Quilt Works in Progress

Hello and happy Wednesday friends!  I finished up going through my works in progress, listing them, and doing some thinking about my first quarter goals for 2018. It feels so good to have done this, and most importantly to have written it down!  I feel ready to start making some progress! Today I’ll be sharing 9 ideas for Quilt Works in Progress!

I have a few tips to share on this topic today, too–so I’m hoping you can gain some helpful ideas from this post! This is a continuation of the post I wrote on New Year’s Day, and I’ll be sharing ideas and tips each Wednesday to help us all stay focused throughout the year. (All photos in this post are current works in progress)!

9 Tips for Organizing Works in Progress

1. Make a List

Make a list of all of your works in progress.  Include the current status of each project and leave room to update as you work on each one.  The American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Tracking Sheet makes this easy.

2. Consider New Projects

Also consider new projects you want to start in the next three months.  Write down your ideas.

3. Consider Organizing Tasks

Also consider some organizing tasks to accomplish in the next three months.  Write these down as well.  Scrap management and organization does take time, and yes, it keeps us from using all of our time to sew, but it’s so worth it!

4. Make a Plan

After making the three lists described above, make a plan to sew!  I like to work on scrap projects and organization on Saturdays and work on current  projects and older projects during the week.  This works for me, but come up with a system that works best for you.

5. Keep Track of Your Progress

Note progress on your lists as you accomplish tasks, even small ones.
Little things really do add up, and it will help motivate to see what
you’ve accomplished.  For example, this week I’ve been super busy and
haven’t been home a lot.  But I did a little bit each evening and now
have 112 blocks ready to sew together today! 

6. Keep Current Projects Accessible

 Keep projects you are currently working on easily accessible.  My drawer system is turning out to be a real life-saver!  It’s been so much easier than
using plastic boxes–I can quickly put things away when I’m switching
from project to project, and I love that so many things can be pulled
out to be worked on quickly. Find even more ideas on Sewing Room Organization Here.

7. Consider Not Finishing Some Projects

If you don’t love a project anymore, it’s okay not to finish it.  I actually get a lot of questions on this come through email.  I’ve actually found good success in asking around to find people who might be looking for projects to work on. Try asking at your local quilt shop if they know anyone who might appreciate your donation.  Quilt guilds are also a terrific group to work through for donating projects and fabric.  If you have kits that you haven’t
even opened yet, decide if it’s something you still want to do before
deciding to keep it (I do find kits handy when traveling to retreats)!

8. Consider going over progress weekly. 

If you are able to fit a short weekly planning session into your schedule it can greatly help you stay organized.  Read this post where you can download my free weekly printable organizing page.

9. Start sewing

Remember the oh so helpful adages: “Small steps can accomplish great things” and “Finished is better than perfect!”