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Help! I have too many WIPs…

For crafters, this overload and overwhelm is a very common experience! It’s real and it’s very often unintentional… One day you look around and take stock and realize just how many abandoned projects you have laying around (or hiding!) and all of a sudden you have this weight upon you and you think, “how am I going to finish all this?” I’ve been researching and testing all year to bring you what I hope is a helpful and encouraging post about this WIP situation. WIP means Work(s) In Progress if you are not familiar with the term. I sure wasn’t until I joined Instagram in 2020 and made lots of crochet friends! Read on and see if you can glean anything helpful from my experience.

If you can’t read the full post now, Pin the image below for later :)

Solutions to our crochet problems really depend on why we have set certain projects aside. I polled my Instagram community and they told me why they set projects aside. I have incorporated their feedback into these categories, see what applies to you! There’s lots of crossover so you may just want to read them all.

#1 // I just want to start a new crochet project! (Bored with current project)

Absolutely no judgement here - new, amazing crochet patterns come out all the time and they are super attractive! If you’re on Pinterest or Instagram, chances are you see some amazing photos, reels & Pins that makes you want to get a brand new thing on your hook. I definitely get sucked in and I know others do too. The first step is really admitting that you don’t have time to make all the things you want to… and that you can’t make every pattern you see that you love. A new potential project usually seems so much more attractive than the one you’re currently slogging through. Maybe you’re on sleeve island, or the stitch pattern on a large blanket just isn’t that interesting anymore. I have two ideas for you to try if you put yourself in this category.

Try this: Challenge yourself to finish two projects for every one you start this year.

I issued this challenge to myself for 2023 and so far I have finished a tank top, a blanket, a drawstring bag (I started that sample and the pattern I was writing 11 months before I finished it!), an ear warmer, a baby sweater and a few other small things that I had in progress. And I have only started 4 new projects. I find that this works for me because it still allows me to start new projects that I really want to make, but I’m also using self-discipline to winnow down my collection of WIPs at the same time. Take inventory of those WIPs and make a list. Cross off each project you finish as you go, and when you have crossed two off, allow yourself to start on a new project! It’s such a great feeling to both finish and start a new project. I’m really enjoying the challenge.

Try this: Take a break from social media/Pinterest for a short time, or cut down on the amount of time you spend looking at all the shiny, new ideas.

Try just taking a day, a week, or more off from scrolling and spend time focusing on your current WIPs. If it works for you and you are encouraged by the progress you’re making, consider making it a habit! I take Sundays off, and sometimes the entire weekend off from social media. It’s a much needed rest and brain break, and allows me to focus on what’s in front of me.

#2 // I’m feeling overwhelmed with the number of projects I have and/or the mess in my space

I don’t know of a single (dedicated) crafter who has just the right amount of everything they need and no excess. Or a perfectly organized space that stays organized all the time. I think part of the experience of being a crafter is collecting ideas and the supplies and tools you need and want, to make all the things. I am 100% guilty of trying to keep supplies around for multiple craft categories at a time, even if I’m not currently making anything related to those supplies. Also, if you have kids, it seems like the craft supplies just multiply exponentially somehow. Plus, if you can’t find what you need, it just takes away the desire to do the project. Very deflating when you want to finish up your current projects and get them out of the queue.

See #1 above for some tips on cutting down the number of projects you have and also check out these ideas.

Try this: Be realistic about your current WIPs.

At times I start a project and I’m not that far in, but I don’t love it. So, I frog the entire thing. If I can tell at the beginning, or even the middle, that I am losing interest and don’t love the final product… I rip out the entire thing so I can re-use the yarn and gain back my valuable time. Honestly, this is just about as satisfying as completing a project. There is no longer a feeling of “obligation” to finish that particular project. Catalog your projects and decide which ones to keep working at and which ones you can let go of. I use my trusty yarn winder to get my yarn back into a neat, usable cake.

