Managing Works in Progress

Managing Works in Progress

Working on multiple quilting projects? Try these tips to keep things in order and moving forward.

Count them one by one...

  • Take a look around your creative space and make a list of all the projects that are in the works.
  • A second list may be needed for projects with purchased fabrics, but haven't been started.
  • Prioritize the In the Works list.

Make a schedule...

  • Grab a calendar and beginning with the highest priority project, schedule the project.
  • Try to be realistic with the time needed to complete the project.
  • Very Important: Assign a due date. Make it a Red Letter Day on the calendar.
  • Continue scheduling the remaining projects in order of priority.

Sprinkle work days with creative energizers...

  • Stick to the schedule, but remember the joy!
  • From time to time, take a few minutes to rejuvenate your creative spirit.
  • Take breaks and be sure to do something different for the break like take a walk.
  • Invite a friend over to visit with you while you work. They might even iron for you!!!
  • Take your sewing machine to a new location.
  • When your favorite song comes on, stop and DANCE!

Organize projects by stages...

  • Break projects into stages and plan out each stage.
  • Overlap projects so they are at varying stages.
  • Create a guide for each project.

To help out, we created this handy guide for managing a project.

Download the guide here.

Use the top of the first page to record important information about the project.

Use the list on the side as a quick overall check list. Mark them off as you get them finished.

In the pattern notes, note any changes you would like to make to the pattern along with key parts to watch out for.

This is a great time to confirm the finished size you want for the project. If it needs to change, note it in the patter area.

On the bottom of the page glue swatches of fabric for a quick reference.

At the top, be sure to note any special cutting instructions you need to watch out for, such as cutting borders from the length before cutting other pieces. If you cut from strips, organize by the largest width strips to make good use of the leftovers.

In the organization area, plan for any labeling and numbering systems needed to stay organized.

In the boxes, draw the units of construction like half square triangles, square in a square, or flying geese.

Below, note the number needed and the unfinished size for quick trimming reference.

Before assembling, put the quilt on the design wall and let it look at you for as long as it takes for everything to find the perfect spot. Once it looks just right, create a diagram for assembly on this page.

Use this page to plan the label for your project.

Use the diagram at the bottom to design your label.

Use the page to record embellishment ideas you want to do before and after quilting.

Note the size needed with the quilting technique in mind. Be sure to allow enough extra for longarm, machine quilting, or hand quilting.

Sketch out the assembly plan for the backing. You can include left over blocks, scraps, or creative piecing.

Consider your batting choice and note it here.

You may want to have several copies of this page available to note patterns for each area of the project.

Note binding techniques such as bias or straight cut. Note size and filling for future reference.

Decide if you want any embellishments added to the binding and note here.

At the end of the project, add what you have learned during your creative process.

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