UFOs

When my mom died a little over eight years ago, I inherited all her sewing and craft supplies.  It took my dad a number of trips in his minivan to bring everything over.  There were three sewing machines - an embroidery, a serger, and a "regular" one, a sewing desk, a cutting table, and loads of material, notions, crafts and supplies. 

 

When I first got it all, I went through the material and got it sorted out and stored in tubs.  It was interesting to see when the fabric was purchased by the evolution of Joann Fabrics bags.  But, most of the stuff remained as it arrived, packed in a variety of boxes and bags.

 

When Himself's aunt started adding to my stash, I decided that it was time to get things better organized.  As I started opening some of the bags and boxes, I found projects mom had started but never finished.  There were several counted cross stitch pictures, a crewel embroidery one, a bedspread for what had been her newly redecorated bedroom, and a couple of clothing items. 

 

As I handled the items, it took my breath away.  Mom started these new projects thinking she would have more time.  She was optimistic.  The cancer wouldn't win.  But it did.

 

I got to thinking about what my unfinished objects, UFOs, are.  I have a cross stitch sampler from our wedding eighteen years ago that is half finished.  There are a few more cross stitch pictures in process, a couple of dress patterns with material waiting to be sewn, a quilted wall-hanging in pieces, a quilt started for our guest room, and yarn purchased for a crochet scarf.

 

But, those are things.  What about the phone calls left unmade?  Or the dinner plans postponed?  And the emails and letters left unwritten?  Maybe Mom had craft projects uncompleted because she spent her time with and for people, talking and listening to them. 

 

I think I'm going to work on a few of my UFOs this week.  Care to join me?

 

 

AMDG