WIPs, What-Ifs, and Starting Over

A few months ago, I decided to quit pursuing a pattern business I’d put a year and a half into.

Then last week I decided to start over with Day With Rae.

These big decisions weren’t easy to make, so no surprise that I’ve spent some time reflecting on what’s changed. What drove me to quit the first time around, what has rekindled my interest and passion now, and how do I know it won’t end back where I started?

As I glance over at the three WIPS I have in the corner – a sweater whose fit is turning out stiffer than I like, a cotton tee that I’m losing interest in, and a baby blanket for a friend who is due next month – I realize this is a fitting analogy that my fellow crafters (and fellow humans in general) can relate to. With my first attempted crochet business and my pile of unfinished projects, I fear that maybe I just lack the will to follow-through.

Did I say three WIPs? I forgot the other two in my closet and the couple in the craft room….

While my fear of failure may never go away, I’ve realized that my unfinished projects and decision to quit my first business don’t capture the whole, real-life, real-human picture. If you are like me and ever feel guilty for your pile of unfinished projects, putting a book down halfway through, or deciding you’ll pick up woodworking, tap dancing, or a succulent propagation hobby just to stop practicing a couple months later, I hope you’ll consider the following and how it speaks to your own life.

This isn't a KPI. It's a Cardigan.

I had a friend who was also a crocheter, and sometimes she would critique me and my technique while we sat on the couch together crocheting and watching a movie. I know she came from a good place and there are times when it was a meaningful opportunity to improve our craft, but sometimes I just wanted to create without judgement, without feeling like I was being graded. We are so used to placing value on ourselves based on what we can accomplish and this attitude can turn a hobby into a chore if you aren’t careful. The defining feature of a hobby is that you do it for pleasure, relaxation, or personal fulfillment. If you realize that your hobby no longer provides this freedom, stop doing it! You won’t get fired if you don’t finish that piece, no one will think you’re a bad person if you don’t like that sweater you started last fall. It’s ok to let it go if it isn’t fun for you anymore.

Even those buried WIPs have wisdom. 

I once worked in an industrial sewing company where I learned to sew from zero experience. My boss would often spout this saying “as long as you’ve learned something, it isn’t  a mistake”, which is quite meaningful when you run a small business and your employee’s mistakes cost you money! But he was right. Maybe you learned you don’t like that color after all or you don’t like the texture of that yarn. Your project isn’t turning out how you expected, so next time you’ll actually make the dreaded swatch before you dive all in. Take what you learned with you into your next project.

There is no deadline.

It’s ok to take a break. Just because you aren’t feeling it right now, doesn’t mean you won’t want to come back to it later. Mix it up by taking a walk outside or reading a book. Or mix it up with something bigger like trying a totally new hobby! Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to refresh your perspective and bring back that craving for the project you started. I’ve had WIPs I put down for a year and come back to later. But even if you decide never to come back to it, refer to lessons 1 and 2!

On reflecting on my fresh start with Day With Rae, I realized that my original expectations for my business were not in line with my dream and the brand I was building didn’t vibe with me. The colors and the fibers didn’t look good on me, if you will, and it was a WIP I knew I needed to put down. At Day With Rae, I’m looking forward to designing patterns that are versatile, closet essentials, like your go-to cozy cardigan you always grab when there is a light breeze because it is so soft on your skin and goes with every outfit. Pieces where we can take our time creating something with love and care and to practice slowing down a little from our busy lives.  I’ve taken the lessons I’ve learned and now have a better understanding of what I’m diving into, what my goals are, and where I want to spend my time in this process. I hope you’ll take this as a sign to reflect and follow your heart with your WIPs and if it feels right, start fresh like me!