Part 2: The Joys and Challenges of WIPs

September 24, 2025

Celebrating the Balance of Stitching Life
If you’ve been stitching long enough, you know the thrill of starting something new. A fresh chart, crisp fabric, and threads that shimmer with possibility—it’s enough to make any stitcher’s heart beat faster. But along with that thrill often comes a little whisper: “Don’t you already have something in progress?”

That’s the push-and-pull of WIPs (Works in Progress). They bring us joy, but sometimes they bring challenges, too.

The Joys of Having Multiple WIPs

• Creative variety: Switching between projects keeps things fresh. You can stitch pumpkins in October, a floral sampler in spring, and a Christmas ornament in December—all without missing a beat.

• Mood stitching: Some days call for intricate borders, other days only a few easy stitches. Having choices means you’ll always have something that fits your energy.

• Ongoing inspiration: Every WIP is a reminder of the spark that inspired you to start it—whether it was a color palette, a special fabric, or a design you just couldn’t resist.

The Challenges WIPs Bring

• Feeling overwhelmed: A basket full of half-finished projects can feel heavy—like they’re quietly asking, “Will you ever finish me?”

• Organization struggles: Each WIP comes with its own chart, threads, and fabric. Keeping it all tidy can be a project in itself.

• Stitcher’s guilt: Sometimes we judge ourselves for “too many” projects. But here’s the truth—every stitch, finished or not, is still part of your creative journey.

Embracing the Balance
Instead of seeing WIPs as problems, think of them as chapters of your stitching story. Some chapters move quickly, others take time. But all of them add depth and richness to your stitching life.

✨ At Maple Grove Needleworks, we believe WIPs are part of the joy—not the burden—of being a stitcher.