Friday 3 April 2020

Love in the Time of Corona.

Dearest Lovelies in Crochetland, happy Friday and Happy New Month! 💗

I'm not even going to try and be upbeat today. I'm not going to lie about how I've been feeling. Even for someone like me who works from home and is the definition of a homebody, this enforced 21-day lockdown we are living with here in South Africa, is getting to me. Not because I am in any way disadvantaged but my thoughts, at 3am, stretch out to our wider, more vulnerable communities, and with a sick feeling of dread in my stomach, I fear for what is still to come.

Rather than bury my head in a squishy pile of colourful yarn balls I am making a point of staying marginally informed about what's been happening in our wider world. Italy. Spain. My heart!! So many countries in Europe where I have lived, worked and travelled and enjoyed unparalleled freedoms are now " locked down ". It's the sharp contrast that affects my emotional equilibrium these days. As a classic overthinker, my biggest challenge has been to keep breathing deeply, still my panicky thoughts and try to get on with, and enjoy my simple daily tasks and crafts.

Some things I have found incredibly useful to keep my mind from wandering to sadder thoughts or very deep anxiety:

💜1. Keeping a daily diary where I list everything I need to do on that day. Even the mundane tasks like washing dishes, doing laundry or clipping a hedge. I add it all to the list. Then I work through the list which, at the end of the day, makes me feel I've accomplished something every day rather than just curling up in a ball and fretting.

💜2. Keep up regular routines and personal standards. For example: eating meals at the dining room table ( properly laid, with candles for dinner ), not in front of the telly. Shower early, make the bed, get dressed and eat breakfast before 9am on weekdays. Making sure all snacks and meals are what my body needs, not what my body is demanding ( crisps, cookies and chocolate! ). My thinking is that if I allow things to slide, including myself, it's just going to make me feel a whole lot worse when Covid-19 is behind us.

💜3. Keeping up social media accounts. This requires discipline because the natural inclination when you're feeling anxious and/or depressed is to withdraw. Keeping in touch with the wider world through social media is a blessing for sure. I've made a point of sharing positive and amusing memes or stories and not latest updates on the spread of Covid-19. Thank you, communications technology!

💜4. Stay on track with my Design "work". This requires a certain mindset which is extremely beneficial when you apply it. Fully engaged with designing is definitely a calming meditation.

💜5. Accepting that this awful Virus is going to be with us for many, many months has been very hard to do. There is a saying " adapt or die ". I choose to accept that we are entering a phase of a "new normal " and I'm working on adapting. Not easy!!

I know that many of you Lovelies are going through the exact same emotional rollercoaster ride as I am. I'm sending you all a HUGE virtual hug. I know it's scary times right now but you are going to be alright! 💗

And, of course, it's not all doom and gloom, right?
Once again, I'll be making 3 x patterns FREEEE for the weekend starting.....NOW! I've called these weekends " Love in the Time of Corona ", after one of my favourite books, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

I'm beginning to run out of patterns to give away! LOL!

This weekend, from your list, I've picked:

 🌹  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/midsummer-solstice


 🌹  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunrise-beach-square



🌹  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-amanzi-block-throw


Hang on....there's more!

Tadaaaa...PART 2 of the Green Tea Extension is live! As soon as the Extension is completed I will make the Block + Extension FREE for 24 hrs. So keep your peepers peeled for that announcement!

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/green-tea-extension




Let me know how you are coping with self-isolation in your patch of Crochetland? How are you managing your stress levels and have you found certain things helpful? Please share with us?

Stay safe, stay calm and crochet on, Lovelies!
💗 Jen




40 comments:

  1. hi jen thanx once again for the freebies ~ i will not make use of the offer as i had purchased those long time ago - my amanzi is 3/4 finished. however i cant work on it now - i am in the process of relocating (wouldve been in my new province had it not been for lockdown) so i have mixed emotions at this time. majority of my household has been boxed, i am busy with the final clearing up, which by the way i stopped with when i realised i have to stay for at least another 21 days and for the past week i was in a "bad" space...... but all is good now... i decided today is the day to finish the last packing and then wait for the lockdown to come to an end. i have 3 balls of wool that i kept out just to crochet some small things but the rest of my stash etc is already boxed (including my amanzi lol) i am looking so forward to the new chapter in my life and crochet all your beautiful patterns. i am really looking forward to your freebie on green tea as i have not purchased that one yet, mainly due to financial reasons. once again thanx for your generosity and know that you will be blessed for all your kindness to everyone across the globe in this difficult time we are all facing. take care and stay safe - big virtual hug to you too xx

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    1. I wish all will turn out for the best hlm1312 hugs

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    2. To think we are all in this together is heartwarming yet bitter sweet as it's for a very serious reason. But here we are, conforting each other in our own way and this is the silver lining around the dark clouds. Love and hugs! xx

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    3. dearest jen and tineke thanx so much for words of comfort! it is most appreciated ~ i believe we will get through this.. lots of love and hugs hazel xx

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  2. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I love the High Tea I just completed and want to start another one soon. Busy now working on masks for friends and family. Wearing a mask when you go out is a good idea in that it keeps YOU from touching your face which is what one doctor says is the main way it is transmitted. It keeps you aware of what you are doing. Keeps other people away from you as well. Take care everyone.

