When I was first learning to sew, I painstakingly made one thing at a time, from start to finish. . . very, very slowly. My skills and brain just couldn’t handle juggling more than one project. I had a big fear of making mistakes, or ruining my sewing machine (?), or I assumed I didn’t understand the instructions. Little by little, I started to realize that things didn’t need to be cut out perfectly, seam rippers are there for a reason, and that instructions don’t disappear if you start a different project.
It appears that increased confidence sometimes comes with haphazard making. There are THREE (it’s actually more) WIPs / UFOs that I’ve been bouncing between for months. I kind of miss the extreme focus I used to dedicate to each project when I first started. So I’m doing a WIP Check and declaring a moratorium on starting anything new until these four are finished!
1. Kalle Shirt
![](https://www.notaprimarycolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_8866-1200x1200.jpg)
I planned this shirt in March of 2018, cut it out in May, actually started sewing it in June, and. . . haven’t touched it since. It needs one side of the button placket, the sides, cuffs, and collar.
2. Tamarack Jacket
![](https://www.notaprimarycolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_8872-1-1200x1200.jpg)
I don’t even know when the plan for this happened, but it was a LONG, LONG time ago. I cut it out on September 3rd and finished quilting it on October 14th, 2018. I installed one welt pocket over the weekend and plan to finish this WIP first since it’s still chilly jacket weather!
3. Peppermint Shorts Hack
![](https://www.notaprimarycolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_8896-1200x1200.jpg)
I’m not sure this hack is going to work out, but I’m going to push through because I used really nice fabric. Just need to sew up one leg, the crotch, waistband, and hem.
Are you a one project at a time sewist, or do you juggle?
Totes a one project at a time gal over here. I have had a few occasions where there was a bit of a sewing disaster and I had to revisit it after some space but usually I start something and then I finish it. I don’t have room for WIPs!!! I barely have room for my fabric stash!
I always have several things cut out…. I tend to only actually construct one thing at a time unless the project is being a jerk then it gets flung aside in a huff and I work on something else until I’m out of the funk.
I think I do best with one project at a time, and I try to stick to that but I feel like there are a bunch of WIPs on the periphery, clouding my focus. This quick inventory (+ an upcoming move) is inspiring me to sort through my piles and projects. Thanks for sharing yours!
Firmly in the ‘one project at a time’ camp, LOL. The closest to juggling is allowing my mind to plot a new garment when I’m getting close to the finish line on the make at hand.
I think it’s awesome that people can have several projects on the go at one time.
I think my juggling has gotten out of control!