Hi Cathy. I have been watching and enjoying your videos for a few months now. I have also been binging your older videos. I only have one problem with them, you pick such great patterns, I now have added about four of the quilts you’ve made to my “to make” list. Just tonight I saw your Nine Patch TATW quilt and finally figured out how it was constructed. Added to my list. I purchased the Utility Style Quilts (?) book and it has inspired several more quilts. I am now haunting thrift stores looking for linen shirts to make my version of the Comfort Quilt. I just completed a scrappy string quilt and my husband threatened to remove my sewing chair from my sewing room until I have quilted (I have a longarm) all 10 or so of the completed quilt tops that I have made. After my longarm gets serviced and cleaned on Thursday, guess what I’ll be doing. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how much you inspire me.
I think this is like making lists. When I feel overwhelmed with my work, making a list makes me feel organized. I recently started cross stitch in addition to quilting - like so many quilters. Flosstube stitchers use project bags that they make or buy to keep all their projects separated. I have started making project bags to store my cross stitch projects as I begin to accumulate more and more WIPs. For quilting, this year I bought some plastic trays in various sizes (not my favorite material but they do the job inexpensively) and, similar to your baggies and laundry basket system, separated out all my quilting WIPs.
Previously I worked on one quilt, start to finish. I realized that process was boring to me. Expanding my projects gives me the flexibility to work on what brings me joy on any particular day. Loving my quilting time much more!!!
I agree. What I really like (but it’s tricky to get it together) is to have one something in each step-cutting, piecing, quilting, binding-so that at any given time if I don’t feel like doing a particular step, I can work on something else and still be accomplishing something! 😊👍🏻
I love how so real you are in your videos. So many of us can relate exactly with what you say and do. When does a WIP become a DNR (do not resuscitate/finish)? I still haven't finished my very first pieced quilt, a 42" square, string quilt, blocks sewn on muslin foundation squares, that I made 24 years ago. It still needs binding. It sits on my sewing shelf, and I see it every day. At some point, I decided to keep it unfinished and to give it space on my shelf because it represents how far I have come in my skill set and mind set. I recently finished a quilt for a neighbor that she started 35 years ago. She hand-pieced 24, 12.5" sampler blocks and then got stuck. I accepted her blocks, found a matching fabric for sashing and finished the quilt for her. Even though it was DNR to her, she kept the blocks for all those years. Now it is something she loves and can say she did.
When you teach quilting, wips really don't count. Consider them demos. I like having a quilt in each stage. One in planning, one you gather fabric, etc. You are doing great. Don't panic...you work fulltime too. I found 1.99 grocery totes at a pharmacy chain that are smaller to fit my bagged projects to help get me organized too. I love this episode. I can relate. You are amazing.
You never know when you might want to use them again for an in person class? Teacher have lots of those. My husband taught wood carving and has little figures of fishermen in each stage.
You are such a tease, mentioning the secret quilts and making us wonder. I love that you have identified unfinished projects are holding space in our heads. I knew they were present in my mind but hadn't thought about them holding space. I find that idea helpful to motivate myself to complete projects. I have a lot of projects I want to do that are also holding space.
Dakin, yes! But a secret-yet-to-be-revealed is mighty fun to consider, isn't it?! And you know I can't keep a secret for very long! 😂 I'm so glad that this was a helpful reminder and motivator for you! ❤️
Block swaps! You send those 2 or 4 oddball blocks you made to a quilty friend and you challenge them to add some pieces or parts to start building a quilt..maybe make the goal a lap quilt for the hospital chemo or dialysis treatment room, or a baby quilt to gift the nearby foster care office. It's a way to use up scraps and be extra creative, and best: collaborate in joy!!
I always a have 6 to 8 quilts in various stages. So I can chose which to work on depending on my time restraints, mood, and complexity of design. It keeps my creativity going so that I do not get the 'burn out' feeling.
Got to tell you started watching this video and started looking around all my work in progress and looking around it all my stash of fabric and looking at around at oh my gosh what’s holding space in my brain and home. Thank you for this video. Thank you for putting yourself out there. Thank you for reminding me that I’m not being chased by a bear. Thank you for reminding me how to breathe in the box. ❤
Blizzard block idea, border the whole block w background material, then make L shaped corners w your HST’s, then a border of complimentary plaid shirt or other material & make it a baby blanket to have on hand if you need a shower gift, or even a throw size.
We quilters just HAVE to have many WIPS! It just seems like the thing to do. It’s because we have sooo many things we want to make and have limited time. Or sometimes it’s because we get tired of the thing we’re working on and take a break by working on something else! I have about 28 projects or more on my list!!!! Last year I made myself take my oldest WIPS and finish them before starting any new ones. That was a good feeling.
