Organising My Works in Progress and Finishing a Quilt

[@Yt-hb4wh]

A while back, I had to face up to all of my unfinished projects (quilting, sewing garments and toys, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, etc). It had gotten to the point where they were taking up valuable space and causing stress instead of joy. It took me FIVE years to finish the projects I really loved, and to donate the other ones. I also forced myself not to buy new patterns & fabrics. It was painful! Having learned my lesson, I now completely finish one project before beginning another. My sewing space is organized and the joy is back!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You have been on a journey! But well done for getting it under control. I hope I can do the same!

[@lizryan6289]

I incorporate orphan blocks and embroidered blocks into quilts. That is how I will continue in order to utilize what I have created. These were originally done separately but I love how they come together. I love your videos. Great job you are doing.

[@MamaBear1126-b1b]

Once a year, usually in early January, I do a major declutter of my sewing room. I have a bin with all my UFO’s. I’ve been steadily working on them and finishing them for about two years. I’ve completed about eight of them and have about 4-5 left. Of course, I’m working on new things and I have some new projects waiting to start. I try to alternate between new projects and UFOs. I like to have about 3 projects going at the same time; one cutting/piecing project; one quilting/binding project; one quick UFO or charity block project. This keeps me from getting bored or too frustrated with one project. I like to also alternate between a long time project and one that quickly goes together, again so I don’t feel bogged down with a major project all the time. My quilting bee brings in projects that members have become bored with and there is always one of us that is glad to take it and make it into something wonderful. Another way of dealing with a project you no longer love is to slice and dice the blocks and put them into a scrappy top with lots of other fabrics.

[@elainejohannessen4742]

Good to know that I'm not the only one with lots of different projects on the go at the same time! Loved the way you have taken projects you aren't so keen on anymore and changed them into something you love🙂Thanks for your inspiration and sharing your tips.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! 😊 I’m so glad you enjoyed the video Elaine 🌸

[@poodlegirl55]

A few years ago I bought eight flat, plastic baskets from Dollar Tree. I put my projects I for sure wanted to finish in them and stacked them up in my craft room. It keeps everything contained and now I add a card on the front of each with the date, hook size, pattern etc. I realized I didn't finish certain things because I either let them go on too long, I misplaced or forgot certain parts or tools etc. If my eight are full I don't start any new ones. Whenever I want to craft I grab a couple baskets and go. When I first started this system I had 17 projects of varying crafts. When ever I finished one project I dug through the stuff and filled my basket. I ended up tossing a few but when I got down to my eight baskets only I felt so good!! I can look at my stack now and see at a glance if any of them have gone on over six months and I pull it out and finish it. I have found that sometimes I'm in a mood to start a bunch and other times I want to finish and your feelings ebb and flow.

[@rachelburgener819]

That’s an awesome idea, thank you for sharing!❤️😀

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

What a great system! Thank you 😊

[@ushma8995]

Great video - i hope you'll forgive a suggestion! One idea for those larger machine pieces is to make them into project bags.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I appreciate the idea, thank you! It’s a great idea 😊🌸

[@emiliegoethals3769]

I totally understand - I have so many projects - I made a list and write down in a journal what I'm working on , the new starts, and when I finish something.

[@anitaznoy2807]

Making a Grandmothers Flower Garden like your big ones but one inch size hexies. Doing the declutter challenge has shown me that I have quite a few quilting projects that need finishing, either a border putting blocks together or just one more block to finish the quilt. 90 + projects and tons of fabric. You are not alone!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Step by step we can do it! Thanks for watching Anita!🌸

[@Veronicamarie1000]

You have such a wonderful eye for picking the best colours for your quilt projects. You are very talented so don't be too hard on yourself about your many beautiful projects. Perhaps you can put a couple of the qult tos on one qult sampler featuring both.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much! That is a great idea, thank you 😊

[@elizabethlampi7667]

This was a wonderful, honest, and open hearted video. I really enjoyed watching you go through the list/thought process. Deciding long term WIP and being ok with that. Finding a new purpose for those two projects was brilliant. Walking away at the end of this video and committing to continue the process another day is something we all can take to heart. The pillow and bags are perfect. Like many I too like the thrill of starting a new project, I also work with many mediums paint, junk journaling, quilts to name a few. It’s not easy reining in the desire to start more when a list of ‘not done yet’ looms over my mind and yet I also have the personality that so enjoys going from one task to another and couldn’t see myself having just one project going on I MUST have many to bounce around. This energizes me. Where for someone else it wouldn’t be that nice. Maybe as you have done it’s more about being organized and mindful about the process. Being willing to let something go if need be. Thanks for sharing. 🫶🏼

