My Year of AI
In December 2024 I experimented with AI using create our annual Christmas card using Adobe Photoshop’s image generator tool. In 2025 I continued to use AI to create greeting cards and images throughout 2026, primarily using ChatGBT. I created a “Barbie Box Trend” I also used ChatGBT to generate a concept for our family Halloween “Pit Crew” costume concept.
Sourdough
I did considerably less baking in 2025, although I did maintain my starter, DoughPool. I mainly concentrated on desserts using discard, such as Apple Fritter Cake, Sugar Cookie Bars, and Oatmeal Cookies for my second annual cookie swap.
My first cooking project of 2025 was a sourdough loaf that used a bit of yeast to accelerate the rise time. I must have done something wrong; however, because it didn’t turn out. It did not expand in the pan so the middle was not cooked enough. I also made some breadsticks which turned out okay, but not great.
My sourdough cooking came to a halt in mid-January due to a never-ending cold (RSV?) that turned into a sinus infection. Although I maintained the starter with weekly feedings, I stopped baking bread and all of my other experimental recipes. The good news is that I lost a few pounds, so we both decided to take a break from sourdough.
I added to my Lego Valentine collection with a dozen roses and the Love sculpture. I also completed a few other small bear-themed Lego sets.
I made one of my 10 minute table runners to complement my new Lego display.
I also repaired some of my husbands favorite socks using a darning technique I learned on YouTube.
I completed the July and August Hinzeit samplers.
We continued to enjoy spying on our wildlife friends with our security cameras. Sadly, I never saw the cute opposum again.
Sewing Projects
My major project in March was to create a grooming apron for my husband. My goal was to upcycle the apron using an old pair of jeans, an idea I had seen on Pinterest, Etsy, and YouTube.
I had an old apron to use as a template and size guideline. I did some more research and after reviewing many patterns and downloaded a detailed guide by Fanning Sparks. This is the pattern I ended up using, although I made a few modifications based on the notions I had on hand.
I also completed a few smaller projects, such as custom dish drain mats and several 10-minute table runners.
Quilting
I continued to work on the family room seat covers, using the Daisy quilt block I had made in 2024 to commemorate Daisy’s 10th Birthday. I completed one of the seat covers and as well as a coordinating table topper and organizer. The second seat cover is still in progress.
In the spring I designed a “Fidget Quilt” for my mother-in-law. I had downloaded a cute tutorial for making daisies, which I thought would be the perfect focal point for the blocks. For the details on this project, click here.
