OVERWHELMED with CROCHET PROJECTS? 7 SIMPLE Steps to Help You Get WIPs DONE 

I’ve found that rotating through my WIPs helps me stay engaged! Whenever I get bored of a project, instead of starting a new one I go back to an old one that I can get excited about again.

I was literally telling my friends yesterday that the reason I have so many wips is cuz when I'm working on a BIG project that takes a long time I will burn out, but if I work on smaller projects at the same time I get my dopamine hit when I finish the smaller ones so I don't just give up on crochet entirely when the blanket isn't finished fast.

I often donate yarn and U.F.O.s to a local nursing home. They love getting the supplies for use with the residents!!!

Everyone don't hate me, but when I first started to learn to crochet I got into having WIP's so I made a hard rule. I don't start anything else until I finish what I am working on. So I have 1 WIP currently. The only time I put this rule aside is if I'm working on something that isn't an order and I get an order or a request that has a short time limit on it. It works for me.

I'm one of those lucky people. 😀 The thing is, I don't have a "secret". I just enjoy the process of crafting, and I don't particulary feel the need to finish things. I just have the need to keep my hands busy with something I enjoy working on. I'm never in a hurry to get it done. And if I don't enjoy working on it I will put it away and find something that's more fun to do.

I am glad your son is getting better from his surgery last week. You have nothing to explain about the granny square day you had to take care of your son Jackson back to good health again.❤

Needed this today!!! So overwhelmed with WIPS AND UFOS. My head always buzzing with idea's and I cannot keep up 😆. Good morning from North Carolina. 😊

I am 71 years old. I started crocheting after I retired because of lung issues. I love to learn different stitches and patterns. I start my creation every morning. and "try" to keep a record. I donate boxes to charity organizations for Christmas. After I donate I start organizing my UFO. My yearly New Year resolution is to finish my UFO before I start a new project. I just wanted to let you know that it works for me. Some of those ideas will help me in the process. Thank you so much.

We use timers to keep students motivated. We found when it went off they wanted to continue working instead of taking a break. They would rather keep going to get a bigger break at the end. They also would find they could do days worth by noon. We had to find more work or several activities to keep them from being bored.

Great tips. I would have been totally overwhelmed if I listed all my WIPs. Last summer, I chose 4 WIPs then gave myself a small bonus new project to work up after I finished the WIPs. Worked like a charm.

I like having a 6-7 set of WIPs so I always have something to work on.

I don't have the headspace or physical space to work on more than one project at a time, so l don't have lots of WIPs (i finish one project before starting the next), but videos like this encourage me to keep it that way! 😅

I had a baby sweater that was a wip so long none of my friend's babies fit it anymore. I asked the crocheter Facebook group that just has members in my state if anyone wanted to finish it and donate. Someone did, I mailed it, and it was out of my life.

That Norwegian sweater is so beautiful!

I totally agree with you morning time is the best time for crocheting and knitting 😅

You show the coolest tools. I love your show.

When I moved to big projects what I found works for me to be engaged is to pause the big project for a couple of days, do a small project I can finish fast, then go back to the big project feeling re-energized. If I don't want to go back, or can't (I had a wip where I was buying the yarn as needed and it was discontinued when I was on the halfway point) go back to it, it will be frogged

Hello Elise! Waiting for the new autumn video 🍂 I’m not “comment-writing-person” but I feel that you must to know: you are amazing! So many interesting things that I have learned from you! And watching your videos is helping me with my English. ❤

I don't have a lot of WIPs, but I don't like even having as many as I have. I have been slowly working through them, but thankfully none of them are time limited. A couple were at one point. One was my wedding shawl, but I had gotten really sick and was in the process of merging my life with my husband's. The other one I couldn't finish because a family member passed away. So, I am not feeling bad about either one, but I still would like to finish them. Thank you for this!

I sometimes decide to unravel something to reuse the yarn…a process I enjoy.

How did you know I needed this exact video right now? I'm drowning in wips and it's starting to stress me out. I'm going to try these tips!

I used to have many wips but one day I decided to finish them all, and ever since I've been starting one at a time. Slower pace but great patience practice!

