Knowing myself as a starter and not a finisher, I made this rule when I began quilting in 2020: I am allowed to design or select a pattern and fabric for my next project but cannot cut fabric until my current project is done and out the door to its recipient. I am grateful for your other strategies, Nikki. Also, if you can avoid it, don't promise quilts to others with a deadline. Mine have all been surprise gifts to family members. A lot less pressure on me!
A learning tax is great 😂😂😂 I am not necessarily a person that likes to have unfinished projects around, but I do have many. One thing I have learned about myself is that I have a wide range of crafting interests. I have divided my basement into stations. Sewing, paper crafts, resin art, miniatures... I clean it up and put it away when I lose interest. I don't feel guilty. Many things I do are seasonal related. I sew more getting ready for Christmas, for example.
My unfinished projects languished for four years because of disinterest, but as I began purging and organizing my house the reality became obvious: Finish the projects or give them to someone else to fret over. The result is two quilts pinned and ready for quilting, umpteen pillowcases for charity finished, and a stack of cut potholders, hot pads, and placemats ready when a small, easy project is all there's time for. It will take time, but everything will be done before the first crocus emerges from the snow cover.
There is something to be said about finishing a project started 36 yers ago 😀 Imagine the weight lifted and dopamine shot for finally finishing it?! I would be ecstatic! 😀 Also, it may become part of the family legacy, a story that gets told over and over again when Son Jr receives it as a gift and cherishes as he grows. Its a beautiful thing! ❤ That said, I agree w all your tips and thought processes! I’m pretty much a one-project-at-a-time finisher. I do have a project i started (collecting fabrics phase) about 20 yrs ago… a quilt for my mom. Unfortunately, she wasnt interested in a quilt as they are too heavy for her teeny aging body. So the fabrics sat, stored in a cookie tin, while my life got crazy busy and i just didn’t sew very much. Frankly, I’d forgotten about the cookie tin that had been boxed up during two cross-country relocations. Then i rediscovered the cookie tin, checked w my mother, she still didn’t want it. So i reimagined the fabric, along w both my daughters’ childhood jeans I’d collected for quilts, and started two quilts at the same time for my daughters. Had to get set aside again because, you know, another relocation… and a bunch of babies in quick succession (over the past 3years), including 3 of my own grandchildren, that needed quilts. When I’m done w the baby quilts (just two to go), I’m finishing those quilts for my daughters’. Everyone, no more babies for a while… i need to finish these quilts! 😂
I was listening to your RUclips video on a flight from Durban to Cape Town (South Africa). In my luggage I had a bag that I wanted to sew by hand. This bag was one of 6 unfinished projects I left back home. I knew that for the week that lay ahead I would be focusing on my baggie project when I was free and relaxing. Light bulb moment. Take one project at a time as if it's the only and most important thing that you need to get done and only do that thing when you're free and relaxed. Forget about the rest and focus what's at hand. And enjoy doing it.
I am a finisher. I am only allowed to have 3 projects going at a time. And. I cannot start a new one til I finish one. I’m very proud of myself. I do not put aside an unfinished project. My 3 projects stay out and near my work station until they are completed. Unfinished projects cause me anxiety and I know this about myself. Even projects I haven’t started yet give me anxiety, so I keep those hidden until I need a new project. It all works for me. Everyone is different… find your own system, but make sure you have finishing projects built into your system. I also keep a list of future projects I want to make. It feels great to check them off when I make them. Good luck everyone! Very helpful video Nikki!
in Sydney (Australia) we have stores called "The Sewing Basket" they are basically sewing, knitting, crochet and crafting thrift stores and best of all they provide employment for people with "difficulties". Whenever I visit, I take a bag of recently cleaned out items from my craft room. I rarely buy supplies from retail stores anymore, and if I have bought the wrong thing, I have no problem about donating it back. Also we are into vinyl, my husband has his turntables in the room under my craft room, so I get to listen to whatever he is playng while I am in my happy place.
Awesome! We're starting to have these types of stores in the US, too! Amy Dement (@amydement7288) just did a feature on her channel about a shop in her area, Austin, TX.
I am relatively new to sewing and I crochet. I have been working on a crochet blanket for far too long now. Love the person who asked me to make it, dislike the pattern. I made a conscious effort this week to spend 30 minutes a day working on it. I now truly see the finish line and will be able to deliver it soon so that I can give my attention to other projects. Thank you for your continued motivation and inspiration!
I think for me, I just love the excitement of starting new projects; planning, choosing the fabrics, looking over patterns, deciding how to get started, drawing it out on paper etc! But when I think about it, I also love the feelings when I cut, pin, create and start stitching it! I seriously enjoy the whole process; except thinking when it’s going to be finished! That’s the end. It’s the worst for me. You’d think that then I would start getting excited about the next project…nope, just sad because I’m done. So I’ve tricked my mind into never finishing! I always have at least one project in every phase of the process. Phase 1…Planning, Phase 2…choosing the materials needed, Phase 3…getting prepared, Phase 4…pin and stitch, Phase 5…finish the sewing, Phase 4…extra touches or embellishments! And now, the mail is here with my Mrs. Quilty subscription and a new project, but the rule is open but don’t start until I finish at least one unfinished project! That is hard. Gotta go!
I made a quilt (top) for my husband for Father's Day in 2000; finally got it quilted in 2017; bound it in 2024 for his birthday. It's now being used daily on his bed. Whew! I thought I was slow, but 36 years beats me. Your suggestions are great, thanks for sharing.
I am ADD/ADHD and have dealt with "squirrel" all my life. I am a great starter...it took me five years to complete an art quilt that I love and have even had in art shows at a museum, but was so tedious to complete that I would only work on it "whenever". I used to think I was afraid of failure, but I am good at what I do...so now I realize I am afraid of success...lol. I have gone through my WIPS and have prioritized them and am working through them one at a time instead of splintering off in many directions. I love your videos. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Last Christmas my mother gave my sister and me coaster and hot pads that she made from blankets she’d started for us when we were little. That was 50 years ago! 😂 I love them! They are so special to me. ❤
I'm not a finisher of many kinds of creative projects. It's true that I usually set something aside when I am unsure of the next step or not pleased with results so far. This was a helpful watch.
