As I was going through my UFO lists, I thought I might share my thoughts.
It’s been a productive year. The lists have helped keep me on track. And as a byproduct of living during a pandemic, I was provided with a way to turn my thoughts to more pleasant things.
Participating in the American Patchwork quilting UFO Challenge has provided a bit of social media comradery. These folks cheer each other along, offer suggestions and tips when asked and can really provide some inspiration as you watch them finish their creations.
I had 12 projects on my American Patchwork and Quilting UFO Challenge list and I completed 10 of them. Yes, that’s 10 quilts from that list. The other two just didn’t happen.
Now I also had my FINISHALONG list. They were not as active this year because it was a challenge getting sponsors. Still, many of us created lists posted our challenges and our finishes. This list had over 80 projects on it (the 12 projects from APQ were also on this list). So that was 18 finishes off of that list.
This year I finished 19 quilts completely – one of these was not on any list. It just creeped in there. And I have 5 quilts at the longarmers (two of these weren’t on any list) and 2 others ready to go (these were new work also). Now that IS progress. Because we get distracted and new work always looks so much more interesting than a UFO, you have to expect to fall off the tracks once in a while!
How can I do this? Well, being retired helps. I go into my sewing room most mornings and come out for lunch. I might go back in for a couple of hours in the afternoon. This year with travel and visiting being minimal, I spent a lot of time in there. It is my happy place.
If you are interested in creating your list for next year – please do! I’ll cheer you along! Go to: https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/how-to-qilt/finishing/2021-ufo-challenge and read all about it. Download your PDF and create your list. There were also monthly and organization challenges that I did not take advantage of last year. After walking through my sewing room, I’m thinking this might need to be a priority for 2021. Join the Facebook Group, show your work!
I’ll share the information when it comes out about the Finishalong.
And here is the list for 2021!
divadiversion 
Good morning! You have made great advances on your UFO list this year. I have a friend (Quilting Gail) who hosts a PHD linkup also for encouraging the completion of UFOs. It’s just another avenue for encouragement, if you’re interested. I participated with her last year and got all 12 of my UFOs finished. I like having the commitment piece to keep myself accountable. I don’t really have too many UFOs around now, thankfully. Good luck – I’ll be here cheering you on. ~smile~ Roseanne
Good Morning Roseanne! I feel pretty good about my UFO progress this year. But I have SEW much more to finish. Thank you for the information about Quilting Gail I’m going to check that out. I do these to be accountable and love the inspiration of what other quilters are doing. Oddly there are still lots of UFO’S left to choose from, as well as new work I am itching to start. I’ll cheer you on too! – Peace Diane