of the game and are already working on Christmas presents! That's amazing!!!
DeleteI just kind of get bored of the WIP's, very sad.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried http://www.limasews.com/p/longarm-quilting-services.html and there was a girl giving away a Longarm quilting on SMS giveaway, I tried to look for it, but couldn't find it, she was also doing 20% off for the month. Loved your post over at Happy Quilting.
I loved seeing your WIPs. One nice thing about having so many projects started at once is it offers 10x the inspiration to your blog subscribers in a single post!
ReplyDeleteMy "new project vs. finishing an existing project" philosophy is simple. When I feel inspired, I jump right on the new project. I like making the design and putting together the color schemes, so I focus on those. I try to avoid actually purchasing items for a new project unless I think I'll actually use those materials within the month. Otherwise, I create a pinterest board and store the fabric selection there. (By the time I get to the project, maybe new fabrics would work better!)
If I'm in a design slump and am feeling stressed about having too many WIPs, I try to think which project is the closest to being finished, and I work on it. I try to set an attainable goal instead of telling myself I'll finish the whole thing. For example, "I'll make those last 7 quilt blocks before storing this project for the winter" or "I'll quilt my project now and worry about binding it later." I can put off the things I am not as excited about until I hit a burst of productivity, which is fortunately inevitable.
Well, thanks for that sweet comment about this post! That makes me feel so much better!!
DeleteI love your Pinterest idea, too, that's great!!
I keep a white board in my sewing room that I will update occasionally with the projects I'm working on. I keep it to an under 20 count so as not to overwhelm myself. And that's just the quilts I have to finish. The clothing and bag projects aren't listed. And of course, every time I set foot inside a fabric store another project comes home with me. One day......
ReplyDeleteI like that idea! I am constantly buying cute little notepads for daily organizing that I never, ever use!! lol I did pick up a really pretty bulletin board recently that I plan to tack my small wips on as a little reminder.
DeleteI have fabric purchased for two table runners. Took it to a class and forgot my pattern! (Duh!). So I ended up buying a jelly roll and pattern fro that class (another WIP)
ReplyDeleteI have some vintage squares to rescue from a friend. I need to get going on this. That reminds me. I need to bring that downstairs today to ask the ladies what to do with it. (company coming).
I have a big huge traditional applique quilt that needs to be sandwiched and quilted (I do my own). I have a top on my design wall that needs a border, then sandwiched and quilted, too! I'll be busy quilting. LOL!
Not to mention a kajillion hexies waiting for a home.
I recently got my mojo back, so I'm making up for a great drought. LOL!
I have so many WIPs. I joined a group on Threadbias that finishes up WIPs as motivation for me to finish! I have until May 31 this quarter, so I need to hop on it! I always get stuck on the quilting part. I love piecing and seeing the tops come together and then I hate the quilting part since it's so tough and bulky to do on my machine. My latest quilt, though, I tried your QAYG technique and I love it. Still not done, but it's getting more action than my other WIPs. I think I *only* have 7 WIPs (now that I've counted, yikes!) at the moment, but I have fabric pulled for another 4-5 projects....hmm...maybe I should start sewing instead of blogging...
ReplyDeleteI usually order my batting (I use Quilter's Dream Cotton) from fabric.com. I'll order a few packages at a time so I don't run out as often as I once did. I did the math on buying a bolt and honestly, it didn't seem to save any money per sf. Especially if you get free shipping/ a discount from fabric.com. Their shipping is slow, but you can't beat their prices.
We certainly have the same problem! I can't wait to see your QAYG!!!
DeleteI'll check out that batting for sure! I use Pellon, either the Natures Touch Eco Cotton or regular cotton. I usually get mine from Joann when it's on sale or with my coupon. I just seem to go through it so fast, I thought splurging for a bolt would be convenient, although I have no idea where I would keep it?!
Oh, my gosh - this is such a great post! It's fun to see what you have in your WIP piles, and it really makes me feel better about my own. The creative process cannot be rushed! Ha! Ha!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! You are so right, it really shouldn't be rushed, but I just can't seem to shake that guilty feeling I get when I'm diving into something new with so many things still unfinished and even un-started, in some cases. I need to work on letting go!
DeleteUFO's stress me so bad that I kinda promised myself that I would finished anything under lap size before starting something else.When you participate in BOM's and Bee's you can't finish right away - so I had to give myself a break! I stayed on track really well this year until May -- now I have 4 quilts pieced and one quilted waiting to be bound. Plus I plan on trying Sashiko on my Tsuru quilt. http://www.flickr.com/photos/93341164@N03/8722754020/in/photostream
ReplyDeleteSo I think I just need to roll with the punches and have fun! YOU should too - don't let UFO's stress you out. We know you will share when you have finishes and WE can be patient:)
Have fun
Jan
As for batting, JoAnn fabrics has batting for sale online. If you are signed up for the newsletter, you can wait for a time when there is free (or almost free) shipping.
ReplyDeleteAs for WIPs, I have several items I want to do free motion quilting on but I am just starting out and I am hesitant about working on a quilt top and then making a mess of it.
