Various ramblings by the small hobbit

Normally I would set my new goals towards the end of April, but this year I'm planning on beginning them this month, and running them with a month's overlap - my goals, my rules.

Goal No 1: Do a Themed Monthly Post
This is the same as this past year, when my theme was 'The View from the Window'.  That will be completed at the end of the month - we're on a coach tour through parts of Germany for a week towards the end of the month, so I shall be including a selection of hotel bedroom views.  I find having a theme to concentrate on for a year helpful, so this year my theme will be Water.  My intention is that there will be at least one photo from the canal, plus anything else suitable.

Goal No 2: Concentrate on Some Knitting Projects
Like most crafters I have a selection of books and magazines.  Many of which have projects which appeal, but remain in the book/magazine.  While I shall continue knitting my jumper, it's not something I can pick up for the odd 10-15 minutes, due to the pattern, so finding smaller projects would be a good move.  Last year with 25 in 2025, one of my 25 was to reduce the number of cross stitch kits I had.  That worked well, and I'm continuing to do so.  Also, I've finally found a knitting magazine I like, so I'm aiming to achieve 4 projects from the issues I have (I bought a number of back issues), plus at least one thing from the Christmas volumes.



Goal No 3: Engage More with Nature
I've bought a new notebook (of course) and intend to keep a weekly record of what I'm doing.  Last year I had grander plans of visiting places, but this came to nothing, as it would have been too time consuming.  I've realised that what works for me is to go out in the local area, so a 5-10 minute walk, and spend an hour outside (give or take, in view of the weather) two or three times a week.  I should probably do a monthly post, so that I keep myself accountable.  No-one needs to feel they have to comment, it's for my benefit!

Plenty more stitching this month:

I've done plenty of cross stitch this month, some started last month for early January birthdays, others only stitched this month.

Here's the final mouse of the SAL:

Firstly, here is October's Mouse SAL

This is a split post, as, although I've been doing a fair amount of cross stitch, there are a couple of projects which are close to being finished, so I'd rather wait until they're completed before posting them.  And in addition, two were for cards for friends who won't have received them yet.  I plan on posting a further craft post midway through next month as part of my 25 things for 2025, and there's no point in duplicating photos.

I've mostly been cross stitching, but I did finish knitting my scarf:

( July crafts )

Despite being away for a week, crafting continued:

The Floral SAL continues - here's February: