Released July 18, 2010
by Gerry Murphy Mack
UFOs - we all have them – “UnFinished Objects. Items we worked on and then set aside so we could begin another design. We are wasting time when we do this. We are being unfair with our time, money and creativity.
Now is the perfect time to do something about unfinished objects. Just follow these simple steps:
- Begin by finding a plastic bin to temporarily store UFOs, preferably one which has see-through sides. Stack all UFOs on a table.
- Place each item in a plastic bag, label the bag: purse, tablecloth, etc. as to its contents, making certain all needed pieces are together.
- Write down the item on an index card, listing what needs to be done for its completion.
For example:- Purse: needs lining sewn in; handles attached.
- Tablecloth: one more embroidery design; hem.
You get the idea.
- Now, place the card in the bag. Continue to work in this manner until all UFOs are in a bag and labeled.
- Next, place each item in the bin according to the amount of time you think is needed for its completion. Using the see-through bin allows you to see its contents.
- Write the item and time needed in a notebook.
- On a Monday, remove the first UFO from the bin. Complete the item.
- Do not start or work on any other design until the UFO is finished.
- Check off each item as you complete it, jotting down the time needed for its completion and the date. Continue doing this on each Monday until the bin is empty.
UFOs have no beauty but they are filled with promise. They can’t be placed on display or given as a gift until the final touches are added. A crafter has to complete their work before they can be called a designer.
Now, don’t you feel really great looking at the empty bin? I know you do!
I feel like you have been watching over my shoulder this morning as I move UFOs’ from one surface to another trying to open up my cutting table for a ‘big’ project. Your suggestions are brilliant and I’m headed to the store to pick up a big, clear, bin!! Thanks for taking the time to write!!
Comment by hark — July 18, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
I have been working on my UFOs these past weeks. I have refused to start new projects until my UFOs disappear.
It is a tough job for someone like me who is always having *great* ideas. LOL.
I read somewhere that UFOs are stuck energy that needs to be released.
I will follow this 9-step program to speedy the process of getting rid of my UFOs.
Thank you for a great article.
Comment by Klarina — July 18, 2010 @ 1:57 pm
Good article! Good ideas! Thanks!
Virginia
Comment by Virginia — July 18, 2010 @ 2:00 pm
What a neat way to get things done !!!! I have many projects that will use this method.
Margie
Comment by Margie Peart — July 18, 2010 @ 3:55 pm
just love the ufo story it fits us all I am going to try to gret this done it will be reat when they are all done thanks Lillian
Comment by Lillian Y — July 18, 2010 @ 4:22 pm
what a wonderful and simple idea. I have UFO’s in several different crafts in boxes bags laying around it they all were in one bin, I would get a change of pace plus complete items that need to be sent off as gifts. Thank You
Comment by Claudia Mott — July 18, 2010 @ 4:33 pm
This sounds like a very good way to keep up with creative as well as un fun projects that need repair.It can be fun to go back to a project later and try to give it a new lift. I have done that on older projects.I love the code UFO! I usually finish my projects, however I offen have leftover fabric. This is when the fun begins.After I made various small projects, I use clear shoe box to store the fabric.I alsotake photos of my work. Sandra
Comment by sandra — July 18, 2010 @ 5:10 pm
I loved the idea of a UFO bin. I keep thinking I need to finish projects that are started and this is a great idea of how to gather them in one place and work on them until they are finished.
Comment by Shannon — July 18, 2010 @ 5:43 pm
Just how big is the bin? I need one the size of a van! Do they make them that size?
Comment by Evelyn — July 18, 2010 @ 5:43 pm
Thanks for being our “Mom” and for the reminder. Guilty as charged for sure. Do we have to put this UFO list on a list with the time required just to organize all of this these UFOs? WHEW! I think I can, I think I can, I KNOW I CAN.
Comment by MJ Lee — July 18, 2010 @ 5:46 pm
Great idea but unfortunately after getting up at 4:15 AM and working all day and fighting traffic I’m too tired to start working on anything.
