Life in Quarantine Mode

Life in quarantine mode means crazy days are here. Like everyone everywhere we are doing life in quarantine mode due to the covid-19 virus. We watch the numbers climb for cases in town, the state, our country and across the world. The road in front of our home is empty of drivers as people stay home to stay safe and protect others.

All our kids’ college and cosmetology courses are now being conducted online. So far in the past three weeks, I have had a manicure, a spa day, been a model for diy sugar waxing (on my arm) and been a first haircut. It’s been fun. Last week, I was the recipient of some beautiful nail art.

Sewing Masks

This week I spent some time learning how to sew surgical masks for non-virus medical workers. I hate to say nursing staff because I’m not really sure. I broke out the sewing machine, elastic, fabrics and interfacing. It is a way to stay busy and focused. If I think too much then my mind tends to panic. It’s a horrible photo but I was focused on getting them sewn rather than taking good photos. I will make more later this week.

Yes, you do see a Star Trek mask there in the mix. I did sew some little ones for the grandkids. I’m not sure why but I did have little scraps and it worked out. ( I wrote this a week or two ago and now the stores are requiring masks if you are going in to shop.) I haven’t seen the grandkids in ages and it hurts, but precautions are being taken to protect the newest little Stewart, arriving in August.

Crocheting New Blankets

The two baby blankets are finished and a rainbow afghan is started. My ability to concentrate is down and I’m not sure why. It feels much like waiting for major surgery. Busy hands are happy hands or at least less anxious hands. This pattern is being a problem. I’m still having difficulty writing the squares to come out right. The border is blocked and it looks beautiful. Photos of the finished product still haven’t been taken, but that will happen soon. You can see the yarn as it arrived here.

The Cotton Waves baby blanket just feels so good. I love the colors in it. The definition of the stripes is so much clearer than in an acrylic or a wool blanket. I think it will just wash softer and softer; like a good pair of jeans. It is also finished all the way to weaving in all the ends!

Another rainbow blanket is in the works. Did you remember when I bought a ton of yarn in February. I am thrilled that it is getting used so quickly. This is 4 gauge yarn and it is working up quickly using an H hook. Originally I was by trying to use yarn from U.S. yarn manufacturers and translating one of my other patterns to Lion brand yarn. It didn’t work out well at all so this is an entirely different rainbow blanket. The bright colors are cheerful and help keep my spirits up. There will be a pattern up for you as soon as I finish the blanket and take the photos.

Painting in quarantine

Painting is one thing that I’m trying to do more of during this quarantine. It seems to center me and it is my mental health exercise every day. Nothing is earth shatteringly great but I’ve discovered some great tutorials and new skills to try out. I’m also painting two pieces of furniture; a piano bench and a chaise for the patio.

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Life is crazy

I’m out of step or out of sync. My schedule keeps shifting all over the place and Life is crazy. I would tell you how grocery ordering is crazy but I’m sure you know all about it personally. Life in quarantine mode is not easy but you know that.

Today, I need to clean the house or at least dust and vacuum.

I’m praying for you and your family that all will stay healthy and well.

Talk to you later,

Karen