Finish or Frog:

The Stitch or Ditch Dilemma for Lingering WIPs

Is it just me or do we all have them - those works in progress (WIPs) lurking in our stash, staring accusingly whenever we open the cupboard. Those projects I enthusiastically cast on, only to lose steam partway through. At this time of year I start to pull out unfinished projects that were put away last spring. I find too many WIPs can be overwhelming, leading to discouragement. So how do we thoughtfully assess our lingering WIPs and decide whether to continue or frog?

I certainly have more than a few WIPs in my stash and that’s just fine. Last month though I rediscovered a number of unfinished projects I’d totally forgotten. Some of them are quick wins, like the cosy cabled socks that just need a ribbed cuff and a cowl that just needed blocking. Amongst them though, was a half-finished top down raglan sweater  tucked away forgotten in a bag. I optimistically began it a few years ago, only to become disenchanted with it and then get distracted by shiny new projects. Upon unearthing it, I felt a pang of guilt. Should I soldier on to finish this neglected jumper, or admit defeat and frog it?

In moments like these, I've found a few strategies helpful for making an objective assessment:

Firstly I have to rediscover the project. I gently pulled out of the bag and had a good look at it. I reviewed the pattern, checked the yarn is in good condition and had the right needles with it (Doh, so that’s where they were!) . Held it up, tried it on. Asked myself a few questions:

• Does simply handling it rekindle my enthusiasm for the project? Yes,a bit. I think I’d like to get it finished. It would be a useful addition to my wardrobe.

• Do I find myself cringing at colour choices to the pattern? No, I still like it.

• Is there an obvious problem? Yes. The raglan is too wide. It’s too baggy as it is. My gauge is obviously very inconsistent and I carried on the raglan too far. To be fair I was working on it in difficult times.(2020...need I say more?)

• How hard will it be to fix it? Not hard, just pull it back to where the knitting is consistent and rework the rest.

Next, I thought about  the effort I already invested versus what’s still required. For my rediscovered jumper, frogging it completely would mean wasting some good work. I still like the yarn and the pattern. It’ll be good mindless knitting.

Then, I decided I needed to be realistic about my current knitting priorities.

• Do I  have the time and motivation to dedicate to this project right now? Yes, probably.

• Am I simply longing to cast on something new and exciting?Obviously a silly question! 😂

• How demanding are the technical difficulties? I’m not happy with the fit but it’s an easy fix

With my forgotten jumper, fondling the yarn and looking at the pattern helped me recall the vision that started it all. I knew I couldn't bear unravelling it all but I’m comfortable with taking it back part way and sorting out the raglan. Sometimes we abandon projects simply because the newness wears off. Pushing past that lull often revives the magic.

After this honest assessment, I decided to revive my enthusiasm and finally finish the jumper.

Just not straight away.

I’ll allow myself to have my new cast on and just work on this sweater only now and then when feel like some mindless knitting.

Still not every WIP merits the same choice.

I also rediscovered a shapeless cowl with a fussy stitch pattern in unsuitable scratchy yarn. Attempting it had clearly been an ill-advised idea from the start. Wrong yarn, wrong pattern. Nothing wrong with either separately but just not a good match. Recognising that allowed me to happily frog it without regrets, reclaiming the yarn for a more inspiring project.

So trust your gut when evaluating lingering WIPs. If fond memories and recognising sunk costs outweigh the temptation of cast-on-itis, push through to finish it. However if honest reflection reveals persistent issues dampening your knitting joy, give yourself permission to abandon and frog the project, re-stash the yarn and move on.

Above all, avoid feeling guilt over your WIP pile. Be compassionate with yourself and your knitting. The number of WIPs you have is not a moral judgement on you. Some projects get laid aside for good reasons.For example, I happily put away my lace weight wool, cotton and linen projects as the weather changes into Autumn. I’ll be more than glad to get them out again next spring but for now I’m looking for cosy knitting. Finishing (or frogging) languishing projects thoughtfully will ultimately free up time and mental space for new creative adventures!

How do you decide when it's worth persevering or time to frog abandoned WIPs? Share your top tips and horror stories of rediscovered hibernating projects! Now excuse me while I go and get on with my Shirin Shawl¹ which is nearly done. It was only cast on at the start of the month and I hope to finish it soon. It seems some projects are too engaging to ever land in the WIPs pile!

Shirin shawl in progress

After that  I will attempt to resurrect some of my neglected projects ...

If you need more assistance have a look at this earlier post :

1. Shirin Shawl Release Update