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Elizabeth, you have summarised this perfectly, it’s exactly how I am too. I’m so glad you enjoyed seeing this video, thank you ever so much. 🤗

[@melissacooper6891]

It is comforting to me to see how flexible you are with changing directions with projects. I have several WIP (works in progress) that have lost their appeal for various reasons and I now see that they may need to become something else. Emma, you’re such a pleasure to what with your calm demeanor and creative mind. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Aww thank you! I always say go with how you feel, it’s a hobby after all so no point doing something you aren’t enjoying

[@jennyjones2778]

Good morning Emma. I just finished watching your video with all of your old projects. I must tell you, just put the projects away and leave them there and enjoy working on what you are working on and what you want to do. I have projects that are 10, 20, years old. Do I finish them? Yes I do. I can be working on something and enjoying it so much. And then all of a sudden I start remembering something that’s in my to do list. I’m working on something and this other thing is calling me that’s in my to do list. I take it out. And all of a sudden I have a new feeling for it. And I love it. And I’ll work on it until I’m bored with it again. And this can go on for 20 years. And then I dig it out for the last time and I finish it. trust me when I tell you it will call you every one of those projects that you put away. They’ll call you one day. And your love for them will happen all over again. Why? Because they are full of your memories. You may not understand all of this, but I’m telling you until you get a little older, but you will in time. So don’t stress yourself out. Each project you start was started because of a relationship that you had with the project you started. I look around my house today. I got so many things I’ve made over the years. And I walk around every morning when I crawl out of that bed, I see the things that I did since I was a young girl. I love it. You will too. I enjoy your little videos when they come up. Thank you so much for taking the time to make them and put your feelings into words. Jenny.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much Jenny! I sorted them out into long term projects and others that I want to finish so hopefully I have a good balance now. Thanks for watching

[@jacquelineknox1977]

Great to see I am not alone with my projects. I love how you have repurposed a couple of your half done projects and they certainly look lovely. Thank you for all the ideas. xx

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much! I’m so glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching Jacqueline x

[@AngelaTopping]

You're brilliant, Emma. You always keep things real. Some lovely ideas for finishing off projects we lose interest in. We all do it.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much Angela! We do all have half finished things hidden away. Thanks for watching 🤗🌸

[@AngelaTopping]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox yours is my favourite channel x

[@mssixty3426]

I love those embroidered spring flowers and the happy memories! Reminds me of learning embroidery from my mom 💖 You are so inspiring and motivating - thank you for sharing this!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@annielessard4629]

. As crafters, most of us do have that pile of unfinished items we’ve not enjoyed making as much as we thought we would. Repurposing is always an option. Your new items are beautiful. Can’t wait to see what else you are going to create 😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes! Thank you!

[@deborahfields5275]

Thank you! This video was really motivating for me!! I related to your comments so much. I have lots of 😅WIPs that have not made progress in ages, but I feel encouraged to move ahead and make my list so I can start checking some off! I look forward to the next video . 😊❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh I’m so glad to hear it helped Deborah. Thank you ever so much for watching 🌸

[@lisaanderson6602]

Your pillow is truly perfect + your 'lil pouches with zippers are so beautiful❣️🥰 I just love your ideas, projects + finishes❣️🥰

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much! Means a lot to me 🤗

[@janicevisger497]

Great video, Emma! I am so glad that I am not the only one with multiple projects going at the same time!

[@natureluvr_d7186]

I enjoyed this. Love the big Sewing Machine by Lori-love her stuff. I would finish it as a small wall hanging for my craft room. I didn't realize they were so huge. How big would a quilt end up? I have so many WIP's and UFO's it's not funny. I started the QAYG hexies. I have a small pile of finished hexies, a pile that I need the background fabrics, a pile basted and the edges pressed over so I can grab and sew the edges over, do a running stitch around and call them complete. It's an open ended project and I want a nice variety before I start to sew them into a table topper or whatever. I finally found a place that carries Daniela's fairy fabrics which I always coveted. I made two hexies and mailed them to friends that are going through rough times so they could use them as coasters. They said it brightened their day. I have some of my fav cartoons I want to use exclusively in a small table topper or mat. Lady & the Tramp, Lilo & Stitch, Mickey & Minnie, Bambi....I guess mostly Disney. I also think I will do one in themes for Christmas, fall, etc. Leave the delicate fairies, flowers, etc for the larger one that I think the other themes wouldn't look right with. At my age I will never get all my stuff finished but I'm never bored and a couple months I'll be working on the garden.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Your projects sound lovely! So good to have so many things on the go that you love. I’m not sure how big the Lori holt quilt will be but it’s pretty big! Thanks for watching

