Come Stitch With Me

In the past, I usually had no more than 2-3 projects going simultaneously – a charity quilt, QAL project and samples for the kid’s classes that I teach. Each quilt project is stored in an individual ArtBin satchel until the top is completed. The kid’s projects/supplies are bagged and stored in a large Rubbermaid tub. Rinse and repeat for new projects. This process served me well when I was working full-time.

Hello retirement! Over the past year, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take quilting classes and the freedom to experiment with different techniques. My quilting space definitely reflects this! I even purchased additional Art Bin satchels to hold all the new projects. They’re all full and I’m not buying anymore storage bins! Time for a reboot!

What does my reboot typically involve?

1. Making a master list of all outstanding WIPs, assessing each project’s status and prioritizing what needs to be done.
2. Rehoming, breaking apart and/or tossing any project that I realize I’m not going to finish.
3. Holding off on any new projects or classes for 3-4 months. This is the hardest, because I want to make all the things.

What’s my plan of action?

1. No new projects for the next 90 days.
2. Complete the 3 tops that are almost done.
3. Quilt charity quilts myself and turn them in at our July guild meeting.
4. Skip the Anna Maria Horner class in late September. (NBD really as the projects don’t strike my fancy.)
5. Focus on sewing my own projects at upcoming retreat/Sew Days – pass on any “retreat projects”.
6. Sort through remaining projects to determine stay/go status.

Merely completing steps 2 & 3 will free up valuable space in my studio. I’ll also be able to get back to work on 2 special projects that were put on hold while I indulged my urge to take classes, classes and more classes.

Here are three things I’m definitely going to do regarding future classes:
Be more selective about the classes I do take.
Be more willing to make pillows, hot pads and table runners instead of an entire quilt – especially if it’s a technique class.
Check my stash to see if I already have a required component or something else that will work for the class rather than buying one more ruler or doodad that I’ll never use after the class.

How about you?