Gurl, these (WIPS) challenges sound like my dilemma with chipmunks and the ground hog who ate my wintered over Brussel sprouts. Game on ! Ohh, the drama 😢, and the chipmunks are forever making me jump with surprise as they run about w hen I'm puttering in the garden. I had a face to face with the ground hog, and he seems to have relocated, but chippie and friends continue to visit. Their antics sometimes causing me to plan a new scene from some movie. Lol., but in the scheme of things, these creatures provide immense entertainment and distraction far more interesting than real world problems. I've learned to embrace the challenges. Wips are like chipmunks if they were to move, or my Wips were all to be completed, what would I have to challenge my creativity? Long live the endless Wips !😊
I have 8 quilt tops and 8 to put together. I could be sewing clothes instead but I’d rather make quilts. It’s a sickness I think. I don’t smoke or drink, but I buy fabric. That’s better for me, right?
Boy do I have a lot ti say...Lol. First of all you are allowed to give yourself grace on how many WIPS you have. Secondly most crafters of any kind rarely are monogomous creators. They have many projects going at the same time. Which I am definitely one of those types. Many creators get bored working on one project until completion. I feel some projects inspire another project, which I am sure you know all about that! 😁 Organization is important but do not put a number on something to make you feel bad. It's like birthdays...I never understood people getting upset about turning a certain age. It's all a state of mind. So please give yourself some grace and know that that's your creative spirit that you have prijects in the works. You will get there when you get there! ❤️❤️👍
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability! I adore your channel because you are so honest and you make me laugh. I don’t know the “behind the scenes” of your life, but you so honestly share with me your struggles, and that means the world to me. I, too, can get myself organized and move forward! Thank you!
You're welcome! ❤️ I think it's helpful (too) to have someone open up and share struggles--it's the "I'm not alone" feeling that is so helpful for me! That's why I share/talk about my thoughts and feelings, hoping that it will help others! 🤓😘
How funny that I also decided to organize my ongoing projects in gallon zipped bags recently. There’s a bit of a baby boom going on around me, and I’ve got five quilts to keep track of. I’ve learned that pretty storage isn’t the same as useful storage, and somehow zipped bags (and wet cat food boxes) are my ideal system. Great minds must think alike!
Oh man I love those plaid blocks!! Don’t feel guilty about having WIPS. Enjoy the journey, at least we’re doing something! You sound a lot like me. Are you kind of a perfectionist? I’m here for you sister! 😀😊
Cathy, I think I have that many WIP'S going with my knitting, and just a handful of sewing bits and bobs left to do before I can actually start on my quilt plans! I don't see it as a problem. It's just a creative at work doing what we do best....being creative! Getting it organised is a good idea. I like to do that and it does make you feel better. I like to keep a notebook too. I'm itching to see what is going to happen with the red and biege linens, especially since we both want to make a red quilt! ♥
It definitely IS part of being creative---but also a double-edged sword (at least for me!) Getting organized has made me feel more calm and less overwhelmed---which translates to happier, more joyful making! ❤️
I’m with you quilty sister! I have nine WIPS and fabric bundles for about six more quilts. And the lovely Penelope Handmade is starting a quilt along soon that I want to join! So ten WIPS will be a nice round number 😂
Yes! I've used a combination of zipper bags and 12 x 12 scrap paper boxes to wrangle my WHIPS. All contained in a recycled paper boxes. Thanks for championing use what you have to bring order. Love you channel
I am the same way with organization. If I am disorganized while trying to work, I am stressed. I live in a small 600 sq ft apt, so disorder creates chaos. I had a floor to ceiling sewing cupboard built into an alcove and it was lifesaving. My “sewing room” is my dining table in between the open kitchen/living room. I keep my working projects in small bins with everything needed for it. The rest I keep in bags in a box in my bedroom, much like you are doing. I live living small, but it takes constant purging/ reorganizing.
What a great discussion.. Thank you. I totally relate when you refer to the space things, including our beloved craft, take up in our lives and can sometimes sabotage our sense of self and well being. I do believe this video can be cross referenced on TedTalks. I bet all your followers also are fans of Kate, Karen, and Megan. You are all truly a cut above the rest-pun intended.
The zip bags have been my storage solution as well! The additional reason I like them is that the bags are transparent and it helps me to quickly browse see what’s inside: Making it easier to asses if I want to work on a project or not. I noticed if it’s boxed boxed away invisibly I forget about is tooo much, and then my inspiration continues to make new WIP’s. (Storing them Mari Kondo style also helps in the visibility but still have them out of my mind.)