I have 2 UFO's. I love that you call these learning experiences. In all my quilting years my rule is to never have more than three projects going at the same time. It's always worked well for me. If I tire of one, or start making silly mistakes I just put it away and move on to one of the other two quilts. When I go back to the first one in looks new and exciting. However, I now have two quilting projects that I don't want to go back to. One is a quilt top, I just don't like it. All the quilting in the world isn't going to make it pretty, to me. You gave me an idea though. There are some animal rescues around the country that like to receive little quilts for their dogs and cats. Maybe I can cut this quilt down and it could find a home helping to keep a rescue animal warm and more comfortable? The other project is one that I have to mark lines on. I DON"T want to do this and you made me realize how much I don't want to get back to it. Thank you. I'm going to ditch the project and use the fabric for a different project.
The lady whose project took 36 years made me feel better-a quilt I made for my son was started when he was 3 and finally finished when he was graduating from high school!
I’m a crocheter, so I have a TON of yarn in my closet - 17 vacuum bags full! This past year, I started working through my stash by making beanies. I’m not sure yet where I’ll be taking them when I get tired of making them, but I have almost 30 made. I also work at Hobby Lobby, so any time I see new or seasonal fabric, or something is deleted, I’m on it! In my mind, the seasonal and deleted ones go fast, so I need to get some while it’s still there. I have around 13 totes of fabric in my closet! I started going through my fabric and yarn yesterday, trying to figure out a plan. I really don’t want to get rid of any of it, but if I want to get to my clothes, I need to be brave and donate a lot of it! Thanks for the motivation, Nikki!
Thank you very much for this video. I had so many ah-ha moments! I have been on a finishing kick lately, and I have several more ufo’s to triage. The comments section is also very helpful. I definitely have “shiny object syndrome” 😂…
Triage worked! 99% of meh projects ditched. Various craft supplies are going to friends. Purse strap hardware saved, beautiful dress mending project is by the door to go buy supplies to fix it. Now I’m excited to get truly wanted UFO’s finished. Thanks so much for this video!
I'm not a finisher but I'm making a real effort this month to finish the 6 quilts currently in progress before tackling the new projects zooming around my head.
I'm just finishing a quilt for my grandson that I started when he was about 10. He's 23. Fortunately, he still wants it! I am adding a extra border so that it will fit a full bed instead of a twin. I really do want to finish it. I stopped when I goofed up home quilting. Have had to rip that part out and will be starting it again.
It’s sometimes hard for me to maintain enthusiasm for long term projects. Like I’m fired up about it at the beginning but as time goes on, it gets harder and harder to stay motivated. One thing that helps is to have one or two smaller projects that are quick finishes to work on while that’s going on because then I can use the joy I get from finishing something to push me forward on the longer project. The other thing that helps is to make a checklist of steps for the big project and check things off as I finish them, so I can see that I AM making progress, even when it feels like I’m not.
I'm a working artist/sculptor who makes dolls, and animals from a variety of media including mohair plush, clay and, currently wood. The one of a kind pieces I offer for sale take a lot of time, (like an art quilt I would imagine )and I truly enjoy making them, but there are also things I want to make for myself, both related to what I do for a living and things I want to do for my home and family. I feel constantly behind weighed down by keeping unfinished projects around. I am going to to try to put some of your wonderful advice to use. My biggest barriors to finishing projects is other projects. It isn't really a mater of losing interest and beginning something else. It is that that things always take longer than I think they will and personal projects I have started for myself or as gifts for my family get set aside when the deadline of a show approaches and I must finish pieces for a show. Then some times I do some "batch work" and cut out pieces for several animals but only some get finished for the show. Instead of working on those when the show is over, I try to get back to work on personal projects. So there's always so many unfinished things. When you talked about that woman who started an afghan for her son before his birth and finished it when he was 36, two personal stories popped into my head. The first one: I found some lovely pieces of curly wool fabric in my mom's cedar chest which she had cut a coat pattern ... a project put on pause because she became pregnant with me! Sh finally let it go when I was 26 and wanted to make a Teddy Bear with it. I remember feeling so amused at her hesitation even then to let it go....But then there is me...I was making a stuffed cat as a 7th birthday present for my son. Meant to be a portrait of our cat, the body came out beautifully, but I ran out of time to finish the head and it still waits...and gets moved to each new studio. My son is 23. 😢
Commenting on my own post to add that when I find myself feeling down about the things I have left unfinished, I find it helpful to make a list of projects that I have finished!
I totally know what you mean! I have to put personal projects aside sometimes too, especially at this time of year, and I don’t have much time left for garment sewing anymore since this is my full time job now (which I’m so grateful for!) But I do want to make space for getting back to the just-because-I-want-to projects. I hope you can carve out some space too!
When I was 9 years old we did spool knitting, we would stretch our project across the playground to see whose were longer. Roll it into a ball and continue to add to it. I still have this project, I think about adding onto it, or making a shadow box with it. Btw, I'm 65.
Thanks for this video, it was just what I needed!! I've now finished the quilt that I've been putting off finishing, ordered the batting and made the binding. I found it really helpful to think about why I hadn't finished it and in this case it was because I didn't think I liked it, but now it's almost there I'm really pleased with it. Thanks Nicky.
I feel like you have been looking in my sewing room. It is full but no 36 year old projects.❤ thanks for the suggestions, now I can make things doable.
I needed to see this video today. I got sick on late May and it took over 8 weeks to recover but my MOJO is still lagging. I went away with my sewing machine and several projects and did sewing almost every day for a week completing 2.5 baby quilt tops but got home and did no sewing the past 2 weeks. I got out my weekly calendat that I used before i got sick where I wrote down weekly goals and recorded what I did daily. I have a house, garden, and am trying to destash many years of accumulated stuff. I now will concentrate on finishing the guest room renovation that is half done, put bindings on 2 gift quilts, and do my tomato sauce canning this week. Small bites. And plans in writing work for me. It is true that we underestimate or overestimate how long something will take depending on motivation.
"It's a hobby. It's supposed to be fun." Ha! Until I heard you say that, I had mostly forgotten! My stalling point is nearly always cutting batting. I hate the feel of it. I hate figuring it out -- especially if I'm in my "must conserve" mode. You know, that feeling that, in order to "save the planet," I MUST piece the batting. ACK! Such a thankless job! Thanks for another inspiring video. I'm going to head into my sewing room telling myself, "This is supposed to be fun!"
