Home Piglet,We're going home,because that's the best thing to do right now~
There is something extremely therapeutic about crochet..
The first things I learned..were dishcloths..
I am happy to have a stack by sinks w/ soaps..because not only should you stay home..but you must wash your hands.
You can't know how wonderful.. crochet can be until you get into it.And it didn't happen at once for me..I had to be inspired and want to..and watch you tube video after you tube video until..Eureka.
I am truly a beginner..not sure I can even follow a pattern..
But I can follow you tube videos and excellent tutorials..
I'm repeating myself ..I think I am just trying to share a passion..
The bag for my crochet hooks..was found first at Amanda's.. IG feed..the tutorial at Sew Happy Creative..
But start with something like..at Marian's exquisite blog..
A dishcloth..handy and practical..
Just little things are fun too..that blog Just Pootling ..has a Youtube channel now..she taught us how to make the rainbow key rings..remember the primrose wreath? Same girl..Kate.
I am indebted to all who taught me.
♥
In my searching for things..I came upon a box of clothes a friend's mom made for my girls more than 38 yrs ago..I would guestimate.
Sherril's mom even knit some things w/ toothpicks..I only have several outfits..I think one of my daughters has the other sets..Look at the details♥The skating outfit..all one piece!
Now that..is exquisite craftsmanship.
She was such a nice mom..and like me..Sherril loved her mom so much.
Much less happy note..I made a mask for J and I..I only had enough elastic for two..
I have ordered more..
I wasn't going to..and one night..or day..Linda sent me a pic ..and I thought ..I must make some too..JIC..and as it turns out I need mine..
This is the pattern I used..It was easy.And look..a perfectionist I am not.If you have a machine..and know how to use it..this can work..
I am in awe of people making masks..by the hundreds and either donating..or selling and giving all the proceeds away to charitable organizations that help.
I applaud those selling them for $5.00 ~$8.00 which covers costs ..not time..because not everyone sews..
On the other hand..making a business out of it and charging a lot more....? Well I guess business is business right?
Can't judge right?
One pointed finger points 3 back at us;)
Because I did buy one.. an artist designed the pattern and I have loved her work..when I saw her fabric was used for masks by a commercial company that sells some of her original art into prints or house accessories....I ordered one..I have a good excuse though..a Visa US gift card expiring very very soon..sooner than borders will open...
No shipping fees..no duty because it's under the value ..And it will be another mask I can see for spray painting ..disinfecting etc..One I didn't make..
Are you like me? I always feel what someone else has made is far nicer.
The difference is just so humbling w/ the givers.
On Facebook..which I don't partake in but can see some posts..this was very popular..and if you feel that your face and soul can still smile..
have a peek..it does have some truth in it..
All this blablabla to hopefully inspire you to try something new in case these times are weighing so heavily on you and that you have the time.
Distraction..is a band-aid.As temporary as it may be.♥
And today..is Earth Day~ What a difference a year makes..
Take care..stay home..
She knit with a toothpick? Amazing. Pretty masks and I am lucky to have several that my husband found in his father's work room. But they aren't as cute as yours! And i can't sew! But I did used to crochet. Perhaps I should try again! Take care Monique.
ReplyDeleteYou too Abbe..enjoying all your beautiful food pics!
DeleteDearest Monique,
ReplyDeleteCrocheting, knitting or any craft for that matter is very therapeutic as it takes your mind off from wandering and having negative thoughts. Creating something with your own hands is magical and it doesn't need to be perfect.
May the Canadian families suffering the loss of a loved one in the horrible massacre find Peace.
Hugs,
Mariette
It is a terrible time for everyone sadly.
DeleteDear Monique all look lovely and I was visited these blogs and love someones! I was thinking in kitting again or make some embrodery and of course always baking , how are the kids and yours daugthers? Hubby will begin again at office some days a week (with mask of course) Im a little afraid for him. sigh, Hope all this begin to be better . send you hugs and love
ReplyDeleteSuch worrisome times...
DeleteMy girls are good handling this well..teacher one is home with Noah..she Zooms with students and parents and friends.Her husband is a policeman so he works but can from home some times.My other daughter works full time now from home husband also..the 3 boys are lucky to have each other but school at distance is not easy at all.. 3..That's who I worry about all these young people and jobs and school..the economy..their social hugs and team sports and such.
The sorrow is for all the losses and all the front liners risking their lives.
It's all a lot to take in isn't it?
Take care!
Yes I noticed Esperanza is not happy sometimes she study art so classes at distance is only for some things you know. She really worry . Is not easy.
DeleteMy son is working at home and he is ok by now.
Im glad your girls are ok and the kids too. the only thing that help to stop this pandemia is be at home. All doctors say that!
