I’m a little late posting my update. It’s been a Bank Holiday weekend here in the UK. With that comes the tradition of DIY.
This week I have been focussing on a couple of my Works in Progress (WIPs)
Deer Friends
I have been really enjoying stitching on Deer Friends. The pattern is by Plum Street Samplers.
At the start of this year, I had very little completed. Now, I’ve exceeded the 50% mark. I started this on 14 September 2020.
Project Details: stitched on 40ct hand-dyed Newcastle linen using my own conversion, 1 strand over 2.
Ridgeline Duster
I have gotten a few more rows completed on this cardigan. It’s really difficult to show my progress at the moment. Here’s the photos from last week. This is a pattern from Chantel at Knitatude. I started this on 26 July 2026.
Project Details: knit on 5.50mm (US 9) needles using James C Brett Shhh DK in Whisper Grey.
Advent Banner
I have paused progress on my Advent Banner as I sadly ran out of DMC 927. I placed an order last week for a skein to be able to finish the banner. I started this on 7 July 2022. This is so close to a finish.
Project Details: stitched on 14ct plastic canvas from Darice using DMC thread 2 strands over 1.
That’s it for this week. Hope your week has been a good one.
This is my first post for the Year of Projects challenge & as I have found the group only in the past few days, my first update will be a little on the shorter side. I have been been enjoying working on some of my WIPs this week. Here’s what I have been working on:
Ridgeline Duster
This is mindless knit project but also one that grows quite quickly. Design is from Chantel at Knitatude. I started this on 26 July and I’m almost done with one of the front panels. The construction for the collar was interesting and clever. I really enjoyed starting this project.
Project Details: knit on 5.50mm (US 9) needles using James C Brett Shhh DK in Whisper Grey.
Advent Banner
I have graviated towards my cross stitch projects this week, well 1 project in particular. This has been a WIP for a while. Started on 7 July 2022, I don’t have masses left to complete. The banner will read Jingle All The Way when finished. This was a design by Sarah Elizabeth Stitches (me in a former life, when I was a cross stitch designer.) It was the project I created for an cross stitch advent box in 2022. I had intended to finish the model for the big reveal after the advent box had been released. Sadly, I never did. My goal is to finish it this year so that I can finally display this in my home.
I did run out of DMC 3831 & 778 last week which thankfully arrived this week from Lakeside Needlecrafts. I was able to colour complete both of these colours once I had the new skeins. I have only got colour 927 to stitch now on the final 6 letters. This is so close to a finish.
Project Details: stitched on 14ct plastic canvas from Darice using DMC thread 2 strands over 1.
That’s it for this week. Hope your week has been a good one.
Hey there. Its that time again to review my crafting progress from Quarter 2. I will review what I worked on and anything I want to roll over into my Q3 plans.
Knitting
I cast on two cardigans for my Niece in May, which I am pleased about as I feel like I’ve been chatting about them for ages. If you remember what my original Q1 plans were, I have broken away from that plan a little. I did start the Arctic Coast Cardigan by Gabrielle Danskknit. For the second cardigan though I ended up discovering My Honey by Elena Nodel.
I started the Arctic Coast on 9 May 2026 & My Honey was started on 2 May.
Project Details: Arctic Coast knit with 4.00 & 3.75 mm needles (US 6 & 5) using Yarnsmiths Merino DK yarn in Gunmetal Grey (main colour( & King Cole Anti-Tickle Merino Blend DK yarn in Cranberry, Mustard, Amber, Thyme, Denim, Emperor & Plum (contrast colours)
Project Details: My Honey knit with 3.50, 4.00, 4.50 & 5.00 mm needles (US 4, 6, 7 & 8) using James C Brett Baby Shimmer DK in Mint
I was happy to get my Cosiet Memories Blanket finished. I worked on mattress stitching the smaller mitre squares together as well as starting the log cabin border. I started this project on 15 January 2024 & I cast off on 2 May 2026. It was on the needles for 839 days.
Project Details: blanket knit with 3.75 & 4.00 mm needles (US 5 & 6) using various DK stash yarns. All acrylic yarns were used. I did use Hayfields Bonus DK yarn in Storm Grey for the borders. Total yarn usage was 1,929.2g (1.9kg) from stash.
I started a test knit pattern in May too. It is called the Rivulet and is a beautiful lace designed sweater. Its designed by Carol Feller of Stolen Stitches. Its my first time using mohair in my knitting. I am enjoying the process but not when I have to rip back! I strated this project on 2 May 2026.
Project Details: sweater knit with 4.50 mm needles (US 7) using Drops Nord in Jeans Blue held with a strand of Drops Kid-Silk in Jeansblau.
Crochet
I made four more Eco Plant Coaster by Krystal Amador. (Eco Minded Stitches) I love making these as they are such quick projects & look so cute around my home! I made three on 24 April 2026 (start & finish) and the fourth was started & finished on 2 May 2026.
Project Details: coasters crochet with 6.5mm hook (US K) using scraps of Caron Cakes Faerie Cake & other unknown aran weight yarn. Total yarn usage was 45.5g from stash.
Cross Stitch
I did no cross stitching at all this quarter, not one stitch.