[@craftdipper]

Hi Emma. It was lovely seeing all your unfinished projects and hearing your honest reactions to them. (Your fabrics are so beautiful!) Making the pouches and the cushion was a great move! You could also use "orphan" quilt blocks as centre pieces in fabric tote bags or on hot water bottle covers. Or line one and use it as a pocket on a plain apron. But perhaps those kinds of sewing projects don't interest you? Perhaps people who do like to make such things would be glad to buy your completed blocks from your shop?❤

[@laurasmall8300]

Thank you for adding extra ideas to Emma's in your comment; they may not be to Emma's taste, but they can provide inspiration for others. I take hexie flowers and make them into coasters for mugs, vases etc by backing them with felt. Just top stitch the felt and flower together on the machine and trim the felt, eh voila!

[@craftdipper]

@@laurasmall8300 that's a great idea! Thanks for sharing☺️

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Those are fantastic ideas and definitely appeal to me! Thank you so so much! So glad you liked the video, I’m inspired to get things finished now!😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Super ideas Laura, thank you

[@craftdipper]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox your video was so honest, Emma, it got my mind whirring about things I want to finish, repurpose or donate. So thank you for the stimulation. Some of the hexagons I embroidered for my QAYG quilt didn't look right amongst the other hexagons, so I'm going to repurpose them as patches in other projects. I'm deciding on fabrics to make your cosy cottage sewing case and have realised now that I can incorporate a couple of them there - one on the back, and one on the large zipped pocket👏👏👏 Also, it was good to see in your video that it's ok to tuck certain things away and be content that they can be worked on later, or treated as a long term project. Sometimes we're too hard on ourselves about WIPs, aren't we? Making a list is a good way to remember what we have to pick from when we feel like doing something different😎

[@annelarsson6152]

Thank you so much for sharing what you make with your WIPS Emma ❤, they turned out Lovely, your EPP’s and quilts are absolutely Beautiful.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@michellejaggard9657]

With the Lori Holt you could stop with the sewing machine, find a back and wadding, quilt it and make a wall hanging for your sewing room. Some of your others you could make pot holders, bowl cozies, table runners, table toppers, notebook covers,sewing machine pad, needle book,mug rugs. Just some small projects.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great idea!!

[@susanwilliams2506]

Oh Emma good job . I have 4-5 EPP projects but what I decided to do is rotate them every month so I won't get tired of them . Though sometimes I rotate a project and don't want to do it so I do another project . I also have many projects of other stuff . I have a million machine embroidery projects as well . I'll have to try to get to them so I can mark them off like you . Happy stitching , take care .

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I think rotation is so important, I definitely need that too to stay interested. Thanks so much for watching 🤗

[@stephaniegrace8623]

I believe lots of projects on the go are a sign of a robust creative mind. 👍

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! Someone told me on instagram I must have adhd but I like your idea better 😊🌸

[@craftdipper]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox 😂

[@suzisaintjames]

It turned out beautifully. When you showed the computer mock up, I couldn't see the 9-patches forming the Irish Chain. So beautiful how the Irish Chain frames each flower... Stunning! And I'm sure the scrappy binding will be perfect... May I suggest making your binding now? Then you know if you have enough scraps for a scrappy inner boarder as well. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵 USA. Take care of yourself and each other 😷.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great idea, thanks so much Suzi. Hopefully there will be enough, I think there is. Thanks for watching, have a great week 🌸😊

[@suzisaintjames]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox By cutting your binding now, you'll know if you have enough fabric and make proceeding easier. I know you're not fond of machine stitching but scrappy bindings and boarders can be set up as a leader/ender project. If you're not familiar... The leader/ender is that small bit of fabric you sew onto to save thread and prevent thread tangles on the back of your work... Well, instead of a scrap that you throw away, machine sew two pieces of binding together, leave it in your machine until you sew on your primary project. The binding is just a secondary project that happens without any thought... Just sewing two strips of fabric together... Yes, you have to cut the strips ahead of time and set them next to your machine waiting to be your next leader/ender... But truthfully, sometimes when I just want something to sew for 5 minutes waiting for the bread to finish cooking, I'll sit down and stitch 4 or 10 together. (To save table space, I sew the strips into pairs and throw the pairs in a box besides my table, then I sew the pairs together, etc. instead of having one long strip to deal with all the time. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@cheryll8236]

Such a lovely video made by a special lady. I truly enjoy seeing your projects. They're beautiful.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much! Such kind words 🤗

[@laurelb8372]

Have just had a big sort out in my sewing room. Like you one of my UFOs is Farmers Wife, since 2017, but I listed how many blocks to do just lap quilt rather than the biggest size. Took some of pressure away, then listed blocks I need and happily only about 10 to do for finish. I took inspiration from you and am gathering favourite fabrics to do a quilt as you go hexie quilt. Some of my ufo projects I make smaller and give to a worthwhile charity. I am also going to applique hexie flowers to squares and make into simple quilt.