Years ago, I had several unfinished projects, and I felt this pressure that I needed to finish them. So, one day I just decided to throw them away, and it was the best decision! Yes, I felt guilty at the moment, but then I was free from it. Now I have a rule that I either finish my project or throw it away no matter how long I've been working on it or how expensive material was. I finish most of them now.
If it's something I haven't touched in 18months or more, I move it along. If I forgot about it and stumble upon the project, I tell myself, I have to finish it in 2 weeks or more it along. I generally have 5 quilts and /or sewing projects going, but all at different places, so that when I have time for a particular part of the process or am in the mood to do that part, I can get to it. I get in ruts if I work on the same project too long non-stop. As I finish 1, I can start cutting pieces for the next. Right now I am working through my stash. So every time I start a new project, as I am selecting my fabric, I reevaluate the stash and eliminate fabric I changed my mind about.
I have project bins for WIPS. Each project gets its own bin. If I run out of project bins, then I need to push a project through if only to free up a bin…no bin…no new project!!!
I just emptied out half my stash. I’d inherited it and used what I liked. It’s been three years since I got it and it has got to the place where I hated to even look at my fabric. So one day I decided to get rid of it. I donated it to a local sewing charity group. Then I went and spent a fair amount of money to add to the stash fabrics that I personally love! So liberating!!
Thank you for the rant and the laugh that came with it! And I definitely know some women to share that with because everyone feels that way and needs a laugh about it!
Nikki I absolutely love your videos , I check daily for a new one from you!! Im distracted in this one, I cant keep my eyes off that chicken garland you have!! PLEASE make a tutorial !! Seriously, I do love your videos and content, excited when I see a new one from you! Ive learned a lot form you, and have many of your patterns from Etsy🥰
My eyes were drawn to the garland too! Lots of great tips, thanks so much. They do apply to all types of projects. Grabbing a beverage and heading to sewing room!
I think knowing yourself helps. I have plastic bins with unfinished projects and see them as something I may get to one day… or not. It’s just not worth it to work on things that feel like work. Plus, I’ve learned not to start things because someone said they would like it. I quilt but it has to be a pattern I enjoy or I won’t finish it.
That barrier thing - the struggle is real. Just realising that it's that one thing that's tripping me up usually helps a lot. I have a half-built sofa table in my garage that's been out there for over a year. Barriers. I'm not a woodworker so there are many! Right now it's the heat of summer (no kidding, it's like a real feel of 120º some days). But I will get it done but dang I've put so much work into that thing already. With sewing, I'm pretty good about going thru the UFO pile and deciding that finally that thing that just didn't work needs to be given up on. It's hard but clearing it all out is so freeing!
What an awesome video! I have the "new, bright-shiney-object" syndrome, but recognizing this, I've developed some strategies, some of them youve mentioned. I use a project i want to work on as a carrot to finish my current project that may have hit a snag. Like the minky backed quilt that made me say some bad words (in my head.) No new fabric purchases until i finish at least 2 quilts. It's working well and ive become a finisher. I just recently found all the pieces to complete a hand appliquè quilt i stared...38(!) years ago. I'm actually excited about it as it gives me something to do in the evenings while watching a movie.
@@PinCutSew Agree! It's so soft, but also very heavy and difficult to move for free motion quilting. IF I ever use it again, I'll just use my walking foot and quilt straight lines. Each quilt I make teaches me something. 😏
Wow! I needed that permission to let go of a project (skirt) I had started for my daughter. Wrong pattern for the fabric and fabric that is too wiggly and not what I am able to work with and enjoy the project journey. I will likely donate the larger pieces of fabric and start over all-together. I had been allowing this project to weigh too heavily on my mind... time to let it go!
I have a yellow duck and I have had it over 5 years. I had the bill and 1 wing done. I took the 2 skeins of yellow and somw baby white and am making a granny square baby blanket. Yhank u
I have started to pick up sewing And enjoy it. I have other hobbies crochet. Painting furniture that is out of control. I been trying to finish them before starting new project!
I sew the top of the quilt but don’t know how to quilt it , I have taken 3 quilt tops to the longarmer and she did a beautiful job but , now I need to save money to send more tops
I do most of my sewing by hand, so I don't always have the stamina to finish a project. I do what I can for as long as I can, then put it away and pick it up again later when my energy comes back. Usually after a good snooze, or a break if I feel I need it. I do my best to pace myself, but at the same time I feel the urgency to get it done within a reasonable amount of time (for a hand-sewer). I wish I knew how to operate a sewing machine. It would make things go by so much quicker. I just worry about sewing my finger by accident, like my mom did when she was younger. That's why I prefer to sew by hand. It's tedious, but it's worth it (most of the time).
@@PinCutSew One time in my beginner level 1 sewing class, I hit my finger on the knob that's on the side of the needle that adjusts the needle while the machine was pulling fabric through to sew, and I thought I had sewn my finger. But it turns out I just hit it on the knob on the side of the needle. It was a close call. I was like, "I need to slow down and take it easy/ pace myself when sewing instead of going full throttle, because that's when bad things tend to happen." I simply lack the patience. I'm like, "I want to get this done now/ ASAP, but sewing is not always fast. I need to slow my roll and take a moment to breathe, instead of getting frustrated that I can't finish a project as soon as I would like. I guess that's why they call it a project. It's supposed to take time." I just value being efficient with my time. But I suppose it is also good to go slower if I need to, so that the project gets done with a higher quality. You can't always catch your mistakes if you're going too fast. then you have to go back, unpick everything and try it again until you get it right. The trial and error process is long and tedious. I need to work on having more patience. But at the same time, I don't have all the time in the world. It's a delicate balance. Good things (like sewing) take time, whether I like it or not. I just do the best I can. That's all I can do is the best that I can. Thanks for reading!
thank you! I really need this motivation! I have a TON of unfinished projects =( New Year's resolution I guess - but I do plan to start now, not next year ;)
This is the year I am working on my unfinished projects. No new fabric unless I can't find backing fabric. Finished 1 queen quilt. Hand quilting my dr Jane from 2013 😮 and small runners.
So inspiring! I am so proud of myself for already doing some of these things, but your ideas (and the way you present them!) are so great! I needed this today!
