Making Progress Anyway: Getting Unstuck and Finishing Those Stalled Quilting Projects

Stuck on a quilt top? Here’s how to make progress on stalled projects, choose fabrics, and reignite your quilting spark—plus tips for machine quilting.

Every quilter has a few stalled projects somewhere in their sewing room.
The half-pieced quilt top hanging on the design wall.
The blocks cut neatly with a rotary cutter but never sewn together.
Or that one table runner that just needs quilting—but has been sitting folded on the corner of your work surface for a long time.

If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company.

Let me share you my stalled projects first and I’ll share with you tips later down this blogpost. 

The Designer Mystery Quilt 2023: When Motivation Fades

I loved working on my Designer Mystery Quilt 2023 at first. The blocks came together beautifully and I love piecing the blocks each month as the kit arrive at my doorstep. But by the time I reached the final layout, my enthusiasm started to fade.

I had already cut all the finishing pieces because rarely ever I actually bought the finishing kit for the project! So I was very eager to get it all done once all the blocks are ready —but something about the final design didn’t excite me anymore. 

And I stalled. I stalled as I no longer love the final layout as suggested. The indecision made me stopped making the blocks altogether, I was left with 2 more blocks to piece for quite a while. I love the blocks, and yet I can’t seem to make any progress for a long while. 

But I’m glad I picked it up again this week, made the decision to work on the last two blocks and simply make a decision on what I can do to alter the finished layout a little just so that I love it again. And I’m so glad I did! 

(using AlphaClippies for my last two blocks! Feeling so organised. Check out AlphaClippies HERE>)

Getting back to sewing the blocks reminded me why I love block-of-the-month and samplers. I truly enjoyed making the last two blocks, and now I’m ready to make the move to put it all together. Let’s push through and I’ll update you that later. 

 

The Abloom Quilt: Running Out of Fabric Mid-Project

And then here’s another project that I made progress on this week too!

My Sew Sampler “Abloom” project was cruising along nicely, and I counted the blocks made, and I was actually short of ONE block! The fabric is gone, how could I’ve miscut and short of one block???

For a moment, I froze. Again, it became the pile of blocks that I haunts me every time I came into the sewing room. I thought about waiting to order more fabric, but in the end, I pulled out my scrap fabric bin and auditioned a few prints that blended with the collection. Mixing fabrics into an established palette isn’t easy; it’s harder than starting a completely new quilt from a jelly roll or fat quarter bundle. But I decided to move forward anyway.

And so this week I completed the FINAL block! And I have already pieced the quilt top together. So happy to make progress and finally just wing it with what I already have in stash. The substitute block might not be identical, but when it joined the rest of the quilt top, it looked right at home. Progress made!

You see, 

Sometimes our creative juices just… shift. What once felt exciting can start to feel routine, and before we know it, our momentum fades. Maybe we see a new quilt pattern on social media and suddenly our current project doesn’t feel as thrilling anymore. Or we walk into our local quilt shop, flip through a new book, and discover a different quilting technique that sparks new curiosity.

It’s not that we’ve fallen out of love with what’s on our sewing table — it’s that our creativity is evolving. Our tastes change, our mood shifts, and sometimes our hands simply crave a different rhythm. Life plays a role too — work deadlines, family needs, or a season where the sewing room stays untouched for weeks.

And that’s okay. Creativity isn’t a straight line; it ebbs and flows like fabric through our fingers. The key is to give ourselves grace in those pauses — to recognize that stepping away doesn’t mean we’ve lost our spark. Often, it just means we’re gathering new inspiration for when we return.

Why We Stall (and How to Restart)

Even seasoned quilters—hand quilters and longarm quilters alike—hit walls. Here’s why we pause, and how to move past it.

1. Lost excitement

Sometimes a project just feels done before it’s finished. Change the layout, add sashing strips in different directions, or turn leftover blocks into a baby quilt or small project.

2. Fear of imperfection

We worry about uneven straight stitches or lesser-quality seams. Keep a seam ripper nearby for corrections, but remember: perfection isn’t the goal—joy is.

3. Decision overload

Backing fabric, batting size, quilting plan… the list of quilting terms can get overwhelming. Tackle one decision at a time: today, choose batting; tomorrow, thread; next week, binding.

4. Running out of supplies

No more cotton thread? Low on safety pins? Use what you have. Substitute with Aurifil, baste with spray instead of pins, or piece leftover bed sheets for backing. Creativity often begins at the end of the line.

