Journal

Why You Should Stop Feeling Guilty About Your Unfinished Craft Projects

Every creative person I know has a cupboard full of works in progress. Embroidery kits barely started. Sweater backs waiting for sleeves. A stack of patchwork squares pinned with the best intentions.

And far too often, that cupboard also contains guilt.

One of the most resonant threads to come out of the About Time masterclass last week was this exact issue—abandoned projects and the self-blame that goes with them. So in this week’s video, I’m unpacking that idea, and offering a different perspective

You can watch the full masterclass here
Replays of About Time are available until the end of June 2025.

Why We Feel Like Quitters

So many of us carry this narrative: “I never finish anything.” It’s more than a complaint—it’s a judgement. A perceived failure of discipline or character.

But what if it isn’t personal?

Most of us grew up in a culture where sticking it out was the virtue. You chose a career early and stayed the course. Commitment was praised. Changing your mind wasn’t.

In that world, finishing meant success. So it makes sense that we’ve internalised the idea that stopping—or changing course—is shameful.

But here’s the truth: the world has changed. The way we work, create, and live is unrecognisable compared to that 40-year-job-for-life model. What looks like “not finishing” might actually be evolving. Listening. Choosing better.

The Beauty of Starting

There’s also a lot to love about starting.

Starting something new means curiosity is alive. Starting takes courage. Starting is creative.

We don’t expect every artist to turn every sketch into a masterpiece. We don’t expect every seed to grow. So why should our crafts be any different?

Half-finished doesn’t mean failed. It means you were open to trying.

Let’s Talk About Sunk Costs

Another layer of guilt comes from all the money and time we’ve “wasted.” That’s sunk cost thinking—and it’s poison to creativity.

Yes, you bought the yarn. Yes, you started the project. But if it no longer serves you, that doesn’t mean it was a mistake. It was part of your journey. It taught you something. Even if all it taught you was that you don’t enjoy that stitch.

Sunk costs aren’t proof of failure. They’re the artefacts of a creative life.

What To Do With All That Stuff

The problem isn’t the unfinished projects themselves—it’s what we do with them. If they live in a cupboard whispering guilt and self-doubt, that’s a problem.

But if we bring them into the light, talk about them, repurpose them, or even pass them on—they become something else entirely. They become part of our story.

That’s what we’re doing inside The Studio this summer.

From July to August, we’re taking a break from new tutorials and using the time to revisit, reclaim, and reimagine what’s already here. That includes stash deep-dives, shared stories of UFOs (unfinished objects), and making space—for finishing, repurposing, or releasing.

No shame. No pressure. Just creative honesty

If you want to be part of that conversation, you can join The Studio here. Supported places are available.

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