Wips aren't for wimps lol I hear you on loving piecing, not so much quilting...still have the first quilt I pieced over 2 decades ago (bedspread oversized king TATW) sitting in a box to longarm...only 2 yrs of experience on my LA, so terrified of "messing it up"...add to that about 30+ other flimzies in line to E2E (or whatever my skill level builds to) Your overwhemedness is felt by many lol It's the curse of overcreativeness...or blessing...read about a great granddaughter quilting the work of her ancestor, generations later... Make peace with making piece(s) 💙💚💛🧡💜 It's all part of the journey...
It is so funny. I remember when I started quilting and would start and finish before starting a new project. Of course, that never lasts. I have probably more WIPs than you do. I love your basket. I am a full-time worker,part-time quilter too so I totally get the ‘taking up space’ and appreciate your taking time to share your thoughts on this topic. I share our office (hubby and I both work from home with our own desk spaces) with my quilting. Whew, so much to do, so little space to organize.
Shared space + double duty as a sewing area? Whew! That would make me crazy! (depends on the size of the space, I guess, though!) It is funny/crazy how quickly we go from "I will finish this one and then start the next" to 10+ quilt projects at one time! 😳🤓🤪
Years ago, I learned (to accept) that I am a "process crafter" My crafting is more about the process than it is about a completed project. Once I've learned the technique, the finishing up becomes a chore. Understanding that about myself helps me "tolerate" many wips, and a bit of direction to motivate myself to complete - or move on from - a project.
See I am a finisher, which is why having wips lying around stresses me out. It’s important to understand what gives you joy and work with that. As a finisher I often choose shorter or at least quicker projects, so I can get to that finish sooner!
Hi Cathy I can soooo identify with you. I used to do one project at a time. Keep the leftovers and move on to the next one. This can bring it's problems as I had about 20 years of scraps to deal with. So I got a sizzix and spent days cutting them into applecore pieces and others. After making an applecore quilt I gave myself permission to give the rest away. Still I managed to paralyze myself by taking on more and more quilts and becoming overwhelmed. It lasted 18 months!!! I have had to learn to say no. Still this post is very empowering. Going to give it a go. My house is taken over with my sewing resources. Spare room, dining room, lounge, my own bedroom and yes even the garage. Think I just plain have to stop buying material.!!!! 😂 Love from Pat nz
It is surprising how quickly it can get away from us! And yes, buying fabric is a major offender for most of us! 😳 But, the idea that getting it under control is actually freeing because then you can sort what you want to actually work on and maybe even finish vs. the projects that are just taking up space! 🤓
Sometimes you have to stop what you're doing to make a new project so you won't forget the idea. That's what happened to me when I watched pin cut sew and her tutorial on making quilted oversized hot pads for 9x13 casserole dishes. I knew they'd be great gifts so I stopped a quilt almost finished to make one from a group of orphaned blocks so I wouldn't forget the idea. And the change of project helped with my sewjo at the end of a long quilt project, too.
Thank you for sharing this.i think we all have some, just waiting for us to have the time. Most of us are still doing the 40 + hours. I also spend time with my grandson. My wonderful grandson. He comes before everything else with pleasure. My ill husband, my ill brother in law, so m y life stops to care for the men in my life. Then I find time to quilt. And yes I have WIPS, because I loose concentration on some too! Have a great day! Love your videos ❤
Thank you, Laura! ❤ I think that is the experience of many, many women in the world: working, caretaking, and then finding time in bits and pieces to do the things we love that put back in for us and allow us to start it all over again the next day! ❤😊🥰
I had done what you did back in December putting my unfinished projects in baggies but I went a step further. I made a list and numbered them. When I went to work in my room I’d ask my family “pick a number” (yelling down the hallway)😂 they would and that’s what I worked on. I’d like to say it helped give me a little peace of mind but I didn’t finish much and found I still had some 50 projects in various stages. I waited 3 months then re-evaluated them and was Harder on myself and donated 45 different projects and chose my top 5 asking will I want this finished quilt and will actually use it or have a home for it? I’m thrilled to have passed along some wonderful tops, blocks and sets of patterns with half made blocks to another quilter all the while raising money for my textile museum who will sell them super cheap and give another quilter a boost …and a thrill of discovering a bargain. Releasing my burden of finishing them.
I love this phrase, "Releasing my burden of finishing them"---it can definitely be a burden and it seems like real emotional/mental health to be able to let them go! Good for you and what a great example to the rest of us that not all projects have to be finished!! 🤩❤️🥰
Congratulations!! The more the better! I either have no projects, or twenty, whenever I'm creating. They usually get done--or not--or maybe turned into something else later. It's the way of the Universe! ❤❤ Organization is key.