I am neutral on the finishing. Some projects with a gift receiver in mind, I usually try to finish in good time. Other projects I started for myself, especially at the beginning of my learning journey, I am happy to set aside for years when I get really stuck. I know I’ll be a much better sewer later on, and then I may be able to find a brilliant solution to my problem. I’ve also proudly used or displayed my unfinished items while waiting for that inspiration to strike. 😊 (I’ve safety pinned silk pillow cases on one edge and used it for years as is. It had thick piping I made and I could not get neat stitches on the 4th side, which also had a thick zipper). I also feel sad sometimes when the object is finished. It had so much possibilities of what it could become in my head as I was designing and making it, but when it is finished it can have only one shape and design. I lose the many degrees of freedom. I have unpicked things apart after finishing and tried to make it into something else, but that was always far less satisfying. 😢 So I may be that rare person who sometimes enjoys the UFO more than the finished item. But this is only sometimes. I also feel some of my clothes alterations are never finished, because just when I thought I was finished I think of something else to add. A new pocket for my big phone, softer pocket lining, a loop for a keyring, a lobster claw clasp, velcro to cinch pants at ankle when gardening, rear or side stretch waistband, belt loops, etc. Maybe certain clothes will always be work in process and never finished. Thanks for the talking to. I do have a set of placemats I had promised a friend that I need to go and finish, from just before Covid. The design unexpectedly was super difficult. I think I am just going to make simple placemats in the color he requested and drop them off soon. I never discussed the design with him, but had a particular ribbon patch quilt in mind when I agreed to make them. I will keep the ribbon design ones for myself to make someday. He will never know.
I just love your videos! You are so open and honest. You motivate me to get on those projects I have in progress and get them done. And I sure don’t want to be that person that takes thirty something years to complete a project! Thanks for sharing your insights and advice. It really helps❤😊🙏
I do better on quilt projects when I just do a little bit every time I walk past my sewing room. This is especially useful with the cutting or ironing stage.
Thanks so much for thIs information! I never thought about the extra weight that I carry around due to my unfinished projects! I have made an outline of your suggestion and will post them in my sewing room!!
I started a quilt for my daughter when she was 3. She is now 26 and it is still in my unfinished pile. Maybe when she has a 3 year old I'll finish it for them.
The biggest reason I haven’t finished projects since 2016 is I was diagnosed with sight loss becoming medically blind (I now live in an incredibly blurry world) so trying to sandwich and quilt a completed quilt top is extremely difficult (I think I’ve centred my project on the backing and wadding and find I’ve gone wonky and part of the top is hanging of… even if I’ve given myself 6 inches all the way round! I think I may have to quilt the blocks then sew them together which means another new technique to learn (on top of having learned to sew mostly by feel, and checking frequently so I don’t chain piece a hundred pairs of squares just to find I ran out of bobbin thread halfway through the first seam in the chain! Yes I really managed that 🤷♀️
Hello lynnenicholson6968, I am also legally blind, but I have always been that way. It is very challenging to be sure, and it may take a bit of time to adjust. I find for me, everything depends on the way I “see” the rest of the world through my own eyes. If that makes sense? For example, I have ALWAYS struggled with 1/4” seams and keeping the seams straight, I tend to veer off to the left when I stitch on my machine. So, I don’t try for a 1/4” seam anymore, I put my left hand beside the left side of the fabric and I make small projects instead of large ones! I have figured out how to adapt and when I remember that “good enough is good enough” then I still enjoy the whole process of sewing instead of being frustrated. When I was a child and I would complain to my Mom because I couldn’t see as well as the other kids, she always said “How do you know who sees correctly? You may be the one who sees everything and the other 98 kids don’t see what they need to!” Think about it. I have often thought there should be a sewing group of people who could help each other work with their own “capability”. Imagine how much we could learn from each other!
OMG that quilt with the black and white triangles that you show before 8 minutes in this video, do you have more info on that?? It is gorgeous. 😍 Edit: I think I found it, is it the midcentury quilt pattern you have on your Etsy? Gotta clear out some in progress projects so I can start something new 👀
That’s a lot of wonderful ideas and really good thoughts to implement, I’ll keep them in mind because I do have at least one quilt top that needs finishing! I also have a straw basket like yours with lots of mending!
Great tips. Particularly like the reward system. I have a double wedding ring quilt that I started many years ago BUT colours chosen by daughter are HORRID. Anyhoo lightbulb moment whilst watching you SCRAPPY, that way she’ll still get her colour combo SOMEWHERE and I won’t feel I’ll making it. Cheers!
I wonder does anyone use QAYG as a way of finishing quicker and avoiding the big quilting job after the piecing is finished. It strikes me as a way of doing a few stages at once and something that would feel quite ptoductive.
Honestly I stopped doing sew-alongs because I would fall behind. Then I see all the post of other people's quilt from it. So I'm like whats the point now, the sew-along is over. I also get bored easy. So I have alot of unfinished projects. I end up just making them into random blankets for my dogs. I also dont make quilts bigger than a throw size.
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Knowing myself as a starter and not a finisher, I made this rule when I began quilting in 2020: I am allowed to design or select a pattern and fabric for my next project but cannot cut fabric until my current project is done and out the door to its recipient. I am grateful for your other strategies, Nikki. Also, if you can avoid it, don't promise quilts to others with a deadline. Mine have all been surprise gifts to family members. A lot less pressure on me!
A learning tax is great 😂😂😂
I am not necessarily a person that likes to have unfinished projects around, but I do have many. One thing I have learned about myself is that I have a wide range of crafting interests. I have divided my basement into stations. Sewing, paper crafts, resin art, miniatures...
I clean it up and put it away when I lose interest. I don't feel guilty. Many things I do are seasonal related. I sew more getting ready for Christmas, for example.
My unfinished projects languished for four years because of disinterest, but as I began purging and organizing my house the reality became obvious: Finish the projects or give them to someone else to fret over. The result is two quilts pinned and ready for quilting, umpteen pillowcases for charity finished, and a stack of cut potholders, hot pads, and placemats ready when a small, easy project is all there's time for. It will take time, but everything will be done before the first crocus emerges from the snow cover.