When I wasn’t working on one of my knitting WIPs, we were finalising details for our Canada trip in June.
How are your crafting plans going for this year so far?
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?
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?
I use the same Notion template to keep track of all things knitting crochet. I mentioned the template I use in more detail in my Knitting Projects post.
I currently have 2 crochet WIPs. They are:
Marled mini basket using the Cache Basket by Yarnspirations
Eco Plant Coaster by Krystal Amador
Both of these are being worked up using scrap yarn. I love it the marling that is occurring when the 2 balls I have wound up change. It’s mesmerising to watch the colour change happening.
Marled mini basket. Based on Cache Basket by Yarnspirations.
I have plans to make another Seafoam cardigan either later this year or early next as I really like how it’s an easy layering piece.
I also have a pair of leg warmers in my queue to get on the hook very soon. I have the perfect yarn picked out, a Caron Cake I’ve had for a very long time, pre-2019. The shade of the ball I have is Faerie Cake. It’s the most gorgeous fade of white to light sea green to turquoise.
Caron Cakes in Faerie Cake colourway.
What are your favourite colourways? Do you have any go-to crochet patterns?
As we approach the mid section of the final quarter of the year, I wanted to do a bit of review of what I have worked on, completed & started during Quarter 3.
Let’s start with Knitting. From July – September, I completed a total of 2 projects. These were the Sweet Breeze Top by Veronica Lindburg (Kutovakika) & the Sea Glass Cardigan by Wool & Pine. The Sweet Breeze Top took me 126 days to finish whilst the Sea Glass Cardigan took me 165 days to complete. I did not start any new knitting projects in this quarter.
Sweet Breeze TopSea Glass Cardigan
Moving onto Crochet. From July – September, I completed a total of 9 projects. These were:
Brown Butter Shawl
Movie Night Cocoon Cardi
Seafoam Cardigan
4 large Eco Plant Coasters
2 medium Eco Plant Coasters
The Movie Night Cocoon Cardi took me 57 days to complete. The Seafoam Cardigan took me 55 days to complete whilst the coasters & the shawl took 1 and 2 days respectively to finish. I started the 6 Day Star Blanket (superstar version) in quarter 3 as well.
Finished Projects L-R. Row 1: Movie Night Cocoon Cardi, Brown Butter Shawl, Large Eco Plant Coaster #1. Row 2: Large Eco Plant Coaster #1 modelled underneath plant pot, Medium Eco Plant Coaster #1, Large Eco Plant Coaster #2. Row 3: Large Eco Plant Coaster #3, Large Eco Plant Coaster #4, Medium Eco Plant Coaster #2
And finally, cross stitch. I worked on zero projects in Q3 and therefore finished nothing.
My observations of my crafting habits during the quarter have been influenced heavily by my desire to stash bust this year. A lot of the crochet projects I have started & completed this quarter have used yarn from my stash which I am pleased about.
I think I would like to dedicate some of my crafting time to cross stitch in quarter 4 to have some progress on some of my WIPs. You can find out what my current cross stitch WIPs are in my cross stitch post.
Whether I can actually achieve that, only time will tell. How do you manage multiple crafts? Do you dedicate specific time to each of your crafts?
It’s been an absolute age since I worked on any of my cross stitch projects. I am currently in my knitting & crochet era. Although my cross stitch WIPs may think I have abandoned them in the corner of the front room, I do want to make some time for them in the coming year.
I currently have 12 cross stitch WIPS. These are:
Spirit of Christmas by Lizzie Kate
Jane Eyre Sampler by The Primitive Hare
Deer Friends by Plum Street Samplers
Village of Hawk Run Hollow by Carriage House Samplings
Reflections of New York by Ink Circles
Advent Banner by me
Gingerbread Stocking by Durene Jones
C-3PO by Stitchline
Giant Harry Potter by Clouds Factory
Memories of Summer by me
Farmhouse Christmas – Grandpa’s Pickup by Little House Needleworks
Autumn ABCs by Lizzie Kate
I have left most of these untouched for over a year. Looking at the list of my WIPs, I do want to finish all of these. Some of these were intended to be gifts for family members. Perhaps that is the motiviation I need to pick-up my cross stitch again.
Do you have any suggestions for how to make time for all the crafts? Do you dedicate set time for different discipline.
I use Notion to keep track of all things knitting. I have all my yarn documented into my knitting template as well as my knitting projects. I can then easily transfer information into Ravelry for my projects. I found a great Notion template for knitting from Kate which I have added some additional views to.
I currently have 3 knitting WIPs, 2 of which I am actively working on. They are:
Painting Bricks Shawl by Stephen West
Stornoway Sweater by Cheryl Mokhtari
The Cosiest Stitch Blanket by Kemper Wray
The Cosiest Memories Blanket is a long-term WIP. There is no deadline for completing it but I would like to see some progress before it’s 2nd birthday.
I always have grand plans to start & finish more projects than I think I can achieve. This quarter, I had planned to start at least 1 of the 2 cardigan designs I had picked out for my niece. Did that happen? No. But no matter, my niece will still love her cardigans next year.
Do you have a plan when it comes to your knitting? What happens when things don’t go according to plan?
This Sarah Stitches 