Oh my, inventory taking up space. I'm certainly familiar with too many WIPS! 🙄 You spurred me to take count. I have a minimum of seven flimsy and four other projects. Two of which are my first practice squares from many years ago! I, too, love the piecing, but the quilting sometimes takes me to the valley of indecision!😊✂️🪡🧵
Thank you. I too need order. I have to clean down my work area at the end of a stage of a project before I can attack the next part. Holding space for too many things leads to sleepless nights I find, so tidying up/creating order is good for my mental health
Yes!! Me too! And nurturing my mental health is as important as doing the things I enjoy-when it comes together I’m more happy, more relaxed, and more fulfilled. ❤️🥰🤓
Yes!! At the start I was saying to you “why do you beat yourself up or feel bad that you have different projects on the go?” Lol. I think it’s great to be creative and don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing to have multiple things you’re working on and can switch things up. Especially that you work full time…I think you are doing amazing!! I have so many different things I want to make the difference is, you are actually making them! Lol. Always love your videos and the things that you share!! 🥰👏🏻👌🏻
Thank you, Charity! 🥰❤️ You know what "they" say, "we are our own worst critics!" But I do appreciate the vote of confidence and support--I really do appreciate it!
Thank you so much for your video today - it is so nice to know others find themselves working through the same mental kerfuffles. I have found when I organize the projects I have on the go it helps to attach a note of what the next steps are with that project. I used to do that on Friday before I left work. I would take the blizzard of paper on my desk, sort it all into project piles and wack an elastic around each pile. Then I'd identify the actions required, attach that list under the elastic and stack the projects in order of priority. This way... when I arrived at work on Monday I knew where to start. It works in my quilting area too in that once I've gone through everything (as you showed in your video today) and have a grip of what awaits my sewing machine I attach a note identifying the steps necessary to complete so I can pick up the project I have the time and/or the inclination to work on. I'm also a BIG fan of highlighting the steps I've completed - not crossing them off. Highlighting seems to celebrate the progress.
"stacked on top of each other, loose!" Yes! I really get that. It is amazing how bringing order to my sewing space motivates me to actually sew or plan or cut in that space :)
Oh my gosh Cathy, this could not have come at a better time! I only work at the dining room table, and have (had) a small amount of storage, and my WIPs/stash was becoming unmanageable! I actually purchased the drawer set, and bagged up my projects. Just doing this "brain dump" has made me feel so much better, I know exactly where I am now. I also listed them in my quilting notebook, and numbered them in order of priority, and I numbered the bags too, so its all tied up - what a difference that has made! Thank you for another great video. As an aside, I have just completed the Sunday Morning quilt out of my husbands old shirts. I bought the book on your recommendation, it is a perfect quilt for shirts, and was so much fun to make, please keep those book ideas coming!!
How wonderful, Sue! 🤩❤️ You sound just like me---getting the projects out of my head and organized in my sewing area has made a huge impact for me, too! So glad you're enjoying the book--it's such a great one! 🥰
I lost count of my flimsies! I finished 16 WIPs in July, then started a new huge project. Finished that to flimsy stage and now working with my leftovers. My goal was to complete a WIP each month, but I started a new job. BTW, I’m in HSV 🚀and went to AU! 🧡💙
War Eagle! And yay for being in Alabama! 💙🧡 16 in one month-wow!! 🤩 Life definitely takes over sometimes and that has been the case for me, too, but now I’m ready to get some stuff done!! 😊🤓👍🏻
I really appreciate you sharing about needing permission to release yourself from your own expectations. In sharing that, you have given me permission also and I have so many sewing, craft, and other projects in the so-called pipeline that I feel overwhelmed and even anxious at times. It will be very freeing to put several (or more!) aside and focus on what is currently important or inspiring me.
Oh Kaytie, I’m so glad! Sometimes we just need someone else to say, “why don’t you just put that one away for a bit?” I’m happy that I could do that for you, like my friend Jennifer did for me. ❤️🥰
@@TheCatBirdQuilts l really enjoy your videos. I do some quilting but am an avid thrifter for fabric to upcycle. I love listening to you talk! I'm from Australia. Thank you for being real and sharing the challenges as much as the fun stuff.
8 sounds wonderful!! Love your channel! I am on finishing mode of at least 24!!! Thing is, Quilting uses a plethora of colours, and when the colour mode changes, it leaves a few Unfinished. And that’s my story.
Love the mental health aspect of this video. Decision fatigue and anxiety can be debilitating. Finding solace (and order) in our maker activities has such a positive influence on MH. This is one of a hundred reasons why getting a grip is important. A thought about the bags … put a date on them. This way (possibly) at some point, you can permanently set aside the make. It is ok. There is always going to be more inspiration than available time. This is a very sad Law of Physics. 😞
Oh my goodness, Mary Ellen--you are SO right! And what a great idea about dating the bags! You smart girl! ;) As for Physics---I don't like this particular Law! (but maybe with providence, I'll live long and be able to make many many quilts in my future as well as my present!
