Tips for, or against, stubborn UFOs

Dear users, dear authors,
as part of the UFO Week in January, unexpected dimensions of the UFO problem came to light: There are apparently UFOs (= unfinished objects, craft projects that were started and then left lying around) that are so old they could compete with any wine that has aged with dignity.

So what’s the deal? Do UFOs get better with time too? Do some UFOs have to mature before you can finish them? Here are a few suggestions from me, for you. Feel free to add to the list.

 1. Suggestion for using stubborn long-term UFOs:
Create UFO art

The process, step by step:
--> Attach the artwork to a small velvet-covered pedestal, proceeding carefully but making sure it is securely fastened. We don’t want the UFO running away.
--> Put it in a display case; that might even keep some of the dust off. Lock the display case so the artwork is safe from UFO destroyers and cats.
--> Provide appropriate lighting. A pretty LED spotlight, or even several, is indispensable. After all the disregard for its existence, the UFO has truly earned the attention.

The right presentation enhances the artwork tremendously:
Then there’s no more “Is this art, or can it go?” With this, you can also save yourself the money for an expensive oil painting, an art print, a sculpture, or any other frippery, and buy more yarn instead.

Mod tip: Labeling is important.
You should absolutely attach a plaque that contains the necessary information about the UFO + the artist. Remember: A metal plaque professionally engraved looks classy; a cardboard sign written on with a marker is less than ideal. Only with a plaque is the artwork complete. As an artist, you should definitely be worth that to yourself.

Optional:
Anyone who likes can, of course, hire a museum guard with a dignified demeanor and lots of experience, who keeps curious viewers from leaving their fingerprints on the display case and naturally prevents theft, or even specially trained security personnel right away, but that costs money again, which you’ll then be missing for buying yarn, so, no, better not after all.

2. Suggestion
Swap UFOs or put them up for adoption

If you would like to do that, this thread is the right place for it.
Please don’t forget to upload the corresponding photos.
It’s going to be great. :- )
I’m sure there are plenty of UFOs that would love a new home and would appreciate loving hands that finish them skillfully, routinely, and with sure aim.
--> Finishing adopted and swapped UFOs earns extra points at the next UFO Week.

3. Suggestion
Finish your own UFOs as part of your own UFO Week.

That is rewarded with the title UFO King/Queen. That is always a great honor. The more often you win the title, the more fame and glory it brings you.

4. Suggestion
Unraveling

If nothing works anymore, then just unravel it and give the yarn a fair + new chance.
After all, the yarn can’t help it.

Was there something here for you?
Let me know.

What is it, actually, that makes some UFOs so stubborn?

Josefa, you’re the best! I can’t stop laughing :)

I’m curious to see how many UFO swaps or adoptions end up happening....

Josefa, you’re being incredibly creative today, and your writing is so funny. 

Another option:

Host an event for the placement of the UFO. Guests wear clothing from the year the UFO was created and bring appropriate drinks. Whoever pulls it off best gets to buy the UFO at the wool price from back then (in the actual currency).

So funny, Josefa! Thank you—I just had a good laugh reading your tips! :-)

Lol!!!! I want a museum guard, too!!!!

Josefa, I don’t think you’d want to adopt my UFOs. You’d have to untangle them first :-)
My strategy for stubborn UFOs is always to simply not look at them.

That’s not a good strategy.
Unsupervised UFOs multiply like rabbits.

So, not a museum guard, but an animal caretaker....

Thanks, Josefa, for the tips ;-)

I finally know what to do with my “eternal UFO”:

put it in the display case and turn on the lights for it in the evening—that way, it really won’t gather dust.
Why didn’t I think of that myself?—the poor UFO blanket is just lying there, completely ignored on the shelf.

This is really funny! :-) :-)

There’s also the option of a UFO auction. Along the lines of: Who’ll bid more?

Put UFOs up for adoption? Cool idea, but who actually does that? I’m curious to see whether new parents for a UFO will actually be found here.

Luckily, I’ve landed all my UFOs. And with my leftovers project, there won’t be any UFO left over either, because everything gets sewn up and finished right away.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any room in the display case—it’s already full of yarn (grin).

Josefa, this thread really made my day :'D
Wonderful.

I just tossed my long-term UFO into the trash... if only I’d read this thread sooner :D 

Hilarious, Jo! :)
Swapping UFOs? That’s like choosing between the plague and cholera...

At least I’ve re-established my UFO jacket in my subconscious. And I’ve vowed to finish it. In this lifetime, at least...

I’ve finished the wrist warmers and made a fried egg for a little friend’s play kitchen. Baby blanket No. 1 is in the home stretch.