52 Project Challenge?

[elanorh]

Hi all,
I just signed up for the decluttering challenge (http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1174150 ) - but if I want to get a handle on my clutter, I have GOT to start finishing projects (mostly sewing, some embroidery and quilting too).

SO --- is anyone else up for a challenge? One project a week, we can report back here about what we've finished each week. Kudos for those who work ahead (and demerits for any 'new' projects we add to the stash) -

So for example, if I sew three projects Week 1, I am at 49/52. If in Week 2, I sew a project but buy two new projects, then I am at 50/52 in Week 2.

We could do a little bonus points system for completing something that is 'recycled' if we wanted to? I've got some t-shirts which aren't so stylish anymore, that would make cute shirts or pjs for the girls ....

C'mon, folks - let's motivate each other!

[doubledutch]

that sounds really cool! i don't know if i could finish a project every week, but it would be motivating to at least try . . .

[flapjack]

I'm in. I have a ridiculously large number of UFOs of various crafts around... namely

1 lace scarf
1 lace shawl
1 vest for DD
1 quilt for my mother (I had a baby two days before Christmas, so it didn't get finished)
and various others.

[dawningmama]

This is a fantastic idea!!!!! I'm in!

[doubledutch]

ooh, can i post a ufo list too?

sweater for ds1 - all finished knitting but must sew up. also . . . lost one of the sleeves. not sure where it could be.
sweater for ds2 - just started it. actually it's only a vest. also, he's tiny, so i'm hoping it won't take too long, lol.
soaker for ds2 - that ship has sailed, can't decide whether to finish and give it to someone else, or rip it out and reuse the yarn for something else.
fingerless gloves - i don't like how the first one is looking. i think i might rip it out and make a little hat for myself instead.

wow, that might be it. of course, i have the yarn/fabric for a lot of other projects, but i actually can't think of anything else half-finished. i really desperately need to do a buttload of sewing because i have so much fabric.

[34me]

I want on the train! 52 projects this year will get me prepared for Holiday Gift Giving 2010!

[elanorh]

I would propose that, time-wise, piecing a quilt top should count as 2 projects (unless it's twin size or smaller?); and quilting a quilt top should also count as 2 projects.

I don't knit or crochet, so don't know about estimates for them?

I'm counting every sewing project etc. as the same thing, because while some are super-easy (ie, finish in an hour), some are much more difficult - I figure it will all even out in the end, and besides, those quickie projects can feel really good as accomplishments.

And I am embarrassed to admit - I have far more than 52 projects waiting in the wings.

[anjanetteopal]

Yes! This is perfect! I have a much neglected craft blog that needs updating and a craft business I plan to roll out with a friend this year! Perfect motivation!

Just finished a puzzle for my almost 2 year old today! Can that count? I'm going to post about that and link it soon.

Other projects in need of finishing/starting:

*Scarf (knitted) for DH - 1/3 through and he's cold!!!
*Bonnet for little one in my belly from handkerchief g-gma gifted us
*Birth announcements for little one
*hat & mittens for little one
*plush doll for DS to carry in little sling a friend is making for me
*wall decor (paper and foam board design) for the non-profit I work for (I'm 3/4 done! MUST FINISH!)

I'm sure I'll think of a ton more!!

[MamaWolfe]

For the first time in years I finished almost all of my projects before Christmas! So I don't currently have that many projects, but I would LOVE to get involved in this cause by next week I probably will. This week I would really like to finish my socks. The first one's done, the second I'm just starting the heel flap. Ugh. (This is my first pair of socks and I'm not used to paying attention while I knit ;-)

[Shianne]

I'm in.
I have two friends waiting for some hand spun yarn, one for a crocheting project and the other for a weaving project. I also promised my son that I would knit him a pair of socks from some really soft llama fiber I received over the summer. I need to sort, clean and card four full llama fleece and one of wool. Then lots of spinning!

I think I have enough to keep me busy for 52 weeks.

[mommia]

Count me in!

[elanorh]

OK, here's my working post:

Week 1 (week ending January 2nd):
51/52: Completed 4 tutus (counting as one project because it was a quickie)

[Krisis]

I'm in. Don't really know if I have enough for 52 projects, my real goal is just to clear out my fabric and yarn stashes before buying ANY NEW STUFF. Hear that, self? NO BUYING ANY NEW YARN. NO BUYING NEW FABRIC. No buying any crafty stuff till I use what I got!!

