How did it go, 2024?

I’m not into the notion of measuring the year as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, instead I prefer to take stock of everything I have achieved in the past 365 days.

Here is my personal and Little Miss Drop Stitch Summary. Do share the highlights of your year with us!

• Reduced spending on craft supplies. I didn’t buy any wool online (which was my downfall) and only purchased at brick and mortar shops, Yarndale and on holiday.
• I saved money on craft supplies and made a video on that if you want my top tips. I’ve managed to use quite a bit what I’ve got in instead of buying new.
• Started to do a pair socks in between projects to reduce the sock yarn pile.
• Continued my journey with stranded colour work.
• My crochet was featured on the award winning UK podcast podcast ‘Help I Sexted My Boss’ and now is now in the background each week. I also received a hand written a thank you letter. Possibly my top highlight of the year!
• I had a virtual meet up with friends I met on the Arne and Carlos cruise back in 2022. This was a real joy.
• Went wool shopping in Dublin and Latvia.
• Reduced spending in general – content with what I have.
• Designed quite a few knit and crochet patterns for LMDS. We now have 13 and some are free.
• Reading every night before bed and not going on my phone. This was something I was on and off with but in 2024, I have been fully committed and really enjoy my relaxing bedtime read.
• Learned to do better thumbnails for our YouTube Channel.
• Exploring what audiences like and don’t at LMDS. I Invested in some ranking support, but this wasn’t as successful as I’d have liked for the money, so I wouldn’t do it again. Onwards with the research…
• We did a ‘Pumpkin Drop‘ of handmade fabric pumpkins in Scotland and England. This didn’t gain many followers from the people who picked them up, but the short videos did look awesome and gained followers from this. I’m undecided if I’d do it again next year, as it was a lot of time and effort.
• I have consistently made weekly videos for 18 months now. Sometimes I feel like I have to do them, but this consistent attitude has been good for me and keeps me productive.
• I tried steeking for the first time! I’d totally do it again.
• I have quite eagerly taken up tapestry and completed two large ones. It’s been a nice break from the rhythms of knitting and crochet and is quite mindful ‘colouring in’ the canvas.
• I have been more sustainable this year with quite a few upcycle projects.
• This winter (possibly the worst time of year) I have been working at my driving again. I’m super afraid of driving and for years have just driven to knit and natter once a week on a Monday, which is 5 minutes away. My brother has kindly been taking me out and I’ve been doing all the things that scare me to gain confidence. I’ve still plenty to work on, but it has really opened things up for me. My next goal is to be able to drive to Black Sheep Wools…which could be dangerous for other reasons!
• And finally the most exciting thing you can’t even imagine happened in December. I’m not allowed to say anything (not my strong point), but I will reveal all as soon as I am able to in 2025.

Isn’t it cathartic taking stock and getting things down? Of course 2024 was also filled with as much crafting as possible, which brings me immense joy.

Do let me know the highlights of your year and come back to read my article on my plans for 2025.

Take care, Rachel G.

We also have this article in video format.