I am a methodical quilter. I cannot go forward with a project until the previous one is finished. I may have the fabric for the next project or two, but I cannot bring myself to start one before the one I am working on is done. For me, having multiple projects going is stressful. I think this is a result of moving many many times as a kid as well as not having any dedicated space for me to work. I have to wait until I have a kiddo fly the nest. So this is what works for me. You inspire me though to keep plogging along. I have sooo many ideas as I find the act of planning and quilting to be an art. I used to oil paint, but again, not having a space makes that difficult. So quilting has become for me my artistic outlet. Thank you, thank you for your enthusiasm and to show different methods of organization. “Order is joy” could become a wall hanging….
I think having dedicated space (even if it's small) makes a huge difference! No matter what the art or craft is---it's hard to nurture multiple projects when there is nowhere to put ones in progress! and YES---I need to get an "Order is joy" wall hanging or print or something!
I dare not count my WIPS😅. I'll continue to declutter my house and esp the dining room come sewing room! Well done on your organising. Those baggies work a treat. 😊
Having multiple projects in progress means you are REALLY a quilter! (Not that you weren’t already). But I have had trouble moving forward lately because I have 4 baby quilts going at once (3 of which are very similar which is very much unlike me). But I have 12 or 13 WIPS. You are doing great!
I have so many quilting WIPs that I don't even count them! From pieces to completed tops. But somehow, with my crochet projects, I can keep to under 5 😅.
Are any of the 8 quilts the graduation quilt for your younger daughter that you mentioned last week? I really support listening to Jennifer. She is a TRUE FRIEND who understands your mind and personality. She can ease your mind and help you take away the anxiety. Don't feel bad about your quilt WIPS. I have a project that has been in time out for approximately 10 years. I got confused by the pattern and shoved it in a closet. Maybe next year is the year I tackle it. I am retiring at the end of the school year and I anticipate free time.
Beth, unfortunately no! Lol. I probably won't start her quilt until May. We told her that her quilt (just like her sister's) will be ready when she needs it---and in Alabama that's November! ;)
🥰 nice way to organize "PIGS" (projects in grocery bags) 🤣😂; the reality of feeding our creativity with inspiration that out paces our time to complete projects. Thanks for sharing all of your beautiful ideas, & looking forward to the surprises ☺
I got a bunch of photo boxes at a local hobby store and have fabric for 1-2 quilt tops in each one and a label on each box describing which quilt it is. And then they're stacked on shelves. It really looks good and orderly. I just hope I get to them before I go kaput. 🤭
6 WIPS is about all I can handle. That includes, watercolor, Boro stitching, and quilting. But organization is for sure a key to success. Can't wait to see what hits your "Get It Done Now" moment...that's my panic mode of action LOL!!
I definitely have that panic mode of action, too! I have 2 long seams left on my 9-patch Trip Around the World….this weekend that was the “get it done” one!! 🤓👍🏻
Yes, your comment and term of 'holding space' goes so much further for me than just wips! It can be related to many other facets of life and that is a work in progress. When you were counting your wips - do not forget your child #2 graduation quilt. Not sure if you started it yet but I do believe you picked up some fabric at one of your shirt hauls for just that. PS: just today I received my used copy of Sunday Morning Quilts - now I can make some more wips ! Thank you, Cathy and Paul ❤
Thank you, Mary Beth! And no, it does not include the graduation quilt! Maybe I can finish one before I start that one and keep it at 8! LOL! I cannot wait for you to dig into Sunday Morning Quilts...it is a treasure!
Yes to the plastic bags! My husband knows that when something comes in the house in a large plastic bag (so many things get wrapped before shipping this way) he saves the bag for me. I use so many! If they don't zip, then I just put a small piece of tape on the end to keep them closed.
Don't feel bad!! I have 4 quilts WIP's - oh no actually 5 with my EPP! and 3 "other" projects - plus cut materials for 8 test blocks lol I have a closet in my sewing room (it doubles as a guest room) and in there I hung a Hanging fabric closet shelf - it has 6 cubbies 4 are for the WIP quilts (because they take up so much room) and the last two are for other projects. I like to use the plastic bags with zippers you get when you buy sheet sets/table cloths etc. for storing my WIP's so dust doesn't get in there. It just makes it easy to pull one out when wanting to work on them. And I had to add a small tote/box for my 2 1/2 inch blue/green squares for another! WIP because I figured if I starch and cut 10 of each new shirt for that project as I get shirts in, the project itself won't be so overwhelming.. but who knows lol I also still haven't finished the FIRST quilt I started. I went straight to #2 then #3, etc. and now I'm back to #1 because it deserves to be finished :) I think as long as it's organized in a way that suits YOU it's all good!
