Wow, Judy! I am glad I don't pull mine out all the time to look at them, but I am trying to finish things and not start new things too often.

Judy (DJZMOM) said:

Let’s suffice it to saw it’s >100.

I think you have exceeded me!  Amazing!

So ... if you can take the time, look at the UFOs/PIGs before you actually pack them. 

Do you still like it?  Be *honest*.  There's nothing wrong in saying that they just don't thrill you any more.  If the project is cut and ready to sew but you just DO NOT like the layout or the fabrics or whatever .... **give it away**.  Thrift store, other quilting friend, whoever.  Yes, you absolutely *can* assemble it because there's nothing tricky about it but you have **so many other** projects waiting.  Let **got** of whatever unwarranted guilt you might feel because you're not finishing it.  WHO CARES??  This is not like the 'clean plate club' where you have to finish your dinner.  You *are* allowed to pass on a project.    If the fabric is still yardage, look at it .  If you still like the fabric, put it back in the general inventory so you can use it on some other project.  If your tastes have changed and you don't care for the fabric, let it go.  Some one else will love it.

Is is still appropriate for the intended recipient, if it was to be a gift?  If it was a baby quilt for someone who has now graduated high school or college, the time frame has passed.  Give the project to someone else.

Is it still just the pattern?  Again, do you like the pattern?  Is the timeframe still appropriate?  Yes, you CAN sew it, but WILL you, when there are many other projects to work on?  Maybe it's just a good idea to relinquish the pattern.  If it's not in your inventory, there's no guilt about not making it.  :-)

BE RUTHLESS in culling those projects!   If you can get rid of some NOW, that is less work for you in Colorado ..... where you should do THE SAME THING when you're unpacking it all!

Big hugs, Judy.  This is such a HUGE step and it jumped out at you in an accelerated timeframe.  It's OK to even be resentful at the sudden amount of work.  You were certainly expecting a bit more lead time.

Dee in TX (DBRADFOR3) said:

Just because you thought you wanted to do them once upon a time doesn't mean it's a contract, you don't have to lug them around with you. 

Judy!  Did you read what Dee said???   Gosh, it's great!   Honest to goodness, it is NOT A CONTRACT!   Truer words were never said.  :-)

Shelley gave you some really good advice and there is not much I could add except purging at the old place means you don't have to pack and move the item and then revisit it yet again. Of course if you do not have time to go thru stuff by all means toss it into a moving box and figure it out when you have time. 

When I packed up the New Mexico house I did try to purge but there came a point where I just had to pack it up and get it loaded in the moving truck. My last night in my house I was alone. The Penski truck was mostly packed except for the things I needed like the RV pillows on the floor to sleep on, the coffee maker. I watched my final awesome sunset off the deck wondering if I would ever come back to live in the house again. Very sad, I know how you feel. Once all your stuff is on your new place that will become home for you and you will create the next chapter of your life.

Dee in TX (DBRADFOR3) said...

Just a thought, are you sure you want to keep all those pigs?  Just because you thought you wanted to do them once upon a time doesn't mean it's a contract, you don't have to lug them around with you.  If you aren't excited about them any more, donate them to a local guild or church sewing group.  Quilting is supposed to be fun, not a chore or obligation - I officially give you permission (grin).

Thanks dear friend!  DH has been keeping me on schedule by reminding me we can take the time to purge when we get to Ft Collins and please don't take time (we don't have) to do it now.  But I think you are soooo right!  I know there is a quilt group at the church we've been attending when we are there and I know there are lots of guilds.  I look forward to lightening the load.  But it has been like a walk down memory lane as I come across swap blocks (and people's names).

DH keeps reminding me we'll enjoy the snow from INSIDE the house and not HAVE to go out in it!  I sure hope so...

Thanks for the update Cathy.  I know that was a special help to Linda for Sharon to make her own life's decision.  I'm sure it's crossed her mind many times over the years she has fought this fight what she might decide when it was time.  It's good her brother arrived and I pray the 3 of them will have special time together  

Thanks so much for your kind words.  We moved in and remodeled this house in November of 1988 and really made it our own.  Now to "approve" the modern style changes being made here for a new, younger family is a bit tough but we know it will all be for the good.  And we are really looking forward to the "adventures" ahead for us.  Meeting new people and learning new things in a completely new area will be challenging but a wonderful adventure.  And DJ said he's looking forward to visiting from wherever he ends up and bringing his dog!! 

MelRN said...

I am glad I don't pull mine out all the time to look at them, but I am trying to finish things and not start new things too often.

Good for you!!  Best of luck with that!!

Oh wise one...  Thanks for saying all that.  Much the sentiment Dee shared too.  I will seriously go through all of those AND some fabrics I wonder "WHY?!?!?"  Life is getting too short!  

Thanks so very much Ami.  I just need to take each day (and its feelings) one at a time.