November has arrived, and with it, a quiet shift in rhythm. The world outside my window feels softer now — the brilliant colours of autumn have drifted to the ground, leaving behind bare branches and a sky that seems to rest in gentle shades of pewter and gold. Our fireplace has been crackling from dawn to dusk, wrapping our home in its familiar warmth, and the scent of woodsmoke seems to linger on every breeze. It’s the perfect time of year for slowing down, for gratitude, and for the simple joy of creating something beautiful with our hands.
Here at Thyme for Stitching, November feels like a deep breath — the moment before the busyness of the holiday season truly begins, and a reminder to savour all the cozy, fleeting moments this time of year brings.
🧵 Patchwork Stitches: The Bento Box Block
This month marks the eleventh and second-to-last addition to our Patchwork Stitches Stitch-Along: the Bento Box block. I can hardly believe how close we are to completing this incredible year-long journey together!
The Bento Box quilt block has a fascinating story. Inspired by the artful arrangement of Japanese bento boxes — where each section holds something delicious and distinct — quilters began using this design to represent the idea of balance and abundance. It’s a reminder that even the smallest pieces, when placed thoughtfully, can come together to create something harmonious and full of life.
Our stitched version mirrors that same philosophy — featuring squares within squares, each one a small treasure of pattern and colour. The design plays with dark golden brown, soft cream, warm green, and a splash of vibrant blue, all hues that tie beautifully into the palette we’ve carried through the year. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the richness of November, that golden in-between month where autumn’s warmth meets the first hints of winter stillness.
🕯️ Cozy Days and Family Rhythms
At home, November feels like an embrace. The routines are in full swing now — early morning practices, evening activities, the sound of piano and violin filling the air again. The kids are busy and thriving, and I’m stealing every pocket of quiet I can find to stitch, design, or simply breathe in this beautiful season.
As I sit here finishing this month’s newsletter, I’m soaking up the soft sunlight streaming across the living room — the last golden light before the early evenings settle in. Outside, a few stubborn leaves are clinging to the trees, swirling in the wind like dancers reluctant to take their final bow. I can’t decide where to settle for my next stitching session — in my cozy living room with its pumpkin-colored cushions and fall garlands across the mantel, or outside among the still-glowing leaves. What a wonderful dilemma to have.
This season always fills me with deep gratitude — for my family, for this creative community we’ve built, and for the peace that comes from sitting with needle and thread, even for a few quiet minutes.
🧣 The Hearthside Tales Collection: A Celebration of Cozy Living
If your heart is craving even more fall inspiration, you’ll want to peek at the Hearthside Tales Collection now available in my Etsy shop. It’s my love letter to autumn — a complete stitching experience brimming with warmth, nostalgia, and the simple joys of home.
Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of cozy cross-stitch designs, thoughtful printables, and extras to make your stitching space feel as comforting as a cup of tea by the fire. Whether you’re stitching for yourself or gifting handmade pieces to loved ones, this collection was made to remind you that creativity and comfort belong side by side.
You can find it right now in my Etsy shop — just search for Thyme for Stitching or click the link at the end of this post to explore.
🌊 Coming Soon: Stitch the Seas – A New Stitch-Along Adventure
And because I can never resist hinting at what’s to come… I’m thrilled to share a little sneak peek of next year’s stitch-along, titled Stitch the Seas.
This new adventure has been quietly growing behind the scenes — inspired by stories of the sea, whispered winds, and the ever-changing tides. It will be filled with storytelling, beautiful stitching, and that sense of connection that has made Patchwork Stitches so special this year.
Best of all, Stitch the Seas will be completely free for newsletter subscribers. If you’re already subscribed, you’re all set — no extra steps needed! And if you haven’t joined yet, now’s the perfect time. Signing up for the Thyme for Stitching newsletter not only ensures you’ll be part of next year’s journey but also brings monthly doses of inspiration, cozy stories, recipes, playlists, and free extras right to your inbox.
🍂 A Season of Gratitude
As the days grow shorter and the nights stretch longer, I hope this month’s edition of Thyme for Stitching wraps you in the same warmth that fills our home this time of year. November invites us to reflect, to give thanks, and to find beauty in both the busy moments and the quiet ones.
Whether you’re stitching by firelight, baking something fragrant and sweet, or simply watching the last leaves tumble past your window, I hope you feel surrounded by the cozy joy of this season — and by the kindness of this creative community we share.
Here’s to gratitude, golden days, and the steady rhythm of stitches that keep our hearts full.
Jeannie
Thyme for Stitching
💌 P.S.
You can explore the Hearthside Tales Collection and all of my other cozy designs in the Thyme for Stitching Etsy Shop.
And if you’d like to join us for Stitch the Seas, you can sign up for the newsletter here — your next creative adventure is just around the corner.