I agree---organization is so personal and each of us has to find what works for us! Also, LOVE the starching and cutting squares from new shirts as you get them---I think that is super smart and will surely help the project feel less overwhelming! 🤓👍🏻
@@TheCatBirdQuilts I hope it will, even if I have decided to complicate the pattern with sashing each little square.. maybe lol but I have 2 other quilts to finish first so I might change my mind :)
It’s not just you. I have one quilt I’m working on, another finished top I need to quilt, blocks for two more that I need to put together, and the primary fabric and patterns for nine more quilts. It’s overwhelming, and I’ve decided not to buy any more fabric until I make some really good progress. I keep veering toward new projects anyway though…
I have discovered that when I do the "I won't do this until I finish that" it puts pressure on me to finish which steals my joy! But I agree with the theory that having a carrot for finishing can be a great motivator!
Oh Cathy you are genuinely amazing! This is a great topic to bring up for newish quilters. Get on top of your WIPs or UFOs now while you can! Those UnFinished Objects take up room in your sewing space and your head that you need for more creativity. I've been quilting for over 20 years. I have purged my quilting space and have gotten the mess down considerably a couple of years ago. I got a 5x5 Ikea Kallax cube system and told myself, and the mouse in my pocket, that "We are only going to use this space to hold all of our quilting/sewing supplies." The WIPs did not behave in my new system. I counted all of them up this past January and found I had over 25 after purging the ones I was no longer interested in! I did the same as you where I put them all in zip bags and have them all contained but they are taking up so much space! Those bins people use are nice but I'm hoping to knock the them out, not have a bin to refill with another project. I am hoping to get them into the single digits, then see if they fit in my storage system. I'm tackling them now before I start any more projects, except gathering purple & low volume shirts for a shirt quilt. They are screaming at me to get them done and I want to but my bandwidth is low right now. I plan on working on them throughout the year. I've actually finished 2 quilts, lap & baby sized, and a couple of small projects since then and hope to complete at least a couple a month. Then when I see a new quilt I want to make I'll have the physical and mental space to make it in a timely manner. Sorry for the long post. Y'all have a great week and give the mouse in your pocket a treat 😉 - Michelle
Michelle, that mouse needs a treat as much as he and I have been videoing as of late! 😂😘 Please don't apologize for the long comment---after all, I am the person who has deemed her personal hashtag #Ihavealottosay 😂😱🤩 I was happy to read about your quilting storage tale of woe as well as celebrate your progress! There's just something about digging down and finishing up a project that is really rewarding; I have to *really* work to admit that sometimes I need to let projects go. Finding that balance is so tough!! Hope you're week is great too! 😘🤓🥰
Great video as always! ❤ I have 3 WIPs. One is for Easter and it's in my plastic project tote from Michael's. The other 2 are quilts that I have gathered clothes to cut up. I have the clothes washed, folded and stored in large tote bags. I carry those to the couch when I have time to cut. As I cut them, I put the fabric pieces into 2.5 gallon zip bags I found at Dollar Tree. You get 6 for $1.25. Then they go into a large cardboard box in my sewing room which I think I will now cover with fabric and add wheels to. 😁
"which I think I will now cover with fabric and add wheels to"---I laughed! But I also approve! ❤️ I think 3-5 is a much more manageable number (for me)(also a goal) but until then, I'm just gonna be over here, chipping away at my 13 projects! 😂 Thanks for the tip about 2.5-gallon bags at Dollar Tree---I could definitely use some bigger ones! 🤓👍🏻
I’ve got lots of WIPs too 🤣🤣 and I’ve tried to pack each of them separately so I can just pick up and start 👍 I’ve learned that if I don’t do that then fabric gets used up for other projects and I can’t finish the WIP because I can’t match the background 😢 Very frustrating 😬 I’m in the middle of completing a Kaffe Fasset quilt at the moment and fortunately all the fabric I need is still together 🎉 I’m loving it 😊 We had Mothering Sunday at the weekend and I asked my sons for quilt books instead of flowers 🎉🎉 I asked one son for Sunday Morning Quilts - the one that you regularly recommend 🥰 It’s fabulous!! And my other son bought me Every Last Piece - and I love it too 🥰 I’m going to have far more WIPs soon as I’ve seen SO MANY projects that I want to start 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the inspiration Cathy and good luck with your WIPs 👍 Can’t wait to see what you have in store to inspire us next 👏👏🇬🇧
Oh I bet you Kaffe Fasset quilt is beautiful!😍 And I agree, if we don’t keep our WIP’s separate with their respective fabrics, then that fabric ends up getting used! 😱 So glad you love the Sunday Morning Quilts book-I just keep coming back to it because it’s SO GOOD!! 🤩😊😍
Ii get excited about the quilt l decided to make so l work on it until it's completely done 🎉That doesn't mean lm not already thinking and planning about the next one. I've only ever had one quilt top that l kept unfinished for a few years because l had no one to giveit to...until a baby shower a few weeks ago.l had it in a bag with everything to finish so was easy 😂 l do sometimes keep fabric l love that lm not ready to cut into yet..( l bought it while on holiday 8 years ago!!!) When l finish the retirement quilt for my BOL that lm working on right now (ready for quilting) l plan on tackling that space keeper.M y basement sewing room is less than lovely but l was recently reminded by a friend as we were working on costumes for a kids' play, how fortunate l am to have this space to work in! We need to change our perspective time some times.❤
Giselle, I think that's so great that you start and finish a quilt before starting the next one (although as you said, thinking and planning about the next one is starting without actually starting!) And I wholeheartedly agree--I know *I* need a perspective change sometimes to help me get out of my own head!!
