Hello all!
This is just a quick update.
We now have a cut off date for blocks to be returned to me – 15th March 2025. I will allow some grace for slow post but after that if your block isn’t here it may not make it into the quilt.
Blocks that have come in recently:
If you have any concerns regarding your block please email me: marnif@migraine.org.au and let me know what’s happening.
One of the things that I’ve found over the years doing UFO challenges that is important to making sure that I’m organised, is storage of my projects. It keeps the whole project together, especially if you’ve got lots of pieces of fabric, a pattern, specific gadgets and tools, matching threads and any embellishments. Everything is on hand when you pull the project when I draw the month’s number. I also like to leave myself a note in with the project as to where I was up to, just so I can dive back into the project without spending half a day sorting through bits to figure it out all over again.
Previously I tried the whole ziplock bag thing but they are slippery little suckers and honestly not big enough to store the project and all the accessories and other bits needed. It’s not my favourite way to store items but it does work for some things.
So for the projects on my second list I am using the green tubs I bought years ago. I have 12 of them in total so I’ll just need 10 and one project per tub. I don’t label them as I rotate projects through these tubs so I don’t want anything permanent on them. They stack under my desk and cutting bench and are easily accessible. Any project that won’t fit in one of these tubs can use the 2 leftover tubs as overflow or wherever the project is currently sitting – for example my re-upholstery job is a chair and it’s in my craft room. Sort of in the road but it is what it is.
Projects on my first list are all quilt tops. These have been hanging up in my quilting studio on a curtain rod, using trouser hangs – you know the clippy ones – so that the quilts and their backings stay nice and wrinkle free. This is a great way to store quilt tops and backing if you have the space. If I had a hanging space in a wardrobe I would have used that space but I like MacGyvering things and I had a spare curtain rod.
Storage is one of those things I find to be a personal preference thing. Like buying a wallet or something that you want to have really specific settings or a layout. I know everyone’s sewing space is wildly different and we require different setups in order to function. I personally like a room that kind of looks like chaos – it fuels my inspiration having all that colour and texture around me, all my little collectibles and things that I love. But storage in general is a stressor. It never what it needs to be, the right size or shape or its been built in somewhere that’s not practical (I’m looking at you built-in wardrobes with no shelves). I also have found over the years in all the houses I’ve lived in that rentals never have practical storage. And I know this is a slight tangent – not speaking about craft specific storage here – but it seems to be across the board no matter what you are trying to store.
I’ve definitely been guilty of buying storage when I don’t need it. But I have gotten better over the years and now I’m in a decluttering phase. Trying to stop the over consumerism, use what I have and streamline things in my living spaces.
This challenge is an attempt to male inroads on that streamlining. I want to clear the decks of “stuff”.
So, what kinds of storage are you using for this challenge? Feel free to share as maybe your storage ideas will help someone else decide what they want to do.
Remember, I’ll be sharing each month’s numbers across my socials so you can participate from any source but if you would like to join the FB group that is where most of the discussion will be happening.
FB Group: facebook.com/groups/1401125050180861
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankiesfabrics
Instagram: https://instagram.com/frankiesfabrics/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@frankiesfabrics
Hello all!
I’m going to blog about the steps I’m taking for the UFO Challenge so that it might help guide some in making decisions about how they can approach their own UFO stash.
I’ve decided that I am going to make two lists. One is my main “focus” list and the second will be more of a “if I get a chance to work on” list. I’m breaking these UFOs into these categories because that helps reduce the overwhelming feeling of how much I need to do and narrows down the focus of what types of things need doing.
So list one is my machine quilting list. I do have 12 projects on this list however 3 of them are smaller projects that could be done as a pair for one month and one with another bigger project or even if I just have time. Remember – not a competition and NO pressure.
| NUMBER | QUILT NAME | MONTH | DONE |
| 1 | Halloween QAL | ||
| 2 | Gemstone Layer Cake | ||
| 3 | Cherrylicious | ||
| 4 | Tarot Quilter | ||
| 5 | Pinwheel Jelly Roll | ||
| 6 | GemCut | ||
| 7 | Fairy Garden | ||
| 8 | Halloween Wedding Ring | ||
| 9 | Vladimir's Memorial | ||
| 10a | Tapestry 1 - Snake | ||
| 10b | Tapestry 2 - Triqueta | ||
| Floating | Tapestry 3 - Tree |
Each of the projects in this list is at the stage of ready to be quilted. Most of them have backing or binding in various states. Wadding is all accounted for.
So ideally the plan is draw the random number on the 1st of the month, pull that project and quilt it when I get the chance in between work, study and customer quilting with the goal that it is bound and complete by the end of the month.
List two is all the projects that I want to make some form of progress on. These are projects that are in various stages and are various types of projects.
| NUMBER | QUILT NAME | MONTH | DONE |
| 1 | Witchy Cross-stitch | ||
| 2 | Chair - mach emb | ||
| 3 | Snake quilt FP | ||
| 4 | Snake quilt w/blocks | ||
| 5 | Plant trivets | ||
| 6 | Yellow rug | ||
| 7 | Log Cabin | ||
| 8 | Raven quilt | ||
| 9 | Lounge room runners | ||
| 10 | Paint bookshelf |
I’ll do another post about storage for UFOs because there’s A LOT to talk about when it comes to storage.
I’ll be sharing each month’s numbers across my socials so you can participate from any source but if you would like to join the FB group that is where most of the discussion will be happening.
FB Group: facebook.com/groups/1401125050180861
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankiesfabrics
Instagram: https://instagram.com/frankiesfabrics/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@frankiesfabrics
Happy sewing!