Take care
Agreed!:)
DeleteMonique, you underestimate yourself. Your crochet work is beautiful, and I'm lucky to have several pieces to atest to that! 😍 My mother crocheted in her retirement years. I have several throws she made for me, warm and comfy. I feel as if I'm wrapped in her arms! She made them for all her grandchildren too. I treasure the handmade and handstitched pieces from my mother. I know the time spent on each, made with loving hands. Now that is a gift! I know your daughters and grandsons feel the same.
ReplyDeleteYour images are so pretty! You have a look like no other. I marvel at how you do it. The darling doll clothes are treasures too. I have a box of doll clothes that my best friend's mother made for me as a birthday present one year. I'll never forget the joy of opening that package. My doll didn't have a beautifu wardrobe like my friend's, and when we played together I suspect my friend's mom noticed. Thoughfulness on so many levels in that gift. I've never been able to part with those pretty little outfits.
I no longer have a machine, so I have not made masks. I did pack up a huge sack of fabric left over from my days as a quilter, and donated it to a group of women immigrants from Afghanistan who are making them for $5 each. I hope it helps them with some income while helping to protect others. We are mandated to wear a mask if we leave our home other than when walking or engaged in other outdoor exercise. No group exercise is allowed, though not all adhere to that mandate. We only get out for curbside pickup of groceries or other necesities.
Happy Earth Day! Stay well, dear friend!
You stay well too..I am envious of your box of doll clothes as they were yours♥
DeleteYou have o many memories of your mom♥
I love how people are coming together..and helping others..I heard of a personal story today and loved it..
I see masks in many futures..xox
I always get caught up visiting the lovely blogs you link to in your posts :) Such creativity! No wonder you are attracting to them and have learned so well. Your crochet hook pouch is adorable! Wish I could go into a store and buy yarn. Those hand knit Barbie clothes are so amazing in their detail and perfect stitches! What a talented lady and so kind to share her creations with your little girls ♥ I can't tell which mask you bought and which you made but they are both terrific. We are lucky to have saved a box of masks from a long while back when there was a flu scare and we had to get on an airplane. John wanted to wear them on the plane that year. Glad we have them and we use them whenever we have to get groceries. Hopefully, this thing will stop it's vile infectious course soon but now they're saying we may have another spike in the fall/winter during the regular flu season. OY. I'm going to be afraid to go into a restaurant even after they do open. Praying for a vaccine. Meanwhile, we'll stay at home too ♥
ReplyDeleteYes we will..Both the masks above I made..the one I ordered is totally different..
Deletehttps://fineartamerica.com/profiles/2-julie-whitmore
I love this artist so much♥
Unaffordable because of US exchange..shipping..duties....all good reasons.
You're so nice to see all this on IG and yet still take the time to visit her♥
That's one thing you know J and I are ok with..no restos;)
Her pottery is simply fantastic.My mask is in her line.Free ship and below value for customs and my US Visa card expiring soon
Your crochet is beautiful. I know how to knit but not crochet.
ReplyDeleteThank you:) take care!
DeleteHi Monique...
ReplyDeleteThose Barbie clothes are amazing...such detail...truly the work of an artiste!!
I have always told you that you picked up the crochet like an expert...reading the patterns comes in time...believe me!! It can be a challenge...💙
Your masks turned out great!! Greg has a dust mask...and I have a yellow gingham one!! hahaha!! Used to always have little scraps of fabric...guess I cleaned all that out!! All I had was gingham...made my girls each one...and Miss V 💜 But...man oh man, are they hot when wearing!!😷
Love your seedlings...love your paintings...gosh, I love everything about your posts!!!
Fingers crossed the numbers will subside...and we can start the "new normal"...whatever that will be...
Cloudy and cool here today...been working on a couple of wee gifts for Lissa...her bday is on Sunday...I know she will love whatever I make...😍
Stay safe my friend...I know J will make sure of that!
Enjoy your Thursday...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Your Lissa and Erica..are such nice grls Linda♥
DeleteThey arore you.
Lissa's birthday..is on Sunday..Fred's Saturday..Alain's was 2 days ago..all these missed birthdays..
I know it's nothing in the big picture but still..
You were the one that inspired me to make the masks:)
Didn't do much today..painted..chatted w/ M and Noah on the phone..
we have dust masks too leftover from J's engineering days..
Have a nice afternoon..J's pizza tonight..
Can't wait to see what you make Lissa♥♥
Ohhhhh...I want pizza!!!😍
DeleteHappy Birthday to Fred!!🎂 And Alain!!
Our Ryan is on Wednesday coming...
dark and gloomy today....
