April turned out to be a month of quiet progress, a little bit of juggling, and a fair amount of creativity squeezed in between travel. While not everything moved forward in big, visible ways, there was a steady rhythm across multiple projects - and a few satisfying finishes along the way.
One small but meaningful update this month was to my Progress Keeper. I added additional rows to make room for new, intended projects. It’s a simple change, but it reflects where my head is at creatively - full of ideas and planning ahead. Even when time is limited, it’s nice to have a place ready for what’s coming next.
Quilting
Quilting took a quieter role in April in terms of hands-on stitching, but it was still very much present behind the scenes. I released my newest BOW flower, the Bellflower applique block, which was exciting to see come together and share.
Although I didn’t make physical progress on my tree quilt this month (which was added to my progress keeper), I did spend time writing blog posts, which is just as much a part of the creative process. Documenting ideas, techniques, and inspiration helps move projects forward in a different, but important, way. Click the images if you'd like to read them.
Spinning
Spinning was particularly satisfying this month. I finished and plied my current roving (corriedale/nylon), always a rewarding milestone. There’s something special about seeing that transformation from fibre to finished yarn.
I also couldn’t resist starting something new - a beautiful silk and merino blend by Anna Harris that I picked up at Knit & Gather. The soft blue and pink tones are just lovely, and it’s already proving to be a joy to spin.
A slight slow-down near the end of the month when my power supply to my spinner broke and I needed to buy a replacement. This arrived at the end of the month so I'm set for lots of progress during May.
Cross Stitch
Cross stitch continues to be a steady, relaxing companion. I’ve been working on my temperature bottles as well as a seasonal picture. You can definitely see the cooler weather approaching!
The seasonal piece is coming along nicely - I’m almost finished the first corner, which feels like a turning point.
Knitting
April was quite dynamic on the knitting front. I started the month with just one work-in-progress and somehow grew that number to five before finishing strong with two remaining on the needles. Of course, knitting is a great choice for travelling so I'm always bound to get more time for this craft!
I completed Baystone (my only existing knit at the start of the month). I do still need to block it into shape.
....and joined a knit-a-long for the latest mystery gnome "Beary Cozy":
....plus a new shawl "Love from the 45th Parallel". This knit wasn't planned but rather encouraged to be knitted by my daughter Amanda using Dreamfire Artisan yarns.... another now in the blocking pile!
It’s always satisfying to see projects come off the needles!
Also started are my Helical socks (helical knitting is a first for me) with shadow short row heels (another new technique for me to add to my repertoire). I have used one main color and then scraps of sock yarn for the other. The stripes alternate between main and scrap. I'm knitting about 4 rounds on each sock before changing to the next scrap. I'm weaving the ends in as I go (using Stephen West's Weavin' Stephen method) otherwise there is going to be a lot at the end.
.... and Rockhound. A jersey with cables running down the front and back. This will be a slower, more concentrated knit so progress won't be fast. I've only just begun.... I'm using lovely sport-weight yarn by Dreamfire. It is goregous to knit!
Embroidery
Embroidery had a productive month. I picked up some new supplies in preparation for upcoming embroidery stitch books, which is always inspiring - new materials tend to spark new ideas, not that I don't have enough already.
I completed another embroidery panel - just one this month. Bullion stitch is very pretty and you can do a lot of variations. Perhaps I should say here, that each of the stitches in my stitch book, I research it and learn it. Some are new to me, some I have embroidered before, but I either way, I research them as it is fun learning how to use them in different ways.
....and stitching on Poetica, my knitted cardigan has begun. It’s a slower process, but one I’m really enjoying as the details gradually build. This is my plan drawn onto water soluble stabilizer:
This is the progress made throughout April - starting at the center back (first photo below) and moving around to the left front. A few of the stitches I'm using are running stitch, whipped stitch, long and short blanket stitch, cast-on stitch, and straight stitch. The cast-on stitch is done over a skewer to make it wider so the petals stand out from the cardie. There is one other stitch that I use to make the buds which I am not sure of the name.
Crochet
There’s no active crochet project at the moment, but I’ve intentionally left it on my Progress Keeper. The plan is definitely to start something new.... it’s just a matter of deciding what and when.
Diamond Art
One of the highlights this month was working on my diamond art with my granddaughter Amy. Together, we finished the fourth panel of the scene, leaving just one more to go. It’s been such a lovely project to share time with her, and I’m looking forward to completing the next panel together as well.
With quite a bit of travel in April, painting didn’t get a look in this time. Sometimes that’s just how it goes, and I’m okay with that. Overall, April was a month of gentle progress - some finishes, some planning, and some creative momentum building quietly in the background. Even when time is limited, it’s reassuring to see how much can still be accomplished, one tiny step at a time.
