🧵WHEN TO QUIT- WHICH PROJECTS ARE WORTH FINISHING

[@rebeccafoster-faith6647]

Too many times - we get the message "never quit!" - but sometimes quitting frees that mental space and allows you to move forward with other things

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

👏👏👏

[@victoriamyatt1709]

So true. If we want to change our mind its perfectly fine.

[@kathymcguire8287]

Watching in April on 15th.😊

[@margaretcountegan5252]

Margaret here. I really appreciate setting a timer to work on a UFO before making the final decision

[@anniequilts8617]

This video could not have come at a more appropriate time. Just two days ago I pulled out one shelf of UFO's, put them all in a box that overflowed and decided I needed to do something about them. I sorted what was there into small and large projects and yesterday began the process of going through them. I gathered one with all its parts, the book and everything, called a friend I know who loves applique, she wants it. One gone! I found two more to pass on, and have only saved one so far. Many more to go through and I'm now going to use your list of questions as I go through the rest. After 18 years of teaching quilting, I have a lot of UFOs, one or two from every semester for all the projects started with my classes. I'm pretty sure most of them will be passed on, but I will find a few I love that will be finished. Thank you so much for this and all your videos. I find them so inspiring and have passed many links on to my students, although I don't have students anymore since I retired from teaching. Always looking forward to your next video. Thank you.

[@deloresangus6687]

This is so much like my story!

[@suzisaintjames]

Framing is a great idea! I turned two special blocks into quilted potholders and appliquéd them over a printed logo on a shop bought tote bag. It's easier to appliqué the quilted and bound blocks onto the bag than to do the quilting on an assembled bag. Now I love my memory totebag that used to be an advertisement. Fun fact: It's harder to see imperfections on a totebag than in a frame. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Great tip!

[@magistramccarty1]

I’ve done this on SO many tote bags! Try backing the block and sewing it on as a pocket!

[@suzisaintjames]

@@magistramccarty1 as a quilter I never really thought about it until a cashier said to me, "l really like your bags because they are insulated!" ... But I'm sure the quilted bags form some sort of insulation, but I just like quilting! 💖🌞🌵😷

[@JohnArtEast]

For some reason I felt productive just watching you get through these!! 😂

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

😎

[@elinorjanvrin3060]

hahaha! me to!!

[@vikkivanveldhuizen2290]

I just can’t say no. So I finish the quilt top and have it quilted. I then donate it to charity for a fund raiser.

[@wilycat5290]

LOL the Halloween quilt is adorable. Please hang onto it. Legacy, remember 🤔

[@dorothyschaack1490]

I love your decision-making process. I recently had 72 orphan blocks that I donated to my quilt guild. They were able to make 3 quilts for donation. That made me feel good.

[@BridgeMD]

The ball is adorable! Great baby gift to go along with one of the baby quilts. ❤

[@ritaball5253]

I liked the ball also, is there a pattern? Or sizes of the shapes?

[@cathytyrrell5502]

What resonated with me is that those projects gave you huge value already because of the skills developed working on them. I’m looking at my less than wonderful ones with a new smile and love. There is lot of emotion invested in them, and it takes courage to release and give up on guilt.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Well said

[@sunflowerbaby1853]

So whenever I've taken a class that results in blocks or have won a pile of blocks from a guild raffle I don't plan on making anything with them. The class blocks were for learning skills and the raffle blocks generally are not in my color scheme. So what I do with these leftovers are whipping them into the size of a small baby quilt and then use them to practice new free motion quilting designs I've wanted to try. I then give them to my cat or dog and they are thrilled with a new quilt. No harm, no foul. And the best part is that they are not sitting in a box taking up valuable space. 😉

[@sewingSue]

Don't quit, just get it done!

[@beckypetersen2680]

oh Those eyes blocks - they are fun!

[@sunflowerbaby1853]

The Halloween Eye quilt is adorable. You should use fluorescent thread to quilt it so it will glow in the dark❗

[@dianestyk5909]

I love the eyeballs!

[@tammybagwell1741]

Love that idea

[@moniquegroom2353]

OMG I'm so glad you finished the Purple Tula Pink blocks!!!! I'm OBSESSED with Tula Pink. I have been collecting scraps, crumbs and selvages for a couple years. Made two quilts with them and a wrap skirt AND a matching jacket. I can't get enough of Tula Pink!!!

