"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Crochet Book Blanket ~ End of Year Update

I started a crochet book blanket at the beginning of this year (2025).  I crocheted a granny square for every book I finished, and crocheted the square with matching colors of the actual book.  The plan was to get back into reading, be motivated by the crocheted blanket, and use up scrap balls of yarn.  An overall fun, and positive project for myself.  The blanket is a join-as-you-crochet type of blanket, making it less intimidating to start, work on, and eventually finish. 

How many books did I manage to read?

43 books, with one last book that will be finished on the 31st, will make that final year end number a whopping 44 books!

Not the amount I had hoped for, but I really did not have a number goal in mind.

It's not a bad number either.  

In the past 5 years, I was lucky to even read 1 to 5 books within the years.  There were all sorts of reasons reading didn't happen.

On the bright side, the blanket is coming along very nicely, and it is such an inspiration to other book lovers who crochet.  I have shared my progress with so many book store owners, especially used book stores.



I finished a pair of blue baby booties for the next grandson to be born next year (crocheted).



First puzzle to finish this winter.  What can I say?  It's winter, and not much is going on.  Besides the crazy weather.  Snow, up to 60's, then really bad wind, followed by more snow and cold again.....it's winter.

The dehydrator is out (thanks to my husband's help) and ready for some winter time making.


I have learned a lot in 2025, and overall tried new adventures, and loved every minute of each one.  I have learned a lot about people, as I had time to sit and reflect much more at the end of the year than ever.  I've learned the good, the bad, and the ugly.  

Like I said, it's been a year of learning, and making changes.  Social media has really changed some people, and not in a good way, as life was before social media.

I've learned to grow new foods, dehydrate new concoctions, and learned new ways to either utilize or use herbs, medicinal herbs, and garden goods.  

We discovered many new-to-us or "first time" try-its.  

I've ventured back into my writing, and boy am I rusty.  It's been fun however. It's been a positive spin to this winter.

Plans for 2026?  Yes and yes. 

So many people we have talked to are sick right now.  Thankfully I am home another 3 weeks of recovery, so I've been staying away from people.  My husband has had to work outside a lot more than inside this winter (he's not happy about that).  We do have homemade ginger-ale syrup in the freezer, and I'm about to write my recipe to mail out for another person this week.

I'm putting together a list of items to create "get well" baskets for those who I can bless.  

As of this post, my rosemary plant is still alive, but barely (sigh).  I am babying it, but man these plants take such specific winter indoor care.  I'm learning anyway.

Happy New Year!  

Crochet Book Blanket ~ End of Year Update  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart


14 comments:

Leigh said...

The book blanket is great! So cheerful and it's neat that each square has a special meaning. Such a fun project. (Baby booties are adorable too)

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Leigh, thank you! It has been fun and very fulfilling, knowing I am making progress with reading books I have, and using up scrap yarn (and making something beautiful and useful).

Anne in the kitchen said...

I've really enjoyed each square youve posted of your book blanket. I think it is a fabulous idea and if I knew how to crochet I would copy your idea.

🌲 Debby said...

What a good idea for that book blanket. I really like those granny squares. I haven't crocheted in years and would really like to make a granny square blanket. I have yarn that was my mom's - I'd love to use. I don't know if I missed it, but those get well baskets I'm really interested in. Another good idea. Those baby booties are so cute.
Happy New Year, Kristina.

Betsy said...

The book blanket is great! I wish I had the oomph to do the same. I just don't do enough reading either. The baby booties are so sweet and will be a sweet memory for the baby someday.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy

Far Side of Fifty said...

Wow your book blanket is coming along! I like the join as you go style too! Happy New Year!

diane in northern wis said...

Happy New Year to you too. Love your wrap up of the year. Always enjoy your blog.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Anne in the kitchen, thank you. It's been fun.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Debby, thanks. I'll try to remember to post an update on all of this.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Betsy, thank you. Blessings and hugs to you too.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Far Side of Fifty, thanks. Happy New Year!

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

diane in northern wis, thank you.

Mother Em said...

Great idea you had with crocheting a block for every book you read. Thankfully, I don't crochet that well and don't read that much. I did finish 4-5 books this year (mind wonders as to things I should be doing!!). But husband read 237 books this year...can you imagine the size of that blanket? We're retired, he's looking to have another total knee replacement, so he had time. A little late but hope your Christmas was a good one and 2026 is a great one for you and the family. Mary in Georgia USA

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Mother Em, wow that is a lot of books! Good for him. I hope he's doing well and his next replacement heals quickly and pain free. I hope your Christmas was fantastic!