Monday 16 March 2020

Self-Isolating, World War II Rations, Hand Stitching

It seems like the worst of times are upon us. Hubby and I have begun to self- isolate, a new phrase being slung about. Our joke is that this is actually normal living for us with the exception of not seeing the family.  But it is heartening to see how people pull together in hard times.  The Brits are harkening back to war times and the stoic, chin up attitude that saw them through.

 Not quite the same for us of course. In those days people were called to war to fight in horrific battles and on the home front, exist on meager rationed supplies.  We're being told to stay inside with our Netflix and delivered food.  Yes, all the grocery stores in the nearby little town will deliver to our door. (Mind you, that could only last while there are workers healthy enough to work.) But what I have in the sewing room could see me through several long winters of isolation. Plus there is the comfort of online shopping.

I watched this video and enjoyed it...anything about food catches my eye. Katie eats only a WWII rations diet for 5 days. You might even find foods here you grew up with if you are as old as I am.

Before I forget, I must tell you about the embroidered piece in the header as many have questioned. It is called Sew Love Laugh by Leanne Beasley from Leanne's House. A fun piece to work on and it resides now on one of the two painted walls in this house- this in the sewing room. (Purple, the favourite colour of the former owner's little girl.)
I'm finished stitching the first block of the Book Club Hand Pieced QAL.  This one is named after a girl who dreams of opening a quilt shop, Evelyn.
 I enjoyed this design very much and made two of them.  Since I had made the templates by gluing the paper shape onto cardboard, I figured just as well to use them and try out different fabrics from the ones I'd picked.
It is enjoyable slow stitching in front of the t.v. This week will be spent making the next block and finishing the baskets to the flimsy stage.
The Indiana Barred Owl has laid three eggs so now the fun begins. This is the youtube link to the live cam.
                           
Hope you are getting fresh air while staying safe. We have lengthened our two daily walks in an effort to soak up more of the sun and fresh air. Hopefully, boosting our immune systems. Doing what we can.  
Linking  up with Kathy's QuiltsPretty PineyHome Sewn By UsClever Chameleon and Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.

26 comments :

Quilter Kathy said...

What a wonderful blog post! Enjoyed that rations video... interesting challenge!
The quilt in your header is so pretty... I love Leanne's designs but can't find much about her or new designs on the internet these days?
Enjoy your slow stitching and thanks for linking up!

Julierose said...

Yes, we're definitely old enough--hahaha also old enough to remember...scarcity
shortages etc. We are pretty isolated here, too; usually only seeing a few friends and family--but now gmailing them and hunkered down. I will try out my back for a short walk this afternoon...but it is still REALLY cold with that wind off the Sound here...
Nice blocks--I am going back to templates and scissors--rotary work is fading from my capabilities...stay safe ;))) hugs, Julierose

Linda said...

We certainly aren't changing anything about our lives by "self-isolating"! We love the isolation and are carrying on as normal as possible.
I have noticed your gorgeous header and thanks for the info about it. Like Quilter Kathy I hadn't seen much about Leanne in the past few years but I did find her on Instagram. However she doesn't post a lot. I used to LOVE her blog.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I have been thinking of WWII a lot lately even though I am not old enough to have lived it I have read books so much. I am heading out to the store one more time to get more stuff that I think we will need - still no cases near us but it is time to most likely stay home unless we really have to go out for something.
Like you I have plenty of crafty things here at home in the sewing room to keep me busy for several years - well I guess I might need more batting :)

Out To Pasture said...

Very dramatic blocks with the yellow and navy/black accents! Mama Barred Owl looks so peaceful as she broods her eggs. I imagine 'my' screech off somewhere doing the same. Not surprised at our present virus affliction. Over crowding and the wild animal meat market were bound to spread disease. I wonder if those 'wet' markets will be banned or simply go underground. Argh-h-h!

Jill said...

Very nice post. Good reminder to keep these times in perspective. Adorable wall hanging. If I didn’t have a list of projects, I may consider the hand pieced blocks. Thanks for owl link.

Jenny said...

Such an interesting video about WW11 rations, thanks for sharing. I wasn't around till the end of the war, but can remember my Mother telling me about the rationing, which went on for several years later. And when we were at school, would have been early 5os I remember every now and then we were asked to bring a can of something to send to England.
Your header photo is really pretty, nice to see the design in full

Nana said...

It´s the best and most right you can do. Smart!!!!

