I think all creative people have them hanging around, some masquerading as a yarn or material stash.

Years ago, I read this is what you do, any unfinished project, you put in a plastic bag with someone's name in it. Now it can be someone who you like, or someone who you don't (we ALL had those projects) OR someone who doesn't like you.

Then you tell your children that in the event of your death, those are to be given away to the person who's name is in the project. If you don't die, you can always finish them, but won't you secretly be laughing if you do! ;-) I know some will be at my funeral wondering....???

I'm taking it all with me.

Hmmmm, very clever idea, that. But I know my daughters, and in the event of my untimely demise, they'll clean the house and put it all in the dumpster. They just roll their eyes at all my UFOs (even though some belong to them). GracieBabe has a half finsihed latch hook rug in the closet. Ace and KD both have furniture here and I know they wouldn't claim any of it.

I think UFO would make great gift exchange items for a white elephant gift exchange.

I took several UFO's and bagged them up along with the materials to finish htem, then put the bags in my living room in a picnic basket.

That way, when I had free time, was headed for the dentist or doctor's office or a blood drive, or just wanted something in my hands while watching TV, there was always a project within reach.

I've actually finished all but 2 of the projects that I wanted to get done this year (New Years resolution), and have done 3 or 4 more.

So why are they called "UFO"'s. I get the "U" for unfinished, but what do the "F" & "O" stand for?

Un-Finished Objects.

Or in the sewing circles: Unfinished Fabric Object.

Most of what I haven't finished is to be done by machine. There's little handwork in my crafting.

Not much has changed, alas. What about the rest of you?

DH started us on a remodeling project so those same 2 UFO's are still floating around at my house--tomorrow night while I'm off work I plan to get a couple of major steps done on both.

At least, that's the plan.

Funny this topic should come up now. Just the night before last The Man got after me about my unfinished projects. He does not understand why I don't finish one project before I start another.

I had to patiently explain to him that I ran out of yarn for the sweater, so can go no further on it until I get somewhere to get more yarn.

I had to start a prayer shawl so I'd have something to work on at our last prayer shawl meeting.

I can only knit two rows on my nieces afghan before my hands start hurting, so I need something besides that to work on.

I guess what I'm saying is that the are always UFO's at my house because no matter how many I finish, I start more.

And I've got two balls of bulky weight homespun (not by me!) wool sitting here. I made a sleeveless hoodie out of the rest, but I've got these two balls left and don't know what to do with it. Any ideas anybody?

Hey everyone

I actually just finished one of my UFO's last night -- my Irish Hiking Scarf (pattern here: http://www.helloyarn.com/irishhikingcarf.htm ). It's about time too. I've been working on it since October :P

I still have several bags to sew up, but now I'm onto my next knitting project: an ear flap hat. Can't wait to finish it!

That is a beautiful scarf. I'm wanting to make something like that for my sister. I may just use that pattern that is offered.

Chris - ACK! CABLES! DPNs! You're brave. DPNs are scary.

Top - That is known as a state of dynamic equilibrium. That's a scientific term. Perhaps DH will understand it if you phrase it that way. It's like laundry and dishes - there will always be some to wash.

Kitty - Will you take pictures of the completed projects and post them were we can see?

I've still got my mother's memory quilt to make from my baba's clothes - I finally found the PERFECT patterns for the wall-hangings. And then my mom said, over the holidays when I showed her the patterns: "I would have been happy with a bunch of squares, you know." Sheesh. She seems to have forgotten that she told me last year that she didn't want "patchwork".

I have a small backpack cut and waiting to be assembled; I have a silk and wool coat-blouse for myself that I just can't seem to finish, even when I bring it to my Wednesday night sewing club. I have a stash-buster owl rag quilt waiting to be assembled - I think it's ugly, so it's hard to be motivated on that, too, and the stash just caught up with the owl, so to speak, so I haven't even made any progress clearing the house of fabric.

I get all these great ideas, but the opportunity to work on them never comes up when I'm inspired. I actually made 30 gingerbread cookies (embroidered) when my mom and dad took the kids out a couple of days in a row, for the whole day... because I was so happy to have my basement back! (Kids were sleeping in it, so there went my late-night sewing time slot.) Oh, and there were other things I was supposed to get done during that time. It seems I need something to procrastinate against, so I feel like sewing.

UFO's were my project for January, until I started "winter sowing" seeds. Now I'm ankle deep in milk cartons. BUT, I do have several to finish before I can really dig into something new. I HATE that stack. A small quilt that needs quilting, a purse I need to make, turning an old sweatshirt into a pillow for my eldest grandson, and the last are my hardest but very rewarding. I have 4 "bereavement outfits" that go to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. Our Extension service Homemakers clubs make them to give to parents whose very little premie babies don't survive. The little ones came too early and the parents don't have anything to put them in for burial. So we make little gown, hats, booties, diaper and blanket that match and then a heart for the parents to keep. At least they can send the little angle off in a sweet little outfit. Sad, true, but it's a really nice thing I think. So I have 3 more to finish. I've put them off for sometime, but I think that angel meant for them is still safe in Momma for now. Prayers for them all.

I know what you mean: it's the kindest thing you can do for a pregnancy gone terribly wrong, but it's also the hardest thing to create. Can't have those lying around waiting to be finished.