Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to clear out the old and make way for the new. One area that many knitters struggle with is unfinished WIP. We’ve all been there, with several half-finished projects lying around the house, taking up space and causing stress. Decluttering unfinished WIP can be considered as spring cleaning your knitting, and it can also free up space (and yarn) for new knitting projects.
Start by taking an inventory of all your unfinished knitting projects. Gather them all in one place, and take a moment to assess each project. Ask yourself why you haven’t finished it yet. Is it because you lost interest in the project? Did you get stuck in the pattern and not know how to proceed? Or did life get in the way? Whatever the reason, be honest about whether you will likely finish the project.
Once you’ve assessed each project, decide which ones you want to keep and which you want to let go of. Be realistic about how much time and energy you have available for knitting that specific WIP. If a project has languished for months, it may be time to admit that you won’t finish it and let it go. This can be significantly difficult if you’ve invested a lot of time in the project, but remember that it’s better to have a few finished projects that you love than a bunch of unfinished ones that cause stress and guilt.
Once you’ve decided which projects to let go of to move forward, it’s necessary to unravel or “frog” some of your work. Don’t be afraid to frog โ it’s a normal part of the knitting process and can save you time and frustration in the long run. Check out my previous post for more tips about frogging in knitting.
Now that you’ve cleared some space, it’s time to start something new! Spring is a great time to create a new knitting project, and there are plenty of options. You can knit lightweight shawls and cowls or start working on a sweater or cardigan that will take you through the transition from spring to summer. Check out my previous blog post for ideas on what to knit in spring.
Decluttering unfinished WIP can be a cathartic and rewarding experience. It frees up yarn for new projects and helps you release the guilt and stress of having too many unfinished projects. So, take some time this spring to clear your knitting projects and start something new and exciting.