The WIP Files: 3 Tips to Finally Finish That Half-Done Project
We’ve all been there.
You’re at the craft store, the yarn is plush, the linen is crisp, and the vision is clear. You start with a burst of inspiration, but then… life happens. A new project catches your eye, a stitch gets too complicated, or the “Yap” at our last event was so good you forgot to actually move your needle.
Now, that project has officially become a WIP (Work-In-Progress), relegated to the back of the closet or the bottom of a tote bag.
If you’re feeling the project guilt, this is your official permission to let it go. Here are three “Sharp” tips to help you move that WIP across the finish line, or finally decide it’s time to start fresh.
The 15-minute Sprint — Often, the reason we don’t finish a project is that it feels like a mountain. We think we need a dedicated three-hour block to make progress.
The Fix: Set a timer for 15 minutes. Put your phone in another room, pour a glass of whatever makes you happy (for me it’s a nice cab), and just stitch until your timer dings. You’ll be surprised how much of a floral border or a granny square you can knock out when you aren’t distracted by notifications. Small bursts of focus lead to finished WIPs!
Audit the “Vibe” — Be honest, do you actually like the project you’re working on? Sometimes we stop working on a WIP because the design no longer speaks to us, or the colors don’t feel right for the season.
The Fix: If the project is making you feel bored rather than inspired, frogging is your friend! Rip it out, reclaim the thread or yarn, and turn it into something that actually makes you excited to pick it up. Your hobby shouldn’t feel like homework.
Change Your Scenery — There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you take your project out of your living room and into a social setting. It’s why we created the Craft & Yap.
The Fix: Bringing a stubborn WIP to a distillery, coffee shop, or bookstore changes the energy. When you’re yapping with friends and sipping a martini, the “boring” parts of a project (like filling in a large leaf or finishing those last few rows of crochet) suddenly feel effortless. Use the collective energy of the club to power through the home stretch!
The WIP Challenge
Got a project that’s been gathering dust since 2025 (or before)? Bring it to our next Craft & Yap! We’ll provide the venue, the vibe, and the encouragement; you just bring the bag! Let’s get those projects finished together!
