October was a bit of an unusual crafting month for me, as I was away for much of it. That meant quite a few of my ongoing projects had to wait patiently for my return, although I still managed to fit in some crafting here and there. There were also a few secret projects and commission work happening behind the scenes, so while I can't share everything just yet, there are still some updates to report!
Sewing, But Not Quilting!
There were no actual quilt projects worked on this month, which feels a little strange. However, that doesn't mean my sewing machine has been idle! I completed plenty of sewing for commission work, although I'll have to keep those projects under wraps for now. Hopefully, I'll be able to share more about them in the future.
I also updated my Clematis BOW pattern and launched a blog post inviting embroidery fans to come and embroider the design with me. I'm looking forward to sharing more about the process as I work through turning this applique design into an embroidery project. It's a lovely way to explore a different approach to one of my original flower blocks, and I'm hoping some of you might enjoy stitching along too.
Spinning – Getting Ahead
Although my spinning wheel didn't get much attention this month, my daughter's did! I spun and plied the November mystery corriedale/nylon roving from Dreamfire Yarns - a beautiful light yarn with splashes of color. I have ideas to use this for colorwork in a sweater yoke.
I also finished plying two batches of spun yarn that was waiting for me.
..... and washed, thwacked, and dried all three plus my Tour de Fleece spins. Here they are drying on the line!
Cross Stitch – Spring Is Warming Up!
My temperature cross stitch is beginning to show some definite signs of spring. The colors are gradually warming up, and there are now just the occasional blue bottle appearing for temperatures below 17°C. Here are my last three months to compare.
It's fun watching the picture change as the seasons progress. Those cooler days haven't disappeared completely, of course, but the warmer colors are becoming more noticeable. I'm looking forward to seeing how the design develops as we move further into spring and summer.
Knitting – A New Gnome and Shawl Progress
I started a new mystery gnome this month! I always enjoy these little projects, especially the surprise of discovering how the design develops as you knit. There's something rather fun about following the clues without knowing exactly what the finished gnome will look like.
I've also worked 'sparingly' on my two socks and continued working on my Antipodes shawl.... the latter is now more than halfway finished. Progress has been a little slower with needing quiet concentration time for the lace work, but it's lovely to see this one getting closer to completion and hopefully, I'll be able to make a good dent in it during November.
I also played with some swatches, testing out so ideas to use my 2026 yarn advent - or just an idea for scraps!
Embroidery – Another Stitch Book Panel & Workshop
I've completed another panel for my stitch book, so that collection is gradually growing. I enjoy having these little pieces to work on, and each panel gives me another opportunity to experiment with stitches and techniques.
I also attended another embroidery workshop with Hazel Blomkamp. These workshops are a lovely opportunity to spend time stitching, learn something new, and enjoy the company of other embroidery enthusiasts. There's always something to take away from a workshop, whether it's a new technique or simply a little inspiration for future projects.
Crochet – A Little Secret!
There was a little crochet happening this month too, although this is another project I can't reveal just yet! It's always fun having a surprise project on the go, even if it means being a bit mysterious when writing these updates. I'll share more when the time is right.
Five Diamond Art Panels Finished!
The highlight of the month was definitely finishing all five of my Diamond Art picture panels. It's very satisfying to have them all completed, and now I just need to seal and frame them before I can call that project completely finished.
October may not have been my most productive month for working on my usual quilting and crafting projects, but there has still been progress in several areas. Some projects have moved forward, a few new things have been started, and there are some secret makes waiting in the wings.
For November, I'd love to get back to some actual quilting, make more progress on my Antipodes shawl, and spend a little more time exploring my embroidery. Perhaps I'll even manage to get those Diamond Art pictures sealed and framed so I can finally tick that job off the list! However, as we get closer to the end of the year, things always seem to get busier, and suddenly Christmas feels just around the corner with so little time left to fit everything in. We'll see how much I manage to squeeze in!
Of course, there's always the chance that another project will catch my attention along the way. That's part of the fun of being a crafter, isn't it? I'll be back next month with another update of what I've managed to finish, and whatever new projects have found their way into the mix.
