I’m not a big believer in New Year’s resolutions.  Every year I try to make a list of things I want to change in my life, sometimes big changes, sometimes small quick fixes, but I’m always left feeling defeated by the middle of February because of my failure to keep up these expectations.

This year I want to make a very loose, fluid list of ideas for 2026.  I am giving myself full permission to edit as I go so I don’t have that stifling pressure of completing every single task.  I give myself permission to change my mind on ideas and not to criticize myself.  I have no premonitions of what this year will throw at me so I allow myself the freedom to go with the flow.  Now, with that being said, I can write my intentions for 2026.  

Currently I have a very large yarn stash.  It’s reached a point of no longer being manageable.  Space is limited in my apartment and I am busting at the seams with yarn.  This year I would like to use only stash yarn.  Let’s be realistic, though; I know there’s a very high chance that I will slip and buy a skein or two if I need it for a specific project or if there is a ridiculous deal that I can’t pass up.  A few years ago I started a spreadsheet to keep track of my yarn inventory.  It definitely needs to be updated but currently it states that I own 413 balls of yarn.  Maybe some of you have double that, maybe only a quarter of it, but for my living situation, that is just too much yarn.  

Sadly, my wardrobe is majority store bought clothing.  I have a large collection of handmade socks, hats and shawls, but sadly only a small pile of sweaters.  I would love to add knit cardigans and linen pullovers that I can wear all year long.  I have no specific patterns in mind; we’ll see what catches my eye throughout the year.  

I have a hefty pile of clothes stacked on a rocking chair that needs to be mended.  For Christmas I was gifted a collection of Sashiko threads, so I would love to patch up some old jeans.  It’s a beautiful way to bring life to old garments.  

My couch is currently naked and in need of new pillows.  I would love to sew my own pillow covers, possibly using embroidery to create beautiful patterns.  I have a decent stash of fabric but nothing screaming to be used for couch pillows.  Most of my fabric is ready to be transformed into laundry bags and tote bags, which is also on my sewing list. 

Outside of handcrafting, I also have a long list of home improvement projects that have needed to be done for a very long time.  My kitchen pantry was never finished and is now just a dumping ground for recycling.  I need to install shelves so I can use it for what it’s intended for.  I have a large spot on my living room ceiling from a leak that needs to  be patched and a newer spot in my dining room that needs to be touched up.  My bathroom had a terrible renovation and needs to be repainted.  I also need to touch up some of the moulding throughout my apartment.  

Of course this blog is on my list as well.  I have dabbled with blogging in the past and I’ve had some good bursts of frequent posting but then they’ll be years in between.  I don’t want to promise weekly posts, but a few times a month would be ideal.  My instagram page is lacking too so I think blogging will push me to post more on that platform also.  

Well, I suppose that’s my 2026 list for now.  i feel like its all very achievable but I work full time and I’m not the best with time management, but I’m not the worst either.  We’ll see where the new year takes me.  I hope you stick around and join me on this path to a more creative year and I hope I can inspire and motivate you on your own handcrafted journey.  Happy New Year!