It’s been three months with limited human/outside world contact. I’m working from home, and grateful to be able to do so. I’m tempted to roll out of bed and over to my computer in my jammies every morning, but my co-workers randomly video-call me from time to time. It’s nice to do a load of laundry or get the slow cooker going in between working, but I’m losing all concepts of time. I didn’t even realize I got paid last Friday until Monday! My days are all the same: Watch the news/work/play Animal Crossing New Horizons/work/dinner/play Animal Crossing New Horizons.

Funny how art imitates life, no?

I go into the office once a week. I’m one of the lucky 10 people who get to go to work for a few hours to do tasks that can’t be done electronically. We all wear masks, we all stand far away from each other when we talk, and–God help us–sometimes when we talk we actually take a step back from each other.

Taking walks during the day is nice, though. Otherwise, my trips to the office and the grocery store are the only other times I leave the house. (Full disclosure: My local Joann’s is “not really open but open” if you want to buy materials to make masks and PPE. I’ve taken a few road trips…)

So what to do while self-isolating at home? The psyche-health experts recommend taking up a new hobby. Does drinking count? Lately I’ve been all about the margaritas. When the CDC recommended we all wear face coverings in public, it seemed like a good time to get out my sewing machine and take another crack at sewing.

Face masks seemed like a simple way to start, a simple but necessary thing. The CDC recommendation gave way to a state order, and I wanted to be ready. https://www.missouriquiltco.com/msqc/tutorial/DIY-face-mask The Missouri Star Quilt Company has a good, simple pattern for non-medical grade masks. I’ve made several of these by now for myself, and I’ve given them out to friends and co-workers. I’m worried that when we all eventually return to work, we’ll be wearing masks for a while so I want to have enough on hand in between laundry days.

This is the first mask I made. Just ignore the dead succulents in the background. Dig that awesome retro chair vibe! The pattern uses fabric to make ties. It’s a little time consuming with all the pressing, but I actually really like making fabric ties. It’s a useful skill to have. Considering every sewing retailer online is regularly sold out of cotton twill tape, it’s a great option.

Who could have predicted that face masks would be THE must-have accessory of 2020? At least I can use a lot of fun fabrics that hopefully will make some people smile while we’re all out and about, looking like we’re all going to hold up a liquor store.

I’m happy to say that I’ve branched out into other projects as well. CHECK IT OUT….PILLOW CASES! I know we all made them in 7th grade Home Ec class or whatever, but I’m PROUD!!

Currently I’m halfway through a tote bag using some amazing fabric with Miss Fluff tattoo-inspired sailor girls and mermaids. Fingers crossed I don’t F- it up!

I love my Singer 3232–it’s PURPLE! My one complaint though is that the threading tool is extremely hit-or-miss. I have quicker results with the good old “lick and squint” method of needle threading. But I’m quickly making friends with it.

Seriously, at this point I should just sign my paychecks over to Spoonflower…