Learn to Organize and Finish the Unfinished Sewing Projects

If you are like me, then you probably work on several sewing projects at any given time.    Someone once asked me “why do you have so many sewing projects going at the same time?”  Well, there’s no simple answer! Despite my best scheduling and planning efforts, I usually have to adjust my schedule when a customer calls me with an “emergency” that desperately needs my immediate attention or I find that I have to order supplies for a more involved sewing project since I didn’t anticipate needing extra thread or fabric.  But, for whatever reason, there always seems to be projects that end up remaining unfinished on a shelf in my studio.  So, how do you return to something after an extended length of time and finish it?  Well, the answer isn’t clear for every instance, but I’m going to share a few sewing tips on how I’ve tackled these projects and managed to clean up my studio.

Organize the UFO’s.  Yes, I realize that this can be overwhelming, but it really is important to prioritize your projects. It’s much easier to return to projects if you sort and organize.  This way, you have a clearer understanding of which projects mean the most to you and those that maybe aren’t as much of a priority as you initially thought.   If you have a lot, the easiest way to get started is to sort your projects into 3 piles:

• Almost done
• Half way there
• Things that I will never finish

–Begin by tackling the “Almost Done”

These are the projects that you can finish quickly.  For instance, if you have a pile of alterations laying on the corner of your table, GET THEM DONE!  Sure, no one really wants to replace zippers, hem pants, or replace buttons, but you committed to the job, so now it’s time to finish.  Once you regain that valuable space in your sewing room, you will be so glad you did it.

— “Half way there” is next.

These projects generally take longer to finish and won’t be finished during a weekend sew-a-thon.  Most likely, these are your quilt projects that you started and lost interest when you realized that this wasn’t as simple or easy as you initially thought.  Again, if you have several “Half Ways”, prioritize them.  Which do you want to work on first?  Second, third, etc.   Of all the work in the Half Way pile, which one(s) do you want to tackle last?  Having a plan will help you get them done faster than if you had left them in an unorganized pile.   If you have any that you just aren’t loving anymore, then it’s time to gift them to another sewer.  Just remember, if you are gifting them to your friend or local charity sewing guild, it’s best to include the pattern and any notes you may have on the project so that it can be successfully finished.  There’s no need to gift the stabilizers, interfacings, battings, threads, etc. since the recipient will probably want to customize the project to her (or his) tastes.

–Things I will never finish

If you haven’t returned to a project in over 2 years, odds are you will never finish it and it’s time to rehome it.  There is no shame, in this but it is important to know when to admit that the project simply isn’t a priority and it’s time to move on to a new adventure.  Consider donating these items to a sewing guild in your area.  It’s a great way to clear up space and help someone in need. In many instances, the sewing  groups depend on donated fabrics to make blankets or items for many charities.  If you aren’t sure how to locate a charity sewing group in your area, try contacting a local quilting shop and asking.  Quilt/fabric shops usually know how to contact these groups.  Another option would be to ask at your local churches.  In my area, the sewing groups meet at local churches 1 day a week so I just had to find the church and contact them.  The pastor then put me in touch with the sewing chairperson.    More options including selling uncut fabric at a garage sale, an online fabric destash site, or in larger cities at a fabric resale shop.

Overall, cleaning up your unfinished projects will give you clarity and reduce your stress.  It will also provide a sense of accomplishment and give you the confidence to stay organized.