Marni x
This year is all about my two words for 2025 – “new” and “use”.
New is all about experiences and trying new things like cheeses, coffees, restaurants and having adventures, visiting new places.
Use is about using the items I already own before I consider buying anything. Using things up, using the good teacups and the nice perfume, using things until they fall apart, using in an effort to declutter.
So to that end I am setting myself the 2025 UFO Challenge. First I will go through my craft room and collect all my UFOs – UnFinished Objects and write them up on a list and number them 1-10 (I will have more than one list for sure). Each month from February to November on the 1st of the month I will draw a random number from 1-10 and work on that project each month. I will post that number to my socials in an effort to hold myself accountable and to try and make inroads into my craft space and declutter things.
I am not doing January or December because those months are already filled with too much going on that I don’t want to add another thing to that pile.
If you would like to join in please click this link and join the FB group or follow my socials.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankiesfabrics
Instagram: https://instagram.com/frankiesfabrics/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@frankiesfabrics
Hello all!
Happy New Year and welcome to 2025!
Just a small update for the moment.
These are the blocks that have arrived since the last update.
Thank you to everyone who has sent blocks back, or reached out to let me know where they are at.
We now have blocks equalling a little over 3 full rows of the quilt back now. Before head back to classes in February I will be starting to assemble the blocks I do have with their sashings.
Everyone who has yet to return blocks can you please make sure you do so as soon as possible. Anyone who needs help or advice please email me on marnif@migraine.org.au
Hello!
I have an update for the MAM CQP.
Over the last few weeks we’ve had an influx of blocks being returned plus I’m working on the digital submissions so I can print them on fabric.
Here’s what’s arrived:
As you can see we are starting to see the variety of experiences as well as the common feelings and symptoms that overlap between people.
I am wrapping up semester 2 at Tafe and once that’s over and all my customer quilts have been returned for Christmas I’ll be working on this quilt. I’ll be setting up the layout once more blocks arrive as I want the balance of colours to work well and not have clusters of colour or concentrations in any one place.
I’m excited to see what blocks arrive over the next little while.
Please make sure you get them back to me as soon as you can – and if you have any issues please reach out marnif@migraine.org.au
Those who requested Zoom sessions – please keep an eye on your emails for new times available.
Happy crafting,
Marni x
Hello!
Just an update to say that we are fast approaching the cutoff for signups so if you would like to make a block for this quilt you need to get in ASAP. Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/241343616133852
Blocks are steadily returning and the current batch are below.
If you have any questions before you sign up please reach out with any questions via email here: marnif@migraine.org.au
Those who’ve signed up for Zoom sessions will be notified in the coming week about available times now that the post has had time to get the blocks to everyone from the last postal run.
This quilt is really starting to come together and soon I’ll be able to share some of the assembly process.
Stay tuned!
Marni x
Hello everyone!
I’m here with another update on the CQP since it’s been awhile since the last update.
We’ve reached a really good point of blocks having been sent out and the blocks are trickling back in as people finish them off, speak to me over Zoom and the snail mail catches up to things.
Below are the photos of the blocks that have come in so far – no names or information on them for privacy.
I would like to reassure you that these blocks are important for our message to Government – to really push the visual impact on how sick we are and what we go through. Many people have voiced a hesitancy in making a block because of their lack of creativity or sewing/art/craft skills. Please don’t be – everyone involved is representing the full range of skill levels – from never having done any craft to experts. Your contribution is very much welcomed, not judged and vitally important to the whole message we are working towards sending. It’s all about the stories we have to share and whatever you feel comfortable putting on the block is part of your story.
I am aware that we are asking people to be vulnerable here. Please be kind to yourselves and don’t overextend yourselves. Only do what you are comfortable and capable of.
If you are feeling nervous about making a block please reach out with any questions please email me here: marnif@migraine.org.au
If you don’t want to participate but would like to help in some way there are other ways you can help.
1. Donate to the quilt specifically https://www.migraine.org.au/community_quilt
2. Donate in general to Migraine Australia https://www.migraine.org.au/donate
3. Share the sign up for quilt blocks with others you know have migraine: https://www.migraine.org.au/community_quilt
I hope everyone is as well as they can be.
Happy sewing!
M x
Hello all!
Just a quick update for those following along with the Community Quilt Project.
More blocks have come back to me – so far we’ve had some come via post and I’ve had a couple of images for fabric printing come through as well. I’ll start sharing quilt blocks a little later, once a few more have arrived. I won’t be sharing all details of who did what as we have asked for social media consent in the forms and not everyone wants to be acknowledged in this way.
A few more blank blocks have been posted off.
There’s lots of chatter behind the scenes about people’s plans for their blocks, a lot of decision making and sketches happening.
Signs ups are still open and will remain open until block numbers hit what we need. https://www.migraine.org.au/community_quilt
If you are interested but have any questions before signing up please send me an email. marnif@migraine.org.au
Happy sewing!
Marni x
Good morning!
We’ve had some wet weather around the coast these last few days – it’s my favourite type of weather, perfect to stay inside, warm and cosy and get some sewing done. Unfortunately it is the same kind of weather that does trigger my migraine so sometimes it’s rest time too.
I’m here this morning to update you all on what’s happening with the CQP – blocks have started to return to me and the best way I can describe what is represented is that it gives me goosebumps how powerful these blocks are. The whole quilt is going to be so emotive and visually impactful. I can’t wait to see it finished.
Signs ups are still open and will remain open until block numbers hit what we need. https://www.migraine.org.au/community_quilt
If you are interested but have any questions before signing up please send me an email. marnif@migraine.org.au
Happy sewing!
Marni x