It may also help to think of the small wins you make by finishing or frogging a WIP. One of my biggest gains when finishing or frogging a project is getting my tools back where they belong! No more searching for the G hook and my stitch markers that are attached to a project, they are back safe in their home. This also keeps me from buying MORE tools, so I can try and stay organized and simple.

Try this: Get a Printable WIP Organizer >>

If you decide to keep a project “alive",” you may want to grab my printable WIP Organizer where you can keep track of the details of a current WIP and not have to guess which hook size you were using next time you pick it up! Simply fill in the details, fold the paper and store it along with your project. Click the image to learn more.

Try this: Clean/organize/inventory your supplies, including yarn, and make decisions.

Sometimes we need to see what we have in order to decide what to let go of, or what to use. Let’s say you figure out you have a whole stash of worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn, or a ton of leftover sock yarn. You may want to start a motif blanket or another project that uses up lots of scrap yarn. There are so many ideas for this kind of crazy quilt/scrappy project. It’s one easy Pinterest search away.

You could also try initiating a “yarn fast” to challenge yourself. I have fiber friends who have fasted from purchasing yarn for an entire year in an effort to use up what they have, and it really helps. I think the longest I’ve gone without purchasing yarn in the last few years was 6 months. It inspired me to be more creative with what I had, and got me out of a bad habit of buying yarn that I didn’t really need. I’m working on an African Flower Hexagon motif blanket right now, and it’s very satisfying to use up my scraps! The corresponding blog post is coming soon. Subscribe to my RSS feed now if you haven’t yet or hop on my email list so you don’t miss it.

Try this: Invite a friend over to help you organize your craft space/room.

I don’t know about you, but I feel it’s always more fun to organize or do an unpleasant task if you can visit and have fun while you work. Put on the tea kettle, some fun music, and go to town! Grab some organizing bins or bookshelves from Goodwill to help. I’ve also found some great products from Amazon that might assist you in organizing your stash. This storage cabinet is something I’d love to use if I ever have an actual office/craft room. You have to see the inside, it’s perfect for craft storage!

If you have a smaller space, this cupboard looks useful too!

And another practical item is always a cute bin! These are wonderful for yarn storage.

Try this: If you have yarn that you probably won’t end up using, donate it.

Drop that yarn off at Goodwill or take it to a retirement community or care home if they have crocheters and knitters who will use it. My 95-year-old friend, Marge, crochets hats for the homeless out of yarn that gets put out on the free table at her retirement community. I love the whole thing - people donating the yarn they aren’t using is helping Marge, who is on a low income budget, with her hat donations. It’s probably best to call you local retirement community and ask first, just to make sure they are ok receiving a yarn donation. Here’s a pic of me with some yarn I took to Marge today and one of Marge in a hat she recently made!

#3 // I’m stuck, frustrated with or need help on a pattern

I think we’ve all been there… you just can’t seem to make sense out of a certain direction or line in a pattern. The frustration leads to setting the project aside and you just can’t seem to pick it back up. While, as a designer, I try to make my patterns easily understandable, there’s always going to be language or phrasing that just doesn’t click with everyone. At times, I’ve attempted patterns that were probably over my head in terms of my skill level, and just ended up kicking myself. If you identify with any of this, read below.

Try this: Join a Facebook Crochet Community!

You guys, this is SOOO helpful. I have been a part of quite a few Facebook groups dedicated to crochet since 2020 and I have learned SO MUCH. There is so much wisdom and encouragement in these online groups. You can search for groups by location, skill level, specific interest (amigurumi, etc.) and more! Plus you can make really nice virtual friends. And sometimes you meet them in person! For example, I am part of the Oregon Crochet Community group on Facebook, and sometimes people host local crochet circles. The last one I went to, we met at a tea shop and crocheted for an hour or so together and just talked about yarn, crochet, knitting and all sorts of other things. If you don’t have a FB group yet, we’d love for you to join us in the We Crochet So Hard group! We have crocheters of all skill levels and fun challenges too.

