I’ve got more W.i.P.s than I’d like.
I prefer having one W.i.P. That way I can focus and get it done.
But somehow, the W.i.P.s have gotten away from me and I now find myself with a stack of tops waiting to be quilted, half finished projects in ziplock bags, and a stash of fabric for projects that I’ve already started in my mind.
So what’s a mama to do?
My solution has been to triage the projects based on how urgently I need to finish them. Right now, I’ve got two at the top of the list.
One is a quilt for my daughter that has a ton of HSTs. Lots of stitching and trimming yet to do with these.
The second project is a set of 10 doll diapers for my daughter’s preschool. Here’s a photo of my diaper assembly line.
I’m curious about how you handle W.i.P.s. What’s your strategy?
20 comments
Ha ha I need to triage my WIPs! I have a list but I'm sure I spend more time procrastinating about my list than doing the blessed WIPs. I have got a bit stuck on a dress but instead of just putting it to one side and moving on to something fun I keep trying to tweak it. If I triaged my WIPs I would declare the dress DOA and move onto something that could be saved.
I am like you. I prefer to finish up projects before I get started on another. However, when those WIPs do pile up, I finish those that require the least amount of work first.
If the WIP is a gift, it gets priority because there is a deadline. I used to stress about the number of WIPs I have. However, I decided a long time ago, that I sew for ME. It's my way of unwinding and de-stressing. Since then, I work on the project I FEEL like working on at the time. I tend to have more enthusiasm for that project, finish it faster and enjoy it a whole lot more. Oh, I love your dolly diapers…so cute.
Pretty HST color palette!
The project with the soonest deadline may or may not have top priority at any given time! Keeping the deadline in mind, sometimes I 'sneak' in other little projects or progress on certain projects, knowing I still will do what I need to do to meet the deadline if at all possible. Sometimes 'sneaking' in those other bits of sewing just keeps me happy.
I also sometimes have a 'leader/ender' project…something I work on alongside my work on the deadline project. That sometimes adds some lightness to the pressure of the deadline project. Because for me, sometimes the pressure overrides the fun.
I am a multi project quilter (love having choices) but when it gets too chaotic I narrow my choices and put the rest away – out of sight out of mind! Deadlines first, then my monthly list by easiest finish to build up steam.
I think if I had a strategy, I wouldn't have so many unfinished projects! This year I've been trying the finish along over at She Can Quilt where you pick projects to finish up for each quarter. Having a longer time than the usual month has really helped me get quite a bit done this year.
Well, apparantly I don't handle them lol. I finish a top set it aside and start something new lol. Not very productive if you ask me!
I am stopping by from the WIP hop, my post is here if you have time to stop by 🙂 http://domesticdeficitdisorder.blogspot.com/2013/07/wip-july-17th-edition.html
I try not to have too many. "Too many" is of course,a very subjective term. I finish up those with deadlines first- that's why deadlines were invented. To get us to not procrastinate any longer!
I don't handle them at all! In fact if something has a deadline I usually decide I hate it and start something else! So I sew what I want. I have learned that I like having wips around too. It gives me some variety. Not too many though 🙂
Strategy?!? Hahahahaha.
Unless you count delusion and denial as strategies.
A very smart lady once told me that it's all about managing the alligators from your canoe. You've only got the one oar, so smack the closest gator and get on with the work. I usually have pretty squishy deadlines, but that doesn't mean I never feel the pressure. I do feel the pressure of all these projects and the felling that I'll never have time to finish them all. Good luck with the triage!
My strategy is to put them in a box labelled "WIP", then have another baby, move house and discover them a year later.
I just collect them! I don't handle them. I get pleasure from the process not only the finished product. Therefore there are many WIP hidden in my sewing room.
HA – yeah, I don't have a strategy either!! All of my WIPs are stressing me out at the moment. My sewing room is a disaster area – not conducive to creative thought. I went through my fabric bins and donated a TON of fabric to our local blanket-making charity, but there is still too much stuff in there. Ugh. My problem is that I really hate basting and quilting my quilts, but can't afford to send them out to be quilted.
Sadly mine just pile up. BUT……I do plan to have a "triage" session soon as things are getting waaaaay out of hand!
I have so many! Quilting has revealed that I am truly ADD, so I just embrace it! 🙂
Triage first thing tomorrow morning here too!
LOL!!!
Esther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com
ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com
I also hate to have a bunch of WIPS but somehow managed to fill 2 baskets full while convincing myself I "just had" to work on other projects. Other than bee blocks and some summer dresses, 2013 is the summer of WIP finishes for me! 🙂
Lol, I have a whiteboard for my list of WIPs. Mine doesn't have nappies on it though ;o)
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