Since I had to get all this stuff up off the floor so we could shampoo the rug in the sewing room, I finally forced myself to label and arrange my works in progress. I can't tell you how good this feels, to finally address my current issue of too many unfinished projects. I counted up to 20 quilts that I have begun, and for whatever reason, have abandoned. After I got to 20, I decided not to torment myself any longer. What ever this situation is, it just IS. (Several words come to mind--compulsive, wasteful, pathetic, but we aren't going sink into a morass of self-blame and recrimination).
As my friend Karen Dianne said, "Well goodness gracious The Rigid Quilter has moved in at your house. I'm glad she's gone from here". She's here all right, and kicking my bony bottom to get me to straighten up and FINISH something. (Ridgid Quilter, that is, not Karen Dianne).
Am I going to face the music and tackle these barely begun and half finished works? Yes. Really. In order, here is my plan: Posh Baskets, Garden Fence, Toulouse, Web Sampler. I know that is only four, but I have to start somewhere. If I make a huge list of all of these unmade quilts, it will just be way too daunting. Four quilts I can handle. I will take a couple of them with me on the retreat next weekend, and my friends, I promise I will have something to show for my time at the monastery, sewing for three days!
One very cool thing about getting into my stash closet for a tidying, is that I discovered several fatquarter bundles I had forgotten I have! Sonnet, Trick or Treat Smell My Feet, Wuthering Heights. It sure feels good to get a grip on what I have. And to think about what I can let go of. My friends at the retreat are going to be the recipients of some rather nice goodies that I am ready to say bye bye to.
O, friend, take consolation, for you have done a good thing! You've made me feel a little better about my OWN WISPs!
n, np
Posted by: Nancy Stevens | April 14, 2008 at 05:54 AM
Impressive organizing, Nicole. I can't wait to see what you bring back from the retreat!
Posted by: Karen | April 14, 2008 at 06:39 AM
Your closet looks very organized indeed. I hope it helps you get a handle on your UFOs. I for one would be happy to relieve you of your burdens... ;-)
Posted by: Lisa D. | April 14, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Way to go Nicole! When our power went out for 3 days (yes three days) after Christmas, I had daylight and that was it. I pulled out all my fabric and crafts and organized everything. It still is organized and has helped me to actually plow through some projects. Interesting about finding Wuthering Heights...that is my most favorite fabric in years...and I searched all over the internet to try to build that stash. While doing so I found Craft Apple's blog http://craftapple.wordpress.com/?s=
wuthering+heights
and that was one of the first blogs I had seen. From there somehow I found sisters' choice. So, wuthering heights holds special significance! Enjoy all your "new" beauties!
Posted by: Pam | April 14, 2008 at 06:46 AM
oh my goodness can I just say I have serious "stash envy" here wow you have some beautiful fabric
have fun and I cant wait to see what you get done
hugs Beth
Posted by: Beth Dasecke | April 14, 2008 at 06:54 AM
I can imagine the feeling of accomplishment you are going through right now! GOOD FOR YOU!!! Now to keep focus and plan lots of fun on your retreat!
Posted by: Toni | April 14, 2008 at 07:13 AM
I love what you've done here. Amazing. I would love to do something like this before that Rigid Quilter shows up here again someday.
But this didn't do me a hill of beans of good. Now I want some Fat Quarter Bundles I forgot about that were cool. Shoot...
Shopping again? ACK!
I love you, you inspire me but I think...well I have to go check my B of A account.
Bad Influences of Love, *karendianne.
Posted by: Karen Lee | April 14, 2008 at 07:30 AM
I often wonder what the percentage of actual finished projects is from all the quilt fabric purchased. It certainly is no where near 100%. We're all guilty of it. I long ago stopped buying fat quarters at those "fabulous fat quarter sales-get 25 for $25!" We're all guilty of what you are going through and could for sure form FA (Fabric Anonymous) groups all over the country. "Hi, my name is Jean." "Hi, Jean." "I buy fabric." "So what, so do we!" LOL
Have a great time at retreat. San Damiano sounds great. I'm looking forward to seeing your finished projects.
Posted by: Miss Jean | April 14, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Congrats on getting organized. I think I have some deep seeded issue about organization. I try every few months, if it works (which is rarely) it only lasts a few weeks.
Good luck on the UFOs. I'm sure you will enjoy doing them with friendly support.
Can't wait to see your lovely work.
Posted by: Cara | April 14, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Good job! Look at how nicely organized and labeled all your ufo's are! You'll get some done, I'm sure you will.
Posted by: Beth | April 14, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Wow, how nice and tidy that looks. You know me, can't say the same around here. It is nice to let go of stuff, that's for sure.
Have fun at the retreat! Can't wait to hear all about it.
Posted by: pam | April 14, 2008 at 09:31 AM
I am envious about your Wuthering Heights stash. I fell in love with it and now I can't find any except bits and pieces. I want to make sweatshirt jackets for my two DGDs and one for me, too!
Posted by: Patsy | April 14, 2008 at 10:58 AM
I agree, when you know you are never going to finish it, pass it on to someone else. I have a couple that are getting close to that point.
Posted by: Floss | April 14, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Good job, you want to come organize mine now. Let me know what you want to get rid of, could be interested. LOL
Posted by: Cindy | April 14, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Congratulations for re-discovering the riches you had forgotten about... and may the process inspire you to create wonderful things (whether it is finishing something you've already started or wandering off and making something new with the fabulous fabrics in your newly organized stash).
Enjoy the fleeting sense of control that being organized offers (even if it's only for a little while) ~ and above all, have fun at the retreat!
Posted by: quiltdivajulie | April 14, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Congratulations for re-discovering the riches you had forgotten about... and may the process inspire you to create wonderful things (whether it is finishing something you've already started or wandering off and making something new with the fabulous fabrics in your newly organized stash).
Enjoy the fleeting sense of control that being organized offers (even if it's only for a little while) ~ and above all, have fun at the retreat!
Posted by: quiltdivajulie | April 14, 2008 at 01:26 PM
I am seriously worried, as you are aware I have only just started quilting and I already have 2 half started tops, does this mean half started quilt tops breed in cupboards? I haven't got a big enough cupboard!!
Posted by: Ailsa | April 14, 2008 at 01:31 PM
It doesn't seem saw bad to have lots of unfinished projects when you have them all organized so neatly. Great job, Nicole.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | April 14, 2008 at 01:37 PM
WOW everything is so neat and tidy you have done a good job Nicole wish I was going to the retreat With you I will be waiting to see what you bring back with you have a safe journey.
Hugs Mary.
Posted by: Mary Wood | April 14, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Wow, looks so good! and how fun to find "new" fabric again. Great job!!
Posted by: julie | April 14, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Wow, looks so good! and how fun to find "new" fabric again. Great job!!
Posted by: julie | April 14, 2008 at 05:16 PM
I am sure your retreat mates will love the bounty you are taking with you. Actually, you surely have more stash than what you are showing, right? lol...this is only for show, right? lol...if you need some more to replace what you are "giving away", holler, I can help you out some I think.
Posted by: Perry | April 14, 2008 at 11:10 PM