[@jayneterry8701]

Even that you wrote them out on a list can be a big help. I'm thinking a design board might help to see your pieces layed out. Several seem like they could go together into a quilt. For example the sewing machine could be the centre block and then your other quilt squares around it!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes you are so right, a design board would help massively. I started to plan one late last year and my dad was going to make it, I even started filming the process but then I got unwell and had to have a break and we just haven’t got back to it but we must! Thanks for watching 🌸

[@mrsmiggins6435]

Great positive video Emma. Love your hexagon cushion. Take care🤗

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! 🤗 so glad you liked it 🌸

[@alisonmary1443]

Seriously beautiful projects, I'm blown away. As you may remember I am starting a Granny Square mini block quilt, 25 mini squares each block and plan to quilt as you go, so I'm very interested in your future video. I was going to machine but have changed to EPP-ing far more exciting. Like the bags with no sewing close to edge of zip, leaves a more puffy look which I'm loving. This should be my cross stitch month but February Liberty stitch is continuing. Thank you so much for the inspiration, your love of Liberty and all the wonderful ideas you share, you have made me a very busy woman 😂💖

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Alison! Your granny square quilt is going to be amazing! You’ll have to send me some photos if you can as I’d love to see it 😊

[@lisaroberts1729]

Your work is magnificent

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you very much!

[@sararempel7956]

I loved watching this. I'm the same way! I have a few WIP's😊. This gave me hope that I can finish them. And how to organize. I've fallen out of love with some. It was very inspirational to see you finish some projects. ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yay, thank you!

[@aprilbuttner631]

Great share!! We all need a little nudge to make descisions about our piles of WIPS!! For me I need to pull them all out to see what I'm up agaist, lol!! Seams we tend to bury/hide them so as not to think about them!!! Feeling motivated to dig them out now, thank-you!!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes that’s totally it! And something I was doing, but I feel rejuvenated about them now, and I’m sure you will when you get yours out. Thanks for watching 🤗

[@sandrahaigh2976]

Hi Emma. So many beautiful unfinished wip's I particularly love your Alexandria quilt and thought it would make a pretty table cover for a circular side table or coffee table. I also love your embroidered qayg hexagons. I'd love to do more but I had so much pain in my hands sewing the hexagons for my portable work station tray, that I'm not sure I can do any more 😔 I used to love making hand sewn dresses for myself and my daughter's when babies, but I didn't get pain years ago. Saddens me as I still want to hand sew and embroider. I love your enthusiastic video's, and always lovely calming music playing too. Not quite finished my tray pocket as I need to sew a zip in before I put it all together. I will hem the binding by hand as I've given my hands/fingers a rest for a few days, so look forward to the hemming as I enjoy that part. I watch your videos over and over as they are so interesting, no matter how many times I've seen the same ones 💞

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

oh I am so sorry you are experiencing hand pain. keep taking regular breaks and do stretches and hopefully it will ease, thank you for watching

[@rrichards1210]

So glad I am not the only one to have lots of projects on the go. I am starting patchwork and quilting again after a decade's break and am still hunting for some of my tools and fabrics that were stored away. I am finding unfinished projects that I can't wait to get on to, but sometimes stalled eg: I cannot find my box of embroidery threads so can't do my cross stitch. Some projects I am finishing to make cushions or bags, or small quilts to give away eg to the hospice. I am really trying hard not to start any new projects until I have controlled my WIPs. I must write a list of my WIPs so my brain doesn't go to mush thinking about them.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Hopefully when you get things in order and get started you’ll feel excited about working on them again. A list really does help too. Thanks so much for watching 🌸

[@tracydoran3098]

