Sunday, December 30, 2012

Unfinished Objects

First of all thank you all for such nice comments nd ,thanks to Carolyn, L and Gwen for solving my problem of buttons for the blouse from my last post. I got them today and will be putting them into action tomorrow. To answer L's question about the size I used for my blouse: I used size 22 (D cup size) and the FBA I usually must do was not needed. I added 1/2 inch to the side seams and tapered in toward the underarm seam. I'll post a picture of me wearing it soon.


 Finishing up my UFO's this weekend has given me time to reflect on the reason some of my projects get shoved to the back of the closet before the get finished. Although Ive done much better this year,reflection should aid in improvements or prevention. I want to share this with you in case you experience to many UFO's and only you know what is "too many" for you. This year I had three.
 
 1.  I get overwhelmed. Those 17 pattern pieces,half of which must be cut twice because of lining and interfacing, cause me to sit out the next few days.

SOLUTION: I realize that I have always disliked cutting and should simply make one day a cut and marking only day, followed by the next day interface and baste,next day fronts,backs,legs,waist, next day etc.

2. I get bored. Do I really want this or was just a moment of excitement after watching Project Runway, or seeing someone wearing something fabulous..

SOLUTION:  I wait and see if I'm still excited about it 48 hours later. I have a picture of it placed where I'll see it daily to keep me excited though out the process of making it.

3. I have waited to late in the season for the project.

SOLUTION: When the stores change season ,so must I.

4. Not gathering all the required notions for the project.

SOLUTION: Put everything needed together and don't assume you have something. Make sure you have put your hands on everything you need.

I know this is a simple list and there is "nothing new under the sun",but these work for me.
What helps you prevent UFO's ?


8 comments:

Sue said...

My worst UFO was my black wool jacket that only got finished as my sewing buddies pestered me to get it done, then I finished it to late to wear that season! Why didn't I make it sooner - the gazillion pieces, plus the project size overwhelmed me. I will try not to let that happen again! All the best for your sewing in 2013!

Faye Lewis said...

Great solutions for avoiding ufo's.

gwensews said...

In answer to your question, "what helps you prevent UFOs"? Nothing. Absolutely nothing, which is why I have bags full!

BeaJay said...

It's always good to reflect back on why we did or didn't finish something. All of my UFOs happen because when it gets to the fitting stage I look at it and go YIKES! what was I thinking?! But that is because I am still sewing easy projects.

I find that having a day or two of pattern alterations, then a day or two of cutting before sitting down at the machines is much more productive too. That way I have several garments ready to go. That is what I have done over this break and it is paying off for me.

Have a great 2013

BeaJay said...

P.S. Thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving such nice comments. I have been enjoying your blog for a while now. Love seeing your new creations. Happy 2013.

L said...

Thanks for answering my question. =)

I could have easily written the same comments about the existence of my UFOs. Project fatigue and feeling overwhelmed definitely top my list along with fitting and bad fabric choices.

Happy new year!

Carolyn said...

That is a terrific list. I feel strongly that you have to feel passionate about what you are making; if the passion isn't there; it shows in the end! If the passion is waning you have to find ways of reigniting it :)
Thank you for the kind comment on my blog too; and wishing you a Happy New Year.

Audrey said...

I love your list. Great food for thought.

I need to post it somewhere, so that I don't forget. I think these are the main reasons that I don't always finish projects when I start them.