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    1. I ordered 6 cloth facemasks which are designed to help you not touch your face. I shared them with Mr HooksnTales and my son and his GF who live next door. We don't leave the house without them. Now I am making some at home as well. I never thought I'd be making masks like these in my life, ever! Take care and enjoy your weekend! xx

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  3. Hi Jen.
    Thank you so much for the extension. Am eve. Happy it’s rIning today, now I can start.
    Please don’t worry to much. Just be happy! And stay save🥰💖💝💖💝

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    1. I am definitely overthinking...it's such a bad habit and I should use this time to break the habit! :D Stay safe and happy weekend! xx

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  4. Hi Jen, you make the point so beautifully! Hang in there - we will all adapt and flourish in the new normal somehow. Prayers for strength, peace, courage, good health and tons of God's amazing grace to to you. Lots of love xxx

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    1. Humans are funny creatures... we hate change and fight it with all our hearts when we don't have a choice...then again, we are designed to adapt! Maybe just going with the flow, the path of least resistance, is the sane way to go. I've just pepped talked myself into a better mood! Lol! Happy weekend and stay safe! xox

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  5. Thank you very much for the patterns, it's very much appreciated. Your blog post really hits the nail on the head for me. I'm feeling very anxious for the future - personally and on a world wide level. It is getting to all of us now, having to stay in, not being able to see family and friends, not being able to travel, queuing to shop and many things not being available. I struggle with depression and it's hard to keep motivated to keep going normally (as much as is possible). I have two children though and so have to get up and go for their sakes. I just bought them a hot tub so that they can get out in to the garden and have some fun so watching them will be good today. The only thing to do is try hard to be as normal as you can,keep routines and reach out to people on social media. I will be following some of your tips to help with this. Stay safe and thank you again. Love, Deb x

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    1. Usually people say we should not get into too many routines because we can end up in a rut but from persoanl experience, going through tough times it was the little routines that helped keep me afloat through the storms. In this case, they will work too. Having children who depend on you is also a great excuse for getting out of bed...been there. Sending a huge hug, stay safe, stay calm...this too shall pass. xox

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  6. Thank you for the patterns again! Today I'm failing on point 2 - there's a loaf of white bread and a loaf of raisin bread sitting in the oven and a chocolate cake cooling down on the counter. I'm blaming the grey skies and wet weather we've had for days now.Its perfect crochet weather and I don't feel like doing any.

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    1. Grey skies and wet weather are to blame for many a muffin belly...LOL. As my friend Noelene says, eat the chocolate ( cake ) then send me the rest. Enjoy your weekend, stay safe! xx

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    2. Thanks Jen - cakes in the post!

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  7. Hello dear Jen, here in The Netherlands we are facing another 3 weeks of lockdown. One day a week I am going to my work and the rest of my days I spend at home. I get up at my usual time and have my meals at the usual time. Walk the dog a bit longer than usual. And I am happy to be able to crochet the rest of the time. Currently working the Golden Tea. Please stay safe and healthy and thank you for all your wonderful patterns. They keep me sane in these times of Corona. Love �� Lia

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    1. Wow, Lia still 3 weeks to go! I'm worried here that they will extend the 21 days.I'm also walking my dog Roxy but we can't leave our properties. So I made a walk for us, in the back door, through the house, out the front door, then around the small garden x 20! She loves it! :D Take care and happy weekend. xox

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  8. Hi Jen., I've been a fan of your designs for a while. thank you very much for your generosity. Just last week, I was in the verge of a relapsing deppression. Then I saw your giveaway on your facebook. And then this blog post. Reading this has lived up my spirit again. It makes me realised that this pandemic hit us all hard. I am not alone. Thank you jen.. i just can't thank you enough for the love you share with us through these amazing and wonderful patterns. Stay safe..a nd stay healthy.
    Much love and hugs from Indonesia.
    ❤❤❤❤❤

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    1. Hello my dear... we really are in this together. You are not alone in your feelings. Reach out and stay connected. It helps to know many of us are struggling through each day, even on a normal day and now this...it's not normal.We need to support each other.Take good care of yourself, make sure you eat well and get some sleep...even if it's naps through the day if you can. You'll need to be VERY kind to yourself, as if you were your own child. Sending warm hugs your way! Much love! xox

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  9. Thank you for all the patterns you have so kindly given away. I watch the news at 6.30pm for only the highlites, its far too depressing to watch the details. I have my children at home so meals and general every day housework is a constant, but when I have time I crochet and if I am getting anxious, I take myself and my little dog for a walk around the house, its good for him and me. I also try not to think too much about what the future holds, otherwise my depression and anxiety will take over and Ill be useless to my family. Take care and thanks again.

