Every quilter has that corner of the studio—or that specific plastic bin—where “Works in Progress” (WIPs) go to wait. At first, these projects represent excitement and new beginnings, but over time, an overflowing stash of unfinished quilts can start to feel more like a burden than a creative outlet. There is a quiet mental weight to a project that has been sitting for years; it whispers about forgotten intentions and wasted fabric every time you pass it. Acknowledging that your creative tastes and skill levels have evolved since you started that project is the first step toward reclaiming your space and your joy.
The real magic happens when you give yourself permission to make a definitive choice: keep it or set it free. Deciding to let a WIP go isn’t a failure; it’s an act of curation that makes room for the projects that actually set your heart on fire today. If a quilt top no longer speaks to you, consider gifting it to a charity group that finishes quilts for those in need, or even cutting it up into smaller “crumb” blocks for a new venture. By clearing the physical and mental clutter of “maybe someday,” you free up the energy to fall in love with your sewing machine all over again.
I’ve put together a simple, yet thought-provoking decision maker to help us quilters lose our emotional connections and make some strong choices for a less cluttered space. I hope this tool gives you the courage you need to help move it out or keep and finish! Happy New Year!
lesliequilts.com 