Now released : February Mini Monthly Sardines

 Hello, 

Today is the day that February is released in my Etsy shop  HERE and this is part of my Mini Monthly Sardines series.

Being February the theme of the sardines are around valentines and love, please let me know what you think.

The design can be stitched on any count fabric as only whole stitches have been used.  The colours for this design are :

DMC

151           350

310           352

349           453

I hope you enjoy stitching this chart as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Remember there is a Facebook group set up for people if they want to show their stitching, talk to others or even ask me questions, pop in!  HERE

Jacquie

Unexpected issue

 Sorry for being a little quiet, the 3rd January I was admitted into hospital with horrendous left knee pain leaving me screaming with every movement.

  My current situation is that I am still in hospital awaiting a second MRI attempt.  The first one was aborted due to extreme pain, I am hopeful with this second attempt when I go as I have movement in my leg with drastically reduced pain levels.  Once I have had the MRI hopefully it’s fixable then I will be on the recovery journey.

The reason I am on here now is to up date you all and now that I have internet access whilst in hospital is a bonus, and it helps that my pain levels are tolerable enough to function.  

Home truths

The give away was a flop, maybe it was too soon? I will try another time.

My mini monthly sardines

I am thrilled that people are joining in on this fun stitch, thank you so much, it would be lovely to see them, and share them here. 

Good news that the launch of February will go ahead as planned with my behind the scenes 24/7 tech support Han (daughter!).  I am very excited to share the next one in this series with you all.

It’s not too late to join in with this fun stitch, HERE it will remain on the introductory price, come any try my design, let me know what you think.

Thank you all for your continued support. 

Jacqueline

Happy New Year!

I’ve never been very good at New Year’s resolutions.

I admire people who can make lists, set goals, and stick to them all year long,  but I’ve learned that I’m far too spontaneous for that. My creativity doesn’t work well when it’s boxed in, and I tend to follow ideas as they appear rather than plan them months in advance.

Instead of resolutions, I like to think in terms of hopes.

As 2026 begins, I’m hoping for a year that feels calm but curious, one where ideas continue to grow naturally, where I keep making things simply because they bring me joy, and where Zenf Embroidery keeps evolving in ways that feel true and unforced.

Right now, my little world is very much filled with sardines. The mini monthly sardines have been swimming around my hoop and, most recently, onto my fridge,  slowly turning into a tiny, moveable calendar with magnetic pieces. It’s one of those projects that started as something playful and has gently become something a bit more thoughtful and functional. I’m enjoying letting it develop at its own pace.

There are also new designs quietly taking shape behind the scenes. With Valentine’s Day not too far away, I’ve been sketching and stitching ideas that feel soft, heartfelt, and a little bit fun,  the kind of pieces that make lovely small gifts or meaningful keepsakes.

If I had to wish anything for the year ahead, it would be this:

More time to create, more trust in my instincts, and more moments of connection through stitching,  whether that’s through the work itself or the people who find it.

Thank you for being here, for reading, and for supporting my work in all its stitched, sardine-filled forms. I’m really looking forward to seeing what this year brings.

Wishing you a calm, creative 2026 full of sardines, stitching, and happy surprises.

Happy New Year