[@marilyngandhi8571]

❤I am not a quitter!!! My Zoom lesson didn’t happen, then I trod on my glasses in the dark. Now I’m waiting for the new glasses to arrive in another week. Just must be patient.❤❤❤

[@tewdricmathern4889]

I'd finished my latest crochet project last night and was restless. I dug out an old sewing kit that I must have started at least 7 years ago before we moved house. It didn't feel right and my enthusiasm had gone. But knowing someone had brought it for me I ploughed on and had rather an unsatisfactory evening. Your video has made me realise I need to put it in the quit pile and spend the time on something I'll enjoy. So I'll go home later and find the project I really want to complete! 😀 Thanks to one of your previous videos at least I know where all my hand sewing + crochet wools are located upstairs in the attic room. I had a good sort out during our last Bank Holiday weekend.

[@debbiemccarrell4509]

I to thank you for this video. This month I wanted to finish my Farmer's Wife 99 block paper-piecing UFO. I'm only about 2/3 done. After watching your video, I decided to stop where I'm at and make a smaller quilt with my 64 blocks! And I'm so happy with my decision!

[@coribeckett7400]

So glad you found a way to rescue the vintage quilt and gift it to its original family. These old tops deserve their place of honor whenever possible. You’ve encouraged me to go through my heaving mount of UFOs. I’m considering paying a friend to finish piecing a couple of the projects that I still love and want to gift. There is no rule that says I need to bee the one who pieces it. It’s more important to me that’s is finished and gifted. So paying someone takes. It off my plate and still gets the patchwork done. Plus my friend gets to earn some extra money. Win-win.

[@turtztube]

Big life changes have meant that I’m finally looking at my stash and seriously asking questions of the projects/fabrics I own. I was able to take 2 large boxes to my guild for charity quilts, alongside those orphan blocks I had fallen out of love with. Just clearing my stash yielded enough fabric for a pattern I adored - and I finally used those treasured prints! The final result was worth the hard work to get there. It’s worth enquiring at your local guild as to whether they will accept fabric/orphan blocks. You can also phone your local school and ask if the textiles (sewing) department needs them. There’s also sure to be a community group who will take your donation and put it to good use. Just remember to donate goods of quality - and making a list of the contents/yardage is a small act that will mean a great deal to the person processing them on the donation end.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Good tips

[@lindabourcet1349]

I am the person who deals with donated orphan blocks for our quilt guilds Care Quilt program (making charity quilts) and I really appreciate when I am given the number and size dimension for the blocks. It saves me that first step and helps me figure out how best to use them. I also appreciate it if they are clean, ironed and well constructed. Being given a bag of crumpled, musty smelling scraps or blocks is not fun. I do, however, love making other people’s orphan blocks live a new life. We also make Teddy Bear quilts and placemats for Meals on Wheels so even blocks that don’t play nicely with others find a new home.

[@magistramccarty1]

I was thinking placemats, mug rugs, plant mats etc for those Mary Fons blocks @5:45. Might also make good pockets for an apron or tote bag.

[@rosejohnson452]

Fun to see you turn a UFO sorry mess into a Yess, Gurl! before our very eyes...and time the event. Put off for years, finish in a day, an hour. Procrastination is the thief of time. Nice job.

[@leanichols6824]

I enjoyed watching how you determine what stays and gets finished and what goes. Through the years I've had many projects I didn't finish. I had a friend who was making quilts for her local animal shelter to use for the cats and dogs. They liked the color and comfort it added and believed it helped to keep the environment looking so stark and sterile - and hoped this would keep potential adopters looking longer. I happened to have a bunch of UFO 12 1/2" blocks with no where to go. I sewed them together quickly and sent them to my friend. Currently I have one UFO quilt. I made the top close to a year ago. Usually I finish a quilt quickly once I get the top done, but didn't in this case because I just got busy. I took it out a few weeks ago and it looks ugly to me. Just ugly. So I put it away and took it out again hoping it would look better somehow. It doesn't. I'm not sure where this top will end up but I hope to find a home for it - it's just so ugly though. If I had a dog I would turn it into a big dog quilt, or a quilt for the car for vet trips.

[@Cathy_MidwestHome_Hens]

That “ichi-ichi” ball is adorable!!!

[@Stoffmonster467]

I love these lilac baby quilts

[@roseprocopio9526]

Thank you so much for the 30 minute timer trick. I set my timer and sewed for 30 minutes and I feel more accomplished than I have for the last 6 months. Thanks for all your tutorials.

