Day 30 – Allowing Yourself to Start Something New
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I think today’s topic is the most important one to keep in mind during this whole month of talking about UFOs: Allowing yourself to start something new.
So often I hear people say that they can’t start something new until they have finished all of their UFOs. And they sit there in misery, watching everyone else start fun new things while they plod away at something they may like, but need a break from!
Yes, you may say that the reason I have so many UFOs is because I allowed myself to start too many new projects!! True. But I had lots of fun along the way!
As Sunny said in one of the comments, quilting is our hobby. It is meant to give us pleasure, to relieve stress from our lives, not to cause more. Not allowing myself to start something new is a good way to stress me out, let me tell you that! But working on some UFOs and still starting some new projects keeps me going.
I know some people use new projects as rewards for finishing UFOs. I think this is a great idea. Finish 5, then you can start something new… (or finish 1, then start…?!). This method helps us get UFOs done, but also allows us to start on a fun new project which keeps us sane.
Of course sometimes our UFOs are so old that they almost seem like they are “new” – which I am finding with some of the ones I uncovered this month! But that is a bonus. Don’t let your UFOs hold you back and make you guilty. Allow yourself a treat now and then, and start something new!
Hooray for new projects! I’m leaving for retreat in a couple of days, and I packed up two new projects along with a couple of UFO’s. I do start new things from time to time, but now I’m far more likely to finish what I start than I was in the past. And….I tend to make smaller projects so they’re easier to finish. I really am trying to get my UFO list under control, but it’s definitely NECESSARY to start new projects from time to time. Like you said, if you can’t get inspired to work on what you’ve started, making something new might just be the jolt you need. Happy Stitching!! Only one more day. . . .
That is a very good reminder! I try to keep a couple hand quilting projects going at a time so I can switch back and forth and not get burnt out. I also probably start more projects than I will ever finish. But most are scrappy projects I can pick up again at any time. I’ve really enjoyed your posts this month! I won’t hide my UFO list in shame anymore 😉
My weakness in starting new projects is at the beginning of the new year when all the new bom’s come out!!! I do need to go back though this years and see what might need finishing–I do know that in Aug I did send some blocks from some of them to my friend Anne for her hospice quilts as I decided I did not want to go with them–but there is still some in my basket–sounds like a good job for one day this week!!! and just this week I did list a couple new projects that I would like to make–!!!
love and laughter, di
OK, all good ideas. but I’m a bit stuck in unsettled mode at present & seem to be falling back on my crochet of a night . I should really be handsewing bindings & getting something else onto Bubs. What a great day yesterday! I enjoyed spending a few hours with 5 lovely ladies. Thank you ever so much. Take care.
very important to reward with a new project… finish one start 3 …. and so on…
Hugz