I just recently got my wips organized after moving to a new house. I then prioritized them and put them into groups of 5. Then I work away at the group of 5 at the top of my list, post them on my wall and scratch them off as I go. It doesn’t feel so overwhelming to me now and I can rotate through the five as I feel until I get them completed. My count right now since the new year is 2 completed, 3 on the go.. the next 5 waiting on the wings… and one mystery quilt in progress through my local guild in between. I also work full time, so I feel your pain!! Haha!
Oh my! Yes this has helped so much. I have gallon bags and more gallon bags. Because I have forgotten what that fabric was for, I now put the pattern with it. Great reminder for me. And the new pizza boxes that I purchased, came in so handy as I was cleaning. I could lay the blocks out as I sewed them and was easy to transport to sewing classes.
I ended up with an extra pizza box from Mod Pizza. My family didn’t have as many leftovers as we thought. Rather than throw away the clean pizza box, I brought it home and it’s in my sewing room. Every now and then, someone will comment on the pizza box. I just tell the the story and say it’s the perfect size for blocks. My husband said we should go back for more. Let’s not get carried away.
@gina8330 pizza boxes have been my go to organizing style for years. I put painters tape on the front to say what's inside and they stack so well. Great minds think alike.
Great topic and so true, feeling out of control, stops you from even getting started. I quilt, cross stitch, knit, crochet have gotten into wool appliqué and embroidery. My son moved out about a year ago and I’m finally taking over his room. It is taking me quite awhile, because not having a dedicated room, things have been squirreled all over the place. I still have a long way to go, but just the act of getting started and seeing progress feels good. P.S. if 8 projects stresses you out, don’t go over to Flosstube videos, some have between 50-100 wips. I have so many between all my crafts, this year I want it to be about finishing.
Not to add to your WIPs, but when you pulled out that purple plaid blizzard block that you and Jennifer put together, it looks so beautiful in your living room with that blue sofa in the background. I think it reads blue with a little bit of purple in it. Whichever way you decide to go, quilt or pillows, it will be beautiful. I so relate to your college study clean up behavior - I did the same thing!
I thought that same thing when I watched the video edit---that blue in the purple block is so close to the color of my couch! Great minds think alike! 🤓❤️
I'm grew up in Wisconsin, so I think of a lot of WIPs as a "logjam", too many quilt coming down the river and jamming up my sewing room. I managed to move two long term projects out of the river (finished) last week and it made a huge difference. Now my design board is ready for another WIP.
I LOVE this visual! Thank you for a wonderful analogy and visual image for my projects (and my brain!) So happy for you that you got a couple of logs out of the river and now more logs can move on down!! 🥰❤️
Im new here and am enjoying your content! I’m also an Alabama girl! I have no less than 15 quilts in various phases of completion. I get bored/frustrated easily so I have to have other options to work on when I hit a roadblock or get bored with a project. Thankfully they don’t overwhelm me! I’m excited to start thrifting for shirts and add another project to my list!😂😂
Well hi, Kaylene! ❤️ Always glad to have another Alabama girl along for the ride with me! 😘 I'm excited for you to start thrifting for shirts---you're gonna be surprised at how fun it is, and how addictive!!
I have projects that I started and expected would be “long-term” in the works. I am good with this decision. I have those projects that I want to piece sooner than later close to my sewing machine area. That works well for me too. I have started collecting men’s shirts so when I am ready I can start that special project. 🤗
Well that's a whole other thing if you're sewing for the public! (and binding is so very enjoyable to me--but I might stress a little if I had 4 to do at one time!) ;)
Hi Cathy! Great job, containing your wips! Mine are all contained, much like yours, but I still have trouble finishing things! Can't wait to hear what you have to say in the second part! Don't feel bad about having 13 wips, I have way more than that! If I could finish them, I would have a lot more room in my sewing room! 😁❤
Cathy - lI ❤❤❤ a good WIP parade! Thanks for sharing. Have you seen the project bags made out of old shirts? That may be a good thing to do with shirts you no longer love and give you an alternative to plastic and will allow your cotton to “breath”. ❤.
