Celebrating Our Works in Progress

One of the most magical things about needlework is that every project tells a story—and that story doesn’t just begin when the last stitch is placed. It unfolds slowly, in quiet moments with a needle and thread, across weeks or even months of work.

Those unfinished treasures—what we lovingly call WIPs (Works in Progress)—are just as important as finished pieces. In fact, they deserve a little celebration of their own!

Why We Love Our WIPs

• They remind us of the journey. Each stitch is a snapshot of time—an evening spent by the fireplace, a rainy afternoon with a favorite cup of tea, or a moment of calm after a busy day.

• They spark joy in the process. Sometimes the fun is in trying out new stitches, testing colors, or just watching a design take shape little by little.

• They connect us to community. Sharing a WIP with friends online or at a stitch group invites encouragement, conversation, and inspiration.

Turning “Unfinished” Into Beautiful Moments

It’s easy to think of WIPs as something hanging over us, but reframing them helps:

• Rotation stitching: Keep a basket of projects and rotate through them weekly. This gives each piece its moment and keeps things fresh.

• Mini goals: Instead of aiming to finish a whole project, celebrate finishing one motif, a border, or a section.

• Seasonal stitching: Pull out WIPs that match the season—pumpkins in October, snowflakes in December—so you can enjoy them when the mood feels right.

Sharing Your Progress

At Maple Grove Needleworks, we love seeing what’s in your hoop (or on your frame!). Post your WIP photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag us so we can cheer you on. Sometimes the best inspiration comes from seeing another stitcher’s “in-between” stage.

Remember: whether your project is waiting patiently in a basket, growing slowly with each stitch, or nearly finished, every WIP is a piece of your creative journey—and that’s worth celebrating.

✨ Your turn: What WIPs are you working on right now? Do you keep just one project at a time, or do you have a whole collection in progress?