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