As the first snow settles in and then melts, so does a feeling of quiet and stillness. Over the years, I've noticed my whole being relaxes and slows when winter arrives, as if I’m gently putting down the busy energy of summer and fall. There’s a coziness that wraps around me—an invitation to reset, to embrace the long season ahead. I find myself drawn to the fireplace, where I love reading, playing cards, sharing meals, and spending time with loved ones, all in the warmth and soft glow of the fire.

Winter also transforms my quilting. Somehow, snowy days feel like permission to stay tucked in, creating pieces that bring warmth. This month, I'm working on a Blooming Nine Patch, a project I began during a weekend quilt retreat. The retreat offered that rare chance to gather with fellow quilters, sharing laughter, music, and even those stitch-ripping moments that somehow feel easier together. Being in a room full of other creatives brings a cozy, peaceful feeling, one that lingers with me long after I return home. This shows up in my creativity, my craving to gather with friends in different ways and my willingness to cook again.

As winter deepens and quiets the world outside, I find my creative projects mirroring that slower, more intentional pace. Each piece I'm working on carries the warmth and rhythm of the season, from the blooming colours on my design wall to the steady creation of hexies.

My Blooming Nine Patch has made it up on the design wall, which means that all of the tiny yellow and blue blocks are created and now forming the Blooming image I was looking to enjoy.

The Still Room Quilt has been sewn into rows and is in the midst of another round of pressing. I’ll be adding more sashing and then some borders.

Hexies are also being created. I learned a new technique last fall and I enjoyed it so much that I am giving it another go, this time with a different twist.

So there’s no shortage of creative energy happening here. Like I said, the snow brings so much more than just white with it.