When I look at my WIPs, I either use the Dave Ramsey Pay-off-Debt method: the credit card with smallest balance paid off first then on to the next one and so on, so the WIP that has the least amount left to finish it I work on first. OR the FIFO method: First In, First Out, meaning I will finish off the oldest WIP first then go in order of age.

Yes! The little bit of time I have in the morning to crochet is my favorite! I am more productive and it is such a calming way to start the day! I love crocheting outside and watching your videos during that time!❤

I have soooooo many whips. It’s the season. Once Fall comes, I’ll be right back at it!

I love that round openwork basket!

I swear you read my mind today! 😮 I was fed up with my WIPs too, so this very morning, I gathered together the ones I knew I'd like to finish, and put them in project bags with the yarn I already have, and I've started a shopping list to get everything else I need in one order (if possible lol). I'm giving myself an extra treat by doing super-quick, done-in-a-day little projects between each older WIP, and ONLY using yarn from my stash for them. NO new yarn for new projects until the older ones are done, or frogged. Works a treat! 😉 x

That is a beautiful sweater you knitted!! These are great ideas, and the comments are full of good ideas, too. I don't have that many WIPs because I have mostly stuck to doing little things that don't take long. But do have 3 that are afghans - one that I started decades ago (!) when I first learned to crochet, one that I've bought the yarn for but haven't started...and can't remember which pattern I was going to use (haha!), and a pin-loom one that I am slowly approaching the half-way mark of having the squares for.

Thanks for the tips and your great videos Elise 😊 I take a picture of each UFO. When the UFO is finished I will take a picture. Each picture is named by year and month, so I can look back at the things I've done over the years.

That’s what I have been working toward. Getting organized, plan, and finish at least one WIP before starting anything new ❤and it is sooo satisfying finishing a project. I actually just ordered my first Hooks & Needles!!

God bless 🥰 He loves you all, and He is coming back 😊, love your videos

I discovered crochet during covid. I learned with videos on RU-vid and now I can even invent projects on my own just by taking inspiration from part of a tutorial that I liked. I limited myself to doing one project at a time and while I worked on that I found another one that I would like so much that it would make me want to finish the current project as quickly as possible. I also set myself a space dedicated to balls of yarn and not to expand the accumulation to other places besides that. I like to crochet in the morning before going to work, it gives me energy to face the day, but also in the evening to relax at the end of the day with a film on Netflix. I don't sell so I can't have set time limits, except when I have to give a gift to someone or when it's a request from a friend who needs the project in a certain period. Over time, perhaps I will change my habits as I am a beginner, but I would like to maintain the current situation. I love you channel, thanks for all the advices and inspirations you give us ❤

Thanks for sharing such good suggestions for wips and all. On a side note. I really like the earrings you are wearing in this video 😊🧶

I recently got side tracked by a friend's daughter having a baby. So my projects get out aside to make a blanket and sweater set. Lol! Sometimes the old one get forgotten and I move on to others. I now keep them in storage bins next to the place where I always do my work.

I’m currently sick so this video is perfectly timed because I’ve been in my room a lot and seeing all those wips has been driving me crazy lol

Hi Elise and right now I am working on my cottage core mosaic blanket and granny squares blanket and butterfly mosaic blanket and a somebunny and I love love channel and your videos and if you keep making videos I will keep watching them and what is your favorite crochet project to work on right now and favorite types of yarn to used when crocheting and keep up the great work on your RU-vid channel and keep up the great work on your crochet projects

Great ideas 💡 I also find it helps me if I don’t allow myself to start a new project (reward) until I finish a UFO. 🎉

thank you so much! i have so many ufos that i need to finish and this video is so helpful! last night i was stressed out with how many crochet projects i have and then your video came out the next morning! thank you!

I currently have 3 WIPs: a memory quilt for a friend, adding cordage to a bunch of drawstring bags, and a crochet baby blanket for my son. There’s no hurry on the last one, though, because he and his wife are separated! I think that one will be in my closet for a while! I do have several projects ready to start, once I finish my first two WIPs, but I’m determined to finish those first! Oops! I forgot the granny square blanket that I’m making for myself. It’s just a large square, and it’s my fall-back whenever I have absolutely nothing left to work on.