I have yet to order from Joann when there has been free shipping offered, I must miss that somehow?! I usually take a trip to the Joann that's about 45 minutes away, once ever two weeks to stock up on supplies, but I only pick up batting if it's at least 40% and in the budget! I seem to be going through it so fast these days!
DeleteI have the same concerns with FMQ. I think I'll save trying on my Janome with either a small project or a new qayg eventually. Right now I'm actually loving dense straight-line quilting so much, I'm in no rush to give it a try!
I love your bird fabric and the Tsuru quilt Is too wonderful. I have a pile of quilt tops to be finished and I have been making myself finish one or two in-between the fun stuff of starting a new quilt.
ReplyDeleteI'm part way through 2 piecing 1 quilt for my son, 2 BOM blocks cut but not peiced, 4 BOM blocks pieced but waiting for bastine and quilting, 1 baby plus quilt where fabric arrived and I'm starching/pressing it, 1 quilted alphabet toys where I just need to quilt. And I have a dowzen small projects plannen, just needing time to start - some pockets to hand from my boys's bed for book, a swap item for a freinds who's making my girl a dress, a bay and a mothers day pressie. The list goes on really. Oh, and a request for a king sized quilt from my sis, who's having a tough time (and loves your retro flowers).
ReplyDeleteMy problem's managing housework, 2 days working a hours commute away and 2 kids under four, neither of whom sleep through the night, and only nap now and again, who are both toilet training. I'd love anyone suggestions for how to get anything done at all!
All your projects look amazing and I'm looking forward to seeing them finished int heir own time :D
wow - and I really need to slow down the typing and proof read more.
DeleteWell, I didn't begin sewing until my youngest was 3. We had already established a routine, including a chunk of time dedicated to crafting each and every day. I started out with my sewing room in the dining room, so while they worked on their projects at the dinner table, I would sew. I have also always included them in the process in whatever way they feel like participating -- from helping me pick fabrics, to drawing out my ideas for me to use as inspiration, to "folding and organizing" my fabrics, to helping package up order. I never tried to find alone time to sew, because I knew that would never happen! As the kids get older, it definitely gets easier!
DeleteThanks so much for chiming in!!
I just blogged about this! Kinda long with lots of pictures. http://snippysisters.blogspot.com/2013/05/wip.html
ReplyDeleteI always buy a roll of batting at a time, when it is on sale. It is so frustrating to be ready to FMQ and not have enough batting!
It really is! I just have no idea where I would even put one? Under our bed maybe?
DeleteI checked out your post and you made me feel so much better! Thank you for that! :)
All of your projects look amazing! The thing I keep trying to remind myself is that the crafty police aren't going to arrest me for having a bunch of WIPs. I also tell myself that since I'm a Gemini and can't focus on one thing at a time, I naturally have to have a bunch of things. I'm trying to get better about seeing things through because I don't want my family to think I'm buying a bunch of fabric, making quilt tops, and that's that. Easier said than done!
ReplyDeleteI love this comment and I'm a Gemini, too!! Maybe that explains it all?? :)
DeleteMakes me feel so much better to know that others have WIPS. I am steadily finishing and starting new ones. It must be an afflliction. Thanks so much for sharing! Oh, I wish my WIPS looked as great as yours do!
ReplyDeleteHehe....another Gemini here....with far too many WIPs! Lol I always seem to be attracted by the next sparkly, new project on blogs.
ReplyDeleteThis year I have managed to make progress on a few and even finish a couple!
I looove the fabric with the blue birds!!! Can you please let me know which collection they come from??
It's from the Alegria collection by Gennine D. Zlatkis for Cloud9 Fabrics.
DeleteI picked mine up from Project Anthologies, but it's pretty hard to come by now! http://www.projectanthologies.com/collections/sewing/gennine-d-zlatkis
Maureen, I'm new to your blog and am absolutely speechless with inspiration. You are an artistic genius! I read your interview on Melissa's blog and just love how you include your children in your crafting fun. Love love love, I have a big quilting crush! Lol.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I follow the blog of http://www.pieceandquilt.com/, and Natalia does beautiful work with longarm quilting. Maybe worth a look?
Beautiful projects!
ReplyDeleteI bought a roll of batting when it was half off at Joann's....best thing ever. It does take up quite a bit of space, but I never, ever, have to worry about buying batting....now on my second roll. Make sure you sign up for the email, and pay attention to the daily deals.
ReplyDeleteDrooling on my keyboard looking at all those pretty fabrics. I have too many WIPs to count, but top priority right now is my granddaughter's graduation quilt. It will be late, but hopefully it will be done before she starts college in September.
ReplyDeleteONLY 4 wips!! Every time I get going someone stops me and needs a tote or a quilt or jeans sewn.... But I was able to finish alot during the winter. I promised myself that I could buy more fabric BUT not cut it until these are done. Talk about pain and agony!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI counted, I have 28 listed on a white board that I'm (wo)manfully trying to wade my way through this year (they've been there since the start of the year, although I've knocked 10 off the original list) and there's 5 more not on the list that I've started since then and am pretending don't exist ;o)
ReplyDeleteWhy people still use to read news papers when in this technological world the whole thing
ReplyDeleteis accessible on net?