Lots of bdays chez vous too..you were and are a busy nana..momma:)
Delete💙
DeleteI Love your pastel pics ❤️💋🎨
ReplyDeleteThank you:)Take care..
DeleteDon't sell yourself short, my friend. Your crochet work is beautiful. I think you are a natural. And the mask is great. I don't sew so apart from a few given to me by my doctor, I have been given some by some very generous friends, for which I am very grateful. I tried the no-sew version and it wasn't all that effective! Better than nothing.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are just like magic. You must spend forever getting them just right but they are so perfect. Let's all hope that things will ease soon. I'm trying to visualize wearing masks when it's 85 out. But I will... or walk in very desolate areas.
Hi:)
DeleteI promise I spend virtually no time on my pics..and if I have to take more than a few I know they won't be right and I stop.I take pics w/ the exposure cranked up.
If need be once I have sent them to my broken Ipads:( I use Snapseed and Curves..
Snapseed is free and a wonderful tool!!
Not sure about it for Laptops..but for Mini Ipads..just great.and phones..I guess..have not tried.
I had to see a doctor and wore my mask..however 3 other patients were there..we were at least 20 ft apart in the room and their masks were like hospital masks..paper like..I don't have those..and they seem to be fine..
Still I came home..took a shower..washed my hair and clothes.My first out of the house in the car since March 11th.Some appointments cannot be broken.
I did fret overnight..
It was fine.No stops..nothing.
Take care:) Bon weekend!
That video is hillarious. One of my social groups texted it to me and we got such a kick out of it. My coworker's mom had a bunch of fabric and donated over 500 masks. Love seeing your projects.
ReplyDeleteI love these donation stories!♥And yes I found the video ..cute..:) I showed J,not impressed;)
DeleteYou are an artist with your hand, Monique, I'm sure you can make anything. And I like your crochet creations and your color choices.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I can say even more for you:) Your stories add such charm to all you make.Thank you.Take care Amaliax
DeleteAn enjoyable blog M. I also have some handmade items for my kids made over 30 years ago.
ReplyDeleteThe video for homemade masks was funny. That would be me.
I see you are reading Diane Keaton's book. How is it? I always like to peak at that spot to see what's there. Sometimes I like what I see.
Oops my reply is below..Ahhh..but you would not have wine☺️
DeleteI find these days a book has to grab me or I can't get into it..so distracted..
ReplyDeleteI ha e always like Diane Keaton as an actress and I like the books I read.
This one is different..but I liked it.Its a very personal glimpse as always into her family.This is the very sad story of her brother.Its not a happy go lucky book.
I am ok with that.Any good books to recommend?I have to change my sidebar just not sure about the book I just started.
I did just listen to Carly Simons book about her friendship with Jackie Kennedy..Didn't like it.
I emailed you. No wine, correct!
DeleteYour square pouch is beautiful. I used to knit but could never get the hang of crochet which is a shame because I think it's quicker and prettier than knitting.
ReplyDeleteIt's a matter of stubborness:) I was so stubborn I just kept at it:) Thank you!
DeleteHow wonderful that you had enough elastic to make a mask for each of you, especially as you need them at the moment. I keep saying I am going to make ours, and then stuff gets in the way. I better get at it soon or else! All that you have shared here is so beautiful. Of course you know I love your stitching and paintings. Your talents in both areas are exemplary and such an inspiration to me. You are an artist in all that you do. Loved seeing your little basil plants on IG today. I have planted some from seed, but it is purple basil. It was all that I could get. I am hoping it tastes the same. I know it won't look the same. I have my fingers crossed that all I planted will grow. You never know with seed. I planted chives, basil, parsley and lettuce. Now the lettuce will probably grow out my ears if the slugs don't get it first! I am working on my covid blanket at the moment. My fingers itch to do baby things, but without knowing how they would be received, I don't dare risk the attempt. Stay safe and stay healthy dear friend. They say now the UK is set to be the worst in all of Europe. I blame our Government for not shutting things down fast enough. Sad, so sad. Love and hugs and keep on keeping on! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThe situation is not good in QC either ..tragic passings..so unreal Marie never imagined anything like this.
DeleteSchools for primary and day cares re-opening in May on a volunteer basis not obligatory..
Can you imagine the concerns and confusion..
I wish you could make a ton of baby things and that they would graciously received.
You are right seeds can be hit or miss!!
You stay well also..take care
Thanks Monique! I have been thinking about making some cute masks for school for next year...very inspiring and seems like something I may be able to do with my limited sewing experience! Those doll clothes are amazing....wow! Hope you are well! xo
ReplyDeleteYes you can!Straight stitching and the video..the right one..is doable!
DeleteTake carexxx
My mom loved chrocheting...love it when you feature Home Arts....
ReplyDeleteThank you Rita♥
Delete