Thanks so much! I always appreciate how much work you put into your videos (I especially liked the info on software!) and you always have such great ideas. Happy weekend!

I have around 4 wips, and to be honest i live by one rule. I do it when i want to, it's not a chore but something that's suposed to bring me joy. So when i get bored or tired with one of my wips then i switch tp another, or I'll just take a break for a week or two then come back. Remeber, if it's annoying, getting you angry or tired...then there is no use.

Hello Lovely, I have been working on my wips lately to regain space, clean up and get that sense of achievement when I complete a project. It takes some will power. Great video, great ideas ! Ta heaps Elise, u never disappoint.😊 Love and prayers 💗💗💗🙏🙏🙏🧶🧶🧶

Suddenly I the “Spoonful of Sugar” scene from Mary Poppins on repeat in my head 😂

When I look at my WIPs, I either use the Dave Ramsey Pay-off-Debt method: the credit card with smallest balance paid off first then on to the next one and so on, so the WIP that has the least amount left to finish it Imwork on first. OR the FIFO method: First In, First Out, meaning Inwill finish off the oldest WIP first then go in order of age. But I am definitely downloading your work book! I like guidance. Thank you! 😊

Elise, you are so organize! Thanks for motiving your subscribers/fans with this video. My excuse for not completing my WIPs is, I forgot what size hook was use. I just need to get in the habit of writing the hook size and pinning on the project and not to rely on my memory...

I just got so much motivated to finish my granny square blanket thank you very much Elise!

Thank you so much for this Elise! Going to give it a try!

I have two wip's. One knitting cardigan and one crochet blanket.

I am working on my last wip!!! woohoot! I think I may become a single crafter. haha

Although I do not knit or crochet, I do beadweaving and have whips. These ideas will be a big help for me too!

Great tips - thanks, Elise! I love that you shared the cute bunny apps that you've found to be helpful. I'm on my way to download them now! Love you, love your videos!

Thanks for this! I don’t know how it happened, but this is the pickle I’ve found myself in 😂

I love how you mentioned gamifying! Another girl I follow named Holly Auna did this when she had to finish a cosplay under a deadline. She listed twenty things she had to finish and rolled a D&D dice to make it more fun. I've been doing this for my UFO's and it is so satisfying. Rolling the dice again feels like a reward! 🤩

I have a Project that I hate tucked away in a closed box in the pantry closet. That very same box has a Project that I love but cant finish because the yarn needed is so damn expensive (bought the first batch with a big fat check I got from my previous job when I got fired but miscalculated the amount needed) The first is a set of place mats made of thick cotton, theyre made with small granny squares joined with mattress stitch. But I hate joining them, the cotton is soft but has a ton of plys and the whole thing is just a pain in the butt. The second is a granny square blanket, colorful sunburst squares. Need to spend like $80 usd to buy the remaining yarn and get back to it All the other wips are constantly rotating so its fine. Small wips to take to the office, big ones for home

Fun video and I definitely need to implement some of these ideas. I love the apps to try. I’m not a gamer but these sound so much fun. Thanks Elise. Ps, thanks for the freebie on projects

Lovely video hun xxx don’t know if it’s a think in us / Canada etc but we have things called instant ink or Epson Ready print. You basically pay a small amount each month and you can print x amount of pages per month. (You can choose from 100 to x amount etc) they then send the ink out before you run out of ink. I love it and it’s been amazing never running out of ink. I’ve been meaning to print your other book so may get this sorted soon. I’m doing a few pattern tests but had said once I’ve done these I’m doing a WIP amnesty and trying to finish them all off

My biggest problem with”wip”’s is I’m always so impatient. I’ll be in the middle of one and see a simply fantastic new project and can’t wait til original is finished to start the new one😱. Thus, I have MANY “wips “. Some I’ve forgotten til I run across them again. Luckily, I keep all materials together in a ziplock bag so when I run across them again I just pick back up where I left off. But like you said, it DOES take up valuable space that could hold other things… (I’m the same way with my cross stitch projects,too)😵‍💫🤪

Hi Darling, I really love your videos & your tips. I don’t have a problem with WIP, I only ever have two on the go. Specially when doing Amigurumi. I have osteoarthritis in both hands & have to change yarns & hooks every so often. I got a real problem with having to many ideas of what I want to make 😂 I have at least 5 or 6 mesh bags with yarn in it for project I want to start 🙈 Stay safe Sabine Xxx

I have just 1 WIP (the Temperance Shawl from Malabrigo) that I started March 2020. I am “almost” finished but every time I look at it I 😬 because it involves a color change every two rows. The shawl uses 3 colors. My first and last color-work project.

