Followers

29 August 2010

A year of UFOs?

Could you spend a year working on UFOs or things you started before that year? Could you go a year without starting anything new? Then set out with a clean (or at least cleaner) slate?



Since we're almost done with two thirds of the year, and I have managed to keep within the boundaries I set for myself for this year, I'm pondering doing the impossible. I have a lot of half-finished projects sitting around. Two afghans, two quilts, tons of stuff I just put aside for later. Would it be possible to finish these? Can I work on older projects that I set aside for one reason or another and only those projects? For an entire year?

I know people do it. I see people do it. It's just a rather intimidating idea. I mean, these are projects I set aside. There had to be a good reason, right? Especially since most of my UFOs are very large and were abandoned fairly early on in the project. I know I did work on some UFOs this year, but there was always the push to get commitment stitching, or something free done, and stop wasting time. And there is the pleasure of blank fabric, with fresh threads, and that feeling of a new start. I'd miss that.

But, at the same time, it would be good. Fewer envelopes full of half-finished stuff to deal with. HTB always asks why I start new stuff when there is old stuff sitting around half-done. It's an extension of the discipline I am trying to exert on myself. And there is an inherent challenge in getting something to a finish, particularly if it's something I don't like or intimidated me.

I have to really think about this.

Could you do it?

Would you be willing to do it?

7 comments:

riona said...

I might be willing to put a UFO into my monthly rotation and carry it there until done ... no matter how many months it took ... in fact I have been trying to do just that in 2010, with limited success, I might add. But stitch only UFOs for a year ... no way! I need to work on new projects from time to time. The best I can do is make sure I don't add to my UFO list ... I am finishing what I start this year. I do believe I will concentrate more on sewing finishes in 2011 ... I must have some 30 or more stitched pieces languishing for a proper finish.

Blu said...

An year of UFOs? No way! Things get put away because I'm sick/tired/bored of them. They'll eventually be worked on when I'm interested again. But to force myself? Nope.
I stitch for fun. And in the end, it's my time, my money, my hobby.

Bette said...

I think I like the idea of finishing my UFO's but a whole year? I doubt if I could stick to that. I have been trying to finish what I start to make it easier and I have been thinking about pulling out things that aren't done. Maybe a new one then an old one?

Vicky said...

I am with Riona, add a UFO to my rotation.

Meari said...

I only have about 4 UFO's and I do work on them throughout the year, but I also start smaller projects because my UFO's are BAP's and I need the "finish fix".

Good luck!

Jennifer said...

You know, I started stitching because I have a TERRIBLE habit of not finishing things. Stitching, especially when I stitch for other people, forces me to actually finish stuff. And I've *finished* finished a lot of things - mostly ornaments and framed pieces. But yes, I have a few UFOs lying around, mostly ornaments. They stitch up so quickly you get the satisfaction of finishing something, but the actual ornamentifying of them - not so much.

Could I do a full year of UFOs? No way, man. I have a serious case of startitis.

Pumpkin said...

You know, I'm not sure if I could. I mean, I have enough UFOs to keep me busy for a year but it would drive me crazy to stick just to them and only them. LOL!

I do my thing and you do yours. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, then it is beautiful. If not, it can’t be helped--Frederick Perls