I have to say I was daunted by the pile that you ended up with, but I know where you’re coming from. I have two quotes that just need squaring up and borders added on so they can be sent away to the quilter, but because I don’t have the confidence to square them up and I’m worried I’ll end up with the size of a tea towel I wait and then eventually I’ll get my sister to help me do it. I have a 2 inch Tilda hexagon quilt on working on I don’t mind the size but I enjoy actually preparing the EP pieces. I’m not so thrilled that sewing them together so I haven’t worked on that for over a year but I must start I couldn’t handle too many unfinished items, as you said that would bug me in my brain. I also sympathise with the fabric dilemma. They are projects that I would like to do but I don’t have the confidence of picking from my stash. I’ve already said I’m not buying any more fabric. I have more than enough but doesn’t go with something do these colours work together? I just don’t know, whereas if you buy a kit somebody’s done the hard work for you and you know exactly what it’s gonna turn out like. 😂

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Sounds like you’ve got a good plan for your projects Tracy. The fabric dilemma is a tricky one, I know exactly what you mean. Kits help a lot don’t they. Take care and take it one step at a time 😊

[@suzisaintjames]

2:35 when you said cushion cover, I immediately thought sofa cushion... But you could make a thin cushion for the back of your sewing chair or your easy chair. Besides a table topper, consider a tote bag. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@lynnlambert863]

Great video! Now I want to pull out all my unfinished projects and look at them realistically. I'm a multi crafter and also getting up in age, I've got far too many project to complete so I will decide what I really want to finish and what I can do with the rest of the things. You've been very inspirational and thank you for posting all your wonderful videos.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much for watching. I hope you enjoy sorting through your projects 🌸

[@Auntie7024]

Beautiful projects, Emma. Slowly but surely you will finish them. Some may need to go to a new home, and that is okay. Have a wonderful day. ❤😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! You too! 🤗

[@ameliagfawkes512]

The Alexandria Quilt would have been lovely appliqued as it was onto a larger circular cloth for a small lamp table, but the cushion is lovely too. My favourite of all your WIPs - of everything you've done - is your QAYG. I've sewn for many, many years and was even in the Embroiderer's Guild, so my WIPs take up several large containers (albeit that it's mainly just fabric). That also includes lots of things to make or clone, various kinds of embroidery and mending and curtains to make. I decided to make some outdoor seating quilts with denim (from our defunct jeans) backing in QAYG and I've done quite a lot of that. Yes, it does work. It's great you're keeping it all under control and not letting it take over. Letting go of things you no longer want to finish or that you actually did finish, but don't love, is the hardest thing.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@beverleyhasler1521]

Emma you look so well in this video. So good to see. Well done on sorting and most definitely will clear your mind. Lovely video.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@jennievpollard77]

I have a few (several) works in progress. This video reminder me to just breathe and enjoy projects as they come. Perfection can be a dream buster. Thanks for this video.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🤗

[@LindaSilber]

Thank you for sharing. I can appreciate your self-reflection. I felt the need to do the same thing with all my projects.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! It was really helpful and I now feel much more excited about my older projects 😊

[@hopeforested]

Love to you, Emma, this is a wonderful video. My quilts, they linger for a long time. I do all the layers at once, quilt as I go, and some have been going on for years now. They are stories, in a way, and I need time to figure out what I want to add next.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so so much for watching 🤗

[@kathyeckert8052]

Absolutely love all your videos and your work thank you for sharing it

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

So nice of you, thank you!

[@kaytiej8311]

Just found you and I love the colours and style you work in. I too have many many works piled up across several different crafts. This was very comforting and encouraging. Thank you.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much! Such lovely words 🤗🌸

[@helenogorman9467]

That was great Emma. I'm like that too I have lots of things started but not finished. You've inspired me to look at them again.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

So glad it was helpful Helen, thanks for watching

[@wendym3335]

Thank you for sharing your wips and your ideas about how to change them. I too have a few too many wips and have just completed three quilt tops in the last week. (Now I have to make a sandwich and quilt them) I feel like I’m getting somewhere. I too found the larger hexis’s awkward to work with so I bought some white fabric and am going to appliqué them onto squares them sew them together (I haven’t decided if I’ll put borders between and around them but I think it will work) maybe this idea may work for some of yours too. Love watching your videos ❤

[@rachelburgener819]

That sounds very nice! ❤️😀

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Wendy. I’m thinking of doing something similar with my large hexagons, stay tuned!😊🌸

[@vickidiane2261]

Thank you for this video I really needed it. I've got so many unfinished projects I'm at a stand still. you have given me some great ideas. Thanks again. will look forward for part 2.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

So glad it was helpful, thanks for watching 🌸

[@Nana-Opa]

❤ I found that I don’t get back to a project. So, I now I make myself finish. Especially crocheting doilies. I get so lost.

