End of 2025 and early 2026 update

I like my catchy blog titles, Ha! Ha!

For Christmas I received lovely stitching and craft gifts from my Needlecraft Haven friends as you can see in the photo below.

Presents received from Needlecraft Haven friends

We also had our Christmas ornament exchange at Needlecraft Haven. I received this pretty Mrs Claus in the kitchen ornament from Julie.

NH Christmas Ornament received from Julie

I sent this Just Nan 2008 Christmas reindeer ornament to Gill.

Blitzen Glistens - Just Nan

Fabric: Zweigart 32ct Opalescent Belfast linen

Threads: Proposed DMC threads

Embellishments: Charm pack purchased with chart

Before the end of 2025 I finished stitching on four projects but they still have to be fully finished.

First is the bookmark kit from Gill that I had nearly finished in November.

Summer Bookmark Kit - The Textile Heritage Collection

Fabric: Black Aida band in kit

Threads: In kit

Note: 2024 Christmas gift from Gill

Second was Santa's List.

Santa's List - Country Cottage Needleworks

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha Belfast linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Note: Gifted from Justine

Third was Just Nan's Lady Scarlet's Christmas

Lady Scarlet's Christmas - Just Nan

Fabric: Zweigart 28ct Flax Cashel linen

Threads: Proposed DMC threads

By mid December I fancied stitching something different so I pulled out Just Nan's 'Spring in the Square'.  This was a project that I had kitted for a New Year start in 2023 so it was ready to go. This design stitched up quickly and made my fourth finish for November/December. I just need to add the central charm and mount it on a canvas frame and it's completely finished. I  love the colours in this design.

Spring in the Square- Just Nan

Fabric: Zweigart 28ct Light Mocha Cashel linen

Threads: Proposed DMC threads

Embellishments: Swan Lake Gold Visions charm - to be added

Naturally I wanted to follow this up with Just Nan's 'Winter in the Square' so I started this in the New Year. Progress on this has been slower due to its snowflake border. Last night I fell into the trap of just wanting to complete a few more stitches before bed. That was a mistake as I miscounted and now will need to removed some pale lilac stitches from the inner left hand corner. 

Winter in the Square- Just Nan

Fabric: Zweigart 28ct Light Mocha Cashel linen

Threads: Proposed DMC threads

Embellishments: Winter Sheep Gold Visions charm - add on completion

If I managed to keep this level of activity up throughout 2026 I would have a very productive year. However I know that is unlikely to happen as I always seem to have a slump when the summer season arrives.