Monday, March 23, 2020

My block today was very much like a Drunkard’s Path; when I saw it I remembered that Jessie (from Thursday sewing) had mentioned the way she did a Drunkard’s Path with no seams on the curve. I gave it a try and the block was done very quickly. Because I was translating the pattern from curved piecing to my own version the finished block came out a bit smaller than it should have. No problem though as these blocks vary in size from six to eighteen inches. And if you don’t recognize the pattern as a Drunkard’s Path the fabrics I picked will definitely make you feel slightly wobbly.

I also took out that seam on the block I did yesterday. It didn’t matter how many times I looked at the blocks on the design wall (actually on the floor of the spare bedroom) my mind saw the error.

I walked up to the mail box at Seven-11 this morning. I had to slow my pace so I didn’t overtake an elderly gentleman walking with a cane. There were a couple of kids walking a dog on the other side of the street but I was able to maintain my distance both ways.

Since I didn’t have a chance to cross stitch yesterday I decided that would be my afternoon’s “work”.

Pat and I have decided not to go to Texada tomorrow; the health authorities are advising against travel in the region. The ridership on the ferries is very low and sailings could be cancelled at any time and with short notice. Getting groceries is a bit safer here than in the little market on Texada; although we don’t need anything at the moment that will likely change as this isolation continues. We had the last flights in and out today until May 3rd.

So now I can start unpacking!

Sunday, March 22, 2020

I spend most of the day working on my Covid-19 block. I think I sewed every seam twice and I still didn’t get it right; can you see my mistake? If not, don’t keep looking. If you can, get over it because I did. I’m not sure I’ve ever made a 15″ block; it is almost big enough to count as a miniature quilt the next time we meet.

To add a bit more time to my morning sewing, I made a mistake on my Leader and Ender project and had to do a bit of reverse stitching to sort it out.

I really wanted to get at some cross stitching this afternoon but I’m still in the midst of tidying up and packing up for our trip to Texada. I tried to think of everything I might need/want and decided that along with my projects and quilting I will take all my tools and gadgets so I won’t be missing anything essential. We won’t leave until Tuesday so I have another day to sort out the electronics, etc. I don’t usually stay over more than a few days but this is looking like at least a week-long stay.

Stay isolated and stay healthy!

Saturday, March 21, 2020

I’ve been complying quite happily with all the new rules and orders that have come about due to the virus. In fact, I’ve been enjoying myself every day. Self-isolation isn’t that difficult and I’m taking a more active role on Facebook; I usually lurk and like, rather than comment, on friends’ posts.

After talking to Kathryn last night (a health-care worker in a care home) and knowing how stressed she is I’m going to be a bit more serious about things. She is not alone in this fight and she is perhaps luckier than some as her children are older and day care isn’t an issue for her. Pat and I are also lucky that this comes at a time when we are retired; it would have been much more difficult if we had to decide whether or not to go to work and, perhaps, forego pay cheques. The workers on the front line are not only putting their own health at risk, but they will also be suffering from the stress. So to anyone who is considered an essential worker and those who are helping to keep us safe and fed during this time – thank you.

I finished up my block of the day in record time this morning. It was a 12″ block but it wasn’t very complicated. I can safely say that this was the first block of all that I have done that I could see making more of and turning it into a wall hanging or table topper.

This afternoon Pat and I both worked out in the yard; I wait until afternoon so it is a bit warmer but today it felt quite hot in the bed I was working in. I pulled out a lot of Creeping Jenny as it was smothering the plants I have been growing in the bed (because of the sun it gets) and I was surprised at how much the sedums and hens and chicks have spread. When it warms up a bit more (and I’ll be following friends who know such things) I want to plant some sunflowers in that bed.

We are doing fine for groceries. We used the last of the bread so I’m making more in the bread maker. Pat asked for cheese bread but the recipe called for cottage cheese and I ate the last of the container at lunch yesterday. Who knew that egg whites were a good substitute. I’m not sure I’ve ever made this recipe before but Pat says he’s sure it will be good so I’m going with that!

I finished my knitting project last night so I’ll start another shawl tonight.

Friday, March 20, 2020

Early this morning Pat suggested we go over to Texada as both of our Monday meetings were cancelled, or at least not happening face-to-face. That got me thinking of all the things – sewing things – I needed to pack. And all the books I might want and maybe my cross-stitch project and who knows what else.

Our sense of economy prevailed though and we decided to stay home until Monday when we, as seniors, can ride for free. My best laugh of the day came when Pat asked me if I had enough to do at home if we stayed a few more days!

It took me all morning but I got my Day Four block finished before lunch – a rather late lunch because there was also some Hall stuff to take care of. That work should ease off until we re-open the Hall. I think all the quilting events that were scheduled have now been cancelled, including our Tuesday bees (not that I had any plans to attend).

I’ve been doing a bit of work on another Splendid Sampler block. It requires some hand stitching so I’ll get at that and hope to have the block done before supper.

I keep thinking the hats I’m knitting will be finished but I had to start over on the third one because I ran out of yarn. I’ve started again and I am making a smaller size so I hope it works.