[@craftyazshabbyshacjude3297]

Aww Bless you Emma, know exactly how you feel. I have been following K3n Clothtales and Marions world along with you and thought I would share their channels with you and everyone here. We all need each other to find our way we can alter, recreate or deconstruct some of our unfinished gems but at the same time feel we connect with what we create. They are all worth a part in our work and all the hours gone into them are worth a place. Huge hugs hun xxox

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

What a lovely way to describe this process! I love that. And thank you for sharing those channels, I will definitely check them out. Community is everything 🌸

[@karinbaird2499]

Because I don’t like holding big EPP works in progress I’ve started to remove all the papers that are surrounded by other pieces. Makes my work so much easier to hold.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes, that is a top tip! Thank you 😊

[@lindascott6968]

Lovely projects and a nice way to manage. Good solutions. Thanks.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks for watching Linda 🌸

[@lindaskinner5887]

Thank you for sharing.

[@aa-kr6fy]

Don't ever worry about all your WIP's, you've got your whole life to work at them. I used to stress about my WIP stash to the point that I stopped doing all forms of needlework around 25-30 years ago. 10 years ago I was diagnosed with severe ADHD and since then I've been slowly restarting and relearning all my once loved arts n crafts. Today, I honestly don't know how I'd survive without my massive stash and always having 10-15 WIP's on hand. Now I live with Mum and her massive stash AND my Gran's massive and famous stash we recently inherited. Our combined stash and WIP'S is our piece of heaven on earth and we often wonder if we have enough decades left to get through it all. Love your WIP'S and who cares how long they take to finish, the fun and therapy is in the process, not the completion. 😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! You are so right 🌸

[@pjinlaca5489]

Great motivation for all of us. And I liked how you just jumped into the video to get things done. 👏👏👏👏

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@loispatrick2594]

I'm like you Emma with my WIPs, I only work on projects that I feel like working on!. Of course there are some parts of projects that I don't enjoy and find if I just devote a small amount of time to these before I sit and work on what I want to, then that gets me over the hump and the job gets done! I enjoyed seeing all your WIPs and the decisions that you made about them ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Lois! I think it’s so important to make what you feel like when it comes to hobbies, and that’s a great idea for how to tackle the less enjoyable parts. Thanks for watching 🌸

[@donnawittkop5045]

Gorgeous works! I might suggest you use your ‘My Happy Place’ piece and border it (asymmetrically with your other abandoned projects! Would be stunning!) 😍

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great suggestion!

[@rhondah6847]

You can stitch the larger hexagons on the sewing machine.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

So true! Thank you

[@lisaroberts1729]

I didn’t read all the comments but you could them as backings. A lady named Kitty Sorgen makes gorgeous quilts with WIP - just throws them all together- her quilts are magnificent

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! I will check her out 🌸

[@candacekerr4139]

I have a few unfinished projects also, one quilt in particular is almost finished but I don’t like it. I didn’t enjoy making it, but I pushed myself to get this far with it, so I’ll give it another try.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Hopefully you’ll like it more when it’s finished or at the very least, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment 🌸

[@olimpinpin]

Hi Emma! everything you do it´s beautiful. God ideas no just for patchwork projects also cross stitch projects. I love the puches and the hexagon pillow. Regards sweet Emma. 😘

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@brendabunch9890]

Making space in your head is totally a real thing, good for you!

[@rachelburgener819]

Emma, what a wonderful video you presented! I look forward to the possibility of part 2😝 I think it’s great that you took those 12 WIP’S and broke it down to figure out how you wanted to tackle the pile👏👏👏. It was very beneficial and inspiring to hear your thoughts. It’s like we could see the wheels turning🤪. I also enjoy the comments and learn from them. Looking forward to what’s next, next, next… on your list🤔😝👏👏👏 ❤️😀

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much Rachel! There might be a part 2,3,4 with this giant list! But I’m feeling positive about these projects again which makes it all really fun. Take care and thanks for watching and for your lovely comment, really helps me to know what types of videos are enjoyable to people 🤗

[@pamelafreeman4548]

Love the alexandria cushion!!😊 The pouches are lovely also!!❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you!! 😊

[@sharonfernandez2739]

Wow! Love them all ❤❤❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you!

[@carolannsidney5919]

Thankyou for showing your projects.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks for watching!

[@kajalsingh9554]

I started watching this video, but paused it to go fetch one of my UFOs (un-finished objects) to work on. It's a braided crochet blanket. I hope to be inspired by you and finish it soon. Thanks for being so honest about all the UFOs we all have.

