Keep Crafting and Carry On – creating during crazy times

I killed a frog on Sunday. It was a traumatic moment as I dug the garden fork into the strawberry patch and brought out more than I had bargained for. I sobbed, Mr M took over and I drank a much earlier than usual G&T. The following day The Spotty One fell ill. Very ill, very quickly and I sobbed some more when the (expensive) French vet told me in a tricky to understand yet strangely soothing manner, my much-loved companion needed a drip and overnight stay at the vet hospital. Following these traumas, lengthy discussions took place between Mr M and I as to whether the adult mini M’s should be notified and since I began sobbing again at the very thought, Mr M called them to tell of The Spotty One. And the frog. The following day was a blur of collecting and fussing our four-legged friend and another early G&T and indeed an early night. The day after things slowly improved; I didn’t sob and I began compiling notes and photos to show you how the mantra keep crafting and carry on through crazy days applies to me. Would you like to see?…

Of course, there has been a great deal of stitchery occuring at my craft table. I am continually inspired by creatives on Instagram and two such accounts have recently posted wonderful projects which pushed all the right buttons for me. The talented Suzanne at the_little_graceful_flower created a sweet spring garden project through her beautiful embroidery skills and the ever artistic Beks @foxglove_and_clover sent me in the direction of my silks and threads with her interpretation of a colourful flower garden.

My first make today, borrowed both these creative ladies ideas. Originally there was just one tiny yellow flower embroidered on this scrap of vintage cotton and I simply added my row of spring flowers alongside. I’ve gathered a few new to me tricks along the way, including machine stitching typewritten words on paper, directly onto a piece of fabric. And I rather enjoy the haphazard placement of buttons and ribbons; feels a little like breaking the rules using a button where it’s not really needed. I remain unsure what this piece will become, do you have any suggestions?

This similar interpretation will be a lavender bag when the time comes to harvest my mini bounty and by then I may have decided to gift the piece and not greedily keep it to myself. Using nothing more than an off-cut of a once torn cotton tablecloth, I wove a thick navy thread through the given holes creating the ribbon like band. Randomly placed pieces of vintage blue fabrics, tapes and buttons were scattered wherever I hoped looked the prettiest. And I left a small opening to pour the lavender in and slip stitch closed. This piece would be simple to recreate or perhaps inspire your own unique design.

I find fabric hearts amongst the most versatile of sewing creations by far. Thin or plump, plain or patterned, embellished or not the look of a heart can be so tailored to the occasion. Mine were created to adorn the Easter tree and so I wanted lightweight and spring like. I used scraps of linen and cotton and embroidered tiny details and added a favourite snip of fabric to one. The filling was simple toy grade stuffing which could be substituted with cotton wool if that was to hand or even dried rice perhaps with a drop or two of your favourite essential oil; this is mine. The simplicity of these hearts comes from using just what you have. A piece of rag, needle and thread and a little stuffing and you have a heart. With Easter now over, these will be added to gifts during the coming months.

Something I have had more time to notice these days, is my varying style of clothing, often selected to suit the task and my mood. Dungarees feel appropriate when I’m at Belle’s writing or in the home making stews and pies; very Little House on the Prairie. Floaty numbers a la Rosablue work when the sun is out with strappy espadrilles and equally as well on rainy days with Chelsea boots and berets. Soon, days will call for a linen dress and coordinating handbag, perfect for a girlie lunch or early evening summer Pimms at the local pub. And more recently I appear to have adopted an arty look consisting of cut down jeans with patches inspired by @annwood who carries the look off with much aplomb.

Having come around in recent times to the voluminous skirt, Mr M is not at all sure about the arty take on jeans, especially when accompanied by washed out, wild and uncontrollable hair. With noticeable roots. He is far too kind to ever mention the hair though. And he was rather intrigued to notice I sat patching my jeans one evening despite the fact they showed no signs of wear and tear. I think they and my t-shirt which did have a real hole, look rather fetching, how about you?

Other ways to keep crafting and carry on for me have included my favourite drying of flower petals for homemade pot pourri later in the year. Who knew bluebells would dry so prettily as indeed does (stolen) blossom and a beautiful and delicate blue flower gathered from a bulb I have no recollection of buying.         

I found this Easter particularly difficult without my adult Mini M’s. I recalled days when the children were small and we would meet with our friends at the church Easter workshop. Every year small groups of children would take part in all manner of creative fun. It was aimed totally at the kiddies yet I promise I enjoyed it far more. Some of my closest friendships to this day were made there: You know who you are. And every year that wonderful biblical garden scene would be created outside in the spring sunshine. Fast forward twenty years and who knew I would try my hand at a mixed media(ish) interpretation of The Garden of Gethsemane, a welcome addition to my junk journal. “Ahh well done Mum” chirped the mini M’s in unison as I FaceTimed my art form. “That’s just perfect!” they agreed, each one quite clearly relieved they were not quarantined at home with their mother.

This double page seaside spread made its way to the pages of the journal inspired in part by Kirstie Allsopp and her Channel 4 series Keep Crafting and Carry On and my new mixed media pins on Pinterest. I actually think it is possible to lose half my week in amongst that search engine should I ever be permitted. This piece is a work in progress; something creative needs to occur where sky meets sea. No rush, we may be here sometime.

And our greenhouse and gardens have enjoyed much attention during these crazy lock-down times too. Although that enjoyment my friend, will follow in the coming weeks; I know how to dish out the excitement and it is not in one fell swoop.

Join me next week when maybe lock-down may not be quite so prescriptive. Until we know otherwise though, stay safe and stay at home and keep crafting and carry on…x

And you can keep crafting and carry on with these crafts too! This one is perfect for postal gifts for loved ones, this easy up-cycle would look beautiful in any room in the home and don’t forget this simple idea for the garden too!