Comment by Wendy Drew — July 18, 2010 @ 6:15 pm
Your idea for ufo’s is excellent. I have many of them and will get them in order as you describe.
Thanks.
Comment by olga — July 18, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
Thank you for the great idea! I have been trying to organize my craft room and keep finding UFO’s in different bags, totes, you name it. I would be accomplishing two things by following this plan; getting all UFO’s in one place, and getting my room more organized. Since tomorrow is Monday I have promised myself to start on this tomorrow - I keep my promises to other people, I’m determined to keep this promise to me!
Comment by Rebecca Cone — July 18, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
Can you come to my house and help me? I share a room(s) with my artistic son (graphic design and clay sculpture). I couldn’t even tell you where to begin. lol (maybe)
Comment by Patti — July 18, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
Funny you should mention this. I just did this about a month ago and have actually started to work on one of the “UFO’s”. Most of my UFO’s are from classes I have been taking and just never finished. SO, I organized mine by the ones that I remembered all the instructions about how to finish. I thought if I get those done first, then I won’t get frustrated with the ones that will take a little effort to remember.
Comment by Ginny — July 18, 2010 @ 7:57 pm
This sounds like a great Idea hope to put it into works. I have 2 places I sew and need also to get things together. Thanks for the idea.
Comment by Kaye — July 18, 2010 @ 8:14 pm
This is a wonderful idea! If I did it I would probalbly have my house and craft building fairly clean by the time I got them together and I could work on UFOs’ with a clear conscious!!!
Thanks for the nudge!
Comment by kittyjo — July 18, 2010 @ 8:40 pm
Thank you! This is the greatest idea. Just made for people like me. I have no idea how these things happen to me. Why do I always have UFOs. Yesterday I found the sleeves for a top I could mever finish. Now have no excuse. Thank you again for your simple and organized plan.
Betty XXX 000 ###
Comment by :Betty — July 18, 2010 @ 11:17 pm
What a clever idea, some people just have the right ideas.
Comment by Gayle — July 18, 2010 @ 11:55 pm
Great idea,but immediately following is a new project.Oh to resist the temptation!
Comment by Vee — July 19, 2010 @ 1:43 am
I had previously done the gathering part, but especially like your idea of cards on what is needed to finish the project. That is where I get hung up trying to remember– and then get side-tracked once again! Thank you, I am definately going to try this! Debbie
Comment by Debbie Toth — July 19, 2010 @ 10:05 am
you are the best. Come and organize my MESS!
Comment by Judy your nbf Gerry — July 19, 2010 @ 9:04 pm
What a great idea! just what the doctor ordered. I’m fairly new to this website but I’m loving it more each day. Keep up the good work.
Comment by Margaret Alexander — July 20, 2010 @ 9:58 am
“UFOs have no beauty but they are filled with promise. They can’t be placed on display or given as a gift until the final touches are added.”
Partial contradiction of this statement: UFOs can indeed be displayed as UFOs. This is how I get my butt in gear for finishing a big quilt. I bring the UFO with me to club meets and such, anywhere my associates have expressed an interest in seeing what I do “on the side”. Showing the quilt in progress is a great motivator to finish it, because the “audience” wants more!
My eco-note to the post would be to use plastic shoe bins, instead of plastic bags. Both are transparent, but the shoe bins stack neatly and don’t deteriorate like a plastic bag. When empty, they nest. For the really large projects, I like to reuse zippered bed linens bags. If they tear, they mend easily enough with clear packing tape.
Comment by Elfie B. — July 20, 2010 @ 11:19 pm
Hi, What a great idea. Like most people I have many UFO’s. It will be a beginning.
Comment by Marie — July 21, 2010 @ 10:53 am
What a great idea! I’m afraid to clean up my sewing room and find out how many UFO’s I actually have!
Comment by Alison — July 21, 2010 @ 3:11 pm
C’est une superbe idée ;je vois que nous sommes toutes pareilles,des idées plein la tête,et trop peu de temps pour les réaliser.Mais je pense qu’un bac ne me suffirait pas…!
Comment by Georgette — August 3, 2010 @ 5:24 am