UFO's . . . Un-Finished Objects!

Most avid needlepointers have compiled a collection of UFO's, otherwise known as Un-finished Objects. It all happens quite innocently, just another canvas that one can't resist.

My collection is quite large (perhaps 10 canvases at any given time). The problem that arises is the quiet 'knowing' that certain pieces just won't ever be started, let alone finished.

I've been know to stash these canvases, moving them from closet to closet, hanging them carefully on clip pant hangers, covering protectively with acid-free tissue paper and clear plastic. Visiting them annually, I sigh, "I'll think about this later" as I once again put the canvases away. Once I hung them in full view to admire their artistry and remind myself to keep them in my assembly line.

Finally, this summer, I became honest with myself and decided to do something about these canvases.

My mate suggested that I sell them on Ebay. "Hmmm", I murmured quickly thinking of more money and buying new canvases. A dear friend suggested that I wait and we would have a garage sale. My mate then asked, "And who would come to the sale?" - My decision was based on my motto which speaks: "I'd rather be stitching!".

I decided to give my unwanted/unneeded canvases to my stitching friends (if they would take them).

My first gifting, a pair of Lee miniature kimonos with partial threads available, quickly found a good home with Diana. Since I already had stitched 4 kimonos and I don't know why I thought that 6 made a set! Besides, I now gravitate to huge, intricate canvases.

The next canvas went home with Shirlianne. I had reused my stash of threads for the piece, but at least she had the benefit of my working notes. The very best part of this event is that all of my stitching table has now become involved in teaching Shirlianne the various stitches to complete this English country cottage and gardens. We are having so much fun as we all learn new stitches (the colonial knot being one of them) and sharing in the development of this creation. I know that it will be fabulous and it WILL be finished!!!!!!! Also the needlepoint shop benefited by selling double the amount of threads!

My first friend who had suggested a garage sale, became enthused about her own UFO stash and she has generously donated her unused equipment for Japanese embroidery back to the needlepoint shop to be give to another student!!!

I'm really happy that no one is offering me a canvas! Edith has given me her wonderful stash of Chinese silk threads (for a good home) and I'm sure that she will teach me how to twist them.

I haven't missed any of the pieces that I've given away. Life changes, interests change so I feel that we are all participating in recycling.

One of my stitching friends from my Florida Sunstitchers Chapter gifts her 'extra' canvases to her friends for Christmas gifts. Needless to say, she has many friends!

I hope that this may inspire some of you to share your canvases.