You start a new project full of excitement—the colors are perfect, the pattern is inspiring, and you can already picture the finished piece. But somewhere along the way, something happens. You set it aside, intending to get back to it soon. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and before you know it, the project becomes part of your ever-growing pile of unfinished work.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most fiber artists have a stash of half-knit scarves, incomplete quilts, and embroidery pieces with only a few stitches done. But have you ever wondered why we abandon projects in the first place?
The answer is rarely simple. Your unfinished projects aren’t just about lack of time—they can reveal deeper insights into your creativity, mindset, and even your emotional state. Let’s explore what’s really behind that project pile and how to move past creative roadblocks without guilt.
Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.
Why Do We Abandon Creative Projects?
1️⃣ The Excitement Wears Off (And Another Idea Steals the Spotlight)
Starting something new is thrilling—it gives your brain a rush of dopamine, the same way buying fresh supplies or browsing patterns does. But as the novelty fades, the project becomes routine. If another idea sparks excitement, it’s easy to drop what you’re working on in favor of chasing something new.
What to Do:
- If you’re someone who thrives on variety, give yourself permission to have multiple projects at once, but set small check-ins to revisit unfinished ones.
- Keep a project rotation system, where you cycle through WIPs (works in progress) so none get forgotten.
2️⃣ Perfectionism & Fear of “Messing It Up”
Have you ever been deep into a project and suddenly thought, What if I ruin it? Perfectionism sneaks in and freezes you in place. Instead of making a mistake, you avoid finishing it altogether.
Signs this is happening:
- You hesitate before the final steps (blocking, assembling, finishing seams).
- You worry that the project won’t turn out as beautifully as you imagined.
- You feel pressure to make it “worthy” of the time and effort you’ve put in.
What to Do:
- Remind yourself that a finished imperfect piece is always better than an unfinished “perfect” one.
- Set a no-pressure crafting day where you work on abandoned projects with a playful mindset—no expectations, just progress.
3️⃣ The Project Feels Like Work Instead of Joy
Maybe you started making something because you felt you should—a baby gift, a commission, a project for a craft-along. But somewhere along the way, it became a chore instead of a passion.
Signs this is happening:
- You avoid working on it but feel guilty for not finishing.
- It feels more like an obligation than an enjoyable creative process.
- You find yourself resenting the project instead of looking forward to it.
What to Do:
- Ask yourself: Do I really want to finish this? It’s okay to let go of projects that no longer bring joy.
- If it must be finished (like a gift), set small progress goals and reward yourself after completing steps.
4️⃣ Decision Paralysis: You Don’t Know What to Do Next
Some projects stall out because you hit a decision-making roadblock—you’re unsure about color changes, next steps, or how to fix a mistake. Instead of pushing forward, you set it aside until you figure it out… but never come back to it.
What to Do:
- Keep a crafting journal where you write down what’s stopping you from finishing. Sometimes naming the problem makes it easier to solve.
- If a project feels overwhelming, break it into micro-steps—sometimes all you need is to start by weaving in one loose end.
5️⃣ Your Creativity Cycles Have Shifted
Your energy, mood, and interests naturally change over time. A project that excited you six months ago might no longer align with where you are creatively or emotionally.
What to Do:
- Accept that it’s okay to outgrow a project—not everything needs to be finished.
- If you still love the materials, repurpose them into something new. Unravel the yarn, cut up quilt blocks, or reuse embroidery floss in a different piece.
How to Move Past the Unfinished Project Guilt
The good news? Having unfinished projects doesn’t make you a failure—it makes you an evolving artist. Instead of feeling guilty, consider your WIP pile as a reflection of your creative journey.
✨ A Few Strategies to Refresh Your Approach to Unfinished Projects:
✔ Reassess with fresh eyes – Take everything out and ask, Which of these still excites me? Let go of anything that no longer aligns with you.
✔ Turn “stuck” projects into experiments – If you’re hesitant about finishing something because of perfectionism, use it as a test piece. Try new stitches, add unexpected color, or play with new techniques.
✔ Schedule a “WIP Finishing Day” – Once a month, dedicate time to tying up loose ends—literally and figuratively.
✔ Celebrate completed projects – Sometimes we forget how satisfying it feels to finish something. Take photos, share them, or write about what you learned in the process.
✔ Give yourself permission to move on – Not every project needs to be completed. It’s okay to let go.
Craft to Heal: Understanding Your Creative Blocks & Moving Forward
Your unfinished project pile isn’t just about procrastination—it can reveal patterns in how you approach creativity, decision-making, and even self-doubt. Craft to Heal is a workshop series that explores how fiber arts can be used for self-discovery, emotional resilience, and creative well-being.
If you find yourself struggling with perfectionism, creative roadblocks, or guilt around unfinished work, this series will help you navigate those challenges and reclaim joy in your craft.
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