The Sewcial Hour Podcast

Episode 38: WIPs & UFOs

Hosts: Bethany McCue & Audra Chaimson
Date: January 27, 2026

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Bethany and Audra delve into one of the most universally-relatable sewist struggles: WIPs (Works in Progress) and UFOs (Unfinished Objects). With both humor and vulnerability, they share their own overflowing piles of unfinished projects, dissect why starting is easier than finishing, and offer permission to let go of the guilt attached to sewing "purgatory."

Throughout, they discuss strategies for deciding whether to finish, repurpose, or release projects, underscore the importance of being kind to oneself, and encourage listeners to reframe how they view their creative journeys. The episode is rich with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and plenty of laughs, making it both insightful and reassuring for sewists at every stage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defining WIPs & UFOs (01:09)

• Clarifying Terms:
  • WIP: Work(s) in Progress
  • UFO: Unfinished Object (not aliens!)
• Audra’s take: "We all have that one either. Yeah, I know. Some are, like, so close to being done...then we also have the ones that maybe we cut and haven't seen daylight since 2019." (01:14)

2. The Oldest Unfinished Projects (Icebreaker) (02:09–07:32)

• Audra:
  • Fancy Forest Quilt Kit (Elizabeth Hartman), cut in 2019, picked up again June 2025, and still unfinished.
  • “It might be 2028 by the time it gets done...And if it's longer, that's okay, too.” (04:02)
• Bethany:
  • Multiple quilt tops waiting for the right tool (longarm) and time.
  • Bag projects: an almost-complete tote (lining & handles missing), and a year-old Valentine’s vinyl bag, both languishing.
  • “They were just being saved for this purpose. So...I didn’t have the right tools at the time to properly finish them.” (04:11)
  • Recognizes guilt and stress these unfinished projects induce.

3. Why Projects Get Stuck – “WIP Purgatory” (08:09–13:18)

• Normalizing Unfinished Projects: Not a failure, just part of the creative process.

• Common Reasons for Getting Stuck:

  • Skill gaps/unexpected learning curves
  • Poorly written or confusing instructions
  • Loss of momentum after the “exciting” part
  • Life events/interruptions
  • Changing tastes/seasonality
  • Projects exceeding one’s tools or current skills

• Audra’s empowering note: “First and foremost, do not ever feel like it is failure or a poor reflection on you.” (08:43)

• Bethany’s humor about losing steam: “Handles are boring, zippers are boring.” (06:01)

4. The Psychology of Starting vs. Finishing (10:41)

• Starting and finishing are different skills/highs.
• Audra: “Excitement and endurance are two different things, and we need both...If that latter one goes away, that’s when it gets hard to trudge through.” (11:40)
• Sustaining creativity requires patience and sometimes problem-solving.

5. Self-Assessment: Should I Finish or Let Go? (13:40–16:21)

• Key Questions to Ask:
  • Do you still want the finished object?
  • Will finishing it teach you something new or needed?
  • Are there skill-building opportunities or alternative uses for the materials?
  • Is the challenge truly significant or just a niggling detail?
  • Are you avoiding it because it’s hard or because it doesn’t serve you?
• Practical application: Bethany realizes she doesn’t want the Valentine’s bag as originally planned and considers gifting or reimagining it. (14:11)
• Noteworthy advice: “Sunk cost is not a reason to keep going...You owe it nothing. If it doesn’t bring you joy, pay it forward.” – Audra (19:32)

6. The Value of Accountability and Community (15:35, 34:54)

• Find an accountability partner (“Maybe you ping me and say, like, hey...and we can do it together.” – Audra, 15:35)
• Use community resources—the Social Sewist group, Facebook, Instagram—to get support or pass projects along.

7. Repurposing and Letting Go (21:02)

• Repurpose unfinished projects using favorite elements; consider “letting go” not as quitting, but as releasing what no longer brings joy.