Great job! 🙌🏻
There is something to be said about finishing a project started 36 yers ago 😀 Imagine the weight lifted and dopamine shot for finally finishing it?! I would be ecstatic! 😀 Also, it may become part of the family legacy, a story that gets told over and over again when Son Jr receives it as a gift and cherishes as he grows. Its a beautiful thing! ❤
That said, I agree w all your tips and thought processes! I’m pretty much a one-project-at-a-time finisher. I do have a project i started (collecting fabrics phase) about 20 yrs ago… a quilt for my mom. Unfortunately, she wasnt interested in a quilt as they are too heavy for her teeny aging body. So the fabrics sat, stored in a cookie tin, while my life got crazy busy and i just didn’t sew very much. Frankly, I’d forgotten about the cookie tin that had been boxed up during two cross-country relocations. Then i rediscovered the cookie tin, checked w my mother, she still didn’t want it. So i reimagined the fabric, along w both my daughters’ childhood jeans I’d collected for quilts, and started two quilts at the same time for my daughters. Had to get set aside again because, you know, another relocation… and a bunch of babies in quick succession (over the past 3years), including 3 of my own grandchildren, that needed quilts. When I’m done w the baby quilts (just two to go), I’m finishing those quilts for my daughters’. Everyone, no more babies for a while… i need to finish these quilts! 😂
I was listening to your RUclips video on a flight from Durban to Cape Town (South Africa). In my luggage I had a bag that I wanted to sew by hand. This bag was one of 6 unfinished projects I left back home. I knew that for the week that lay ahead I would be focusing on my baggie project when I was free and relaxing. Light bulb moment. Take one project at a time as if it's the only and most important thing that you need to get done and only do that thing when you're free and relaxed. Forget about the rest and focus what's at hand. And enjoy doing it.
Yes, brilliant!
I am a finisher. I am only allowed to have 3 projects going at a time. And. I cannot start a new one til I finish one. I’m very proud of myself. I do not put aside an unfinished project. My 3 projects stay out and near my work station until they are completed. Unfinished projects cause me anxiety and I know this about myself. Even projects I haven’t started yet give me anxiety, so I keep those hidden until I need a new project. It all works for me. Everyone is different… find your own system, but make sure you have finishing projects built into your system.
I also keep a list of future projects I want to make. It feels great to check them off when I make them. Good luck everyone!
Very helpful video Nikki!
in Sydney (Australia) we have stores called "The Sewing Basket" they are basically sewing, knitting, crochet and crafting thrift stores and best of all they provide employment for people with "difficulties". Whenever I visit, I take a bag of recently cleaned out items from my craft room. I rarely buy supplies from retail stores anymore, and if I have bought the wrong thing, I have no problem about donating it back. Also we are into vinyl, my husband has his turntables in the room under my craft room, so I get to listen to whatever he is playng while I am in my happy place.
Love this 💕
Awesome! We're starting to have these types of stores in the US, too! Amy Dement (@amydement7288) just did a feature on her channel about a shop in her area, Austin, TX.
I live in Sydney and didn’t know about “The Sewing Basket”, thank you for recommending it. I will definitely visit.
I am relatively new to sewing and I crochet. I have been working on a crochet blanket for far too long now. Love the person who asked me to make it, dislike the pattern. I made a conscious effort this week to spend 30 minutes a day working on it. I now truly see the finish line and will be able to deliver it soon so that I can give my attention to other projects. Thank you for your continued motivation and inspiration!
I think for me, I just love the excitement of starting new projects; planning, choosing the fabrics, looking over patterns, deciding how to get started, drawing it out on paper etc! But when I think about it, I also love the feelings when I cut, pin, create and start stitching it! I seriously enjoy the whole process; except thinking when it’s going to be finished! That’s the end. It’s the worst for me. You’d think that then I would start getting excited about the next project…nope, just sad because I’m done.
So I’ve tricked my mind into never finishing! I always have at least one project in every phase of the process. Phase 1…Planning, Phase 2…choosing the materials needed, Phase 3…getting prepared, Phase 4…pin and stitch, Phase 5…finish the sewing, Phase 4…extra touches or embellishments! And now, the mail is here with my Mrs. Quilty subscription and a new project, but the rule is open but don’t start until I finish at least one unfinished project! That is hard. Gotta go!
I made a quilt (top) for my husband for Father's Day in 2000; finally got it quilted in 2017; bound it in 2024 for his birthday. It's now being used daily on his bed. Whew! I thought I was slow, but 36 years beats me. Your suggestions are great, thanks for sharing.
Good work 🙌🏻
I am ADD/ADHD and have dealt with "squirrel" all my life. I am a great starter...it took me five years to complete an art quilt that I love and have even had in art shows at a museum, but was so tedious to complete that I would only work on it "whenever". I used to think I was afraid of failure, but I am good at what I do...so now I realize I am afraid of success...lol. I have gone through my WIPS and have prioritized them and am working through them one at a time instead of splintering off in many directions. I love your videos. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Last Christmas my mother gave my sister and me coaster and hot pads that she made from blankets she’d started for us when we were little. That was 50 years ago! 😂 I love them! They are so special to me. ❤
Too funny! Good for her for finding lol
“Sewists” are so precious whether they finish projects or not. Loved reading the comments and glimpsing the personality of each contributor. 🥳🎉
I'm not a finisher of many kinds of creative projects. It's true that I usually set something aside when I am unsure of the next step or not pleased with results so far. This was a helpful watch.
This was just what I needed to hear today. Thank you for the advice 😊
I have 2 UFO's. I love that you call these learning experiences. In all my quilting years my rule is to never have more than three projects going at the same time. It's always worked well for me. If I tire of one, or start making silly mistakes I just put it away and move on to one of the other two quilts. When I go back to the first one in looks new and exciting. However, I now have two quilting projects that I don't want to go back to. One is a quilt top, I just don't like it. All the quilting in the world isn't going to make it pretty, to me. You gave me an idea though. There are some animal rescues around the country that like to receive little quilts for their dogs and cats. Maybe I can cut this quilt down and it could find a home helping to keep a rescue animal warm and more comfortable? The other project is one that I have to mark lines on. I DON"T want to do this and you made me realize how much I don't want to get back to it. Thank you. I'm going to ditch the project and use the fabric for a different project.
The lady whose project took 36 years made me feel better-a quilt I made for my son was started when he was 3 and finally finished when he was graduating from high school!
Very very helpful! Best bit of advice - you don't HAVE to finish everything!
💞
I’m a crocheter, so I have a TON of yarn in my closet - 17 vacuum bags full! This past year, I started working through my stash by making beanies. I’m not sure yet where I’ll be taking them when I get tired of making them, but I have almost 30 made.
