Another UFO [unfinished object] has found a new purpose! And I’m using it to fulfill my UFO prompt for Make Nine 2026.
 |
| A repurposed UFO turned into a functional storage roll for double pointed knitting needles. |
While straightening up my studio, I uncovered a partially finished placemat from a few years ago. It was going to be a store sample (showcasing a collection from Art Gallery Fabrics) but I never really loved the patchwork—the pieces felt a bit too small and fussy—and it wasn’t an enjoyable project to make… for a placemat, anyway. Because of my mitten knitting charity project, however, this UFO turned out to be perfect for something else.
 |
| The unfinished placemat and additional fabric pieces gathered to create a new holder for knitting needles. |
Knitting mittens in the round has resulted in frequent use of double pointed knitting needles [dpns].
 |
| I often use double point needles [dps] for knitting mittens in the round. |
The old leather pouch that kept them had reached the end of its life, cracking and shedding flakes every time I picked it up. I needed a better storage solution.
 |
| New needle holder (left) and previous worn-out needle holder (right). |
Repurposing a placemat UFO
Why not repurpose the unfinished placemat into a knitting needle holder??? One UFO would be brought to the finish line and I’d have new storage for my knitting needles. Win-win!
 |
| Auditioning thread for the pocket stitching. Straight pins mark the position for the stitching. |
The unfinished placemat was already quilted—which would make the project so much quicker to complete! I combined it with other fabric bits that I found while organizing: an orphan quilt block with colorful Australian aboriginal fabrics [M&S Textiles USA], and a fabric sample from a past surface design workshop. Fabrics for the binding and the pocket’s lining were added to the mix.
 |
| Creating the pocket for the needle holder. |
The placemat was trimmed, the pocket attached, and machine stitching created sections in the pocket for sets of dpns. The binding was attached on three sides. Because of the patchwork on the former placemat, it was easy to follow seam lines to create the pocket sections. I think this remake was meant to be!
This UFO was an easy repurposed project and now I have a reminder of two favorite fabric lines, and a workshop sample has found its way into a project. All good memories.
 |
| A binding was attached on three sides. |
Repurposing UFOs: finding a better plan
This needle roll is actually the second UFO I've repurposed this year. Earlier, I took a patchwork piece that was originally intended for a tote bag, cut it, and added additional patchwork to make into a cat quilt for the animal center. In both cases, letting go of the original plan helped each project become something meaningful and useful… as well as finished!
 |
| A new needle roll for my double point needles and two hand-knit pairs of mittens. |
The placemat will never become what it was originally intended to be, but as a needle roll it will get far more use. Repurposing these unfinished projects has been a good reminder that finishing doesn't always mean following the original pattern or plan—it can mean finding an even better one.
Make Nine 2026, 4th finish
 |
| Make Nine 2026 “UFO” prompt. |
Here is my Make Nine tracker as of the end of May.
 |
| Make Nine 2026 tracker, May 2026. |