[@crazy4doxies440]

I wasn’t going to click on this but then I did and am very happy I did. I have SO many UFO’s. I am predominately a needle turn applique quilter. I have a lot of UFO’s I started early on and have lots of blocks made but they are not to the level I am now, and while I am very sentimental about them, I just know I want to work on the STACKS of projects I am currently doing but I did pull out a very old kit I purchased from a friend who was never going to make it. It sat in my bins for years and years and years and I would pull it out and then put it back and then I decided to make one block. If I didn’t like it I could find a new home for it. But it turned out I loved it. The pattern designer no longer is around and the first 4 quilts I made were by this designer. So I decided to just proceed with it even with the older fabrics and I am loving the project! I thoroughly enjoyed this video and your thought process in your decisions. I’m not brave enough to do this yet but I will be soon.

[@jodesmond6782]

Thank you! Just what I needed to ditch those tiny, and some not so tiny leftover scraps. There are some fabrics I have used enough times. Out they go, without guilt. After I watched this, I dumped my two scrap baskets. Yippee! Amazing the things we feel tied to.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@macdaiddavidson8051]

Thank you! I’m not a quilter but I knit, crochet, sew, do crewl, needlepoint tatting, scrapbook, make cards and about a dozen other crafts and I have plenty of UFO’s in each category. I’m going to go through them and use your technique! Maybe I’ll actually get some done or quit some!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Excellent

[@janern703]

I love how you can just say no. That has been my motto this year and I am so much happier in my quilt room because there isn't a pile that I feel is staring at me and I feel guilty for not finishing.

[@estelasteele1173]

This is probably what I need to do next. Sort through my UFO's and work through the process of elimination. I like that you took us through your process, and I love that you worked on some tasks with immediacy to determine if the project was worth taking to completion. A very good video! Thank you.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I was born at St. Michael's! It's wonderful that so many crafters and guilds use their creativity to support their communities. And it's a great opportunity to keep quilting or knitting long after your own home, and the homes of your loved ones, are filled to the rafters with your handiwork. 😁

[@leahpovloski7080]

Oh wise quilting woman, I really love u and ur videos. U r a hoot! Thank u!!❤

[@susanladouceur890]

I am really glad you finished that ball, I looked like a lot of work. I think it is fun to have other items using piecing and quilting without being a quilt. Don’t let Mando near it, I have two dogs it would be done in 2 minutes 😂

[@Piglady1983]

Please post when you work on or finish the pink flying geese. I LOVE PINK……and am sure your creation will be cheerful & lovely!!🥰☕️

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Okay thank you

[@dec9877]

I made a promise to myself to finish a project before start cutting out another. Made the mistake and started another before one was bound, it just kept staring at me. So I decided to get busy, I bound it, a weight off my shoulders. Finished the quilt I was working on, it's done. Now a couple of easy quick projects then off to my next fun project.😊

[@fayeglin835]

Oh my goodness, it’s like you’re reading my mind! Not long ago I decided to give away a large box of materials that I have used in several quilts and I am literally tired of using them (& seeing them). It makes the room tidier, helps me to not feel so guilty of having bought them in the first place. I always love your thought processes and honesty, I know that I am not alone. Well done Karen

[@sherryfaires7931]

I found this video so refreshing! I wish you would come to my house and help me! I only have a couple of WIP’s, but I have 25 want to’s. I am just trying to go through all kinds of things…not my sewing things…and get rid of them! I hate getting rid of cute, special things! ☺ You inspired me!

[@Rosa-kf6yy]

The timer method is great. I set it for cleaning but have never done it for quilting decisions. That is going to change.

[@rosemaryrigney4251]

It sure is a process when designing and finishing a quilt! I too need a reboot of UFO'S. You have such a good out look of quilting outside the box. Thank you.

[@michelleswistak1389]

This video helped me so mych. I have been quilting for 5 years since retirement. I am 70 and have difficulty going upstairs so my sewing time is precious. I am working my goal of a quilt for each family member. I have quilt tops I made for (10) for a guild that stopped meeting due to covid. I have 2 scraps projects, a box of orphan blocks and 2 sets of swap blocks. What fabric I don't use from a quilt goes into a box for donation. I have so much guilt about what I spent on projects that never even got started (BOM) I couldn't even look at them. You helped me accept I need to move on. One project is still way beyond my skill set and the other I don't care for the fabric, so I am just putting the fabric into my stash to make something I like or I will use what I don't care for as linings for bags. Thanks for helping me get that burden off my mind.😊

[@RLH9265]

Thank you for that wonderful example of 1) giving examples of processing 2) giving ourselves permission to honor our inner voices of letting go, quitting, or the ideas that pop up when something does not work any longer, changing gears 3) examples of honoring ourselves in change and growth. That was wonderful! And I was able incorporate these things in other areas of my life of new chapters!