Just a little etiquette - when posting about your project and your issue, be sure not to reveal too much of the pattern. You can isolate a line or two by cropping a photo of the instructions and include that in your plea for help, or you can just include the text of the specific direction that is unclear and see if anyone can assist you. Be sure to include photos so it grabs people’s attention. Also, pay attention to the rules that are posted before engaging and posting! Some groups allow you to post links to patterns and some don’t.

Try this: Contact the designer.

Just putting this out there… some people don’t know that you can contact a designer directly for pattern support. Most designers are happy to help if you reach out through their preferred method. Most designers prefer you to send an email, while some welcome DM’s on social media. If their contact information isn’t listed on the pattern, try looking them up on Instagram and see what their profile says about pattern support. I put my email address on all my patterns with an invitation to contact me if needed.

Try this: Put projects in “time out.”

Set those WIPs aside for an amount of time, and then try bringing them back at a certain time or point in your progress. I have done this before when I was super frustrated with a portion of a garment and close to hating crochet in general. I just put that bad boy in a bag and set it aside until I finished something else. And when I took it out, I didn’t hate it as much. It really helped to allow myself to say “I’m done for now.” You could set it aside for weeks, days, hours, or whatever helps you. Maybe set a reminder on your calendar to re-evaluate and bring it back out. The photo below is the garment that I almost gave up on. I’m so glad I didn’t! The pattern is the Timberwood Tank from Janine at Knits ‘N Knots. The pattern is great if you love making slip stitches (I didn’t mind) and are intermediate level or up.

#4 // Having a million ends to weave in

There’s no way around this one… With some projects, you end up with a bunch of work to do after you finish the main work. While I love projects with colorwork, the downside is definitely the time spent weaving in ends. My Instagram peeps said this is one of the things that makes them set a project aside and not finish it. I’m offering help but it won’t be a magic wand… I wish that was a real thing.

Try this: Weave in ends as you go or a few at a time.

Unless the pattern calls for waiting until the end, weave in those ends as you fasten them off! This can save you a lot of monotony later. It just doesn’t feel as terrible to do a couple at a time, rather than saving it all for the end. Others recommend weaving in 5 or 10 motifs at a time, as soon as you complete that many.

Try this: Weave in ends on the go.

When I have a bunch of pesky ends, I take my project (or stack of motifs) with me in the car. Then, when I’m waiting at the dentist office with my kids, or in the after school pick up line, I get it out and do as much as I can get done. I toted my project along to a baseball tournament last weekend and worked during down times. The Chick-fil-A drive through is another spot where I may be found with my tapestry needle and motifs. The micro crochet sessions really add up over time and it can be encouraging to get any progress made. Speaking of tapestry needles…

Try this: Get a bent tapestry needle!!

My absolute favorite time and frustration saver for weaving in ends is this Clover Bent Needle. It was a total game changer. You’re just going to have to take my word for it until you use one. It makes the weaving process so much easier and smoother.

Try this: Grab a friend for a crochet sesh or watch/listen to a show or podcast

Again, making it a social event somehow makes it better! Maybe they have a craft project they want to finish up to and you can visit and work at the same time. If that doesn’t appeal or won’t work for you, maybe you have a couple of long overdue calls you can make to your college roommates, or a grandparent while you work. Seeing the task as an opportunity to connect with someone might help make it more fun. I like to turn on my favorite show (The Office) or a true crime podcast and listen while I work. This also helps me set a time limit so I can have my ends weaving session and then put it aside when the episode is over.

#5 // I’m working on a “selfish” project with no deadline

This one really resonated with the makers I polled. Many people said they would push a project to the back burner if it was something they were making for themself and something else came up. It could be that they had another project to work on that had an actual deadline, or they put it aside to work on market prep, etc. This happens to me too, I’m guilty of putting projects for me or my home dead last. And sometimes they never get finished at all.

