Quarantine Update

How are you holding up with all the messes going on right now?  2020 continues to surprise and we’re not done yet.  We’ve stayed mainly hunkered down, though a quarantine is not specifically mandated.  I am continually grateful that both Matt and I can work from home.  We’re committed to taking care of our elderly parents who are very strict with their quarantines.  Alas, they’re the only people we see. 

Thankfully, I have my crafts to keep me busy at home, as I’m sure you do, too, dear knitter.

Knitting

There is a great solace to be found with the knitting needles these days.  I have an easy project going now, which helps to keep my hands busy as we binge watch our favorite shows and movies on weekends.  

And I’m loving what knitting designers are publishing these days.  I’ve become a bit obsessed with watching Joji Locatelli’s journals on YouTube….and I’m even listening to some classes on how to perfect the knitted sock.  Because I have more time in the day, I might as well learn some new techniques.

Crafting

As I spoke of recently, I’m doing more of my other crafts since we’re home.  I’m scrapbooking, doing my Project Life very diligently, but I’m also making cards.  I’m even about to start Christmas cards!  Talk about planning ahead!  

For several years, I’ve done Ali Edwards’ December Daily album project, which is a lovely way to catalog the holiday season.   Those kits recently went on sale and I was able to find a few things to add to my stash of embellishments.  

What I’m Reading

Though I don’t read as much as I used to, thanks to knitting, I still enjoy a good book.  And I have two going right now…

• Erik Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts, about a family in Berlin during the onset of World War II.  This is the story of America’s ambassador to Germany during the 1930s, when Hitler comes to power.  It is fascinating and, as a history major, I love how Larson interweaves descriptions and information from primary documents into his writing.  
• Frances Mayes’ Women in Sunlight.  Mayes wrote Under the Tuscan Sun and her new novel takes place, again, in Italy.  And I love Italy.  This story is about three women who become friends while touring a retirement community.  Instead of settling down there, they decide to rent a villa in Italy.  Yes, please!  

My book group chose Mayes’ novel so I had to jump into it in order to get it done on time.   Larson’s book will have to wait a few weeks.  I’ve been very negligent of my book group since COVID started but I’ve decided I need to make an effort to join in on those Zoom calls.  Though I get tired of my computer and Zoom, any contact with humans is welcome these days.

Life

….goes on.  We will get through this time.  And we’ll be better knitters and crafters as a result.  Stay safe and well!