Wednesday 22 July 2020

Crafting Mojo

I've done very little crafting for weeks now. When my dad first went into hospital, we were unable to visit him because of the restrictions surrounding coronavirus. It was such a worrying time and crafting was the last thing on my mind. There was an odd time when I wanted something to do with my hands and I found adding a square to my scrappy blanket was the perfect thing.


It doesn't take too long and one small square was just the outlet I needed without picking up something bigger. My blanket is still in the beginning stages but it's growing slowly and I'm loving the mix of colours. I'm not too precious about what colours are placed next to each other, if I get a bit of a clash it just adds to the scrappy concept.


I've had two pairs of socks on the needles for a while now, they haven't had much added to them, there's been just a row knit here and there. It's quite some time since I've used the Fish Lips Kiss Heel pattern so I decided it was high time I pulled it out of the pattern pile, I've substituted the heels in each of the patterns I'm knitting with it. I had to refresh my mind with the details again as I'd completely forgotten how to knit it but each of these socks have had the heels added now.


I came to a halt on the wedding sampler I'm cross stitching for my niece after A Change Of Date. I'm just at the very last bit now but I shall stitch that nearer the time. It was time to start something new and in the days after my dad's death I picked up my needle and started He's a Flake by Little House Needleworks. It's only a small chart but I haven't managed to get much done yet. There's no rush though.


I wanted to mention the knitted hearts that people have been knitting for hospitals throughout the UK. Knitters have been making matching pairs of hearts which hospitals are giving to families who are unable to visit their loved ones because of the coronavirus pandemic. One heart is given to the patient and one to their family to help them feel connected whilst separated at the worst possible time. We were unable to visit for the first week my dad was in hospital and we were given one of these hearts, my dad was given the matching one, such a lovely gesture. We were lucky, we were able to visit for the remainder of time he was there but I know so many people haven't had the chance to say goodbye to their loved ones, my heart goes out to them. I went to visit my dad at the chapel of rest prior to his funeral and he still had the heart with him there.

My crafting mojo seems to be returning slowly so I'm hoping to make some headway now with the projects I've got on the go and I'm even considering having a go at a new craft too, but more of that another time.

19 comments:

  1. Life certainly is'nt easy is it Jo? And mid age is the most difficult in my opinion. We have our children and parents to look after and we do our best.
    I'm glad you are getting back into crafting, although its hard to make a start it really does give a lift when we are feeling low.
    I love the idea of making those little square and the blanket looks beautiful.
    Chin up Jo, all is well.
    Briony
    x

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  2. I wish my crafting mojo would return. He hears are a wonderful comforting idea that has helped so many.

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  3. All your crafty bits are coming along well, Jo. The knitted hearts is such a lovely idea - and how wonderful that your dad still had his with him. 💕

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  4. There's no rush, you have a lot of healing to do, our crafting is always waiting for us to come back. Loving your scrap blanket.

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  5. What a lovely idea to give the matching hearts!

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  6. Your scrappy blanket is looking lovely. It's not surprising at all that you haven't been feeling the urge to craft. I haven't picked up my knitting needles in weeks, and I don't even have any excuse. There are just times when it doesn't flow and that's fine. It'll return.
    Take care Jo
    xx

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  7. I remember seeing about the knitted hearts on social media. It's a nice touch in these strange times.

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  8. Ahhh, I hadn't heard about the hearts, how touching. Good to see you are crafting and knitting again.xxx

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  9. Pleased that your crafting mojo seems to be returning.
    I think the knitted hearts is a brilliant idea.

    All the best Jan

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  10. Oh I knew nothing of the little knitted hearts. What a sweet and kind idea. Grief is hard work Jo, you are in my thoughts! and prayers

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  11. Lovely uplifting post Jo! I love all your projects! It's so hot here that I have given up on leaving the house and am working in my sewing room on a big pile of hemming and finishing some very old wips. 💖

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  12. I love the colours in your scrappy blanket. I'd never heard about the knitted hearts but I think it's a lovely touch to help those in hospital to stay connected with their families - I'm glad your dad still had his.

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  13. The hearts are a beautiful story, it is not something I was aware of. We all have ups and downs with crafting even without something major happening in life, it will always be there for you to pick up and enjoy when you are ready. Hugs. x

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  14. You have some lovely pieces of craft that you're working on. You can do a little bit on something of your choice when you feel like it. A variety of craft work is a good idea too. I've just started some embroidery, but will alternate with crocheting a few more squares to add to my blanket. It'll be interesting to see what new craft you're thinking of doing.

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  15. You've got some lovely projects on the go. The hearts for the hospital is such a lovely idea.

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  16. It's only natural that your crafting mojo would disappear for a while Jo the good thing is with us crafty people it always returns. The hearts were a lovely gesture and I'm sure they gave comfort to many. I like your scrappy blanket it's a while since I made one and I have a lot of tiny balls so it's a thought. That little cross stitch is lovely, it's ages since I made socks too, I looked at the Fish Lips Kiss Heel pattern in the past but it way way too complicated for me, I have to stick to a basic design. xx

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  17. All great projects. I love the idea of a heart, so thoughtful. My daughter sent me a wooden hug that I can hold when I am missing family, such a lovely thought.

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  18. How is your dad feeling, Jo? I love the scrappy blanket and the socks on the go, and the hearts are brilliant, what an idea!
    Amalia
    xo

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  19. I had heard about the hearts, I hope yours gave your some comfort Jo. It is good to have several projects on the go isn't it, to suit what we feel like doing. I am glad to have been able to find something that you have wanted to do in this last few difficult weeks.

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