[@Troutay]

I have been thinking about my UFOs and it has stopped me from creating other things because I feel guilty leaving things unfinished. I am going to do this today. It will not only clear up space but will allow me to continue on my creative journey without the guilt.

[@ChristineKrannich]

I haven’t been able to do much sewing or quilting for several months. I looked through my “planned projects” box and can’t recall what patterns some of the projects are supposed to be. For now I’m leaving them alone. I’m not well enough to do a lot of reorganizing so I’m content to leave them where they are. It’s so good to know plenty of other folks also rework projects in a different direction or flat out pass them on. I’ve got some rather interesting fabric choices from 3yrs ago when I had no idea what I was doing, what I liked, or how colors work. Some of those will be happily passed on to others who will make beautiful things from them.

[@M-hc9xm]

Love it! This is not really discussed on many of the quilting YT channels. I am in declutter mode this year. I contacted my local Project Linus chapter, asked what sizes they want, and have been focused on making 40"x50" quilts. It's an incredibly therapeutic process for me, and I know they will be donated to a good cause.

[@marygersetich8709]

Thank you for sharing your thought process on each one. I'm inspired to go through my UFOs in the same way. I have a unhelpful tendency to want to start new projects (Squirrel!) instead of finishing old ones. I may have to watch this again to keep me on track.

[@KitD2365]

I recently finished a UFO that was 20 years old. I was hand-quilting a design based on a historic Celtic cross but ran into trouble with parts of the drafting so I stalled out. When I pulled it out recently, I realized that I could machine quilt a border around the finished part, and call it "Fragment of Aberlemno." It's hanging on my wall instead of weighing on my mind, and I'm using the parts I cut off to practice and test machine-quilting designs. Figuring out what to do with the parts I'm not going to use/keep is my biggest challenge in letting projects go. It's so hard to throw fabric away.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Love that idea. Well done

[@giselleyoung3248]

Thanks for sharing your Legacy Halloween quilt. I hadn't considered honoring the legacy of my quilting skills/story.

[@barbaramatthews4735]

I love that you kept your first. It should be save to show your progress in quilting. It is a reference to wherevyou started to where you are now.

[@shirleymowrey8082]

You are a Great teacher and person.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@loiswood3363]

I love the process you used to make difficult decisions on your UFOs. I hope you feel lighter and happier! I can use your strategies, thanks for sharing!

[@barbaralazier8352]

Now this is a process I could use. That pile of UFOs stares at me every day

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

I finished/abandoned ALL my UFOs during the first year of Covid. Boy did that feel good to get done.

[@HaydenZ19]

I loved the idea of this video about finishing ufos😊

[@MegaTinni]

You are always so energizing to look at, realistic attitude and still leaves me feeling I can move on with my sewing again and get out of any mental blocks.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗

[@angelaslama5076]

Very helpful video and message. Like having a process to ease the letting go.

[@jeannemcmillintwinlakeses3767]

I guess I haven't been quilting long enough to have projects I don't want to finish. I actually love the process of finishing. I my quest to become a better quilter I take as many of the free classes my quilt shop (Sew Yeah in Las Vegas) offers that I can attend I came across one quilt that was not something I thought I would ever like but it was so out of my brain I signed up for the class to learn MORE! It is the Labyrinth Walk quilt which is an optical illusion. I even bought fabric I didn't love because I didn't think I would ever actually finish it. Just not my style. I learned so much and just love it now. Don't know what I'll do with it but I'm finishing it for sure! You just never know....

[@TheSewingSwan]

Hi Karen🦋 I stopped to tell you that you have changed my quilting life 180 degrees! I tended to make things hard for myself seeking perfection and big ideas.. I would play your videos over and over through out the weeks and years since 2020 and just learned to think clearer and more realistic when it comes to my own quilting journey and skills. I had 21 finised tops in a closet none of then is real quilt yet until I decide to put a binding no matter what and add a backing no matter which and draw straight lines for quilting on my domestic machine or simply hand quilt😊 As a result I could see how I improve and sharpen my skills. I found things much easier than I thought just applying them! I finished ten quilts in a month some of them sat for 12 years waiting! I want to say I enjoy what you share you have changed my quilting mentality a big time. Thank you🪷 Nisreen, dubai.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗 Good for you Nisreen. I hope you are proud of yourself. 👏

[@TheSewingSwan]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts I am happy! quilting has become a real joy for me.