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These projects that you are working on are so amazing. i was wondering when you were speaking about batting, which type do you use. I am using a certain type that I thought would be good, but i find it rather difficult to work with. Also, I have seen and like the Bamboo batting, although I've never used it. what are your thought's on it?
ReplyDeleteI have been using Pellon, either the Natures Touch Eco Cotton or regular cotton. I do love Bamboo as well and have tried that several times when it's been a good deal. I usually get mine from Joann when it's on sale or with my coupon. I just seem to go through it so fast, I thought splurging for a bolt would be convenient, although I have no idea where I would keep it?! And, I also wish it would save money to buy a bolt, but I haven't found a deal where it does.
DeleteSomething new always comes up . I have two tubs of WIP but am going to a UFO themed retreat next week and hope to plow through a bunch. Our MQG just formed a charity group and it's a wonderful excuse to finish up quilts if I know they will have a home to go to. Love your many many projects.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I'm not alone in this. I have many, many WIPs (only one is a quilt, though). One of my main reasons for starting a blog with my sister (other than for us to be able to share our creative fun with each other) was so that I would be motivated and encouraged to finish my unfinished projects. Some things I have started have been sat aside for many years, but I do hope one day to complete them all.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I obviously have no advice to offer you (it would be like the blind leading the blind), but I have found giving myself a deadline helps. So far I have never met one of my deadlines, but it keeps me focussed on the project at least until the deadline passes (doing something is better than doing nothing).
DeleteYou asked which one of your WIPs we would like to see completed first - I think I would like to see the pillow top for your best friend completed first.
Good luck with it all.
Wow - what beautiful WIP's!! I'm interested in the type of batting you use too (I'd love to have a roll of batting at home!). I tend to go by price, though I only use 100% cotton or bamboo.
ReplyDeleteI have been using Pellon, either the Natures Touch Eco Cotton or regular cotton. I do love Bamboo as well and have tried that several times when it's been a good deal. I usually get mine from Joann when it's on sale or with my coupon. I just seem to go through it so fast, I thought splurging for a bolt would be convenient, although I have no idea where I would keep it?! And, I also wish it would save money to buy a bolt, but I haven't found a deal where it does.
DeleteWhen they are on sale/coupon, I usually buy a king size, even though I mostly make smaller quilts: baby or wall hangings. You can get 4 60"x60" pieces from one king size batt. :)
DeleteI love all your WIPs they are just amazing. Maybe setting up a to-do chart
ReplyDeletein your sewing are might help. Do the little things first that may take less time. I found also setting up reminders on my COZI Family calendar that I use free from Good Housekeeping really helps.
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I like to buy batting when its on sale so I don't waste time when I'M ready to put a quilt together. Your WIPs are wonderful! You are certainly not alone with your problem.
ReplyDeleteMmmm your sewing is so clean and pretty. I had a bunch of things hanging in my sewing room and a couple weeks ago I took my 3 hour block of time where I'd usually sew something new and FINISHED 4 WIPs. Mostly handsewing, hems, binding necklines, etc. It's amazing the space it clears from your brain, the "I should be doing THATs..." Your projects are a little bigger than that though! ;)
ReplyDeleteLove your WIP's..I only have a few but the Leo in me won't let me start anything till I finish at least one. I have 3 quilt tops finished and one I am in the midlle of FMQ. I have spent time lately trying to reorganize my stash. I keep reading great tips and then changing my mind on how to best sort and organize. I have tons of ideas and patterns I keep printing out that are calling my name to make them up. I love the fabrics you use...most of my fabric is older so consequently my quilts are more scrappy due to budget restraints. Love your Blog!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Maureen it's all so beautiful! I've always been a one-project-at-a-time girl, but since coming back home from the shop and making for fun, I have several things on the go. It was stressing me until I wrote a list too and stuck it on my sewing room wall. Now I give myself the freedom to work on whatever I feel like. It seems to be working! When I feel like piecing, I have something to piece, or quilting, or hand-stitching, etc. So I'm actually embracing WIP world! :) xxx
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of (hopefully helpful) comments.
ReplyDelete1. Long arm services - I've been looking for "budget" long arm services, meaning not heirloom quilting, and I've been bookmarking all that seem promising on a pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/zaydia/long-arm-services/
2. I'll admit it - I buy batting on Amazon. I have Amazon Prime, so when I realize I need it, I just buy it and it's there the next day or the day after. They have Warm and Natural / Warm and White for half the price of Joann's. I don't know which brand you use, but chances are you can find it on Amazon. I'd like to support LQS but sometimes that's not possible due to price and convenience, and I generally avoid Joann's if at all possible. I figure I buy fabric from etsy shops and independent retailers, but I'll get my batting on Amazon.
I have the exact same problem! I find what stalls me most is that I sew in the evenings, some projects get to a stage where I need a clearer head or a bigger chunk of time, so I put them aside for a spare morning or afternoon, which are rare these days with work and family commitments. Funnily enough, if I get asked to make something for someone else I will have it finished in no time at all!
ReplyDelete