If you’ve been a crafter for any length of time, you most likely have some unfinished projects lying around. Around here, we call those UFO’s – UnFinished Objects. Maybe it’s a half-sewn dress that’s been sitting in a drawer for months or a crochet blanket that lost its momentum halfway through.
First things first: That’s okay.
Let’s talk about why unfinished projects aren’t failures and why it’s perfectly fine to leave some things incomplete.
Why Do We Leave Projects Unfinished?
There are countless reasons we put projects aside, and none of them mean we aren’t creative, dedicated, or capable. Some of the most common reasons include:
Lost Motivation – Maybe you were excited when you started, but that spark faded over time. It happens!
Not Enough Time – Life gets busy, and hobbies sometimes take a backseat.
Perfectionism – If something isn’t turning out how you imagined, it’s easy to get discouraged.
Changing Interests – You may have outgrown the project or learned new skills that make you want to approach it differently.
Creative Burnout – Sometimes, we just need a break from a particular craft.
The Value in Unfinished Projects
Even if a project never reaches completion, that doesn’t mean it was a waste of time. Every stitch, every brushstroke, every attempt at a recipe teaches us something. Here’s why unfinished projects still matter:
You Gained Experience! Each project, finished or not, helps you build skills that can be applied elsewhere.
Creativity Isn’t Linear! Inspiration comes and goes. Just because something isn’t done today doesn’t mean it won’t be finished in the future.
They Show Growth! Looking back at old projects, even unfinished ones, can highlight how much you’ve improved.
Not Every Project Needs to Be Completed! Sometimes the joy was in the process, not the outcome.
Should You Finish It or Let It Go?
If you’re staring at a pile of unfinished projects, you might wonder if you should power through or move on. Here are a few questions to help you decide:
- Does this project still excite you? If yes, maybe it’s worth picking up again!
- Would finishing it bring you joy or just stress? If it feels like an obligation, it might be time to let it go.
- Is there a way to repurpose it? Maybe that half-knit scarf could become a coaster set, or that quilt top could be transformed into a pillow.
- Does it remind you of a time when you were learning? If it serves as a reminder of how far you’ve come, keep it as a personal milestone.
And if you decide to let it go? That’s okay too. Give yourself permission to move on.
Let’s Normalize Unfinished Projects
In a world that glorifies productivity and completion, it’s important to remember that creativity isn’t about speed—it’s about expression, learning, and enjoyment.
So the next time you feel guilty about that half-sewn dress or the pile of granny squares that never became a blanket, remind yourself: unfinished doesn’t mean unworthy.
What’s the oldest unfinished project you have? Let’s chat in the comments!