Uncover the Mystery Behind UFOS: Understanding What They Stand For in Quilting

UFO, or Unfinished Object, is a term commonly used in the world of quilting. While its origins may seem mysterious, much like the elusive unidentified flying objects in popular culture, the concept is quite simple. For quilters, UFOs are projects that have been started but remain unfinished for various reasons. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of UFO in quilting. From its history to its impact on modern quilting, we will explore how this term has become an integral part of the quilting community. Whether you are new to quilting or a seasoned veteran, join us as we uncover what exactly UFO stands for in the world of quilting.

Quilting is a popular form of needlework that involves stitching together layers of fabric to create a padded textile. Over the years, quilting has evolved into an art form, with different techniques and styles emerging. One such style is the incorporation of UFOs or unfinished objects in quilts. This trend has gained popularity among quilters, but many people are still unfamiliar with what UFO stands for in quilting. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of UFO in quilting and its significance in the quilting community.

What Does UFO Stand For?

UFO stands for UnFinished Object. In the world of quilting, it refers to a project that has been left incomplete for an extended period. It could be due to various reasons such as running out of time, losing interest, or getting stuck at a challenging stage. Most quilters have at least one UFO project stored away in their sewing rooms.

While some may see them as abandoned projects that never came to fruition, in the quilting community, UFOs are embraced and even celebrated. They represent a quilter’s journey, with each unfinished piece holding special memories and stories.

The History of UFOs in Quilting

The concept of UFOs originated from the American Quilter’s Society (AQS) Unfinished Quilt Challenge held in 1986. The challenge encouraged participants to submit their unfinished quilt tops for an exhibition at the AQS annual show.

The AQS consistently had dozens of entries each year, showcasing beautifully pieced quilt tops that never made it to completion for various reasons. The success of this challenge inspired other quilt shows and guilds to adopt similar challenges and include them in their exhibitions.

Over time, the term “UFO” caught on within the quilter community as short-hand for unfinished projects. It has become a common and accepted term used among quilters all over the world to refer to their unfinished works.

Why Do Quilters Have UFOs?

Quilters are creative individuals who often have many ideas and projects in mind. However, like any other hobby, life sometimes gets in the way, making it challenging to complete every project as planned. Quilting is a time-consuming process that requires patience and dedication, and unforeseen circumstances can interrupt this. Some common reasons why quilters have UFOs include:

– Busy schedules: Many quilters juggle between work, family, and other commitments, leaving them with limited time for quilting.
– Losing interest: As with any creative endeavor, there may come a point where the initial enthusiasm for a project fades away.
– Challenges: Quilting involves various techniques and skills that require practice to master. Some quilters may get stuck at a particularly challenging stage and put the project aside.
– Perfectionism: Some quilters strive for perfection in their work and may continuously make changes to their projects, leading to them never being completed.

Regardless of the reason behind having UFOs, they are an inevitable part of a quilter’s journey.

The Significance of UFOs in Quilting

While some may see UFOs as a sign of failure or lack of commitment on the part of the quilter, they hold much more significance within the quilting community. Here are some ways in which UFOs are valued by quilters:

The opportunity for growth

UFOs provide an excellent opportunity for quilters to learn and improve their skills. In most cases, when facing challenges with a project, quilters turn to other experienced quilters for advice or attend workshops. By doing so, they expand their knowledge and can apply it to future projects.

Motivation

Having UFOs also serves as motivation for quilters to continue working on their unfinished projects. They often set a goal to complete a specific number of UFOs within a given period, encouraging them to push through and finish what they started.

A sense of achievement

Completing a UFO can be a satisfying experience for quilters. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and boosts their confidence in their skills. Moreover, every UFO has a unique story behind it, making its completion even more special.

How Quilters Manage Their UFOs

Managing UFOs is an essential part of quilting. Here are some approaches that quilters use to keep track of their unfinished projects:

– Keeping a journal: Many quilters maintain a journal where they list all the projects they have started, the stage each project is at, and any relevant notes.
– Creating a designated space: Some quilters have dedicated spaces in their sewing rooms where they store their UFOs. This helps keep the projects organized and easily accessible.
– Participating in challenges: Many quilt shows and guilds hold challenges where participants must complete their UFOs within a set timeline. These challenges provide an excellent opportunity for quilters to work on their unfinished projects and motivate them to finish

The Origin of the Term “UFO” in Quilting

In the world of quilting, there are many terms and jargon that may be unfamiliar to those outside of the craft. One of these terms is UFO, or “unfinished object”. This term is often used to describe a quilt project that has been started but not completed. But where did this term come from and how did it become a part of quilting culture?

The term “UFO” was first coined by Marion Schoberl in the early 1980s. At the time, she was editor of The Quilters Newsletter Magazine and wanted a way to refer to unfinished quilts that had been abandoned by their makers. Schoberl asked readers to write in with their suggestions for an acronym, and UFO was the overwhelming favorite.

But why “unfinished object”? Some have speculated that this term was chosen because it could encompass both quilts and other types of fiber crafts, like knitting or crocheting. Others believe it was simply meant as a nod to sci-fi culture with its references to unidentified flying objects.