Picking Up Where You Left Off

Need help to audit your UFOs? Grab our WIP Inventory List HERE> to come back to the project exactly where you left it off. My suggestion is to start putting the project on the design wall or lay it out. Maybe that way you’ll get a fresh look at it again and it may spark those ideas on how to get it progressed. 

Stuck on the final finishing step? Here are some ideas on Quick & Easy Ways to Finish Your Quilt

If you’ve finally made it to the quilt sandwich stage — batting, backing fabric, and quilt top all layered together — congratulations! That’s already a big win. But now comes the question every quilter faces: how to quilt it.

When a project has been sitting for a while, the best way to move forward is to choose a quick finish option so you can enjoy that beautiful quilt sooner rather than later. Here are a few ideas:

1. Send It to a Longarm Quilter

If you’re short on time (or space), your local quilt shop is a great place to start — they often have lists of trusted longarm quilters in your area. A professional can add stunning texture with edge-to-edge designs while you move on to your next quilt project. It’s the fastest way to turn your quilt top into a finished quilt.

Before sending it off, make sure your quilt top is pressed, square, and free of loose threads. Label the top edge clearly, and include your preferred batting if it’s not part of the longarmer’s package.

2. Choose a Simple Quilting Design

If you decide to quilt it yourself on your domestic machine, keep it simple. Straight line quilting using a walking foot is a beautiful, timeless look that works on almost any style of quilt — from baby quilts to big throw quilts.

Diagonal lines, gentle waves, or crosshatch quilting are all great techniques that don’t require dense quilting or hours of marking. You can even quilt “in the ditch” along your seams for a subtle finish that highlights your patchwork.

3. Go for a Fast Free Motion Design

If you love free motion quilting, pick designs that are forgiving and fast to stitch — like loops, meanders, or large swirls. You’ll cover the entire quilt quickly without stressing about perfection.

I’ve shared a few of my favorite quick quilting designs that are perfect for finishing in a weekend — you can find them HERE>> Easy FMQ designs to quickly finish off your quilt. 

 

Quick Note 🌿

If you’re feeling stuck, download my free WIP Inventory Checklist — a printable mini-workbook to help you restart your stalled projects, plan your next step, and fall in love with your quilting journey again.

Do you ever find yourself staring at a growing mountain of fabric scraps, wondering what on earth to do with them? Well, I’ve got some fantastic news that will not only help you tame that scrap pile but also spark your creativity in ways you never imagined. Allow me to introduce you to the Conquer Your Fabric Scrap Summit!

These summit classes are totally FREE to you for the first 48-hours as long as you’re registered. Click here to get your free ticket!

This incredible event, happening from August 15th to 18th, is a dream come true for every quilter out there with a stash of scraps. The summit boasts a lineup of 21 amazing teachers, each ready to share their expertise, tips, and tricks on how to make the most of your fabric scraps. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone.

Why Tame Your Fabric Scraps?

First things first, let’s talk about why taming your fabric scraps is so important. We all know how quickly those little pieces can accumulate, turning our quilting spaces into chaotic messes. But beyond just keeping things tidy, making good use of your scraps can lead to some truly beautiful and unique projects. It’s also an excellent way to be more eco-friendly by reducing waste. Plus, who doesn’t love the challenge of turning what seems like nothing into something spectacular?

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I love using my scraps! I’ve shared some of my favourite things to make with scraps on this blog like this Quilt-As-You-Go Pouches and the lines of hot pads!

What to Expect in Conquer Your Fabric Scrap Summit? 

The excitement is already in the air with intro videos available to watch right now. Yes, you read that correctly – you can start soaking in the fun tips and inspiration from our talented instructors even before the summit officially kicks off. These videos are packed with sneak peeks and handy tips that have already got me buzzing with ideas.

I’ve already started diving into the intro videos, and let me tell you, the excitement is real. The tips and tricks being shared are not only practical but also incredibly inspiring. It’s amazing how much creativity can come from a simple scrap of fabric when you have the right guidance. I have just watched the tips and trick video from Elizabeth from Epida’s Studio and Diane from Stash Bandit and they were amazing! I am all pumped up to try out their methods and can’t wait to watch their classes in the Summit!

Don’t forget to stop by and watch mine too!

Meet the Teachers

We have an incredible roster of teachers this year, each bringing their own unique style and expertise to the table. From traditional quilting techniques to modern twists, you’re going to be blown away by the variety and depth of knowledge these instructors have to offer. Here’s a little taste of what you can look forward to:

Why You Should Join Conquer Your Fabric Scrap Summit

This summit is more than just a series of classes; it’s a community experience. You’ll be joining quilters from all over, sharing your progress, and cheering each other on. The sense of camaraderie and shared passion is truly what makes events like this .Don’t forget to join in the Facebook Group! The link to the Facebook group should be in your welcome Email once You’ve signed up for the event.