I need all these hints. Thank you. I was wondering if you could (if you haven’t already) do a video of getting tendinitis & carpel tunnel. No one told me if you crochet & crochet & not take breaks this could happen. It is so so painful. I see the orthopedic doctor in Tuesday. I am wearing braces on both wrists/hands/thumbs. I am going to get those apps. They sound so fun. Thanks so much for all your videos. You’re so sweet. Toodles 😊

Love, love, LOVE your ideas for keeping track of WIPs and motivations for finishing them! I have several (maybe 6) WIPs ranging from a ruana to a blanket to a pillow, plus a few more. When I get tired of working on "long-term" projects I make several wash cloths and/or hand towels so I can remember what it feels like to finish something. 😂 Thank you for the workbook and motivational ideas, Elise Rose, you are wonderful! 🌹❤

These are brilliant tips, I think another tip is to have a limit on how many your doing at 1 time so you don't get overwhelmed again

Morning Elise, I appreciate the new video 👍🏼I have been keeping a fibre diary for the last 4 years and you’re right, it does help☺️ I hope that Jackson is okay and things are going well. Keep cool 😎…. Karen

I’ve officially stopped stressing over my half-done projects 😄 My brain just hits the snooze button on them 😂😂😂

Hi Elise! I have 3 wips 1. This project is with finger weight yarn (wanted to try this yarn) not crazy about it 😣 2. C2C following a tutorial but not clear instructions so I am struggling and it’s an adorable shawl so I keep trying (have not picked it up in a week) 3.First time working on a blanket (taking my time on this). I recently picked up some really cute yarn for beanies and I’m so tempted to start making them 😆 Elise thank you for another great video 😊

I love the colorful WIP that you’re working on! What’s the pattern if you don’t mind sharing? I’m loving and needing this video! Thanks Elise!❤

For me, it's funny. I usually don't set WIP's aside unless one of a few things happen. Either I get a request or a commission to do a project that has a 'short' time frame, and I have to set aside a current project to get that request/commission done. I will also set aside current WIP's during birthday/holiday gift making time, because, again, I have a shorter time span to get those gifts made (I handmake most of my gifts). Another reason maybe injury or illness, no explanations there. Some of my projects are stash buster scrap yarn projects that I have to set aside because I've used up all of my scrap yarn stash and need to wait until I have more. The last reason I will set aside a WIP, is because somewhere during the project I look at it and realize I don't like the direction it's going in, and I set it aside until I can come up with a new direction for the project. Here are my WIP's and the reason I've set them aside. 6 Blanket projects. 2 'active', 1 scrap yarn stash buster, plus 3 others. The most active right now is my Harvest Sunset blanket. It's a commission that needs to be finished in next couple of months and is the one I'm currently pushing. The second is my Kalaidoscope Granny Square blanket. I've had to set it aside to work on the commission. My traditional Granny square scrap stash buster blanket I've had to set aside because I was running out of scrap yarn, need to rebuild my stash. I have a log cabin blanket I've set aside for a while because I had more pressing projects I wanted/needed to prioritize. I have one 'granny square' blanket that I was almost finished with, ran out of the yarn I had for it, and the colors I was using were discontinued. All I really have to do is put it together and border it, but until I find a color that will work with what I already have, I've had to set it aside. The last blanket is another gift, but it's not one that has a deadline, and I don't like the direction the blanket was going in, so I've set it aside until I have new direction. 1 cape project. This is a gift that I've had to set aside because it's a pattern I'm creating, and I'm a little unsure of how I want to proceed, so I've set it aside until I figure it out. 1 poncho project. This is another stash buster project that I've set aside because I don't like the direction it's going set it aside until I figure out the new direction. Hat not Hate project. This is kind of an on going project that sort of has a time limit, but is one that isn't all consuming. Hats are rather easy to make, so when I'm not pushing a certain project I will work on these. When the deadline comes up for them, I send in what I've made, then start again for the next year. 1 throw blanket. This is a personal project for me, and I work on it when I don't have other projects with time pushes. 1 mosaic scarf project. This is a project I was making for a challenge, but I didn't make the deadline. I WANT to finish it, because I've never done mosaic crochet before, but it's a lot more involved than I thought it would be, so I don't know if I will ever get back to it. I didn't realize I had that many projects going at one time. They are already prioritized, gathered, and waiting according to priority. will finish them as I go :D.

