Hey there. As we’re officially in April, I should take the opportunity to review my progress from Quarter 1. I will review what I worked on and anything I want to roll over into my Q2 plans.

If you remember, I had the idea of splitting my time between knitting, cross stitch & crochet. I can report that this did not last very long at all. I think I lasted at least to the end of January. I have learned this about myself, I like to work on what brings me joy in that moment. Too much of a structure or schedule doesn’t seem to work for my creativity.

Knitting

The first goal in my Q1 plans, was to complete some more squares on my Cosiet Memories Blanket. I worked on mattress stitching the smaller mitre squares together as well as starting the log cabin border. This project is still a WIP, so will roll over into Q2.

I did not cast on any socks. I still would like to so this goal rolls over into Q2.

I did not cast on either of the two cardigans (Arctic Coast Cardigan or the inherited WIP from a Patons booklet) for my niece, so these roll over as goals in Q2.

I did finish the Painting Bricks Shawl by Stephen West for my Mum. I started this project on 16 November 2025 & I cast off on 12 March 2026. It was on the needles for 117 days.

Project Details: shawl knit with 3.50 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) Total yarn usage was 160.6g from stash.

Crochet

One of my goals for crochet was to complete the 2 Granny Square Cushion covers. The pattern is by Kirsten Ballering. I modified the pattern slightly to make a removable cover with an envelope style opening. I started this project on 8 September 2025 & it was off the hook on 3 March 2026. It was on the hook for 117 days.

Project Details: covers crochet with 4.5mm hook (US 8) using Women’s Institute Premium Acrylic in Grey (main colour) & Blue, Brown, Mustard shades and Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in Paper White. (contrast colours) Total yarn usage was 656.3g from stash.

I did not make any progress on my plans for the Jewelspun yarn I received for Christmas. This will roll over to Q2.

I also did not make a start on the second Seafoam Cardigan. This plan will also roll over to Q2.

I did start & finish an amigurumi squid called Hubble the Squid. The pattern is a free pattern on Ravelry from the Projectarian. I made mine in some Magenta DK yarn I had in stash, so it felt apt to name it Pink Hubble. I started this project on 20 January 2026 & it was off the hook on 22 January. It was on the hook for 3 days.

Project Details: squid crochet with 5mm hook (H) & 3mm hook for the eyes. I used Knitting Essentials Double Knit in Bright Pink for the main body of the squid & Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in Paper White for the eyes. I had some Pink Orange fluffy yarn in my stash which I used for the pom poms. Total yarn usage was 40g from stash.

I started & finished a crochet top this quarter too. The pattern is the Harper Tee which was designed by Ashley of Cactus & Lace. I had some mis-labelled yarn in my stash which I purchased from Vinted which I didn’t know what I would use it for. When I came across this pattern, I thought this yarn would be a perfect match. I started this project on 11 January 2026 & it was off the hook on 24 January 2026. It was on the hook for 14 days.

Project Details: top crochet with 4mm hook. (G)I used Lion Brand Hometown in Evergaldes. My skeins of this yarn were mis-labelled though as mine were definitely DK weight not Super Bulky. Total yarn usage was 339g from stash.

Cross Stitch

I had my first cross stitch finish for quite some time this quarter. I am participating in a game called Myelstönn Manor this year. It’s the brainchild of Jessie.

I finished a small project called Grandpa’s Pickup from the Farmhouse Christmas series by Little House Needleworks. I started this project on 20 January 2021 and finished it on 4 Janary 2026. From start to finish it took 1,811 days.

Project Details: stitched on 32ct Murano in the colour Cirrus 2nd from Chromatic Alchemy. I used mainly the recommended DMC conversion. I added beads instead of doing french knots for the snowman’s eyes.

I did not finish Spirit of Christmas by Lizzie Kate but I did get two stitching days in on this project this quarter.

I also got some stitching days in on:

• Giant Harry Potter by Cloudsfactory
• Reflections of New York City by Ink Circles

How have your plans gone for the first part of 2026. Have you had any success?