the porta-pocket looks a great idea, unfortunately all my handbags are different sizes, I guess I will just have to remember to add more pockets to the next one I make
Here is an idea for you - how about making something not so 'quilty' for a change, or how about planning & making your ideal bag especially for going to quilt shows, with dedicated pockets for money, keys, camera, sandwiches etc, with the shoulder straps being exactly the right length, and in the right place.

port-a-pocket: fab - have been wanting to make something like this - thanks for the link margo

You know, I had to pick up some craft items at Jo Ann's last week and a gorgeous piece of orange fabric demanded that I bring a yard of it home. :shock:
Even though I had an idea what I was going to do with it when I bought it, I changed my mind and made a PortaPocket for my purse, and now I see that wonderful bright fabric every time I reach in my purse and it makes me smile! Now I have to go back and get some more for the original project!

http://www.studiokatdesigns.com/portapockets.htm

That's really interesting! There may be an orange quilt in my future...

I just saw this article http://www.stylelist.com/2011/09/26/how-color-can-help-you-work_n_982043.html?ncid=webmail15

and thought this part was particularly interesting:

You’re Feeling: Uninspired -- You are an artistic person, but suddenly you can’t think of anything to draw or paint or write about. You stare at the blank word document or canvas, you're totally lacking inspiration and don’t know how to get your creative juices flowing again.
Color Solution: Orange (high-wavelength) -- Orange hues strengthen concentration while also boosting creativity. The bold color actually stimulates your adrenaline, but go for a warmer burnt orange to avoid the distraction that can come with shocking, bright colors. Try painting an accent wall across from your desk to keep you excited without overpowering your office.

I got my quilt mojo back when I took a couple of classes with some great women at my LQS. Nothing finished yet, but actual work being accomplished.

I have the opposite problem--too many quilt patterns and techniques that I want to try. My suggestions to you are to:

1. participate in an online quilt along, such as the Dead Simple Quilt Along or the Hex Along, both at http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/
2. join or initiate a Baker's Dozen or other type of block exchange group
3. search http://www.flickr.comfor types of quilts that you like (e.g. modern, antique, medallion, two-color, etc.)
4. go to a local quilt show

Margo, I plan to take my small machine with me. Who knows what I'll get done. Fi

fiquilts wrote:
Good excuse Fi! Let me know when you are ready for a challenge!
In the meantime, have a fun, safe trip!

Margo, If we weren't just getting back from our daughter's wedding, which was in the Sacramento area yesterday, and leaving on a trip to the Oregon coast in a week, I'd take you up on that challenge. I have finished several things, but took a time out to make a decorative trapunto pillow for the newlyweds which took quite a bit of time. I don't have UFO's...I call them WIP's! If I just get the leftovers from making the pillow off my cutting board it would help a lot. I'm sure I'll come home with more fabric after visiting the quilt shop in Bandon during the week we're there. Fi

fiquilts wrote:
OK, Fi....how's this? I challenge you to complete one UFO (not a new project!!) and report back here with a photo next Sunday, October 1st. Dare ya!
That might help you clean a spot!

Thanks, Michelle. Have a great evening!

I'd need another of Margo's challenges to motivate me to clean up my sewing room! I have no problem with quilters block, just which of the many ones I want to work on because I can't do them all at once. I do find it hard at times to figure out how I want to quilt one. Sometimes I have to look at it a long time then get some inspiration. Other times I have to just do it because it has to get done! Fi

Hi Eileen,

I am not very sophisticated with my lists. I used to keep them handwritten in a notebook but a few years ago did get them into my PC. I tried using an Excel spreadsheet, which I did use for a while. But then I got a new laptop and don't have Excel on it. But I do know other quilters do use a spreadsheet style log.

So, now I just use a regular document, like Microsoft Word, and keep a simple list. I have a folder on my PC called UFO Tracking and I actually have 4 lists in it.

1) 2011 Current Projects
In Current Projects, I list the quilt name, and each step needed to get it done. As I finish each step, I put a DONE in front of that line item.
If a project doesn't get finished in that year, it gets moved over to the UFO To Do List. I add comments as needed to each quilt to help me remember what to do next or other important info.

2) UFO's To Do List
This folder has all my old ufo's listed in it and what needs to be done next for each, along with the date started.

3) Ready to Quilt
Ready to Quilt lists all my finished quilt that are "marinating" and waiting their turn on the LA. I list the name, what backing, what batting and the year(s) it took to make it. I also list at the bottom of that list, all the quilts I did complete in that year and who it was given to (if applicable).

4) Quilts I want to make
This one lists the pattern name, author, book or mag or if it's a pattern on my hard drive. Sometimes it includes the color scheme too.

As I said, not very fancy, but it does the job. I am sure it can be improved upon.

HTH!