I also work at Hobby Lobby, so any time I see new or seasonal fabric, or something is deleted, I’m on it! In my mind, the seasonal and deleted ones go fast, so I need to get some while it’s still there. I have around 13 totes of fabric in my closet!
I started going through my fabric and yarn yesterday, trying to figure out a plan. I really don’t want to get rid of any of it, but if I want to get to my clothes, I need to be brave and donate a lot of it!
Thanks for the motivation, Nikki!
Thank you very much for this video. I had so many ah-ha moments! I have been on a finishing kick lately, and I have several more ufo’s to triage. The comments section is also very helpful. I definitely have “shiny object syndrome” 😂…
Triage, love it 😂
Triage worked! 99% of meh projects ditched. Various craft supplies are going to friends. Purse strap hardware saved, beautiful dress mending project is by the door to go buy supplies to fix it. Now I’m excited to get truly wanted UFO’s finished. Thanks so much for this video!
I'm not a finisher but I'm making a real effort this month to finish the 6 quilts currently in progress before tackling the new projects zooming around my head.
I'm just finishing a quilt for my grandson that I started when he was about 10. He's 23. Fortunately, he still wants it! I am adding a extra border so that it will fit a full bed instead of a twin. I really do want to finish it. I stopped when I goofed up home quilting. Have had to rip that part out and will be starting it again.
It’s sometimes hard for me to maintain enthusiasm for long term projects. Like I’m fired up about it at the beginning but as time goes on, it gets harder and harder to stay motivated. One thing that helps is to have one or two smaller projects that are quick finishes to work on while that’s going on because then I can use the joy I get from finishing something to push me forward on the longer project. The other thing that helps is to make a checklist of steps for the big project and check things off as I finish them, so I can see that I AM making progress, even when it feels like I’m not.
That’s a great strategy 🙌🏻
I'm a working artist/sculptor who makes dolls, and animals from a variety of media including mohair plush, clay and, currently wood. The one of a kind pieces I offer for sale take a lot of time, (like an art quilt I would imagine )and I truly enjoy making them, but there are also things I want to make for myself, both related to what I do for a living and things I want to do for my home and family. I feel constantly behind weighed down by keeping unfinished projects around. I am going to to try to put some of your wonderful advice to use. My biggest barriors to finishing projects is other projects. It isn't really a mater of losing interest and beginning something else. It is that that things always take longer than I think they will and personal projects I have started for myself or as gifts for my family get set aside when the deadline of a show approaches and I must finish pieces for a show. Then some times I do some "batch work" and cut out pieces for several animals but only some get finished for the show. Instead of working on those when the show is over, I try to get back to work on personal projects. So there's always so many unfinished things. When you talked about that woman who started an afghan for her son before his birth and finished it when he was 36, two personal stories popped into my head. The first one: I found some lovely pieces of curly wool fabric in my mom's cedar chest which she had cut a coat pattern ... a project put on pause because she became pregnant with me! Sh finally let it go when I was 26 and wanted to make a Teddy Bear with it. I remember feeling so amused at her hesitation even then to let it go....But then there is me...I was making a stuffed cat as a 7th birthday present for my son. Meant to be a portrait of our cat, the body came out beautifully, but I ran out of time to finish the head and it still waits...and gets moved to each new studio. My son is 23. 😢
Commenting on my own post to add that when I find myself feeling down about the things I have left unfinished, I find it helpful to make a list of projects that I have finished!
I totally know what you mean! I have to put personal projects aside sometimes too, especially at this time of year, and I don’t have much time left for garment sewing anymore since this is my full time job now (which I’m so grateful for!) But I do want to make space for getting back to the just-because-I-want-to projects. I hope you can carve out some space too!
When I was 9 years old we did spool knitting, we would stretch our project across the playground to see whose were longer. Roll it into a ball and continue to add to it. I still have this project, I think about adding onto it, or making a shadow box with it. Btw, I'm 65.
That's so sweet! I too had a looooong crochet chain rolled up into a ball as a kid.
Thanks again for another great video, Nikki! I really enjoyed the "making rules for yourself" idea.
Thanks for this video, it was just what I needed!! I've now finished the quilt that I've been putting off finishing, ordered the batting and made the binding. I found it really helpful to think about why I hadn't finished it and in this case it was because I didn't think I liked it, but now it's almost there I'm really pleased with it. Thanks Nicky.
Wonderful motivation. Thank you. Release ourself from the guilt.
I feel like you have been looking in my sewing room. It is full but no 36 year old projects.❤ thanks for the suggestions, now I can make things doable.
I needed to see this video today. I got sick on late May and it took over 8 weeks to recover but my MOJO is still lagging. I went away with my sewing machine and several projects and did sewing almost every day for a week completing 2.5 baby quilt tops but got home and did no sewing the past 2 weeks.
I got out my weekly calendat that I used before i got sick where I wrote down weekly goals and recorded what I did daily. I have a house, garden, and am trying to destash many years of accumulated stuff.
I now will concentrate on finishing the guest room renovation that is half done, put bindings on 2 gift quilts, and do my tomato sauce canning this week. Small bites. And plans in writing work for me.
It is true that we underestimate or overestimate how long something will take depending on motivation.
"It's a hobby. It's supposed to be fun." Ha! Until I heard you say that, I had mostly forgotten! My stalling point is nearly always cutting batting. I hate the feel of it. I hate figuring it out -- especially if I'm in my "must conserve" mode. You know, that feeling that, in order to "save the planet," I MUST piece the batting. ACK! Such a thankless job! Thanks for another inspiring video. I'm going to head into my sewing room telling myself, "This is supposed to be fun!"
Thank you for this sage advice! I have several projects I need to finish!
Years ago, I had several unfinished projects, and I felt this pressure that I needed to finish them. So, one day I just decided to throw them away, and it was the best decision! Yes, I felt guilty at the moment, but then I was free from it. Now I have a rule that I either finish my project or throw it away no matter how long I've been working on it or how expensive material was. I finish most of them now.
If it's something I haven't touched in 18months or more, I move it along. If I forgot about it and stumble upon the project, I tell myself, I have to finish it in 2 weeks or more it along. I generally have 5 quilts and /or sewing projects going, but all at different places, so that when I have time for a particular part of the process or am in the mood to do that part, I can get to it. I get in ruts if I work on the same project too long non-stop. As I finish 1, I can start cutting pieces for the next. Right now I am working through my stash. So every time I start a new project, as I am selecting my fabric, I reevaluate the stash and eliminate fabric I changed my mind about.