Really love your channel! Would love to see a video on how to design a color scheme for a project. I have a huge yarn stash but have a really hard time trying to decide what would go together if it’s not a specific pattern I’m making. Thanks!

Elise, you've taught this, 79-year-old so many things! So, I'm here to give you & me kudos on all the great things I've actually finished...my wips! I've made all of my Christmas gifts this year, for everyone! Yay🎉😊 From finishing, 2 Afghans(been in a tub on the shelf for 7 yrs. 20 pairs of slippers, Christmas ornaments, baby blankets, baby toys, coasters & potholders, 6 granny square lined purses, crochet micro earrings, amigurimi stuffed animals & toys. And now my craft sewing rm is starting to look better. The best part of all this is, everything I made was from the yarn I already had! Yay me! I'm now wkng on the very last aftgan 😂! I can say I've learned a lot! And my hands are hurting me! But my heart ❤️ is full . Thank you for your inspiration 🙏 ❤ Barbi

My secret to just living life with an insane number of WIPs? ADHD😍 I simply forget they exist, and am also too stressed about other stuff to care🤩

I was starting to think I was strange as I don’t have any WIP’s only the project I am currently on…..then I saw others in your comments who are the same as me 😉. Good to know that others are like me and have to finish that project to see the end result.

I have to snackify myself 😂😂😂 to finish a project :)

I have surprisingly one WIP. But I have project I'm working on as a gift for someone when I ran out of yarn so I went to hobby lobby to get more yarn and..... Got the wrong color. 😭 I'm going again today. But I learned that when you get yarn and need to get the same color again BRING the label! It's shows the name of the color.

I went on a crocheting binge this year but the first project still needs a million ends weaved in (c2c graphghan) 😅

I mentioned my four categories of projects in the comments of an earlier video, but they pretty much relate to occasions in which I craft. The 4 categories are slow projects, quick projects, simple projects, complicated projects. Lol, I feel like I need to make a chart as to which projects are best for which occasions. But tying a project to when you work on that project can go a long way in helping you complete the project. Here are a few examples. Simple projects are great for family get togethers, meetings, church, lectures, any time you need to pay attention to what is said but are forced to sit still. I reserve complicated projects for my lunch break at work. I can only spend 15 minutes on them, but I can really engage in the project and disengage from work. Depending on my exhaustion levels, and whether I’m in the mood for a podcast/audiobook or tv, I will choose a simple or complicated project. Slow or quick projects help with my sense of completion. I always have a slow project in the background, and they’re great for traveling/vacations. Like bringing one long book with you to the beach instead of a myriad of short books. But in everyday routines, having short projects to give you a break from the long ones is a huge self esteem boost. Honestly, that’s why I added amiguri and granny squares to my repertoire. I can’t wait to try your worksheet. Getting all this on paper instead of just in my head sounds super satisfying.

I'm going to do this and record the process! It's like a 7 step program. I feel like I need to be in a circle with others and confess that I'm a WIPper.

"And if you don't have any wips, Hooks and Needles can help with that" 🤣 The kits do look cute.

