Monday, August 03, 2020

August UFO

It's hard for me to know when a project has served it's purpose, and it's time to wrap it up and move on. I tend to be a lofty goal setter and have high expectations of myself. 


some Blockheads 2 on the design wall
So when the project in question is Moda Blockheads 2 and it is supposed to have 52 blocks, but I only made 26 of them during the quiltalong, I put pressure on myself to finish those other 26 blocks so it can become a finished quilt.

Here are some of the block designers finished quilts that I was able to find online:
*Coriander Quilts' finished quilt here
*Minick and Simpson's red, white and blue version here, and 
*Sherri from A Quilting Life shares her lovely quilt here

These awesome quilts make me want to finish my quilt with ALL the blocks. So I let the blocks sit in the UFO closet for a while and hoped my "fantasy quilting self" would magically finish all the blocks and make a great quilt! But we all know what happens in the UFO closet ... nothing!


Blockheads 2 pieces on the design wall
However, I have learned from my blogger friends who easily adapt projects to their own liking, that when they tire of the block making, they finish up the project no matter where they are in the process. They have a lot less UFOs and more finishes. I want that too!

There were lots of reasons why I lost interest in this project, but most importantly was when the pace increased to more than 1 block a week, I couldn't keep up. It was reassuring to me that even the block designers couldn't keep up with the pace! Once I fell behind, there was just no catching up again, even though I loved my Sweetwater fabrics 

Okay... all of this to say... my UFO goal for August is to finish this quilt top. I have decided to accept it for what it is (the COVID19 life lesson in a nutshell!) and just finish it up with the blocks I have made. 


The next decisions are how to lay out these blocks of varying sizes, to add sashing or not, and of course what to do about borders. Lots of decisions ahead... linking up to One Monthly Goal  and Small Quilts.

17 comments:

Jill said...

The quilt top looks very nice as it is. Totally understand about lofty goals. Now you will have a finish without putting unnecessary pressure on making more blocks. Looking forward to seeing how you finish it.

Deb A said...

Good luck on your challenge! I know you will come up with a beautiful quilt in the end.

maggie fellow said...

more than one a week sounds difficult - I am sure it can be great with just these blocks

chrisknits said...

This is where I am at with the current Block! Some of it is due to dislike of the latest blocks and some of it is ennui. So I will take my 6" blocks and sew them with alternate background blocks on point. Then add some borders and done! Good luck with setting your blocks!

For the love of geese said...

It will be a beautiful finish regardless of how you decide to place the blocks.

MissPat said...

You've made a wise decision to finish this up and get it out of the closet (and your head). I have too many unfinished QALs and mysteries to count and have sworn off them until I finish some (which won't happen, if I don't start working on them). A dilemma for sure.
Pat

AnnieO said...

Very pretty and happy blocks! I don’t join quiltalongs for that reason, I don’t have enough discipline to keep squirrels from jumping ahead of the strict regimen of weeks! Enjoy your puzzle of piecing, so pretty.

JustGail said...

I like the colors you are using. I've never gotten farther than saving the patterns for so many QALs, so you've gotten much farther on this one than I ever did. Maybe farther than I ever will.

Julie Kaye from KS said...

Your blocks are very pretty. I followed the way Lisa Bonjean put hers together with 1" sashing and was very pleased with the results. Have fun!

The Joyful Quilter said...

It's going to be a puzzle, for sure, but SEW worth it!! Thanks for sharing links to those completed quilts. I absolutely LOVE that red, white, and blue version, Kathy! That being said, I can already tell that your "condensed" version is going to be lovely, as well.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Good plan, we have enough pressure on us right now, our fun time should stay fun.

Louise said...

Finished is better than perfect! Good for you for moving it along. The fabrics are so pretty and it needs to make its debut as a finished quilt :)

Jenny said...

Good decision, the quilt top looks fine as it is. You always seem to have such a lot of projects on the go, when they stop being enjoyable it's time to call it quits.

Deanna W said...

You have some very cute blocks there and they deserve to be a finished quilt...whatever size. I see a small yellow inner border and maybe blue outer border. I think they look good together without sashing. That is just my two cents!!

Ann at Batting in the Belfry said...

Hi! I had to laugh out loud when I saw your post. I also have a couple dozen blocks done of that quilt. I do hope to finish it though because i really like the fabrics. :D

Nancy said...

This is really beautiful! My opinion is that no matter what you do to it, it will still be beautiful. I didn't participate in this quilt-along so I don't know how big the blocks are or how big what you show would be it you just sewed it together. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do. Best wishes to finish it this month!

Patty said...

Pretty blocks. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and good luck with your project.