You say “works in progress “, I call mine controlled chaos! Lol. Just like at work, when I have small piles of issues to deal with so to is my sewing table full of piles. Someday I may find the resolve to better organize
I try not to focus on WIP. My problem is I am working on a quilt and then someone has a baby or wants me to make a quilt. I stop what I am working on and work on that new project. I also quilt my own quilts which takes time to make the quilt sandwich and actually quilt. I also buy material for future quilts I have seen a pattern for that I HAVE to make. I put that material and the pattern in a plastic bag for the future! I just keep working on projects and nibbling away on them. It is a hobby ❤️👍
"It is a hobby"--YES it IS!! 😍❤️👍🏻 And sometimes I think I need that reminder! Getting to the place where I can have multiple projects and still enjoy the whole process is a goal!!
As always, so much information and so much insight! Thank you! My sewing room is a room that MUST remain orderly or I cannot function! I have tons of plastic shoe boxes stacked inside my huge storage cabinet with WIPs and future projects. My problem is SCRAPS! I have a bucket filled with cut-offs from quilting that I want to cut up into useable squares. I also have a gigantic laundry bag FILLED with clothing to break down and I just never get to either one!! Both containers are starting to overflow and look “messy” in my room and I’m hyperventilating! Do you ever have this problem or am I the only one?
Oh the way I relate to this….. My lovely husband helps me cut scraps into useable size and they are all color organized, except black/gray, and that remaining color is a mess on the table… and my shirt basket is now a gigantic mound blocking access to the closet shelves…. Not just you! And I’m motivated to organize today after this.
Me, that's me...bucket of scraps, a veritable mountain of scraps! I started string quilting them into a predetermined size. It's a good 15 minute 'warm up' project to do before you start the day. Once the string piece is big enough, I trim and start a stack or box. I feel like I'm getting through it. Last one I did was 12x12" squares. I made enough to put together a queen quilt...and still had scraps left in the bucket!!
You are NOT the only one---especially with the clothes to break down!! It gets out of hand FAST! I told Paul that I better get the quilts done and start using more shirts! 😂
@@TheCatBirdQuilts I don't know if I should mention my OTHER obsession...denim quilts! I'm working on the third quilt and I'm HOOKED! Keeps the torn jeans out of the landfill and they wear like IRON!
8 - lightweight! I have a spreadsheet of shame! But I add "want to do's" & "an idea to use scraps" to that not just "started projects" & I have permission to abandon/change my mind/ignore for years. I went to the spreadsheet because I kind of wanted a number to reply with, but with "ideas to use scraps" etc. my list isn't a list, its more brainstorming in excel. But I was able to strike through & it reminded me of projects that I could possibly get to a top freeing my "space." (I'm also thinking, you need to add that new checkerboard that you are trimming scraps for to the spreadsheet...) My process this year is to choose one thing at a time to get to a top - done, just not done done. So far so good for me. I think it fixed my decision fatigue. The choice of what to work on is mine & its arbitrary. Many of my scraps are in those clamshells that are used for produce at Costco. (& art bins and honestly totes OH the totes.)
Absolutely a lightweight!! 😂 But I can see a time in the not-too-distant future where 8 will seem like nothing--it creeps in, doesn't it? I do think it's cool that you have an excel spreadsheet (that would never work for me, I suck at Excel.) Also, no ma'am, I'm NOT adding baby girl's quilt until I actually start cutting fabric for it! Maybe I'll have a quilt finish by then.....😂🤓😘
@@TheCatBirdQuilts my spreadsheet is just a list. I have tracker sheets where you check off that you finished cutting, etc. but I’ve never used it. And my excel skills will never make magic graphs. I guess it could be a word document, but I like to “draw” using the graph in excel too. The more I think on it, it probably resembles my folders from middle school.
I finish a quilt before I start a new one. Not that I’m virtuous. I have 6 stacks of lovely fabric each waiting for a quilt design plus countless items of clothing that need mending and many, many boxes of garment fabric which has already been culled. Oy.
Oy indeed. I began with the “I will finish this before I start something else”…and then we started this RU-vid channel and that discipline flew out the window! 😂 But we definitely all have a pile of “something” that needs to get done, don’t we! 🤓
At the beginning of the year I went through my wipe ,patchwork and embroidery, and decided if I was going to finish the project or not. The nots are being repurposed to different projects. The remainder I decided which I would work on first. I also decided to make the “flimsy” and not the full quilt at the moment.
What a wonderful exercise and also very brave! I don’t quit things easily or well (even when it’s needed, and healthy) so I really admire your ability to honestly assess what projects you don’t want to continue on with!❤️😊