8. The Guilt and Emotional Weight of UFOs (27:26)

• Emotional Impact:
  • The presence of unfinished projects can foster negative self-talk: "See, you don't finish stuff." (27:48 – Audra)
  • These objects act as tangible reminders of guilt and can block future creativity.
• Bethany’s solution: “If the bin or the dress...is sitting out and you can see it, if it's bothering you that much but you're not ready to get rid of it, put it away.” (33:21)

9. Reclaiming Joy and Creative Flow

• Use materials you truly love now instead of “saving” them for some undefined perfect moment.
• Allow yourself “palette cleanser” easy projects to reset motivation and confidence. (26:12)
• Bethany: “Sometimes we need those quick little wins to reignite our Sojo.” (26:12)

10. Listener Homework & Community Challenge (34:26)

• Audra: “Pick one unfinished project and decide, am I getting rid of it or am I finishing it? And then finish it.” (34:26)
• Post your progress or release photos in the Social Sewist Facebook group for support and accountability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Excitement and endurance are two different things, and we need both of those to finish projects.” – Audra (11:40)
• “Sunk cost is not a reason to emotionally force yourself to do something. Creativity should be nothing we force.” – Audra (19:32)
• “You're insulting the beautiful things you've spent money on by not turning them into beautiful things and letting them just sit on the shelf or in a bin...” – Bethany (23:57)
• “One way you should do is put on your calendar for, like, fall and be like, Valentine bag make. And then it's ready to go.” – Audra (34:13)
• “...if you released it or finished it...there’s no right or wrong answer. It’s your decision, and we’re not here to judge.” – Bethany (34:54)
• “Saying no more and yes less.” – Bethany (43:21)
• “Not letting go isn’t quitting. I’m not quitting. I don’t like to quit things, but...” – Bethany (21:05)
• “If we all share maybe between now and, like, the next episode...And when you do finish it, you can share a finished picture.” – Bethany (36:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |:-------------:|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:09 | WIP & UFO definitions, normalizing unfinished projects | | 02:51–07:32 | Icebreaker: Oldest unfinished projects shared | | 08:09 | Causes for “WIP purgatory” and releasing guilt | | 10:41 | Psychology: Starting vs. finishing | | 13:40–16:21 | Self-assessment questions for project triage | | 19:32 | “Sunk cost” fallacy and granting permission to let go | | 21:02 | Repurposing, reframing, and letting go | | 27:26 | Emotional burden of UFOs and how to manage it | | 34:26 | Listener homework and accountability challenge | | 37:13 | Social Spotlight: String and Story (Holly Ann Knight) | | 38:13 | Social Spotlight: The Little Golden Fox | | 42:15 | “You love to see it” – teaching, community, and self-care | | 44:06 | Setting intentions and boundaries for 2026 |

Social Spotlights

• Holly Ann Knight (String and Story)
  • Domestic & Longarm Free Motion Quilting expert.
  • "She is a rock star...an incredible teacher...so positive and encouraging." – Audra (37:13)
• Kara (The Little Golden Fox, Madison, IN)
  • Creative shop offering retreats, fabric, crafts, and a strong community.
  • "It's like a creative person's haven....Her retreats will have up to 20 people, so they're going to be a good size but like not too big." – Bethany (38:13)

Tone & Final Thoughts

The hosts’ tone is kind, empathetic, encouraging, and laced with humor and camaraderie. Both openly share their personal challenges and strategies, reminding listeners that creativity is not about perfection or productivity but about joy, learning, and self-compassion.

Next Episode Preview: "Loving your sewing room/space"—tips for creating a productive, joyful environment.

Key Takeaway:
It’s okay to have unfinished projects. What matters is that you honor your current creative needs, give yourself permission to let go, and celebrate everything you do achieve!

Join the discussion:

• Social Sewist Facebook Group
• Instagram: @CraftWithBethany, @SewDreamyStudio
• Subscribe on YouTube for the video version

Homework: Pick one WIP or UFO—either finish it or release it, and share your journey with the community!