[@privateinfo1711]

I recently received an almost 70 year old quilt from my mother. I decided to restore the quilt, bought reproduction fabric and did a lot of work on it. Yesterday, i decided to quit - too much dry rot. I love the fabric and design of the quilt, so im going to make a new quilt with the same design and I bought more reproduction fabric .

[@barbaras5849]

Very helpful. I am going through a plethora of UFOs. Previously I have gotten rid of some that were started in a class, never intended to become a quilt. I learned the technique from the instructor and received value in improved skills. The fabric went back in my stash. Now I have more difficult decisions to make. Over time my tastes have changed and I would rather work on projects I enjoy now.

[@LeAnnRN]

Thank you for showing work getting done. It’s very satisfying to see after watching several pattern and fabric haul videos but not getting to see the finished products.

[@growingfromhome.]

I enjoyed this video a lot. I like that it was a bit longer and that it showed a lot of your thinking and sewing. I enjoy videos where we actually see you sew and manipulate fabric. Those monster eyes are so interesting, and I LOVE your decision to frame your Mary Fons blocks.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you so much!

[@MagicHeide]

I love your monster eyes Halloween quilt! I'm a Project Linus Coordinator and know so many kids who would love to receive that quilt if you finished and donated it! Thanks for another practical and inspiring video, Karen!

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

Glad you didn't give up on your friend's hidden quilt top!! So nice. You are a good friend to her to do that..also, love the monster quilt with all those eyes peering about!! (Is there a pattern to make the eyes for the monster quilt? I'm kinda obsessing on that now!?).

[@quiltycatlady108]

Oooh. The monster eyes is a great quilt. I picture it with some funny mouths and funky striped or dotty binding. Then I see a young boy using it-- all the time not just for Halloween. Please show us the finished project!

[@karmelsowers7834]

Thank you for the insights into your thought process. A year ago, our guild had a program called “Best Intentions”. Two quilters had rescued quilt blocks - some 60 years old - and they FINISHED the quilts. The idea of people finding all of my unfinished projects … scared the living daylights out of me. My UFOs are now neatly organized but I still have a long way to go before I can buy new fabric or patterns. Applying your decision making process to my 20+ project boxes - I may be able to cut my UFOs into a more manageable number.

[@PaperDiva67]

I think this may be one of my favorite videos that you have ever made! First I love thinking process videos, I find them fascinating, validating and informative. Second this topic needs some honest attention. Delving into the psychology of quilting is a good process as a first step towards problem solving. Lastly it’s very satisfying to see your countenance be lifted by both the unburdening of your conscience by saying I’m done with this and the joy you received by seeing the UFO closer to completion. Thanks 😊👍

[@bitspiecesquilting]

This was so insightful, Karen. Thanks for sharing your thought process. I generally don't have UFO's, but those that are out there, they haunt me sometimes. I'll have to give them some real thought, and maybe it is time to be honest with myself. Time to quit is a viable option!

[@jillholmberg9001]

Turning your Halloween blocks into a quilt, was such a good idea. It came out sooo cute!

[@suzisaintjames]

3:20 since you already have the layout and you are sick of the project instead of muscling through, set this up as a leader and ender quilt top. Work on something that brings you joy and sew two if these blocks together whenever you end a row of stitching. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@elenalanglois]

You are so well disciplined! My UFO pile does nothing but cause me angst. I’m going to go through it in the same way and start in 30-minute increments on the “hell yes!” projects. Thanks for this strategy!

[@judym3634]

I love hearing your thinking and how you ran through the process of making your decisions! Just what I needed. Thank you so much!

[@bethliebman8169]

Loved this video! I was following your process for deciding a Hell yes, or a got to go. BTW, I ordered your timer and have put it to good use on my to-do list. It is amazing how much I can accomplish in 30 minutes. Of course, in the grand scheme of things 30 minutes is not a long time and always feels do-able. Thank you for the gift of this idea and strategy. I also love how cute that timer is!

