Ukrainian Whitework, Hardanger and ....

 I’m midway through another two Sewing Sets for the Great Nieces.   And I’m justifiably tired of this project!   The hardanger one will get completed as I’m currently working on the bag. 

 Pincushion, scissor fob and needle book are done - minus a couple of finishing touches such as scissors and a fastener on the needle book.  I put emery in the scissor fob to add weight - a satisfying touch that will also be useful for keeping needles healthy.

But the Ukrainian Whitework set has come to a grinding halt.   I finished the needle book and the scissor fob.  They too need the scissors and a fastener for the book.   In this scissor fob I put a New Zealand $1 coin - a satisfactory weight and a secret that may well go undiscovered into posterity😉.  I cannot summon up the enthusiasm at present to complete this sewing set so it will sit in the box while I work on my next “itch to stitch”.  

At the same time I have been working on a Quiet Book for my newest Great Niece.   She is only 3 months old so I have plenty of time to work slowly on this but I am thoroughly enjoying it.

So far 1) a zip up tent with a small teddy bear who sleeps inside fastened by a press stud (dome).   He's tied by a ribbon so can't get lost!

2) the centre page -  fruit in a bag that can be buttoned on to its matching pair 

3) threading a mouse through the holes in the swiss cheese from his little 'mouse hole'

My face is slowly recovering from the fall but my confidence to go out walking has completely disappeared.  I needed to go to the post box a day or two ago and it required the summoning of tremendous amounts of courage for just that 20 minute stroll.  Even the fact that I got there and back safely hasn’t restored me to the regularity of daily exercise so I think I will join a gym and use their treadmill - surely handholds on each side of me, even if not used, will be enough to get me back to my regular 60 minutes a day?

And I have the Downton Abbey movie to look forward to at the end of next week.  Yay!

Strange Day

My doctor phoned me for an entirely unnecessary consultation and ordered a repeat prescription for me (albeit I had ordered one by internet 10 days ago)- faxed directly to the pharmacy which is located in the local supermarket and therefore costing an extra $5!   So with a homemade mask and gloves from my first aid kit I took my new car out in the rain and collected the medicine.   How obedient am I?!   I discovered that most NZ'ers don't seem able to gauge a 2 metre separation distance, that baking goods have been panic bought and shelves are empty, that supermarket staff are angelically patient and careful and that I need to get used to a reversing guide on the screen and not twist my neck when backing out of a car park! 

Then it was home to ignore the DBEM's "are you going to dry off your car?" (no, it can dry itself off naturally!!); complete the sewing for Great Niece E's little dress; finish off the matching rag doll; discover that one of the eBooks from my library was due to expire so hurriedly finish that; eat unnecessary chocolate; discover that six of my carrot seeds have sprouted -  all in all a less than productive day.   It's the rain that did it - on a fine day I get out for a walk and feel better for it:)

Anyway Great Niece E at 10 days old is doing better and she has a summer dress to look forward to when they eventually return to NZ.   And a matching dolly.   However at this stage these are virtual gifts sent by photo only.   Dratted virus has curtailed even the minimal services that NZ Post was offering pre-Covid 19!

And with that March 2020 comes to a close.   Until next...  Keep safe, keep well.