So, mark your calendars, gather your scraps, and get ready for a quilting adventure like no other. The Conquer Your Fabric Scrap Summit is going to be an event to remember, and I can’t wait to see all the beautiful creations that come out of it.

Click HERE to grab your free ticket!

Now, now there are more goodness bundled up with the summit, it is called the Scrap Success Bundle.

Scrap Success Bundle – A gateway for more goodness!

These summit classes are totally FREE to you for the first 48-hours as long as you’re registered. But you can extend the time to watch these lessons AND get a whole lot more resources by purchasing the Scrap Success Bundle. You can get your hands on the Scrap Success Bundle for a reduced price ($47) right after you register.  After that, the price will go up. 

The Bundle upgrade provides you with extended access to all of the classes,  bonuses from the teachers, and more. Learn all about the Scrap Success Bundle after you register for the FREE Conquer Your Fabric Scraps Summit. Once the summit is over, the Bundle will no longer be available so make sure to get it while you can. I can’t wait to see you at the summit so you can start taking control of your scraps!

I can’t wait to see you in the summit!

 

Welcome back to my little corner of the internet. Today, I’m excited to invite you into my sewing room to talk about something that’s near and dear to my heart: the scrap life.

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a stash of fabric scraps that seems to multiply overnight. But fear not, because those seemingly insignificant pieces of fabric hold endless possibilities, waiting to be transformed into beautiful creations. Last year, I had the opportunity to share my love for scraps at the Scrap Summit event. It was such a joy connecting with fellow quilters and discussing our shared passion for making the most out of every last bit of fabric. If you missed it, don’t worry—I’ll be sharing more about the upcoming Scrap Summit in 2024 soon!

Since Summit 2023 has long past, I uploaded the video on my YouTube channel simply to share with you the life of scraps in my sewing room. 

 

If you’ve been here for a while, you’ll know that I love a good quilt along. It is one of those things that keeps me excited and it is just a good amount of motivation and accountability. I love seeing other quilters’ versions and keeping up with it seems a little easier with a community working towards the same goals. 

For 2024, here are some of the fun quilt-alongs that I’ll potentially be joining in. Honestly, I would love to join them all! But I have to be realistic and pick my play. I would love to invite you along with me! Have you picked any quilt-along to join for this year?

Welcome to your creative haven—a space where vibrant fabrics, sewing supplies, and endless possibilities converge! Organizing your sewing room is the key to unlocking seamless creativity and productivity. Let’s explore the best ways to transform your sewing space into an organized oasis, making everything easily accessible and maximizing every inch of available space.

Organizing my sewing room for a fresh start to 2024

Revamping my sewing room has been an absolute delight, especially as we step into 2024! The feeling of organizing and transforming the space brings a fresh and inviting vibe to kickstart the new year. It’s incredible to see the room go from cluttered to meticulously arranged, with new storage solutions and dedicated work areas. Every corner feels rejuvenated, creating an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and inspiring. Walking into this revamped space brings a sense of renewal and excitement, setting the stage for a year filled with creative adventures. It’s like a brand-new canvas ready to be painted with endless sewing projects, and I can’t wait to dive into this organized haven of creativity! You can watch the video below to see my process of cleaning up and reorganising my sewing room. Who knows, you can also find some tips and creative ideas to start organizing your sewing space too!

Finally I have a proper design wall in my sewing room! I’d been putting it off for ages, procrastinating on the idea of putting the quilt batting onto a proper board so that it is not so flimsy and makes my quilt pieces falls off so easily. Since I am cleaning up my space to get a new refreshed seeing room to get ready for the new year, I said to myself —it was time to get it done.

A design wall is a staple for a quilting studio, it can serves as a pretty wall to see and a useful one as you make your quilt. 

Autumnal Leaves Quilt Block Tutorial

I shared my Autumnal Leaves Quilt last week, and many of you inquired about the block size and template. So, here I am with a brief tutorial on creating an autumn leaf quilt block.

As mentioned earlier, this project was an enjoyable challenge I undertook to improve my sewing skills, particularly in handling curves. I’m using sponsored fabric from the Missouri Star Quilt Company for this project. Throughout October, they are generously offering my readers a 15% off order using this link. So, if you find something you like, be sure to use this link to instantly receive a 15% discount in your cart. Valid once per month only per customer.

Ther are affiliate tlinks within this post where I may make a small commission. Find the full disclosure here.