Part 3: Managing & Celebrating WIPs

September , 2025

From Chaos to Creative Flow
By now, we’ve celebrated why WIPs are magical and admitted they can be a little overwhelming. The good news? With a few simple strategies, you can turn your pile of projects into a source of joy instead of stress.

Tips for Managing WIPs

• Project bags & baskets: Keep each WIP together with its fabric, chart, and threads. No more hunting for missing floss!

• Sticky notes & cards: Leave yourself little reminders—like thread conversions, where you left off, or “finished border on 9/10.” Future-you will be grateful.

• Rotation stitching: Pick a system that works for you—one project per week, one per season, or even a daily “focus piece.” Consistency beats perfection.

• Mini milestones: Celebrate small wins like finishing a motif or border. Every little bit counts.

Letting Go When Needed
Not every WIP needs to be finished by you. If a project no longer sparks joy, pass it along to another stitcher who will love it. Gifting or trading WIPs can be just as satisfying as completing them.

Celebrating Progress
Don’t wait for a “finish” to share! Snap progress photos, post them online, or bring them to your stitching group. Seeing a design take shape stitch by stitch is inspiring—for you and for others.

The Heart of It All
Your WIPs aren’t just fabric and thread. They’re proof of your creativity, your curiosity, and your joy in the process. Whether they’re tucked into a project bag, waiting patiently in a basket, or finally hung on the wall, each one is part of your stitching story.

✨ We’d love to see what you’re working on! Tag Maple Grove Needleworks when you share your WIP photos—we’ll be cheering you on every stitch of the way.