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

2 Days Until Christmas

Finished this Christmas book and matching book blanket granny square.  It's about the 6th of 16-18 books of a box I bought at an antique store very early in the year.  I'll attach it to the blanket soon.

Two of the kiddos who received the 24 day advent gift bags, have been in touch, and so far have really enjoyed them (and found it fun and love the "useable" theme I tried to adhere to).  One kiddo I have not heard one iota from.  Not even a thank you.  One loved the hand crocheted dust cloth (as it is reusable and saves them money), while one was ecstatic about the tiny sample jam jars we included.

 The Christmas Spice Extract I "brewed" up was ready to strain and bottle.  Just a few lucky ones will be receiving it to try this Christmas season.  I was able to bottle this up early December, but have not tried it yet.

The had-it-on-the-plan, but did not happen.  Yet.

Homemade Seasoned Salt for another quick and easy gift idea. My Mom loved this stuff.  I plan to write the recipe to gift with a jar of this mix, and also write an additional recipe card for a recipe that uses the homemade seasoned salt.  

                     

Remember I made homemade fruit cake this year?  Well, we froze the other loaf, and we will be pulling it from the freezer.  Not many to share it with this year, but we both feel it is the best ever!  According to my Aunt's notes, it is the best, and my cousin said she used brandy over it.  I won't have time this Christmas, nor the energy ha ha! But!  I am adding this to the recipe gift ideas for Christmas of 2026.  Definitely a keeper recipe, but very very unhealthy, ha ha ha!

Crocheted throw and hand crocheted Christmas ornament were shipped and delivered.  

Christmas cards finally made their way out of the house.  First time in several years, but in a limited amount.   I have already started noting ideas for Christmas 2026 (you would too, if your Christmas was spent like ours).  It will be an exciting new year, as we also welcome another new grandbaby.

There may, or may not be "Christmas" cookies this year.  It may happen later, and it may not.  All depends on if there is a need, but right now it will not happen so I can rest and recoup my health.

Merry Christmas!  

2 Days Until Christmas  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart