You are not the only one, many of us have projects that we started ages ago and keep meaning to go back to. I have some that I have had for years, quilt tops waiting to be quilted, zipper pouches that I have cut out and not completed, and I have 4 fabric ducks that need stuffing that I started at least 4 years ago.

It is a challenge that many of us face and one that was at the top of the Quilters Community Survey, when I asked you the question about what challenges do you have with quilting and sewing?

In this blog you will find some practical solutions to help overcome this challenge and find satisfaction in completing your projects.

Common Reasons for Unfinished Projects

There are many reasons that we don’t finish our sewing or quilting projects:-

• lack of time (have a look at my blog about Time Management for Quilters)

• loss of interest

• feeling the overwhelm of large projects.

• encountering technical difficulties

• getting distracted by new ideas.

The Impact of Unfinished Projects

It’s amazing how these unfinished projects can affect our motivation and creativity. I feel guilty when I stumble across unfinished projects. I have a postage stamp scrappy quilt that I think I have been making for at least 8 years. I found it the other day, behind some boxes. I have even made a vinyl quilted pouch to keep it in, and there it was laying sadly on the floor, forgotten - then I felt the guilt kicking in, which then led to me feeling a lack of motivation.

These projects not only clutter the workspace, or the cupboard space, but they can also clutter our mental space, which in turn can hinder our creativity and progress for other projects.

Practical Tips for Finishing Projects

We need to set realistic goals and not overwhelm ourselves. Below are some tips that I hope may help you:-

• Set small goals that can be accomplished in a specific timeframe.

• Break down larger projects into smaller tasks, which will make them less daunting and more manageable.

• List each task that needs to be completed in that particular project, and pop a little tick box next to it.

Below is an example of what I have left to do on one of my scrappy quilt tops:-

• Find fabric for the backing

• Find fabric for the binding

• Piece together left over wadding/batting

• Decide what colour thread to use

• Quilt

• Prepare binding

• Bind.

Once I have completed a task I love to tick it off, it feels like a real sense of accomplishment.

Organizing Your Workspace

Lets talk about the importance of a tidy workspace and how a clean and organised workspace can improve our productivity:-

• A clutter free workspace reduces distractions

• We can find our materials and tools easier

• Organise your shelves, I love to have clear jars on my shelves that are full of notions, ribbons and buttons. I can easily see where things are.

• Have your scissors close to hand. I have a hook underneath one of my shelves, with a butchers hook hanging on from that, so my scissors are close by.

• Pegboards are a favourite with a lot of quilters, where they can see what threads they have easily, or they may store their rotary cutters and other easy to get to items.

• Use clear containers or bins to store fabric in, you can even make a label to put on the bin, so you can easily find your favourite fabrics.

 Tools and Resources

There are lots of planning sheets out there, which can help you track progress and stay organised. The benefit of using a planning sheet is to track progress, stay organised and you can visually see the progress of your projects.

You could also create your own planning sheet on a spreadsheet or in Canva.

Encouragement and lets share

For me, persistence and organisation are the keys to finishing projects. If I have written it down, and have an organised list then I will be more likely to get the task ticked off the list.

I would love to hear your tips and experiences on how you stay on track and finish off a long term or forgotten project. If you have a success story please share them in the comments box below the blog.

If you would like to join our Facebook Group I have popped the link below. We are a friendly and encouraging group of quilters, that will hopefully inspire you and help you stay on track with those unfinished projects.

(1) Made on the Cut, quilting and sewing group | Facebook