2026 Is All About Connection

I’m so excited and energised about starting a brand new year. There’s always something special about those slow days after Christmas, as we head into the new year with dreams and plans. And it’s wonderful to be able to spend some time really thinking deeply about how I want 2026 to be. I’ve chosen to move forward in CONNECTION and here’s why.

Looking Back on 2025 – FLOURISH

In 2024 my motto was to approach things with CURIOSITY, so it became my word for the year. I said YES to new opportunities, tried different things and enjoyed approaching life with a real sense of curiosity. This focus helped me decide on the things I wanted more of in my life. So in 2025, my theme was to FLOURISH. I wanted to see where my curiosity would take me and what it would mean to thrive and grow successfully in a healthy and prosperous way. Take a look back on why 2025 was so special to me below.

How I Flourished in 2025

2025 saw lots of new creations and designs come to life; from projects for the Makers Bundles, to showcasing new fabric collections for Poppie Cotton and Tilda, designing new, free goodies for my newsletter subscribers, and more. Here’s some of my favourites from 2025. It’s surprising how many projects I actually sewed! And there’s lots more I haven’t shared here.

1. The Merry Mouse King Ornament was originally created for the ‘That’s Sew Christmas’ Makers Bundle but is now available in the store.
2. Coming soon: The Bonnie Boxed Pouch was created exclusively for the Quilter’s Angel Stitcher’s Dream Day Out in October.
3. The Tea and Tales Stitchery first featured in a Book Lovers Bundle but can now be purchased separately in the store.
4. I launched the Sew Tidy Ironing Caddy Pattern to showcase the Tilda Sunday Brunch Collection. It originally appeared in the Hand Stitched Home Makers Bundle.
5. The Sweet Home Stitch Kit is now a free download but also originally appeared in the Hand Stitched Home Makers Bundle.
6. The launch of the Tilda Merry Little Christmas collection saw the launch of another FREE HOOP ORNAMENT DESIGN that you can download HERE.
7. I stitched up three different projects for the Flower Market fabric tour for Poppie Cotton. There’s a free bookmark, stitch kit and pin cushion which you can read about HERE.
8. The Sew Tidy Ironing Caddy Pattern made an appearance again for the Poppie Cotton ‘Rosy Cheeks’ Fabric Tour.
9. The Little Ducky Stitchery was designed exclusively for the Sew ’26 Box from Creative Abundance. Ask for it at your local Quilt Shop.
10. My Scrappy Happy Needle Book Pattern looks lovely in the Tilda Merry Little Christmas Collection.
11. I created some very sweet FREE PATTERNS to showcase the Peter Rabbit and Friends Collection. You can get all the details at this blog post.
12. This modified version of the Summer Rose Pouch was perfect for showcasing Poppie Cotton Fabrics for their Valentine’s Promotion.

My New Word of the Year – Connection

Rather than just thinking about connection in the traditional way, I’m approaching this year with the intention of creating instead of consuming, collaborating instead of competing, and growing with others. I even asked Ai to help me refine my ideas and this is the suggestion that really resonated with me.

Connection: A commitment to intentionally building and nurturing meaningful relationships with like-minded people, rooted in curiosity, trust, and shared growth, so that collaboration, learning, and authentic community can thrive.

So what does that all mean for you? In 2026 you can expect more patterns, projects and pretty pieces. You’ll see more events, collaborations and ways to connect. If you haven’t already, sign up to the newsletter for regular updates or join me in the Molly and Mama Makers Facebook Group to meet like-minded friends. We’d love to have you.

Thanks for being here on my creative journey. I hope that I can help inspire you with yours! Happy stitching, Lauren.