Regardless of its origins, UFO has become a well-known term in the quilting community. It is often used humorously among quilters when referring to their many unfinished projects.

Signs You Have a UFO Problem

While having some unfinished projects may be common among quilters, there are certain signs that indicate you may have a UFO problem on your hands.

1. Your stash is overflowing: One of the tell-tale signs of a quilter with too many UFOs is an overflowing fabric stash. With so many projects started but not completed, it’s no wonder you have scraps and yardage taking over your sewing space.

2. You can’t remember all your works in progress: When someone asks you what projects you’re currently working on, it takes you a few moments to remember them all. And you may even surprise yourself with a forgotten UFO or two.

3. You struggle with commitment: You get easily distracted by new fabric collections or quilt patterns, making it difficult to focus on finishing one project at a time.

4. You have a lot of quilt tops but not many finished quilts: Your sewing room may be filled with beautiful quilt tops, but not many of them have been quilted and bound. This is a sign of a severe UFO problem.

5. Your UFOs are older than your children: If you have projects that have been sitting unfinished for longer than your children have been alive, it’s time to address your UFO problem.

The Effects of Having Too Many UFOs

While having a few unfinished projects may not seem like a big deal, having an excessive amount of UFOs can actually have negative effects on both your mental and physical well-being.

1. Stress and Anxiety: Having multiple unfinished projects can cause stress and anxiety among quilters. It can feel overwhelming to look at all the work that needs to be done and not know where to start.

2. Lack of Motivation: When confronted with too many UFOs, some quilters may feel overwhelmed and lose their motivation to finish them. They may feel like they will never catch up or that it’s too late to complete their projects.

3. Wasted Time and Money: Starting new projects without finishing previous ones often leads to wasted time and money. Quilters may end up purchasing duplicate fabrics or supplies because they don’t remember what they already have for their unfinished projects.

4. Cluttered Working Space: With so many unfinished projects, it’s easy for sewing spaces to become cluttered and disorganized, making it difficult for quilters to work efficiently.

How to Tackle Your UFOs

Now that we’ve discussed the signs and effects of having too many UFOs, it’s time to address the problem. Here are some tips for tackling your UFOs and regaining control over your quilting projects.

1. Prioritize: Make a list of all your unfinished projects and prioritize them based on which ones you are most excited about or which ones are closest to being completed. This will give you a starting point and help you focus on finishing one project at a time.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Instead of trying to finish all your UFOs at once, set realistic goals for yourself. For example, aim to finish one project every month or every other month.

3. Don’t Start New Projects until UFOs Are Completed: It can be tempting to start new projects, especially when new fabrics or patterns catch our eye. However, try to refrain from starting anything new until you have completed a significant number of your UFOs.

4. Organize Your Space: Take some time to declutter and organize your sewing space. This will not only make it more enjoyable to work in but also make it easier to see what projects you have in progress.

5. Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to seek out help from friends or family members if you feel overwhelmed by your UFOs. They may be

Question 1: What does UFO stand for in quilting?
Answer: UFO stands for “Unfinished Object” in the quilting community. It refers to any project that has been started but not yet completed.

Question 2: How common is it for quilters to have UFOs?
Answer: It is very common for quilters to have UFOs, as many projects can take a long time to complete and quilters often have multiple projects in progress at once.

Question 3: What are some reasons why quilters might have UFOs?
Answer: There are various reasons why quilters may have UFOs, including losing interest in a project, running out of materials, or not having enough time to devote to completing the project.

Question 4: How can I stay motivated to finish my UFOs?
Answer: One way to stay motivated is by setting realistic goals and deadlines for yourself. You can also participate in quilting challenges or join a support group of fellow quilters who can offer encouragement and accountability.

Question 5: Is it okay to give up on a UFO and start a new project instead?
Answer: Yes, it is completely acceptable to give up on a UFO and start a new project. Quilting should be an enjoyable hobby, and if you are no longer interested in a particular project, it’s okay to move on.

Question 6: Are there any tips for organizing my UFOs?
Answer: Some tips for organizing your UFOs include labeling each project with its name and progress, storing them in clear containers or bags, and keeping track of which supplies you still need for each project. You can also try prioritizing your projects based on which ones you would like to complete first.

In conclusion, the term UFO in quilting stands for Unfinished Object, which refers to any quilting project that has not been completed. It is a common term used among quilters and serves as a reminder to finish projects that may have been put aside or forgotten.

Throughout history, quilting has served as both a practical and creative outlet for individuals around the world. As quilting techniques and styles evolved over time, so did the terminology used within the community. UFO is just one of many terms that have become widely recognized and embraced by quilters.

While UFOs may seem like a negative term at first glance, it actually represents the perseverance and dedication of quilters to complete their projects. As with any hobby or passion, there will be times when projects are put on hold for various reasons. However, the term UFO serves as a gentle nudge to continue working towards completing these unfinished objects.

Furthermore, UFOs symbolize the diversity and constant evolution of quilting as an art form. With new patterns, techniques, and fabrics being introduced constantly, there will always be new projects for quilters to take on. The proliferation of online communities and resources has also made it easier for quilters to connect with one another and share their progress on unfinished projects.

In essence,

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.