Nana

Brian's Home Blog said...

Our Mom and Dad are older and we're so hoping wiser, they are mostly home for the duration too. Be safe and take care up that way.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

We stay pretty isolated as well. That's such a lovely quilt. Love your blocks as well.

PaintedThread said...

I like your blocks.

We went out for a big long walk yesterday. Must get out tomorrow (we had distractions today). Enjoy your walking!

Eva H. said...

It is hard time here too.We much have a big hope.
You quilting is so nice.
My warmest greetings to you and your family
Eva from Czech Republic(Europe)

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Your header embroidery is so delightful! Thanks for sharing the link to it - that's very tempting! I'm enjoying the different animal cams, too. A favorite of mine is the Monterey Bay Aquarium jelly cam!

Jenn Jilks said...

It's been quite a time. I'm pretty much a hermit, myself, but did cancel my volunteer client.

Lin said...

Lockdown here in France so no going out except for food, work or medical reasons. We are used to keeping a good storecupboard/freezer as we have a steep drive which can be impassable during the winter in snow or ice.We are fortunate to have a large garden so we are able to get out and walk - thank goodness we are not cooped up in an apartment. Plenty to get on with though - the garden not least and of course always plenty of sewing projects. Stay safe. xx

MissPat said...

I wondered about the embroidery piece in your header, as I could not remember reading a post about it. Looks like it might not be available any longer.
We are slowly making our way back north from FL and will arrive home on Fri. I'm very nervous about being able to restock all the perishables (we've been gone for 10 weeks, so cleaned out the fridge). But I guess there's no point in worrying about it until we get there and check out the stores. Scary time, but at least spring will come soon and we can get outside and in some fresh air. I have lots of sewing to keep me busy.
Pat

Jennie in GA said...

Great job on your hand piecing! Hope you and your family remain well. We are fortunate to have all that we need and actually are enjoying this forced slowing down.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Your embroidery is beautiful. I have been hand stitching too. I find it soothing.

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Jocelyn! Aww, your slow stitching project looks beautiful - I love both of the different fabric choices you made. Stay safe and having a longer walk with extra sunshine and fresh air sounds good to me. Thanks for linking up this week. ~smile~ Roseanne

Michele McLaughlin said...

Love your embroidery header and love your hand piecing! Stay well my friend!

Angie said...

Jocelyn - we are not in the at-risk group, but I believe strongly that we all need to practice as much social distancing as we can if we are going to "flatten the curve", as they say. Thank you for providing the link to the Owl cam - that should provide some entertainment in the days to come. I have also saved the link for the Sew Love Laugh - when I am done with my Violet Protest squares, that will be one of several project I will try and choose between! Stay healthy!

Mary in Peoria Handmade said...

I LOVE Sew LAUGH LOVE. cute title too. Brother and I are self quarantineeing also. We started Monday. I have to go to Pharmacy and labs tomorrow but we don’t go anywhere else except to the grocery store 1 mile away. And that’s just a pick up. I order what I want online, pay for it and they tell me when I can pick it up. It used to be free but is now $5. It used to be available same day but is now 3 days out. I do get some things from Amazon with a warehouse close by but that’s about 5-10 days delivery to the house. I cannot complain. We are blessed to have what we have. I just miss seeing my grandson and my kids. I pray things will improve regarding the Covid 19 soon. Stay safe. Mary

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Thanks so much for that link! I've been watching a few webcams lately. I like to look at downtown Flagstaff! lol We've been there lots of times and it's snowing there now and looks so neat! LOVE your stitching! And how nice that groceries are being delivered. I'll have to check into that here! Stay healthy and happy!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Nice to see your quilt in entirety - lots of stitching on that one! And thank you so much for reminding me about the live cams for the birds - something to enjoy to take our minds off what's happening around us.

Deb A said...

Lovely blocks. Loved the video on WWII. The zoo's are doing daily videos on different things. Cincinnati Zoo is doing a home safari highlighting one animal per day around 3PM. Something to break up the day. So glad your grocery stores deliver to you. Stay safe and happy stitching.

Nancy said...

That piece in your header and on the lavender/purple wall is amazing. Such fine detail. You are an excellent stitcher, Jocelyn.
This morning I was remembering the owl cam you shared last year, trying to remember where to watch again. So glad you posted the link. Do you know if it's the same owl? It was such fun to watch the owlets last year.