Storyteller Stitchery · Advent 2026

The Wind in the Willows Needlepoint Advent Calendar Is Here — Introducing The River Bank in Winter

And a yarn advent too. Two ways to spend December in one of literature's most beloved worlds.

This year's Storyteller Stitchery advent calendar is open for preorder — and it is the one I have been building toward since last December. The River Bank in Winter is a Wind in the Willows advent in two editions: a yarn advent and, for the first time, a needlepoint advent calendar. Twenty-four days of hand-dyed color, one literary world, and your choice of craft. 

"No animal, according to the rules of animal-etiquette, is ever expected to do anything strenuous, or heroic, or even moderately active during the off-season of winter." — Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows 

That is, I think, such a true statement about December. It is also at the core of this entire advent calendar. Put the kettle on. Settle in by the cozy fire. Make something beautiful. 

What is The River Bank in Winter?

The River Bank in Winter: A Wind in the Willows Advent is a limited edition advent calendar in two formats — a yarn edition and a needlepoint edition — themed entirely to the world Kenneth Grahame created in 1908. The colors, the canvases, the design of every box: all of it drawn from the river bank, Mole End, the Wild Wood in frost, and the warmth of Ratty's fire on a cold evening.

The box itself is part of the event. If you received last year's Narnia advent, you know exactly the quality of packaging we mean, with twenty four illustrated boxes, one to open each day starting on December 1.  The River Bank is the same structure, fully redesigned for the world of Wind in the Willows.

One box a day, December 1st through 24th. Each one an invitation to slow time, relax, and spend some time making during the dark days of December. 

The 2026 advent calendars — what's inside each box

For yarn lovers

The River Bank in Winter Yarn Advent

• 24 hand-dyed fingering weight mini skeins on Epic base (100% superwash merino) 
• 20g skein per day · 87yd per skein — 480g and 2,088yd total
• 12 tonal colorways + 12 variegated, each named for the world
• Themed tote bag
• Exclusive Wind in the Willows stitch markers
• US shipping included · Ships November 2026 

New for 2026: The River Bank in Winter Needlepoint Advent

• 4 professionally printed 18ct needlepoint canvases, one revealed per week
• 24 days of hand-dyed silk and wool-silk thread — Moonspun (100% silk) + Seren (75% merino/25% silk)
• Thread chosen specifically per canvas, minimum 10 yards per colour
• All four canvases designed to finish as ornaments or cushions
• Themed project bag + needle minder + needle
• US shipping included · Ships November 2026 

The needlepoint advent calendar — a closer look

The Wind in the Willows needlepoint advent calendar is brand new for 2026 — this is the first time Storyteller Stitchery has offered a needlepoint edition alongside the yarn advent, and it has been designed from the ground up for stitchers who want to spend December with a needle and thread in hand.

Each week of December, one of the four daily boxes will contain a professionally printed 18ct canvas — an original Storyteller Stitchery design drawn from the world of Wind in the Willows and kept secret until you open it. The remaining boxes for that week contain the hand-dyed thread to stitch it: a combination of Moonspun 100% silk and Seren wool-silk blend, chosen specifically for that canvas's colours and coverage. You open one box a day, building toward each new canvas reveal.

All four canvases are designed to finish as ornaments or as pillows. How you finish them — framed, hung, or stitched to an accessory like a jacket or tote bag — is entirely up to you.

This is a limited presale. The needlepoint advent is hand-dyed and custom-prepared to order. Preorders close once the Advent boxes sell out, there is no restock and no second run. If any extra units are made, they will be listed ready-to-ship in November at a higher price. Preorder now to secure the lower price and your place.

The packaging — what to expect when it arrives

The box experience

The 24 daily boxes are arranged inside of a larger advent box, their faces forming one continuous panoramic illustration inspired by The Wind in the Willows. The structure and manufacturing quality is the same as our 2025 Narnia advent. The design is entirely new, built from scratch for this world.

Who is this advent for?

The yarn advent is for knitters, crocheters, and makers who love a themed, curated color story and the ritual of a daily December opening. The 24 mini skeins on Epic base give you a full fingering-weight collection by the end of December — enough yardage to plan projects (we have a curated Ravelry Advent pattern bundle you can browse for inspiration).

The needlepoint advent is for intermediate and confident beginner stitchers who want a December making project with something to show for it. Four canvases on 18ct, all thread included, no hunting for supplies required. It also makes a genuinely extraordinary gift for the needlepoint stitcher in your life.

Both advents are also for anyone who has loved The Wind in the Willows for a long time and wants to spend December in that world. The designs and the color names are deeply considered by Melissa during design, to be a tribute to the book.

Preorder open now. Ships November. All sales final — no restock. 

Frequently asked questions

What are the needlepoint canvas designs?

The designs are a mystery and revealed one per week through December. You know the world — the river bank, Mole's burrow, Toad Hall, the Wild Wood in winter — but each canvas is a discovery when you open it.

What skill level is the needlepoint advent suitable for?

Intermediate stitchers and confident beginners. All thread is included and chosen for each canvas. All four canvases are on 18ct canvas, worked with the included Moonspun silk and Seren wool-silk thread.

Is a pattern included in the needlepoint advent? 

The canvases are professionally printed — the design is on the canvas. No separate printed pattern is needed.

Is a pattern included in the yarn advent? 

No pattern is included but we have curated a list of knit and crochet patterns that are great for advent mini-skeins of yarn. You can browse them here: Ravelry Advent pattern bundle.

Can I order both the yarn advent and the needlepoint advent?

Yes. They ship together in November. Place one order with both products, or order them separately. 

When does it ship, and is shipping included?

Both advents ship in early November, well ahead of December 1st. US shipping is included in the preorder price. International shipping is calculated at checkout.

Can I cancel my preorder?

All sales are final. Each advent is hand-dyed and prepared to order — please review your order carefully before checkout as we can not cancel orders for advent boxes. 

Will there be more stock available after preorders close?

A small number of extra units may be listed ready-to-ship in November at a higher price, but this is not guaranteed. The preorder is the only way to secure the lower price and your place.

Questions not answered here? Contact us — we're happy to help you decide which edition is right for you.