[@rachelburgener819]

🤔I’ve never heard of a braided crochet blanket! Can you give me more information or steer me to where I can look into it!?!🤪 Please! Thanxabunch ❤️😀

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Ooo that sounds lovely! I love that we were working on our projects together 😊

[@kajalsingh9554]

@@rachelburgener819 I should not have said braided. It's woven strips. I am crocheting strips of 225 chains with 5 rows of single crochets with size 4 yarn. I am using cream and shades of very light pink. I am weaving all the strips together to make a blanket. I have about 25 more strips to make, and then the "fun" part of sewing them together. Hope this explanation helps.

[@mimsmurfette]

I loved the quilting you did on your hexagon cushion! Might need to start a new project so that I can do this.... completely disregarding the point of the video and the pile of unfinished projects all over the place

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I definitely encourage starting new things! It was very fun you will love it 😊🌸

[@tiffpar]

I am literally in the process of trying to downsize some things. I do not want a large stash of anything with the minimalist idea in my head. Only thing is...... there are so many things i want to do. I am new to quilting but have SOOOO many hobbies like knitting, which is now taking a back seat to quilting. Im overwhelmed even with the scraps. I'd love more quick projects, but i love the idea of hand piecing. I feel like I am cheating when I overly use my sewing machine because I want to be modern by hand, but.... I'm not sure. For now, I will make a list. Thanks.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I totally understand the dilemma of wanting to make all the things! Do remember, there’s no such thing as cheating. Make it in a way that brings you joy whether by hand or machine, the most important is that you love doing it 🌸

[@selinab8532]

make cushion covers with all the small ones & small throws for the couch/lounge or baby quilts to donate? so glad there are others out there with dozens of WiP lol stitch what makes you happiest first & finish it thanx for sharing

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Absolutely! Those are great ideas, thank you 😊🌸

[@shelleyopland4041]

Love your EPP. ❤

[@bonnietodd3040]

Thanks so much!

[@LyndaCormack-l3x]

Love the Sati skirt.

[@angelacornell8660]

I love this idea

[@lissablue176]

I love how you repurposed the small blocks. I’m nit sure about cushions, mine always end up on the floor😂. I am doing a wild print hex block you complete and put together. Making a table runner for a friend.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Have fun making it! Lovely to make a gift for a friend, thanks for watching

[@terriflanigan942]

You have a lot of lovely projects started! Maybe for the ones you don’t want to continue with - you could make into one sampler quilt? It would be beautiful! Best wishes❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great idea!

[@shirleyflavell5705]

Thankyou for sharing. 💕💖

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are so welcome Shirley 🌸

[@ameliagfawkes512]

One idea for the sewing machine block is to embroider some detail onto the machine part and find a cute sewing related poem (or write one) and embroider it onto the white space, turning the whole thing into a tabbed hanging. If you don't want everything on your walls, hang them on the inside of wardrobe doors.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you for sharing your idea

[@dianeknott3655]

Emma, it's so easy to lose momentum and interest in projects (especially big ones) because there are so many "temptations" out there to do something new that strikes our fancy. Unless it's a big project that I can set aside (like the hexagon quilt-as-you-go quilts), I have learned to just do small projects instead. I have a lot of little pillows! 😉It helps to save money too. And instead of buying yards of fabric, I try to limit myself to just buying fat quarters. Oh, the deliciousness of everything that's available to us!!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes that is definitely a problem I struggle with too! And why i usually make lots of small things. Small things are fun. Thanks so much for watching Diane 😊🌸

[@roseetballesdelaine]

Ohh Emma !! Cette vidéo est adorable. Comme c'est beau de voir tous les projets!!😍 et j'aime beaucoup tes combinaisons de couleurs.. merci pour l'inspiration ❤🧵🌸 Ludivine

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Merci beaucoup Ludivine 🤗🌸🌷

[@marilynpease8782]

Very timely video. I also have many WiPs. Time for some decisions. 😅

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You can do it! Thanks so much for watching Marilyn 🤗

[@yvonnepattenden9232]

I’ve just finished two embroideries that I started in…1998😱. I made a decision this year not to buy any new projects and to finish my UFO’s. I still have 8 unstarted cross stitch or embroidery kits that are donkey’s years old. Probably be considered vintage! Lovely to see what you have been working on. Good luck with your organising.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Yvonne. I should do the same, I only counted things I’ve started in this video, not the things I’ve got waiting to be started! I definitely shouldn’t buy anything else this year.

