At the start of January, I set myself some creative goals for the year (see blog post: Crafting Goals) and now it’s time for an update! Join me as I reflect on my progress, share what’s been working (and if anything hasn't), and celebrate the projects I’ve tackled thus far. Let's start with quilting...
For quilting: A new flower block every month
Achieved! I made a new agapanthus block. In fact, I made three of the same block in different techniques and published the pattern: Agapanthus Too
![agapanthus applique flower quilt block pattern](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/agapanthus-too_480x480.jpg?v=1737410149)
![agapanthus applique flower quilt block pattern using applique and embroidery](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/agapanthus-too-applique-embroidery_480x480.jpg?v=1737410178)
![agapanthus flower quilt block pattern created with colored quilting - alternatively can be embroidered](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/agapanthus-too-quilted_480x480.jpg?v=1737410225)
For Knitting: A Challenge to complete my 25 for 2025 list. Here is the challenge: Knitting/Crochet 25 for 2025 challenge
Progress Made! I finished 3 knitted items in January checking off 5 from the list so that was a bonus this month. I'm sure some of these categories will end up with more than one item in them.... I tend to make more than one pullover each year.
![achievements for 25 knitting goals - 5 checked ff](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/knitting-challenge-25-for-2025_480x480.jpg?v=1739221556)
Footsie Socks are a WIP from last year which I haven't included for the sock category although they could be.
![Footsie socks are knitting in a mult-colored red high twist yarn by Dreamfire Artisan Yarns](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/footsie-socks_480x480.jpg?v=1739223451)
![Freyas Echo is a new jersey with lace and colorwork. Test knitted for Truly Myrtle](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/Freyas-echo_480x480.jpg?v=1739221557)
The knitted gnome is also included here - photos below in the toy listing.
For Spinning: 5 grams a roving each day all year
Achieved thus far! I have actually spun a few more than 5 grams each day, but only slightly. The first 30 days are now plied - a process of twisting one or more strands of yarn together. I chain-plied mine to reserve the color blocks. With so many colors in this wool, I was afraid that if I plied 2 or 3 strands together it would 'muddy' the colors. This should make a self-striping yarn.
![spinning achieved in January has been chain plied and ready to wash](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/spinning-chain-plied-roving-for-january-ready-to-wash_480x480.jpg?v=1739221557)
I've now started a new bobbin to continue on into February and prepared the roving for the next few days. I'll continue with this as I work through my advent roving from last December which will likely take me into March.
![roving knots and rolags ready to continue into February](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/spinning-roving-ready-to-begin-Feb_480x480.jpg?v=1739221556)
For Crochet: A temperature blanket
Progress Made! January is completed apart from the final round of crochet around the entire outside. I have not decided on the yarn to use for this yet. Braided crochet joins the squares to make a 6 square x 7 square block. The teal colors represent temperatures lower than 15 degrees Celcius.
![january 2025 temperature block - shows hottest temperatures in the center and coldest around them. Braided crochet joins the squares to make a 6 x 7 square block.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/temperature-blanket-january_480x480.jpg?v=1739221556)
Toy Making: A gnome challenge by Sarah Schira (one every month).
First Achieved! My January gnome is Gnedward of Grimblewood.
![Gnedward of Grimblewood crocheted gnome for January 2025](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/gnome-for-January1_480x480.jpg?v=1739221557)
It is so good to see Nana Gnome is no longer lonely on my window sill.
![Gnedward of Grimblewood and Gnana crocheted gnomes on window sill](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/gnome-for-January-in-the-window_480x480.jpg?v=1739221556)
Embroidery: Make a small Redwork ornament each month.
Achieved! I enjoyed finishing this little Redwork design. I cannot turn it into an ornament yet as the printed design is too close to the others so I cannot cut it away until they are all done, or at least a couple of rows are completed. Making the ornaments will have to happen later in the year.
![redwork embroidery for christmas ornament - cottage and ferns](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0443/0253/2763/files/redwork-embroidery-for-january_480x480.jpg?v=1739221556)
I'm quite proud of my achievements thus far and so far February is looking good for another creative month. Have you been keeping up with your own crafting goals? Let’s check in together!