I have project bins for WIPS. Each project gets its own bin. If I run out of project bins, then I need to push a project through if only to free up a bin…no bin…no new project!!!
I just emptied out half my stash. I’d inherited it and used what I liked. It’s been three years since I got it and it has got to the place where I hated to even look at my fabric. So one day I decided to get rid of it. I donated it to a local sewing charity group. Then I went and spent a fair amount of money to add to the stash fabrics that I personally love! So liberating!!
Thank you for the rant and the laugh that came with it! And I definitely know some women to share that with because everyone feels that way and needs a laugh about it!
Nikki I absolutely love your videos , I check daily for a new one from you!! Im distracted in this one, I cant keep my eyes off that chicken garland you have!! PLEASE make a tutorial !! Seriously, I do love your videos and content, excited when I see a new one from you! Ive learned a lot form you, and have many of your patterns from Etsy🥰
Haha thank you! I have wanted to make the prosperity hen tutorial for years! Putting it on the hot list 👍🏻
My eyes were drawn to the garland too! Lots of great tips, thanks so much. They do apply to all types of projects. Grabbing a beverage and heading to sewing room!
Are you related to Nancy Zieman? I might have spelled that wrong. You remind me so much of her.
No, but I am HONORED! She was a queen 🫶🏻
Thank you! On time for my struggles.
Finished the road blocking project that was in the way of the others. 1 down, a bagillion to go. 😁
I think knowing yourself helps. I have plastic bins with unfinished projects and see them as something I may get to one day… or not. It’s just not worth it to work on things that feel like work. Plus, I’ve learned not to start things because someone said they would like it. I quilt but it has to be a pattern I enjoy or I won’t finish it.
That barrier thing - the struggle is real. Just realising that it's that one thing that's tripping me up usually helps a lot. I have a half-built sofa table in my garage that's been out there for over a year. Barriers. I'm not a woodworker so there are many! Right now it's the heat of summer (no kidding, it's like a real feel of 120º some days). But I will get it done but dang I've put so much work into that thing already.
With sewing, I'm pretty good about going thru the UFO pile and deciding that finally that thing that just didn't work needs to be given up on. It's hard but clearing it all out is so freeing!
So many gems of advice in this video! Thanks.
My partner suggested I start a ticket system like at restaurants. This way I can work through “orders” and remove them from the list as I finish them.
Great video! Thank you for those great tips!
What an awesome video! I have the "new, bright-shiney-object" syndrome, but recognizing this, I've developed some strategies, some of them youve mentioned. I use a project i want to work on as a carrot to finish my current project that may have hit a snag. Like the minky backed quilt that made me say some bad words (in my head.) No new fabric purchases until i finish at least 2 quilts. It's working well and ive become a finisher. I just recently found all the pieces to complete a hand appliquè quilt i stared...38(!) years ago. I'm actually excited about it as it gives me something to do in the evenings while watching a movie.
Great advice! Also, I never sew with minky, it’s the worst 😅
@@PinCutSew Agree! It's so soft, but also very heavy and difficult to move for free motion quilting. IF I ever use it again, I'll just use my walking foot and quilt straight lines. Each quilt I make teaches me something. 😏
❤ love all of your videos!!!
Thank you!!
This seems like a great video that I need to watch. I'll save it so I can finish it later.
😂
This was great, thank you!
Wow! I needed that permission to let go of a project (skirt) I had started for my daughter. Wrong pattern for the fabric and fabric that is too wiggly and not what I am able to work with and enjoy the project journey. I will likely donate the larger pieces of fabric and start over all-together. I had been allowing this project to weigh too heavily on my mind... time to let it go!
I have a yellow duck and I have had it over 5 years. I had the bill and 1 wing done. I took the 2 skeins of yellow and somw baby white and am making a granny square baby blanket. Yhank u
Great solution 😁
I have started to pick up sewing And enjoy it. I have other hobbies crochet. Painting furniture that is out of control. I been trying to finish them before starting new project!
I sew the top of the quilt but don’t know how to quilt it , I have taken 3 quilt tops to the longarmer and she did a beautiful job but , now I need to save money to send more tops
I do most of my sewing by hand, so I don't always have the stamina to finish a project. I do what I can for as long as I can, then put it away and pick it up again later when my energy comes back. Usually after a good snooze, or a break if I feel I need it. I do my best to pace myself, but at the same time I feel the urgency to get it done within a reasonable amount of time (for a hand-sewer). I wish I knew how to operate a sewing machine. It would make things go by so much quicker. I just worry about sewing my finger by accident, like my mom did when she was younger. That's why I prefer to sew by hand. It's tedious, but it's worth it (most of the time).
Sewing through your finger is not that easy to do, I promise! I hope you give it a try 🤗
@@PinCutSew One time in my beginner level 1 sewing class, I hit my finger on the knob that's on the side of the needle that adjusts the needle while the machine was pulling fabric through to sew, and I thought I had sewn my finger. But it turns out I just hit it on the knob on the side of the needle. It was a close call. I was like, "I need to slow down and take it easy/ pace myself when sewing instead of going full throttle, because that's when bad things tend to happen." I simply lack the patience. I'm like, "I want to get this done now/ ASAP, but sewing is not always fast. I need to slow my roll and take a moment to breathe, instead of getting frustrated that I can't finish a project as soon as I would like. I guess that's why they call it a project. It's supposed to take time." I just value being efficient with my time. But I suppose it is also good to go slower if I need to, so that the project gets done with a higher quality. You can't always catch your mistakes if you're going too fast. then you have to go back, unpick everything and try it again until you get it right. The trial and error process is long and tedious. I need to work on having more patience. But at the same time, I don't have all the time in the world. It's a delicate balance. Good things (like sewing) take time, whether I like it or not. I just do the best I can. That's all I can do is the best that I can. Thanks for reading!
thank you! I really need this motivation! I have a TON of unfinished projects =( New Year's resolution I guess - but I do plan to start now, not next year ;)
This is the year I am working on my unfinished projects. No new fabric unless I can't find backing fabric. Finished 1 queen quilt. Hand quilting my dr Jane from 2013 😮 and small runners.
