What to Do When You’re in Between Big Projects

You wrapped up your last big thing. The shop’s up to date, your inbox is finally less of a monster, and the next pattern is… coming along. Slowly. You’re not in launch mode. You’re not hosting a quilt-along. You’re somewhere in the middle—and that space can feel a little strange.

It’s tempting to go silent until you’ve got something “big” to talk about again. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be launching something to stay visible, relevant, and connected to your audience.

This in-between season can actually be one of your most valuable times for building trust, growing your brand, and gently reminding folks that you're still here and still making. And it doesn’t need to be a big lift.

Here’s how to keep showing up - without burning yourself out.

1. Share what you're working on - even if it’s still a work in progress

There’s a misconception that content has to be polished, styled, and wrapped in a bow before it’s worth sharing. But some of the most engaging content? It’s the casual, behind-the-scenes stuff.

Show a photo of the fabric you just pulled for your next quilt, even if it’s still just sitting on your cutting table. Snap a quick shot of your sketchbook or digital design wall. Share a note about what inspired your next pattern idea - or what’s holding it up. These moments don’t need to be profound. They just need to be real.

People love watching the process unfold. It makes them feel like they’re in on the journey with you, not just the end result. Plus, it plants the seeds of anticipation. By the time you do launch that new pattern, your audience already feels connected to it.

2. Repurpose content you’ve already created

If you’ve been in business for more than five minutes, chances are you already have some solid content floating around. A blog post from a past quilt-along. An old newsletter with helpful tips. An Instagram post that sparked good conversation. Even the content in your own patterns or tutorials could be broken out and repurposed.

Instead of starting from scratch every time, take something you’ve already written or created and repackage it. That fabric selection guide you wrote last year? It probably still holds up. Share it again. Add an updated caption. Maybe record a quick video or story explaining why it still matters.

You don’t need to reinvent everything. In fact, showing up consistently with familiar content helps reinforce your brand and reminds your audience what you’re all about.

3. Celebrate your community

One of the easiest and most meaningful ways to stay active between launches is to highlight your people. Have customers shared photos of their finished quilts using your pattern? Are testers still posting progress pics from your last release? Show them off!

User-generated content (UGC, if we’re being fancy) is a powerful way to build trust. It validates your work and makes your audience feel seen and appreciated. Reshare their photos (with credit, of course), spotlight a favorite version of your pattern, or gather a few makes into a roundup post.

It takes the content pressure off of you, and it builds a sense of connection that goes both ways.

4. Send a low-effort, high-value newsletter

Newsletters don’t always have to be full of launch announcements or flashy updates. Sometimes, a short note checking in is more than enough.

You can send an email that simply says, “Here’s what I’ve been working on,” or “I’ve been quiet because I’ve been deep in design mode, but I wanted to pop in with a little behind-the-scenes peek.” Then add a photo, a quick link to something helpful, or even just a sentence or two about what’s inspiring you right now.

These kinds of emails keep your list warm, remind subscribers that you’re still around, and strengthen the relationship without needing a big campaign or perfectly crafted funnel. People signed up for your list because they wanted to hear from you - not just when you’re selling something.

5. Use the quiet time to reset, not disappear

Let’s be honest - sometimes you need a break. And that’s okay. In fact, that’s necessary. You don’t have to churn out content just to keep up with an imaginary pace.

But there’s a difference between resting and ghosting your audience. If you know you’re heading into a slower stretch, plan a few gentle touchpoints in advance. Schedule a couple of posts, queue up a short email, or share a reel you made earlier but never posted.

Then, let yourself step back. Catch your breath. Refill your creative tank. But give your audience a little sign that you’re still around, still working, and still thinking of them. It goes a long way.

Keep Showing Up in the Small Ways

You don’t need a launch, a sale, or a full-blown quilt-along to stay visible. You just need to keep showing up in small, meaningful ways. Share your process. Revisit your best content. Highlight your community. Check in via email. Let people follow the in-between just as much as the big stuff.

The quiet seasons can be powerful. Use them well, and you’ll stay top-of-mind, even when you're behind-the-scenes.

And when your next big project is ready? Your people will already be listening.