Are you happy with 2026 so far?

Dear Community,
How’s your 2026 going? Are things going well with crafting / yarn life and in real life too?

Hi,
2026 didn’t start off well—my dog passed away after 15 years. That was pretty tough. But to take my mind off things, I’ve been knitting almost every free minute I have, and I’m making great progress. I’ve already finished a pull-over hat for my granddaughter and a little jacket!
Warm regards

Yes, very much so... a great start... a wonderful winter... ;)

My 2026 has been really wonderful so far, too. Lots of sunshine, which means lots of walks; reading has been my main focus; and all my commissioned projects are now finished and have received rave reviews.

I’ve also been using the sewing machine a lot to make hedgehog dens—I’ve already finished 8 out of 15. 

 

Dear “Kreuzstich,” I’m sorry to hear that. It’s wonderful that you’re finding distraction and a sense of accomplishment through your crafting.

My 2026 is off to a good start. I’m motivated and productive; I’ve already been able to finish a few projects, and more are on the horizon. Everything’s going great in my personal life, too (knock on wood three times).

Warm regards to everyone
Karola 

It could be better, especially when it comes to health, but as far as crafting goes, I’m satisfied. I’ve already sewn and knitted quite a bit, and right now I’m working on my second pair of tights.

Best regards, Inge

Hello everyone,
unfortunately, I started 2026 just as I ended 2025—with shingles. It’s a pain you can’t imagine unless you’ve experienced it yourself.

On November 1, we had to say goodbye to our dearly beloved cat Mowgli, and just two days later I had eye surgery—that was probably too much for me.

  But I’m trying to look to the future with a positive outlook; I’m crocheting a lot and am now devoting myself wholeheartedly to my patterns again.

I wish you all the very best for 2026.

Warm regards, Marion
​​​​

Dear Marion,
that sounds really painful. You’re right—your mental stress probably made you even more vulnerable to this. Sometimes it’s really hard.
Best wishes and get well soon.
Claudia

Overall, I’m satisfied.
Since yesterday, my hallway finally looks like a hallway.
All because I swapped a few fruit crates for a small dresser.

My year has gotten off to a good start in terms of crafting.
I’ve been able to knit a few new things and have already written some new patterns.
Long-term projects are finally finished, and I’m just about to finish one more.
When it comes to sales, though, it somehow feels like I’m invisible this new year...
But I guess I’m not the only one feeling that way.
Best, Claudia

Warm regards here as well, dear Ms. Perle ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you so much, dear Claudia 💕. 

Oh, well, actually I’m pretty satisfied—there’s always something, after all. A year ago today, my husband had just two days left to live; that was a very difficult time, so in that respect, this year is obviously a world of difference.
However, my skin’s been acting up—the skin cancer has been quite active again for the past two years, after I had almost 15 years of remission—and it seems like that’s going to continue this year. There’s no use worrying—I’ll just have to grit my teeth and push through.
Things are going better on the knitting front; I still have a sweater on the needles, and today I’m picking out a new crochet project to go along with it, so I can switch between knitting and crocheting however I feel like it.
And when I look at my winter decorations and then count through them for spring and summer, I actually realize I’m still missing a pillowcase. So I’ll have to get back to the sewing machine—let’s see if I still have any matching fabric around the house.

My yarn and CP shop life had a great finish to 2025 and a wonderful start to this year. I’m more than happy with how things are going and am grateful to everyone who supports me, my shop, and my blog.

Away from crafting, the start of the year was a bit bumpy—with a hospital stay followed immediately by two sick little kids… But things are slowly getting better now, so I’m heading into February full of optimism.

To all of you who are going through, or have had to go through, hardships or serious illnesses, I wish you lots of strength and hope.

Hi there, dear crafting friends!
First of all, I’d like to send my best wishes for a speedy recovery to everyone who’s been struggling with illness, and lots of strength.

Health-wise, I’m actually doing okay, except for my back pain. They told me it might be sciatica. I have no idea. Since I have to walk a lot at work, it hurts here and there. Not very pleasant.

Luckily, we all have our yarn hobby or other crafts to distract us a bit and take our minds off things.
Another great way for me to unwind (since I always have this inner restlessness) is drawing mandalas. There are awesome videos where you can trace along step by step—it totally relaxes me, and I forget everything around me.
I also often go to dance teas, and this past Wednesday I went to a carnival party (after working the early shift), and I was totally wiped out afterward but happy.
You should always make time for little highlights like that. 

For me, the year started off pretty well, but it was chaotic.

There were quite a few situations where people asked us for help... for example, my sister, who had an empty fridge and didn’t dare step outside with her cane because of the weather, or an acquaintance who needed help clearing out some clutter.

Always easy to handle and nothing serious, but always very last-minute and unplanned.
Let’s see what else the year has in store.

To everyone for whom the year didn’t start so well, I wish you a speedy recovery and hope things get easier soon.