Finish What You Started: A Practical Guide to Completing WIPs

At any given time, I can be reading multiple books at once. The same goes for my sewing and quilting projects. A few items of clothing, a quilt or two, a small project like a zipper pouch... the list seems never-ending! You could look at a pile of half-finished projects and feel like a failure, or you could keep reading for some practical steps on how to get your WIPs out of the project pile and onto the sewing machine. 

Works in progress (otherwise known as WIPs) are a common reality in the creative world. Life gets in the way, we get distracted by new projects, or even discourage by new techniques that aren't working the way you want them too. We lose interest, get overwhelmed, and then it gets more and more difficult to pick a project back up. 

It's normal to have unfinished projects. I have at least 4 clothing projects that have been sitting in a drawer since 2021 for various reasons (fit issues, loss of interest, giving up because I sewed a sleeve on upside down, etc). My quilting or other sewing projects tend to be less "half-finished" and more "I-have-an-idea-and-did-one-step" WIPs.. those are usually easier to pick back up, I just have to make time for them! Let's get into the practical steps for defeating the WIP pile and getting back in the game!

Step 1: Take Inventory

Grab a sheet of notebook paper and list ALL of your current projects. Every single one of them. Those that have been sitting in your drawer for 5 years, and those that you're actively working on, but haven't finished. Take note of the stage each project is at: cutting, sewing seams, sewing on a sleeve, seam ripping your mistakes (and then where to restart), quilting, binding, etc. 

I like to start with a brain dump and then organize everything into a spreadsheet. I also attach a notecard to each project with the pattern name and the next step, so I always know exactly what it is and what needs to happen next.

Step 2: Prioritize and Choose

Next, prioritize your list. Decide which projects you actually want to work on and finish. If there are any that you just aren't excited about anymore... LET THEM GO! It will be okay. I promise.

Look for the quick wins that will not only get you back on track in the least amount of time, but also give you that dopamine boost you need to keep going! Consider giving yourself loose deadlines or make the decision to gift your project to someone else (and then let them know so they can bother you endlessly if you haven't finished it yet). Choose the projects that excite you the most! Above all else, finish one small thing from your WIP pile before starting something new... otherwise it will just sit there and keep growing. 

Step 3: Break It Down

After you figure out which projects you want to accomplish next, break them down into small manageable steps. Literally as small as you want to go. Instead of "sew the sleeve on" make it even smaller... "sew the sleeve seam" "sew the sleeve onto the bodice" "hem the sleeve". This is a great time to create some deadlines or checkpoints to keep yourself on track. The smaller the steps, the easier they are to cross off, the more excited you get to keep going!

Step 4: Create a Finishing Routine

Set up some habits that encourage completion. Set a timer for regular sewing time (30 minutes a day), dedicate a specific workspace for WIPs, keep your materials organized and accessible, reward yourself for milestones. Figure out what works for you so that you can complete your projects!

Step 5: Manage Perfectionism

This is definitely the step I still need to work on. I have shiny object syndrome, so going back to unfinished projects is not thrilling to me. Along with the fact that most of my WIP pile is items that I have made mistakes on... that certainly doesn't help my desire to finish them. I always have to remind myself though, that done is better than perfect. Decide in advance what sewing standards are non-negotiable. For instance, the sleeve I sewed on upside down definitely needs to be ripped out and fixed, but the hem that is not perfectly straight is GOOD ENOUGH!

Step 6: Celebrate Completion

You've tackled the WIP mountain! It is no longer a mountain, and is now just a small hill. Share your finished project on social media along with some reflections on how you can take what you learned to the rest of your WIP projects. Gift your item to a friend who will love it no matter how wonky you think it is. 

____________________________________________________________________________

The WIP pile may seem daunting, but once you figure out how to conquer it, you are set to do anything you put your mind to. Just remember: List everything, prioritize what excites you, break it down into small steps, find what makes you finish, control your perfectionism, and celebrate the wins!

Every month I will be sharing a reflection of my projects, wins, and inspiration. Sign up for my email list to be the first to hear about it!