Friday, January 05, 2007

UFO's


I've been thinking a lot about UFO's. I said a few weeks ago that I don't really have any UFO's. I do have a few tops that need to be quilted, some blocks that need to be pieced into quilts, some fabrics for quilts that are planned. But...I've never considered these UFO's. For me, if it's labeled a UFO, then it's NEVER going to get finished! My one true UFO is no longer a UFO...it was repurposed and became several tablerunners and what's left will be a tabletopper.

So what do I call these projects that are just not done but are waiting for the next step? They are my Projects That Aren't Quite Finished. Most are just "seasoning", taking a well deserved break while they wait for their turn to become Projects That are Nearly Finished. Then they will continue on (after more seasoning, I'm sure!) to become Projects That Really Are Finished. I've started a list of these projects over on my sidebar, now that it's so easy to do it in blogger!

In the meantime, one of my Projects That Really Are Finished has gone to a new home. This quilt which I made over the summer languished on top of my sewing closet, waiting for a home. I just couldn't decide what to do with it, but was sure it was meant for someone special. Last week, my DH mentioned that a friend who he visits often and felt very close to had just been diagnosed with cancer. She had her first chemo treatment yesterday and from what I've been told, when you have chemo you tend to get very cold. As soon as he told me, I said, "That's where the quilt has to go!" and we boxed it up and shipped it. Yesterday she received it and called him. She was so appreciative! I'm thinking it would be good to have a few quilts on hand which have no purpose, yet would be appreciated in difficult times. Quilts that are ready to go at a moment's notice. So this is what I would like to work on this year as my stashbusting project.

13 comments:

Silverthimble said...

What a very noble cause for your UFOs! Quilts on hand to comfort those when they need them! Our guild donates quilts to various charities who do just what your are doing--they keep our quilts on hand to be distributed when they are needed. I am sure your quilts will be gratefully received by those in need of a warm hug!

Libby said...

This is also a good reason to NOT label everything right away *s* I often can pull from the 'waiting for a home' pile, add an appropriate label for the person/occasion and send it on its way.

Carol said...

That is just wonderful...that quilt was supposed to go to her. Isn't it just amazing sometimes...things work the way they are supposed to without us even knowing.

Doodlebug Gail said...

What a wonderful reason to build up a stash of quilts. You just never know when you'll need one. When my sister had cancer I made her 2 quilts - she complained of being cold during her radiation sessions. I hope that the recipient of your latest quilt will have good results at the end of her treatment.

Anonymous said...

I think that's a great idea - having quilts on hand for special gifts :-)

Helen said...

What a lovely thing to do. I remember this quilt, I love the colours

Nancy said...

I love that beautiful quilt you have pictured there! Such lovely colors.

I call my UFOs simply Projects. Cause once it gets to the point I know I'm not going to ever finish something I either give it away, throw it away, and put any fabric in my stash. So they are all projects in progress. All 91 of them. Just some of them are seeing quicker progress than others. LOL!

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

It is a beautiful quilt and obviously was waiting for just the right moment to be given away! It is bright and cheery and I hope it brings some comfort to your DH's friend.

Cheers!

Evelyn

dot said...

What a great quilt and to go to such a good cause. Everyone needs a lovely quilt and escpecialy someone going through chemo. I like your idea of having quilts waiting for a home. Noble cause.

Susan H. said...

What a great gift! It will bring comfort and warmth at the same time.

Lynn Dykstra said...

I also consider a project at an acceptable "finished" state when it is a top. I try to have the backing, binding, and even sleeve neatly folded into a bundle, tied with selvedge strips, ready for any occasion that calls for a quilt without time to piece a top. Fortunately, I have an understanding machine quilter who gives me her time!

Shelina said...

What a beautiful quilt you have in the picture. Your first finish in the previous post is beautiful too. Congratulations on some big finishes! I too don't like to call something a UFO because it does make it feel like it is an abandoned orphan, but sometimes I call them that just to guilt me into re-adopting them! I think it is a great idea to have quilts ready to give. I'm working on a baby quilt for the same purpose.

Marlublu said...

What a wonderful thing to do for that friend. I gave a quilt to a classmate of my son's about 6 years ago. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor and she actually wrote me a long letter thanking me for it. She later passed away and I still have that letter.