July included another trip down south, so many of my crafting hours were spent working on projects that were easy to take with me. While a few projects such as my embroidery didn't receive any attention, there was still plenty of progress made across a variety of crafts. Looking back through my Project Keeper, it's always satisfying to see just how much can be accomplished over the course of a month even with travel involved.
Quilting
The newest BOW flower, Blanket Flower, bloomed this month and was a joy to design and stitch. Most of this was made last month, but the pattern wasn't released until this month.
I also spent a little more time on my bed quilt. It's still a work in progress, but each sewing session brings another section together, making the finish line feel a little closer.
Spinning
July means Tour de Fleece for most - I decided to join in too this year, so it was the perfect time to start brand-new spinning projects. It has been fun watching a fresh bobbin begin to fill while joining in with spinners from around the world. I did a lot more spinning this month and managed to finish both packs before the end of Tour de Fleece which spans from the 4th to 26th of July.
Cross Stitch
My temperature cross stitch continues to tell the story of up and down degrees of the year. July's chilly winter weather brought plenty of cool blue shades and even a few purple bottles, filling this month's bottles with beautiful reminders of the season.
I also managed a thread or two on my seasonal cross-stitch picture.
Knitting
Knitting took center stage this month, with two deadlines to meet. Sarah's birthday cardigan was finished just in time, and I also completed a test knit (pair of socks) before its deadline.
With those projects finished, I was able to continue experimenting with different sock heel constructions and finally cast on my very colorful Night Tales vest after swatching for it last month. It's exciting to see this garment grow and the colors emerging - just the arm and neck bands to complete.
I also signed up for a new test knit!
Crochet
A new crochet project made its way into my Project Keeper this month - there isn't anything to see because I have had to ditch it, the pattern wasn't good so instead I've been planning my own design which I will be using some of my hand spun for - I wound the skein ready to start!
Other Projects
I spent some creative time helping Granddaughter Sarah make a sweatshirt, which was a wonderful project to work on together.
My felted picture continued to grow as well, with more layers added as the project gradually comes together.
Although some projects had to wait while I was traveling, July was another month filled with creativity, steady progress, and plenty of time spent making. Every stitch, row, and spin moves a project forward, and it's always rewarding to see another month of progress recorded in my 2026 Crafting Journal.