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  10. Thank you, Jen, for the inspiration and the amazing patterns! Your designs are works of art; your "lift up" attitude a breath of fresh air in this time of trouble. Thank you!!! Cat

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  11. Thank you! Crochet is saving my sanity.

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  12. Big hugs to you dear Jen.You're not alone we are all here for you 24/7 and if you feel like chocolate I give you permission to nibble on a tiny corner and send the rest to me.Keep strong lovely lady and never ever stop your gorgeous design work Xx

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  13. Oh Jen, so generous of you. Lost my Amanzi when my laptop went down, it's on Ravelry to pick up again but I feel the excitement others have by getting such a lush gift. Keeping those hands busy in times as this will keep a lot of people sane. Big hug dear.

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  14. Thank you so much, this is very generous!! Have a wonderful weekend. I will keep my peepers open for Green Tea!

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  15. Thank you so much , thats so beautiful of you to share with us . I love your Work Greatings from Finland

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  16. Sigh.... I can't buy new yarn. So I went through stash and plan on making a blanket with the Sunday Folk Hexie. Along with 5 other blankets to start and finish. As well as homeschooling my 15yr old. Which for me is worst part of all this. And since we can't go anywhere we are trying to potty train the 3yr. It's long over due and he is NOT cooperating. So staying busy and waiting on spring here in Canada!

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  17. Thank you so much for the patterns
    I think most of the people in the whole world have the same feeling as you, but by praying to the Lord this epidemic will be revealed, and the sick people will recover. These days will be painful memories, and we pray for those who died by mercy.

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  18. Your mental-survival ideas are great, something we can all benefit from. Xx

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  19. Dear girl, thank you again for such lovely presents. Big hugs to you (from Upstate NY is far enough for social distancing). You're right, adapt, change and grow. I was alarmed when the Fox News ticker at the bottom of the screen mentioned South Africa cases were going up. Stay in and stay safe! Cooking gets to be creative too when your supplies in house dwindle. Very grateful that I found you.

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  20. We've been in lockdown for 3 weeks, likely to be at least another 3 months but plenty to do and social media, crochet, phones and video calls to keep us going. Also the garden will be available when the weather's warmer!
    Keep safe and well, this will end and it will be a bright new dawn. xxxxxx

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  21. Thank you so much Jen for giving me the chance to crochet the Amanzi-square for free using my yarn stash. One of the many worries right now are money and since I've been eying your beautiful cushion squares for a while I'm very grateful to you for making it available <3. Where I live we are just sitting here waiting for the virus to find us and it is terrifying. I'm terrified of getting really sick and having to leave my furbabies who keep me sane, and I'm terrified of having to go to hospital. And I'm worried about my elderly relatives who are more exposed at the moment than I am. Soo much anxiety and worry… But thank you for cheering me up with beautiful patterns <3

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  22. Thank you for the beautiful extension Jen! I am off to get started on this gorgeous creation of yours which will keep me happy and switched off from the craziness of our world in this time. X

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  23. Hi Jen, Thank you for the beautiful patterns. My mother used to make beautiful pillows similar to your patterns, but not so lovely. You are truly a master of the craft. How I wish I had kept her patterns. I cannot find the patterns for the Green Tea motif. Has it been uploaded yet? I do not want to miss it. Once I download it I will be anle to purchase the other part of the pattern. I like your ways of coping with corona. I have a son who lives with his wife in Manhattan and I worry so much about them. My other son lives in Connecticut with his wife and children. I miss the grandkids so much I think that keeping a journal like you do will help me keep myself focused. Crocheting will help, too. Keep up the beautiful work you do and live each day to the fullest. Patricia

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    1. I was too late to download the green tea extension due to time difference but I am grateful for the freebies Thank you for sharing I do appreciate it

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    2. I was too late to download the green tea extension due to time difference but I am grateful for the freebies Thank you for sharing I do appreciate it

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  24. Hi Jen, I have just discovered you. Had great fun doing your Amazin Block. Am currently working on the Equinox Cushion Block however I cannot find the video for rounds 25 to 28. Can you help me? The link listed is https://youtu.be/hro3Qq18CrU but it says it is unavailable. Cheers Anya

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  26. Please enter my Raverly ID : MariaParrishOtt to your free giveaway patterns. Your work is greatly appreciated and quite beautiful.
    Thank you,
    Maria

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  27. Green Tea and extension is another beautiful design. Thank you for sharing your designs, they are so beautiful. Ravelry name is MariaParrishOtt

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