Getting Organized

I'm trying to feel positive about working "only" 15 minutes a day.

Today I got organized.  I cleaned up that mess I photographed for you last week.  Part of that was picking which project(s) to work on first.

And in that process I came up with two new rules for quilting fifteen minutes a day.

1)  Set a timer.  15 minuts can be a lot longer than you think it is, and it can be shorter.  A timer keeps you on track
2)  have different projects going at once, this allows you to pick up at different places, without fussing.

I have my doubts about rule #2, but for now I'm going to go with it.

I picked three projects to work on, all in different stages
Quilting - the watermelon table runner
Piecing - the napoleon little blocks have to be turned into something, a wall hanging, a doll quilt, time to decide and move on
Cutting - this is a project that was originally, and might still be, intended for my bed.  But it might go in the guest room.  I've cut about half of it, and it has to be paired so that I can start sewing.

Can you tell I like lists?

UFOs

Yesterday I started unpacking my quilting boxes.  There are probably close to a dozen boxes, some with fabric, some with patterns and scraps, some with books and magazines, some with tools.  Some probably have nothing related to quilting in them.

And I started collected my UFOs.  (UnFinished Objects)  All in all, I found 17.  Including the second project I ever started.

2 hand quilting projects that are about a third done, at best
2 tops that are basted but need to be quilted and bound
1 top that needs a back
5 projects that are in blocks but not put together
7 projects in some form of being cut up for piecing but maybe have started piecing, but maybe not.

Some of the quilts are not including.  I should take another photo...

The next stage is deciding which project to work on first.

Realistically, a few of these are never going to be finished.  The hand projects are probably years from being finished, and a few of the piecing projects are probably fails I should just toss into a scrap bag.  Not ever project needs to be seen to completion.  But I'm afraid to find out that I've started more projects then I've completed.

Settting Up

I set up my desk.  But I haven't gotten the machine out.  I'm starting to find all the boxes from our move labeled "Quilting" or "Fabric".  Starting to think about all the UFOs I'm going to find....

Does pinning count as quilting?

So many years ago, I think before my second child, I created this blog so that I could encourage myself to keep quilting.  I figured if I set myself up, then just fifteen minutes a day, would add up to something.    But the reality was that I just didn't do it.  But, I would like to try again.  My goal is to have my machine set up by October, so two weeks from now.  Between now and then, I'm hoping to check off a few other projects that have been hanging over my head, and to set up my space to work.  But also, for the first time in a long time, I'm thinking.  About projects I want to finish, and about projects I want to start.  And I'm pinning.  I have my original ideas board, and my quilting pattern board, and now my log cabin board.  I think getting the creative juices flowing is important to getting started.  And I'm excited. I'm excited about colors, and patterns, and thread and how they interact.  And I'm looking forward to sharing with you.  I don't know who you are, but maybe we'll meet soon!