[@TourPace]

While in the spring of our life, we can never imagine having projects linger for decades. Then one day you are 52 years old and one of your fabric boxes has yardage for baby clothes you intended to sew for your now-24 year old. It really does happen that fast. I really need to go through this process and re-prioritize the remainder of my life.

[@susanlamb1484]

Must be the time for finishing projects. Just 9:15 completed a 20 yr old tapestry and framed and embroidered and crocheted the edge of a doily my mum had purchased pre decimal currency in australia so that’s pre 1966 and now finishing off an embroidery that I started 30 yrs ago, that will be 3 off the list. Phew🎉

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Wow…that must feel amazing

[@rhondagarden8878]

☕️ I LOVE drinking coffee in the morning and watching your videos! ❤ Again, THANK YOU for giving me permission to quit SOME things! 😂! But better, how to sort and decide which ones to bite the bullet and tackle!😂😂 On a personal note, I can tell you are losing weight! It's apparent when you are doing the head shots😊 Bravo!🎉

[@marveldonovan5425]

This video made me smile. Cleaning out a closet 2 weeks ago, I found a quilt top that needed quilting and blocks that needed joined to be a quilt top. Joined the blocks just in time for a baby quilt surprise. Finishing the other quilt top now. I didn’t spend a dime for the baby quilt, but had to buy batting and backing fabric for the larger one. However, I am really pleased with both. Thanks for the video.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Great job!

[@eileensecrest2185]

I love that Spooky Eyes quilt. Thank you for the tips on evaluating those UFOs. This is why I do not make scrap blocks. I make quilts so slowly that I cannot spend my time making a bunch of blocks that may end up serving no purpose.

[@poodlegirl55]

I had a quilt I never finished and decided it was really just an experiment in technique. I cut it up and turned it into big place mats that we have used for years. We love them and it made us realize all our old place mats were too small.

[@celiadonnelly255]

A ha. I am going to go back to my sewing room and ditch several more UFO,s. At this point, time is precious and I am still wanting to make a quilt for certain family members before I get called home.

[@curiositydrawsme9180]

I’m echoing what others have said already, but I loved seeing you move through these projects in such a methodical way! It was inspiring to think about letting go of some of my own unfinished projects towards which I don’t feel a “hell yes!”, but inspiring, too, to see the way you added in a pomodoro-method racing-the-clock incentive to focus and see what could be accomplished in just 30 minutes. I liked that your moving a project from a “time-to-quit” into enthusiasm was just as welcome an outcome as letting a project go; I liked that movement was the goal. Thanks so much for this very relatable and inspiring video!

[@s.s.2875]

Ahhh! I absolutely love the framing idea! (And that story made me laugh out loud -- only because I could really relate!) Wonder ideas, enjoyable video -- as usual! Thanks so much, Karen. Really enjoy your channel.

[@TiaraHelen]

So important to know when to quit! With your halloween quilt I think I would have removed the applique already done and used the quilt as a dog blanket! Also Bravo for cutting down the old quilt - lateral thinking for a win-win!

[@lauriepayseur5897]

This was so satisfying to watch in my break! Yes please do more of these reimagined ufos❤

[@curiositydrawsme9180]

I’ve passed this along to two other friends so far. It’s so good.

[@nancyandritsch8370]

I just love all your help!! Don't we all need permission to just say No More sometimes??

[@megharmon2298]

Great video, gives me courage to keep paring down stuff I don't really like or need. My room is only so big and is shared with 2 large dog crates which I disguise by putting a table on bed risers over the top. The top of the dog crates then become storage for mats etc when I am using top for sandwiching. A win! I organized my fabric by color ( I do not precut anymore) in the drawer bins and I have 2 Arrow tables with drop downs to fit my machines. I have now only 2 machines. One for travel which is small an one with large space for free motion. It all works pretty well for me now. The clothes closet is very utilitarian for storing my books, notions, batting and planned projects in boxes and yes those projects are the ones I actually want to do. So all is better! Thsnks for all your inspirational declutteting videos. They have been valuable to me!

[@cherylsmith3002]

This is a great process for MANY projects we take on. I just finished a uilt top, and I'm debating what I want for the backing. Before I jump right into my next quilt project, I'm going to get out my timer and go through the pile of mending and items I set aside for alterations and see if they're all worth my time and energy. Thank you for continuing to inspire us to challenge ourselves.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I often look for the project that takes up the most space 😎

[@deborahpierce1504]

Oooo. I found some quilt pieces my grandmother made. All handmade and not the prettiest material. I would dare say these pieces are 75 years old. Not nearly enough to put in a quilt but I surely can frame some of it!!

