I don’t know about you, but I’m finding this world a pretty strange place as the novel coronavirus upends our normal lives. Physically, my sweetheart and I are healthy and living in a pretty good place to weather the storm. Mentally, that’s another matter. (Although I’m sure I would do better if spent less time looking at the news!)
Like the rest of you, I’m contemplating how to best spend my time over the next few months. I can’t sit and stitch for days on end without getting outstide and moving around. And yet I can’t stick my head in the sand and pretend that nothing is happening. I feel like I’m suspended in never-never land, looking for a path.
So, what’s happening in your world? Are you working on a new project? Working though your pile of UnFinished Objects? Looking for a more structured way to pass a lot of enforced butt-in-chair time?
I’m really curious to know how you’re passing the time — and if there’s something you’d like to do as a creative community. For maybe the first time ever, most of us are in a situation where we can hardly say “I don’t have time…” 😉
Leave a comment below to let me know what’s happening in your neck of the woods as we traverse through these uncertain times. And consider yourself hugged. I know it’s not the same as being up close and in person. But there are folks out there who really do care how you are doing — and I happen to be one of them.
I am truly blessed and grateful that I had a warp already on my loom to weave during these times. I feel like my brain is on hold and I am holding my breath praying that my husband and I stay healthy through this.
Well that’s a blessing, Helen. My weaving friends tell me that putting the warp on a loom can be very tedious. It sounds like you have hours of enjoyment ahead of you.
I think we need to collectively stop holding our breath. I know I need to stop holding my breath. I’m hoping that the distraction of my current project will help me get back to an even keel.
I’ve been rug hooking for years; I’m happy to see someone else embrace the craft! I’m currently out of school, and with lots of time on my hands, I’ve started to learn to punch needle (the “hipper, trendy” version of hooking with yarn, lol)
One of the women on the tour teaches punch needle hooking classes. Given that I’m trying really hard NOT to acquire yet another stash of goodies, I think I’ll stick with my stitching. But I do intend to finish up the rug I started on the trip.
Thank you for sharing. The rugs are beautiful. How small a strip of
t-shirt fabric do you use to get such detail?
We are not yet on full lockdown in southwest Florida, but all schools, group gatherings, events , church services, concerts etc are cancelled. All bars are closed, restaurants primarily take out, no one wants to handle cash-credit cards only. But the weather is beautiful, sunny and in the mid to upper 80s with fairly low humidity, so many people are outside walking or biking. Beaches will be closed as of Saturday at 6am.
Getting groceries is a bit challenging…very little meat, vegetables, eggs and milk gone by mid day.
But we are both well so far. I have a stash of red/white/blue fabric and thread, and my sewing machine, so can sew Quilts of Honor for our veterans, or a few small UFOs I brought with me.
Take care and stay well!
Thanks for your note, Jeanne. The rugs nothing short of amazing.
To answer your question on the size of the strips of knit fabric, I hate to say it, but “it depends” on the fabric. One thing I learned is that there are knits — and then there are other knits. In general, cut the strips about 1″ wide or a wee bit smaller. You may have to test the direction of the fabric to see which way to cut (as in across the t-shirt or from top to bottom). The ideal is to cut in a way that the knit curls into a tube when you give it a good stretch.
I’m chuckling about your comment on using credit cards rather than cash. In the US, you can do this. In many places, you can do this. In fact, the son of one of my friends called her and said, “Mom… you need to put your credit cards in Apple Pay so you don’t have to touch anything!” But here in Mexico, everything is paid by cash. There are precious few places that accept credit cards. We even pay our phone, internet and electric bills with cash. More hand-washing coming right up!
This is serendipity calling. I just this week pulled down 2 of your books, ordered some new paint sticks and rubbing plates to prepare fabric for an art quilt. I am so glad to read of your expanding creative adventures.
Life as we know it will change forever. I think it is more important now than ever for us to maintain our creative journeys while we support each other during these uncertain times. Just before the outbreak, a friend of mine was approached to do a group class for prayer shawls. She was not familiar with electronic cutting machines. I cut one stencil for her and that helped her have a successful class using stencils and paint sticks. Your positive energy just keeps on growing. Be well in all you do.
Wow! Thanks for sharing your story about the prayer shawls class. I’m so happy to hear that you put your Silhouette skills to good use!
I haven’t pulled out my paints just yet, but I’m always happy to have them on hand. I know there are many happy hours of playtime available whenever I pull out my paints, rubbing plates, stencils and other toys. I’m delighted that you feel the same way. 🙂
I enjoyed reading about your trip and new interest in rug hooking. I went down to the studio to get away from the news of the world last weekend intending to do something new and different for me. I decided to move one area around so that I could watch the TV better – movies & YouTube – and ended up reorganizing the entire studio. Now I’m finally ready to try something new.
We are just hearing about the deaths of the first Vermonters from Covid-19. It is a scary world we are living in right now. Our creative passions will help us get through this.
Our best to you and Jack from both of us.
I’m delighted to hear from you Mags. I’ve seen the photos of your new puppy on FB, and I’m so glad that you and Andy have a new companion in your life.
I admire your decision to tackle the studio. I’ve been here long enough that my space is starting to get a bit unruly, but I’ll admit that cleaning it up is not at the top of my priority list. The past couple of months have been incredibly good, but incredibly busy. Our condominium has hired an outside administrator, so I’ll be able to reclaim a big chunk of my time. And with the need to stay home, I’m looking forward to a lot more time in the studio. Big hugs to both of you!