Way to go!
I really like this video. I do a lot of writing and journal projects, and they can get overwhelming and out of control. Thanks for the tips! :D
So inspiring! I am so proud of myself for already doing some of these things, but your ideas (and the way you present them!) are so great! I needed this today!
I am neutral on the finishing. Some projects with a gift receiver in mind, I usually try to finish in good time. Other projects I started for myself, especially at the beginning of my learning journey, I am happy to set aside for years when I get really stuck. I know I’ll be a much better sewer later on, and then I may be able to find a brilliant solution to my problem. I’ve also proudly used or displayed my unfinished items while waiting for that inspiration to strike. 😊 (I’ve
safety pinned silk pillow cases on one edge and used it for years as is. It had thick piping I made and I could not get neat stitches on the 4th side, which also had a thick zipper). I also feel sad sometimes when the object is finished. It had so much possibilities of what it could become in my head as I was designing and making it, but when it is finished it can have only one shape and design. I lose the many degrees of freedom. I have unpicked things apart after finishing and tried to make it into something else, but that was always far less satisfying. 😢 So I may be that rare person who sometimes enjoys the UFO more than the finished item. But this is only sometimes.
I also feel some of my clothes alterations are never finished, because just when I thought I was finished I think of something else to add. A new pocket for my big phone, softer pocket lining, a loop for a keyring, a lobster claw clasp, velcro to cinch pants at ankle when gardening, rear or side stretch waistband, belt loops, etc. Maybe certain clothes will always be work in process and never finished. Thanks for the talking to.
I do have a set of placemats I had promised a friend that I need to go and finish, from just before Covid. The design unexpectedly was super difficult. I think I am just going to make simple placemats in the color he requested and drop them off soon. I never discussed the design with him, but had a particular ribbon patch quilt in mind when I agreed to make them. I will keep the ribbon design ones for myself to make someday. He will never know.
I love your spirit! Thanks for the nudge🤩🤓
Love this!
This is a wonderful video. I began the sorting and such, now to get back at it. 😁
Great ideas. I love this! Gonna save it for future reference.
I just love your videos! You are so open and honest. You motivate me to get on those projects I have in progress and get them done. And I sure don’t want to be that person that takes thirty something years to complete a project! Thanks for sharing your insights and advice. It really helps❤😊🙏
I do better on quilt projects when I just do a little bit every time I walk past my sewing room. This is especially useful with the cutting or ironing stage.
Thanks so much for thIs information! I never thought about the extra weight that I carry around due to my unfinished projects! I have made an outline of your suggestion and will post them in my sewing room!!
Such brilliant advice! Thank you to you and your lovely husband. “Learning tax” - life changing! Deb x
I started a quilt for my daughter when she was 3. She is now 26 and it is still in my unfinished pile. Maybe when she has a 3 year old I'll finish it for them.
The biggest reason I haven’t finished projects since 2016 is I was diagnosed with sight loss becoming medically blind (I now live in an incredibly blurry world) so trying to sandwich and quilt a completed quilt top is extremely difficult (I think I’ve centred my project on the backing and wadding and find I’ve gone wonky and part of the top is hanging of… even if I’ve given myself 6 inches all the way round! I think I may have to quilt the blocks then sew them together which means another new technique to learn (on top of having learned to sew mostly by feel, and checking frequently so I don’t chain piece a hundred pairs of squares just to find I ran out of bobbin thread halfway through the first seam in the chain! Yes I really managed that 🤷♀️
I am so sorry, I wish I could give you a hug! I think you need a sewing buddy 🤗
Sewing buddy🥰what a fantastic idea!!!
What an awesome way to perhaps mentor!
Yes I too would give you a hug. ❤️😀
Hello lynnenicholson6968,
I am also legally blind, but I have always been that way. It is very challenging to be sure, and it may take a bit of time to adjust. I find for me, everything depends on the way I “see” the rest of the world through my own eyes. If that makes sense? For example, I have ALWAYS struggled with 1/4” seams and keeping the seams straight, I tend to veer off to the left when I stitch on my machine. So, I don’t try for a 1/4” seam anymore, I put my left hand beside the left side of the fabric and I make small projects instead of large ones! I have figured out how to adapt and when I remember that “good enough is good enough” then I still enjoy the whole process of sewing instead of being frustrated.
When I was a child and I would complain to my Mom because I couldn’t see as well as the other kids, she always said “How do you know who sees correctly? You may be the one who sees everything and the other 98 kids don’t see what they need to!” Think about it.
I have often thought there should be a sewing group of people who could help each other work with their own “capability”. Imagine how much we could learn from each other!
This summer I’ve been working through some of my projects and it turns out I changed it up!
I ❤ dark chocolate!
Off to sew something!
OMG that quilt with the black and white triangles that you show before 8 minutes in this video, do you have more info on that?? It is gorgeous. 😍
Edit: I think I found it, is it the midcentury quilt pattern you have on your Etsy? Gotta clear out some in progress projects so I can start something new 👀
That’s a lot of wonderful ideas and really good thoughts to implement, I’ll keep them in mind because I do have at least one quilt top that needs finishing! I also have a straw basket like yours with lots of mending!
Thank you for this message! Love it
Great tips. Particularly like the reward system. I have a double wedding ring quilt that I started many years ago BUT colours chosen by daughter are HORRID. Anyhoo lightbulb moment whilst watching you SCRAPPY, that way she’ll still get her colour combo SOMEWHERE and I won’t feel I’ll making it. Cheers!
Great video!!!!
Fantastic advice, thank you very much! 😊
I wonder does anyone use QAYG as a way of finishing quicker and avoiding the big quilting job after the piecing is finished. It strikes me as a way of doing a few stages at once and something that would feel quite ptoductive.
I say my mistakes are an education. 😁
Very good Tips. Have you ever been in Germany? We have a cool german/american Patchwork Group in Stuttgart.
No I haven’t, but I’d love to 🤗
Honestly I stopped doing sew-alongs because I would fall behind. Then I see all the post of other people's quilt from it. So I'm like whats the point now, the sew-along is over.
I also get bored easy. So I have alot of unfinished projects. I end up just making them into random blankets for my dogs. I also dont make quilts bigger than a throw size.
Yes, guilty
Thank you! I love your videos and this one is spot on. 💗🪡