[@razzmatazz1974]

Great idea to asses UFOs. I have many in different techniques, embroidery, crochet, knitting, and im a beginner quilter, so i dont have that much time. i guess its time is use my upcoming vacations to do this and declutter, and redirect my energy to project that i really want to finish

[@svetlanabarshtein1783]

The best teacher ❤ ! With knowlage, beautiful taste, fun and inspiration ! Thank you Karen ! All the best to you !

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you! 😃

[@makeitjoyful]

Your videos are so well done, and I always learn a lot. I sew garments, but I am working on finishing my first quilt. However, I love your videos so much that I watch them, even though I am not a quilter. You have such a practical and calming approach. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and personality with us!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I watch a shipwright for inspiration. It interesting what we can glean from other crafts

[@sandraengstrand2784]

Love this video! The monster eyes are just soooo cute!! 🧵🪡✂️💕🤣

[@helenhershtjader5759]

Wonderful video - ‘hell yes!’ Been working the last four or five years through my mom’s stash and left over projects. Have finished up so many with her creative input. It’s been a gift for us. It has been helpful to me to work through this process in stages. There were some immediate fabrics that weren’t my style and had no project - those were donated or sold. Working in stages has made the choices more obvious and less emotional for me. Been able to avoid regrets and to come away with some precious successes. Have mixed in working on my own projects so they are not deferred too long. I have learned many new quilting skills. Sorting and making these decisions in the way you describe is another invaluable skill for quilters!

[@karenw8481]

I did this for my girl friend. He mom had died and left several unfinished quilt projects. One was half hand-quilted double quilt with two damaged blocks. I easily replaced the damaged blocks, but she had some funky area where the pillows would go, so I cut that off and made a border for that side to match the rest of the quilt making it a square quilt. I was able to finish hand lap-quilting it at night. It helped me improve my hand quilting skills.

[@Cheeseburge40718]

This is one of my favorites of your videos. I have watched it 3-4 times now. Thank you as always for sharing!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I might have a new list soon 😂

[@TartantazCreates]

Hello from Scotland. I really enjoyed this video. I have been inspired to take a look at my UFOs, unfortunately I had the urge to look at 4.30am when I woke up and could not get to sleep again lol I am not an experienced quilter. I have only completed one quilt but I have two I have not finished. My sticking point is I found it hard work to quilt on my domestic sewing machine. To cut a long story short I have procrastinated completing the quilt top as I was not even sure I could actually get it fully completed. I refuse to pay for a long arm quilter to finish my quilt. I do not have that kind of money. So I decided I am going to find a way for me to complete the actual quilting part, even if I have to hand quilt it. So thanks for the kick into gear to complete my unfinished quilts T x

[@sandysfavorites]

I've also found orphan blocks sometimes work great as quilt labels.

[@rosiewesterhold9340]

I have been “excavating” in my studio for the past 6 weeks or so. I haven’t actually set my timer, but I try to finish a pile or an area before I move on. My “reward” is getting to piece on one of my projects. I have music on all the time when I’m in my studio, and I dance when a good song comes on. As I am dancing around my studio, I may notice something that needs attention. As soon as the song ends, I go back to what caught my eye, and take care of it before I forget what I was going to do with it. So far, it has worked great for me👍👍. I’ve got a lot of piecing done, I’ve gotten lots of steps,and I’m SLOWLY getting through NUMEROUS things that have been on my cutting table for a very, very long time🙌🙌!! I’m not done, but I can see forward progress. Not much, but some. Your videos always encourage me to “ just get it done.” I so appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. I hope you keep doing them into the future👍👍👍!!

[@vicki8042]

LOL I got such joy out of your laugh when you said the clamshell ruler was a covid purchase. I so get it! Love the framing idea.

[@sharonzotoff3975]

Blocks I'm not fond of, blocks that are wonky or pieces like your "life is good" that I don't see a project for I have worked into the backings of quilts and wall hangings. They challenge me to find a happy placement and make the backings super interesting.

[@debng3210]

This was interesting to see your process and how re-imagining some projects resulted in rewarding project completions, and others were able to be put up for adoption with no regrets. A lot of us have projects like these where we feel little connection to them any longer, and it can be satisfying to get them done or move them on!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Very true