[Peppermint Poppies]

I'm in I couldn't finish a project each week (I'm pretty sure I don't have 52 project on the go), but I'm going to give myself credit each week if I make forwards progress on a project and don't bring any new projects into the house.

This week's project .... finish sewing a pair of Little Explorer shorts for DS

[flapjack]

Originally Posted by elanorh

I would propose that, time-wise, piecing a quilt top should count as 2 projects (unless it's twin size or smaller?); and quilting a quilt top should also count as 2 projects.

I don't knit or crochet, so don't know about estimates for them?

I'm counting every sewing project etc. as the same thing, because while some are super-easy (ie, finish in an hour), some are much more difficult - I figure it will all even out in the end, and besides, those quickie projects can feel really good as accomplishments.

And I am embarrassed to admit I have far more than 52 projects waiting in the wings.

It's hard to do a time estimate for knitting or crochet because everyone knits differently and at different speeds. The shawl I mentioned above already has at least 20 hours knitting on it (and I'm not slow) and I have another 50 rows to go. An adult sweater could have more than a hundred hours work in it. I think everyone is just going to have to set their own limits.

Shianne, it's nice to see another spinner

[caiesmommy]

IM IN!!!
Some projects-2 pairs fingerless gloves/atleast 2 pairs of socks for F-I-L(xmas/bday)/socks for aunt/thomas blanket for ds/thomas curtains for ds/....post more when I think of them

Week 52-1 pair of fingerless gloves

[ms.shell]

good idea!
i have many UFOs and definitely start new things more often than i finish
Finished cleaning the sewing room today from the frantic christmas making. I dont want to have to do so much in december again! I know christmas is coming- so i hope to get a lot for next year done in these 52 projects.
Main things needing completion right now are:
1. DS bed quilt for his bday next week. the top is done, it needs sandwiching and quilting, or more likely, tying. I agree a bed quilt should count for 2 in the piecing and again in the quilting!
2. baby's ABC book that I didnt finish for christmas, but want to complete.

I started new stuff tonight, though. DP is encouraging me to try to sell some stuff, and i do really need to make some money. So I am starting with more fabric blocks (i started these for my baby for christmas, but only made a few)- I cut out and started putting together 2 of them tonight and was sorting and planning for more. And I think I am going to go to bed now. (so i am starting at 53?lol) But I definitely want to get several of these (and the quilt) finished up pretty quick so i can start on the next thing (another color book).

I am looking forward to hearing about everyone's projects on this thread.

[caiesmommy]

IM IN!!!
Some projects-2 pairs fingerless gloves/atleast 2 pairs of socks for F-I-L(xmas/bday)/socks for aunt/thomas blanket for ds/thomas curtains for ds/....post more when I think of them

Week 52-1 pair of fingerless gloves DONE
Week 1- 1 pair of socks(my new years eve project)

[iowaorganic]

This is right up my alley. I am going to count scrapbooking in my list though as well as knitting, felting, and sewing. I can NOT purchase any new craft supplies- I must start using up what I have stashed. Money is tight and my craft room is completely overflowing. This is ridiculous.

Week 1: have to finish up quilted potholders by tomorrow for a Christmas gift.
Week 2: Must design and sew a birthday dress for DD who turns 4 on Tuesday.
Week 3: Knit the second mini bella mitten for DS
Week 4: Knit DD a set of mini bella mittens

Other WIP that need to come at sometime- Finish piecing a quilt for DH (I have half the blocks made) then quilt.
2 pairs of socks otn for myself
hats for all my DC
socks for DH
fishing hanging towels for my kitchen
work on all of the baby books in my house.

[elanorh]

Iowaorganic, I think scrapbooking fits right into this. Any sort of crafty project which is building up in our homes - whether it's scrapbooking, or ceramics, or knitting or whatever. Like giant stacks of fabric to make kids' clothes

I am loving checking out links to the things people are making. I don't knit (it's on my "one day I want to learn" list) - but the Bella mittens look lovely - and would be SO cute on a little kid! I've sent a link to the pattern to all my friends who knit/love Twilight (or both).

Hoping today I'll get two pairs of fairy wings made for the girls .... we'll see.