We are now at the end of December. It feels like a good time to recap my plans for Quarter 4. I will review what I worked on and anything I want to roll over into my 2026 plans.

Knitting

The first goal in my Q4 plans, was to finish my Stornoway Sweater by Cheryl Mokhtari. (Coco Amour Knitwear). I started this project on 8 October & I cast off on 23 November. It was on the needles for 47 days.

Project Details: sweater knit with 5mm needles (US 8) using Yarnsmiths Create DK in Linen (main colour) & Fjord Blue. (contrast colour)

I loved working on this project with the repetitive and engaging stitch pattern. I had left it untouched until last week. I was still weaving in ends on Christmas Eve to make sure I could wear it over Christmas.

I did wear my Stornoway Sweater whilst we were with family. Ironically, I don’t have a photo of me wearing it! I did a steam block before wearing it. I can’t decide if it needs a wet block. I am also unsure whether the arms need a little more length to them. I’ll make sure to post an update in 2026 once I’ve decided what to do.

I made progress towards another Q4 knitting plan as I did make a start on a shawl for my Mum. I decided to start another Painting Bricks Shawl by Stephen West. As with my existing shawl, I am using yarn from Elderflower Stitches to knit up my Mum’s version. I love how it’s knitting up. However, it’s on pause for now. I have run out of the main colour, Puffing Chimney Tops. I’ve ordered another skein to enable me to finish this in 2026. Mum’s version was started on 16 November so has been on the needles for 44 days.

Project Details: shawl being knit with 3.5 mm needles (US 4) using Elderflower Stitches Super Sock fingering weight yarn in Puffing Chimney Tops (main colour) and the main skein & minis from a set called Seashells (contrast colours)

Whilst we’re on the subject of the Painting Bricks Shawl, I did finish my version this quarter. I started this project on 26 October & I cast off on 18 December. It was on the needles for 54 days.

Crochet

The first crochet goal for Q4, was to make another  Eco Plant Coaster by Krystal Amador. (Eco Minded Stitches) This was another fairly quick project, as I started & finished this on 22 December.

Project Details: coaster was crocheted with 6.5mm hook (US size K) using scraps of Caron x Pantone Bulky yarn in the colour Summer Forest. I have not yet woven in my ends!

I haven’t made any progress towards finishing the 2 Granny Square Cushion covers I’m making. The pattern is by Kirsten Ballering. I started these covers on 8 September so have been on the hook for 114 days.

Project Details: cushion covers being crocheted with 4.5mm hook. I am using Women’s Institute Premium Acrylic in Grey. (main colour) The contrast colours are Brown, Blue & Mustard from the same brand . I am also using Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in Paper White as a contrast colour.

Cross Stitch

I did not make any progress on Spirit of Christmas by Lizzie Kate. I definitely have plans for finishing this project in early 2026.

I did manage 2 stitching day sessions in Q4. I worked on 3 projects on those days. These were:

• Jane Eyre Sampler by The Primitive Hare
• Grandpa’s Pickup from the Farmhouse Christmas series by Little House Needleworks
• August from the Wordplay Series by With Thy Needle & Thread (Brenda Gervais)

Project Details: Jane Eyre. Started 1 September 2020. Using mainly Victorian Motto Sampler Threads in my own colour conversion.

Project Details: Grandpa’s Pickup. Date started unknown. Stitching on 32ct Cirrus 2nd Murano from Chromatic Alchemy. Using mainly DMC in the recommended conversion.

Project Details: August Wordplay. Date started unknown. Stitching on 40ct natural linen. Using mainly DMC in the recommended conversion.

I am pleased that I managed to get some stitches in to some of my cross stitch projects this quarter. I’m not surprised that all of my WIPs will be coming into 2026 with me. I do feel a bit more motivated to work on my cross stitch projects again, after such a long hiatus.

How have your plans gone for the last part of 2025. Have you had success?