Category: DIY

DIY Cross Stitch Set – Indoor Garden – Houseplants

Recently, I shared my previous cross stitch project, featuring colourful feathers. I liked the pattern so much that I ended up saving that set for a very long time. And when I finally picked it up, it didn’t turn out exactly as it looked on the packaging. It was cute, but the colours were different and not to my taste. So, I learnt my lesson: there’s no point in saving DIY sets for a special occasion! And for that reason, I decided to pick up another cross stitch set that I’ve been saving for a special day: one featuring four houseplants. Here’s how it went!

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DIY Crochet Set – Owl

I feel like it’s been ages since I last posted about my crochet projects, so let’s fix it! My most recently completed piece is a crocheted owl, originally designed to be a key chain, but I left it as a small plushie. I bought this assorted kit quite a while ago – as per my New Year’s Resolutions 2026, I’m trying to limit purchasing new DIY sets and focus on completing the ones I already have. I procrastinated for quite some time when I got to the embroidery steps, but overall, I completed this project in relatively little time. Here’s my latest crochet piece, a cute owl.

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New Year’s Resolutions 2026 – 6 Month Update

Can you believe that we’re already half way through 2026? Time flies so fast! We had a heatwave in the UK last week when the record for the hottest June day in history was broken three days in a row, but I also started seeing ads for Christmas events (and may have already booked some…). But back in January, I wrote about the list of my New Year’s resolutions for 2026. Just like I did last year, I wanted to share my progress every quarter. So, it’s time to take a look at my progress 6 months in. The first check-in, at end of March, was fairly successful. This time… I’m not so sure! Time flew so fast last quarter, and I was focused on making the most of the spring weather, spending most of my spare time outdoors. In all honesty, I didn’t even think about my resolutions… until last week, oops. Well, let’s have a look.

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DIY Cross Stitch Set – Feathers

As it usually happens this time of year, I’ve been drawn to spending my spare time outdoors and haven’t picked up too many DIY projects. But last week, for some reason, I really fancied some cross stitch fun. I reached to my stash of assorted kits and decided to work on one I’ve been saving for absolute ages. I don’t know why, but I really liked this design, at least based on the packaging. So much so that I essentially kept it for a special occasion. Turns out, the special occasion was a random week in June. Why not! Although the set itself wasn’t perfect, I enjoyed cross stitching these feathers and it didn’t take me long to finish the whole project.

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DIY Crochet Set – Hot Air Balloon

It’s been over a year since I started cross stitching, and I really enjoy being able to pick a crochet set and work on it start to finish without the need to look up video tutorials every 5 minutes. The project I completed most recently was a cute hot air balloon key chain. I completed it last week, but I started it… last August! I brought it on holiday with me when I went to York, but didn’t finish it then. And when I got back home, I got distracted and put it away. And unfortunately, once I set a DIY project aside, I rarely pick it back up again. However, having made a New Year’s resolution to use up my DIY supplies, I decided to complete this crocheted hot air balloon. Here is how it went!

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DIY Cross Stitch Set – Neon Turtle

My most recently completed cross stitch project was a cute turtle in neon colours. It might be one of my favourite cross stitch projects to date! Partly because I love reptiles, and partly because the vibrant, neon colours of this design were super fun to sew. Although it was a large set (the kits I buy in TK Maxx usually come in two sizes, small and large), I finished it in just a couple of days.

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DIY Mini Cross Stitch Set – Lemons

When life gives you lemons… you cross stitch them in a cute design, apparently! At the beginning of May, the UK enjoyed a bank holiday Monday. I hoped to spend the extended weekend outdoors, enjoying long walks and maybe a day trip too. But first, I set my alarm for early Saturday morning, to go to the gym and start the weekend with a productive workout. 20 minutes into the training, my lower back decided it was a great time to flare up like it hasn’t in a long time. Well, I limped back home, and spent most of the weekend in bed. Frustrating, to say the least! To keep myself busy, I reached for a couple of DIY projects. One of them was this mini cross stitch set with a lemon design. It was quite fun to sew!

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DIY Cross Stitch Set – Horse

One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2026 was to refrain from buying too many new DIY supplies and focus on using up those I already have. So, I decided to work on this horse cross stitch set. I have to admit, I wasn’t too excited on sewing this specific design – I suppose there’s a reason why it took me about 2 years to get round to it! I love horses in the real life, but I don’t really like orange and brown as colours, and this design is full of them. Yet, I’m actually quite happy with how it turned out, it looks quite realistic. Last week, I shared my pony crochet project, so my recent weeks were pretty equine-focused. Luckily, I have now picked up a different cross stitch set, which doesn’t involve horses… but that’s for another day.

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DIY Crochet Set – Pony – Learning To Crochet

Last week, I shared a post about my 1 year journey learning to crochet. I’ve mainly used assorted craft kits, as they’re – in my opinion – the best way to pick up a new craft. Following even the simplest patterns was a challenge for me 12 months ago, but now, I usually manage to follow the patterns from assorted sets without major troubles. My learning journey continues, and today, I’d like to share my most recent crochet project: a cute pony stuffed toy.

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A Year Of Learning To Crochet – My First Projects – Coasters, Toys, Ornaments

One of my New Year’s Resolutions for 2025 was to learn to crochet. I originally bought some assorted DIY kits in hope that they’ll teach me everything I need, and I almost instantly gave up, after seeing the instructions. I had no idea what they meant or how to read them! Eventually, I forced myself to watch some video tutorials and have another go. And although it was a rough start, I think I managed to make really good progress over the last 12 months! I’m nowhere near being able to create my own patterns, but I can usually follow easy or intermediate marked patterns. Here are my completed projects in the first 12 months of crocheting, and things I have learnt from them. I’d say it’s a realistic progress line for an adult with a full time job and lots of other commitments – I had limited time for crocheting, but I still learnt a lot.

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