So many of us have them too… piles of WIPs (works in progress) and UFOs (unfinished objects) tucked away and breeding. My own hoard has grown significantly since I started sewing more regularly a few years ago. I’m starting to get tight on room and we want to move in the near future, so this year I’m cracking down on them! So far I have completed two items off the list and it’s only the second week of January. Woohoo! This is how to get started…
Step 1: Gather
Gather all of those unfinished projects into one spot so it’s easier to see what you have and how many projects you’re working with. This step took me the most time because I had projects stuffed everywhere! Some were draped on a clothing rack, some inside a big tote bag, plastic bin, stuffed in the drawer of my roll top desk, in a basket, etc. It was surprising to see how much extra space I’d have in my sewing room if all of these projects were done.
Step 2: Purge and Sort
You can immediately knock some projects off your plate if you decide that you don’t actually want to finish them anymore. Is there one that you’re just not thrilled about anymore? Any that have been sitting unfinished for too long? I found a (very historically incorrect) Renaissance Faire bodice sitting unfinished for 8 years! I decided to let it go.
Some of those unwanted projects could be broken down for materials that you can sort back into your supply stash. Others could be donated. I even put some on the curb with a “free” sign and it turned out my neighbors wanted them.
The WIPs that made the cut should be sorted into neater piles, and preferably placed in their own container to keep the materials from getting mixed up with the others. Some people like to use small plastic storage bins, but I just like to use large zip lock bags that I repurpose (and they are cheaper).
Step 3: Make a List
Make a list of all the projects that made the cut! It helps to pick the top 3 that you want to finish first and to place them at the top of the list. The rest I simply wrote down in any order to be rearranged when I get to them. Putting 15+ projects in order of priority is overwhelming… but prioritizing just 3 at a time is more manageable! Plus, plans do change, new projects come up, and sometimes they get put on halt while we’re waiting to buy or borrow the right tool/material to finish them. Three is a good number to juggle, but you still have the entire list documented so nothing gets lost or forgotten again.
Step 4: Get Sewing!
Time to get buckle down and get them DONE! See my post, How to Find Time to Sew When You’re Busy if you’re struggling to find time. I do hope this post was encouraging. Since I first began two weeks ago, I have checked two projects off my list and I’m halfway done with the third! The hardest part is getting started. How many projects are on your list?
Thank you for visiting!
-Ginger