[@ladylee8364]

I love that there are others out there like myself im not happy if i dont have like 6 or 7 things on the go sometimes i finish sooner than never but its true we start something and for what evr reason we just loose the love and inspiration to continue on but have you ever thought of selling you items that you dont want to finish and someone might like to continue on and finish that would be a great thing Thank you for sharing it was a great video

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! Never thought of that actually but it’s a good idea 🌸

[@martasarber7133]

Cute pillow and pouches. Also, love your haircut. Perhaps you could use some of those quilt items for decor in your kitchen as a back splash. Don't know what your kitchen cabinet colors are but you could always paint them with a color with in the fabric. You could put Plexi glass over the fabric so it is easy to clean. Just a thought. I think it would beautiful kinda like mosaic tiles.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! That’s a very interesting idea!🌸

[@martasarber7133]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox if you decide to decorate your kitchen, I would love to see the end results. ❤️

[@kathrynbarker7967]

Yes i am the same Emma, when things weigh you down emotionally, it’s time to get them in hand

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Absolutely! I already feel better for it!

[@CopycatQuilter]

We’re on the same wavelength (even though I just found your channel. Last weekend I pulled 6 different tops and cut backing to fit and took them to the long-armer. They’re charity quilts for my guild so she quilts them for free. Cutting backing is probably my least favorite thing to do. I still have 6-7 more to go. Having that free space in my closet and brain is worth every minute of doing my least favorite thing! One thing for leftover blocks… you can make them into placemats for charity. We donate to a local meals on wheels organization.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

So lovely to make things to help others. Thanks so much for watching my video and following my channel 😊🤗🌸

[@redeemedvintageseamstress4728]

Great video. 😊 Thanks for sharing!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks for watching! So glad you enjoyed it 🤗

[@debraimmer260]

Your stitching is beautiful

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! 😊

[@juliagunn5259]

You could make a box using 6 of the farmers wife squares. I made one with my crazy patchwork squares and I love it.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great idea; thanks!

[@craftdipper]

Yes! That sewing machine block would be lovely as a wall hanging in your sewing room! 😍 Would there be room to appliqué/ bondaweb letters spelling "Happy Place" on it? Or "Sew Happy"? ☺️💖

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great idea! That would be lovely!

[@craftdipper]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox lol lol lol, now you don't only have your own brain full of plans to cope with, but all of ours as well😂🤯 But it's fun to bounce ideas around. Some can drop and roll away, but others stick and resonate and develop. The creative process is fascinating 😍💫

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

I’d make pillows from the mini quilt. As for what you don’t care to do sell them as unfinished works! Someone will buy them.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! Good idea!

[@sueharber2496]

Just quilt your sewing machine block into a mini quilt, and bind it - perfect mat to put your sewing machine on!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great idea!

[@lindajeffree793]

Thank you Emma loved your video…..🦋

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You’re welcome 😊 thank you for watching 🤗

[@chriskiefel7735]

Thanks for the inspiration and motivation - and also the "permission" to let go. I will be passing some things on to others. I was wondering if some of your other orphan blocks that you've finished could be used around the Lori Holt piece you did to help be enough to make a wall having or a lap quilt for someone. No one has to know that they were different projects...

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes! That’s a great idea! Thank you!

[@gracepatane9384]

You did a great job, Emma! You made quick decisions, & great progress with your list! Excellent! Love the pillow! Looks so pretty on the chair! What did you say was the name of that pattern? And, your little quilt block pouches are super cute!! See you soon!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much Grace! It’s called the Alexandria quilt and I’ve left a link to it in the video description 😊

[@rhondah6847]

Thanks for this really inspiring video Emma. Have you tried hand piercing larger hexagons? You don't need papers and it's much quicker than EPP, while still being hand stitching.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! That’s a good idea

[@jeanmanna9471]

What is the name of the pattern you used to create the EPP design with the large embroidered center? It appears in your video at 6:15 time stamp.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

It wasn’t a pattern it was my original design that I was working on. It’s incomplete but hopefully will keep working on it soon. Thanks for asking and watching

[@quinn22252]

Bravo….👏🏻….you’ve inspired me for sure 🥰🇨🇦

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! That makes me so happy!

[@sherrycapstraw5096]

I love having a few projects going keeps me happy to switch it up a bit..awww and the cozy cottage kits are sold out...will you be getting more.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes I will be making more, just need to order some extra bits for them. If you sign up to my newsletter that’s the best way to be notified of when they will be back in stock. Sign up is at the bottom of the homepage of my website. Thanks so so much 🤗🌸