Try this: Reframe the language we use to talk about these types of projects

First of all, why shouldn’t you use your skills, talents and resources to make something for yourself? I’m trying not to call them “selfish” projects anymore. I just call it a “me” project or a personal project. If you’re setting your “me” projects aside for the sake of making gift items, remember this: You don’t owe anyone a handmade gift. One of the designers I follow on Instagram said something to this effect a few weeks ago and it really made an impact on me. If I feel like and want to make a handmade gift, I will. But I am working on not feeling like I have to, just because I usually do. It’s a big time commitment and my time is really limited right now. It’s not where I want to be forever, but that is my current reality.

Try this: Set a goal or reward

It really helps me to have some sort of deadline for a personal project, so sometimes I choose an event that is coming up and make it a goal to wear my garment WIP to the event. You could definitely do this with garments or accessories - if you are taking a trip, make that tote bag before you go so you can use it while traveling. If it’s a wrap and you’re heading to a wedding in a month, wonderful! You can also choose to reward yourself with a little celebration when you finish the project. That could be something as simple as a photo shoot for your Instagram, or you could grab that skein of hand-dyed yarn you’ve had your eye on for a new project.

#6 // I don’t have enough time/life is happening

I relate to this; been there, done that. I have had seasons of life where I haven’t crocheted at all. Zero projects, zero time. But I also really missed having the creative outlet of crochet during those times. And crocheting is great for my mental health so I do want to incorporate it however I can. If you’re in a season of life where there is just a ton going on, or you are a caregiver to young children or a parent/grandparent… I see you and I get it. It’s so hard to make time to do the things you enjoy, especially when you are worn out from giving so much to others.

Try this: Take your projects on the go

In this season of life, I run two businesses and assist in running an additional business. We have two teenagers and a 10-year old who are busy with activities of all kinds - band, orchestra, church activities, art, sports, babysitting, etc. Most of these activities require someone to drive them to and from. Also, we are living outside the school district, and the kids can’t ride the bus, so I’m a chauffeur for a lot of my day. Like I mentioned before, I crochet on the go all the time. I do a fair amount of waiting at these various places. I’m not embarrassed to whip out my hook and work for 5-10 minutes or longer. Any progress is good progress! The main key is to be prepared. I keep a project bag stocked with a set of hooks and basic supplies with me almost always. I at least have a pair of scissors, a yarn needle, and some stitch markers along. I have a friend who wanted to learn to crochet because she has a similar lifestyle to mine, and saw my crochet projects were so portable!

Try this: Give up some TV or scrolling time.

Crochet is better for you anyway! I find it more relaxing and better for my mental health than screen time.

Try this: Be realistic when starting projects and setting goals.

Maybe you only have 2 hours a week to crochet. Try not to commit to a humongous project on a tight deadline - sometimes we just set ourselves up for failure in that way. I just get disappointed and frustrated if I’m not realistic - or I’m putting myself in a situation where I give up sleep to complete a project on time. It’s not good for my health, but I’m still tempted to take on these kind of projects all the time. Maybe set a goal of 30 minutes a day or 2 hours a week for yourself and then stick to it! Set a timer, put a reminder on your calendar, etc. Put 2-3 small projects in your queue. Crochet during your lunch break. Even small progress will motivate you and keep you engaged and inspired. Speaking of being motivation, engagement and inspiration…

Join a challenge!

It’s not too late to join our WIP Challenge! Head to the We Crochet so Hard Facebook Group and check out the pinned post for instructions on how to participate. You can be entered to win some cool prizes and get some WIPs hammered out too! If you are looking for a new WIP, I have free patterns on my blog.

I really hope this information is helpful and you are encouraged to try something new! If you finish a WIP because of anything you read on this post, I’d love to hear about it and see your project - find me on Facebook or Instagram @icrochetsohard. Consider sharing this post on social media if you found it valuable.

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