I don’t have any WIPs. I finish each project before I start another ❤

I’m disappointed to learn that anyone would make a negative comment about your visit to Centralia. I’m from Centralia/Kell area. I know that place you went to. I have rescued animals from there in the past. I have been meaning to thank you for providing that particular facility with that size able donation. They’re completely deserving. I’m sorry I didn’t get to show the first video to my husband. I did tell him about it and how blessed I was to see how thankful those young ladies were. It was evident they were in shock. I love you Crystal for your heart for animals. God bless you

Have you ever done a video on project ideas you want to make? And how to keep track? I have yarn and then I forget what the project was going to be. 😢

Wow great video very inspiring thank you.

Funny thing is I’ve always been super great about not starting too many projects at one time. Just like books or movies, start it you need to finish it before you move on. WELL…this year I’ve over committed and not followed my own guideline. 🤦🏻‍♀️😉🥴 I counted and have 17 WIPs and an additional 12 on the need to get done by Christmas list. 😊😬😳. I did make my list and have completed 3 so far since Sunday!!! So now just to plug away. Also I need to stop watching RU-vid as all my peeps are coming out with so many cute fall patterns!!!!

Hi Elise! I am trying to get rid of my WIPs but I just keep starting new projects LOL!! I really want to be WIP-free!!! Your video helped thing about another way, I use my Instagram for journaling about my crochet projects, so maybe I could set one day a week for posting a new finished project, that way I have to finish my projects in order to post them. 🙂

I heard "the notes phone on your app" and I didn't even realize what was wrong until the correction popped up on the screen

Your Nordic cardigan is so beautyful.

I have made things for others for over 20 years over 700 pairs of socks . Crochet shawls, hats . Etc . I have come to the point where i just want to make myself some blankets and i have started telling people they can learn things on youtube. (They don't want to look, they only want to learn in person. I will do a lesson or 2 with them if they need and give tips and tricks and then guide them back to RU-vid. 😂❤ My wips are all for the fundraising sale, i am counting the weeks where i can start something else again. 🤓

I have a problem with my brain loving "cult of the new". Same goes for everything in my life. No room is finished. I swear my brain thinks I will die if I completely finish anything. But my father never finished anything so I know it's a learned habit. It doesn't bother me because I had learned to live with it.

Thanks for sharing!

when you said gamify your work 'spoonful of sugar' popped into my head XD

Personally I don’t usually have more than 1-2 WIPS at a time…. What I DO have is a ton of different baskets and boxes with yarn set aside for projects I want to do… so the issue I sometimes run into is “what project was this yarn set aside for???” 😆😆 I need to start labeling my separated yarn with what project it’s for!

I am busted! Lol. Honey, I love this!!! ☺️ your baby good, I hope? Xx🧡🧡🧶

Tell the truth … can you read my mind?? 😂 I was just telling my bestie yesterday that I think I lost my crojo because I have WIPS and feel overwhelmed. Thanks for all the great ideas - I’m excited to check out the Twice Sheared Sheep journal! Have a beautiful week, sweet friend 🫶🧶

Thank you this is exciting to be able to finish my projects

Awesome motivational video!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

I don't feel bothered by a huge pile of WIP/UFOs 😅 I don't know how I don't. It drives my mom mad even though I'm an adult 😂 I just start the new things as I like and inevitably go back to my WIPS since I always remember exactly where I was going with them. So I guess my secret is that it's done as a hobby, so I do it for fun. The point I focus on the most is the having fun. And the second aspect is knowing that I'll end up going back and finishing each project is another reason for not minding the pile of unfinished work

Thanks for the tips! I’m not a wip girl, yet I still have them 🤣🙈 I have 3 and that’s enough to give me anxiety, I too would love to know how to not care lol Ps great video idea! It’s getting a little muddled out there with crochet in a day videos, this is the content I’d rather see ❤

Loved this vid. I have over 10 WIPs! Thanks for sharing. Hooks and needles didn’t have an Amigarumi crochet to choose from. Only crochet and knitting. 😞 Do you know if that will be a choice soon?

The earrings you are wearing today are absolutely beautiful. I want a pair. Where did you get them?

I have wips I don't even remember until I pull them out of random bags stuffed into random bags😅 I really am not bothered by it, unless I didn't include the pattern and don't know what the heck it was supposed to be 😅😅

i thought we weren't buying amigurumi starter kits this year 😂 it's okay, they're looking real nice so maybe it's worth it