May is the perfect moment for a creative reset. Spring energy is in full swing, the days feel lighter, and many of us are itching to clear space both physically and mentally. That makes it the ideal time to shine a spotlight on a topic every quilter knows well: unfinished objects (UFOs) and works in progress (WIPs).
Whether you call them UFO or WIPs, they tend to pile up quietly in baskets, bins, and corners of the sewing room. And while they may be out of sight, they’re rarely out of mind. You know there are a lot of them when we have to find an abbreviated way of saying “sewing stuff that I haven’t finished yet.”
This month, we’re battling the UFO blues and utilizing the momentum of spring. Part of the challenge is being able to decipher which projects are worth coming back to and when we should cut our losses.
Why focus on UFOs for May?
May gives us a natural opportunity to:
- Revisit what we’ve started
- Reconnect with what we love
- Release what no longer serves us
- Make space for new ideas
Think of it as spring cleaning for your creative spirit.
A lot of us get caught up in the WIP trap: we’re attracted to the idea of a new, shiny project. New fabric! New techniques! An excuse to go shopping or break out the colored pencils and graph paper! And then … somewhere along the way we get bored! This project isn’t fun anymore; it’s taking too long; or I missed the deadline for completing it. The list goes on and on!
Personally, my UFO pile is much larger than I’d like to admit so this type of challenge is perfect for me. I seem to recall that I have about half the blocks for a Christmas quilt sitting in a bin somewhere and might need to pull them out. Maybe, just maybe I could get it finished and wrap it up under the tree this year.
UFO and WIP Tracker
A clean, simple, and flexible tracker to help you organize and make progress on your UFOs and WIPs. Print it, slip it into a binder, or keep it on a clipboard in your sewing space.
Step One: Schedule it Out
UFOs don’t finish themselves, but they do get finished when they have a place on your calendar. This month, choose one or two projects and give them actual dates:
- A day to pull everything together
- A day to cut or prep
- A day to sew
- A day to finish
Think of it like making a date with your creativity. When it’s on the calendar, it becomes real, and you’re far more likely to follow through. We have a free downloadable tracker to help you on your way.
Step Two: Dangle the Carrot
Motivation loves a reward. Pick something that feels fun, meaningful, or just plain indulgent:
- A new fat quarter bundle
- A guilt‑free hour of sewing something new
- A special treat
- A fresh notion you’ve been eyeing
Tie the reward to the finish. “Once I bind this quilt, I get to start that new pattern.” It’s amazing how quickly progress happens when there’s a carrot waiting at the end.
Step 3: Use the Stick
Not the scary kind, the accountability kind. Give yourself a gentle consequence that nudges you forward:
- No new projects until one UFO is done
- No fabric shopping until a WIP moves to the next stage
- No cutting into that new collection until the old one gets used
It’s not punishment, it’s structure. A little boundary can create a lot of momentum.
Step 4: Stay Organized
UFOs multiply when they’re scattered. This month, gather each project into its own bag, bin, or folder with:
- The pattern
- The fabric
- The notes
- The blocks or pieces
- A quick list of what’s left to do
When everything is together, the mental load disappears. You don’t waste time hunting for pieces or trying to remember where you left off — you just sit down and sew.
Step 5: Reignite the Spark or Put out the Fire
Sometimes a project stalls because it needs a fresh perspective. Ask yourself:
- Do I still love the fabrics?
- Is the technique intimidating?
- Would breaking it into smaller steps help?
- Do I need help, inspiration, or a new plan?
A simple mindset shift can often bring a project back to life. And if not? It’s okay to let it go. Releasing a UFO can be just as freeing as finishing one. UFOs are part of the creative journey, not a failure in it.
Step Six: Make it Usable
Turn your UFOs and WIPs into something usable. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to finish the original project. Instead, challenge yourself to create something totally different and completely useable. I’ve rounded up a list of 25 UFO Projects to help you do just that.
UFO and WIP Tracker
A clean, simple, and flexible tracker to help you organize and make progress on your UFOs and WIPs. Print it, slip it into a binder, or keep it on a clipboard in your sewing space.
Challenge Details:
The goal for May isn’t perfection. It’s movement. It’s clarity. It’s reconnecting with the projects you once loved and letting go of the ones you don’t.
By the end of the month, you’ll have more space, more energy, and more excitement for what comes next. I’ll be sharing weekly prompts to keep you inspired.
Share Your Progress:
Quilting does not have to be a singular sport! Consider this your personal invitation to join my community of over 200,000 members from around the world. In there, you can find all sorts of inspiration, ask questions, and share your latest makes! Oh, and I almost forgot… You can meet a new friend who shares your passion. Get started here:
- Join & share your progress in the Scrappy Girls Club Group with #ScrappyGirlsChallenge and tag me so I can cheer you on!
- Reflect on what you learned – this challenge is about growth and using your scraps and decluttering your UFOs, not perfection.
- To get the party started, we are including a UFO and WIP Tracker. Simply download and print at home.
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ScrappyGirlsChallenge so we can cheer you on!
