WOYWW 570

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU....

My family are very aware of how lucky we are at the moment, it's easy for us to get through lockdown but we are so conscious of others who are struggling - Elizabeth W in particular who has had a very worrying week with Alan being so very ill after she had COVID19. I'm sending her lots of love, hugs and positive thoughts.

I don't know if you read Julia's post on Thursday last week but she was discussing how we should celebrate the 11th Bloggaversary in two weeks' time. Definitely not with our usual PiF ATCs as we don't want to add to the already overstretched Royal Mail but with another idea - check it out and see what you think. I don't know what I'm going to do for it, it's made me ponder......

Anyway, enough blethering, on we go!
I'm in a scrubs bag lull at the moment, waiting to hear from my Ambulance contact if they need more, so decided to have a clear up of UFOs. I've also been waiting for more elastic to arrive (thank you Helen and Jill!!) and then I'll be making more masks to give away to friends.  There was a whole heap of sunglasses cases and mini purses to finish so I now have a nice boxful for when the cafe reopens down the harbour.

Pretty colours that make me happy....

More elastic!! Woohoo!! The fabric top and bottom is from a donated duvet cover which I loved - these were cut from the bits left over from the scrubs bags. I was also given some beautiful old soft white cotton pillowcases which have been used as the lining for masks.

We have been getting out for our one permitted walk a day still - this path is full of woodland flowers and is about 500m from our house! There's a steep dell to our left which used to be full of furnaces and industrial buildings but they were knocked down years ago and wildlife has taken over. It's rather lovely with crab apples, trees of all sorts, lilac and buddleias. I saw cow parsley, bluebells, sweet violets, greater stitchwort, wild garlic, Lords and Ladies to name but a few along the way. 

But there's been quite a lot of sitting and enjoying the beautiful weather too:
Taken during a coffee break mid-gardening session a couple of days ago - it was a lovely way to top up the Vitamin D whilst listening to all the insects on the flowers and the buzzards calling overhead. Simple pleasures.

I hope that you are all keeping safe and well and that it stays that way! Have a good week xxxxxxxx

32 comments:

Helen said...

I do hope Alan is recovering now, poor Elizabeth; what a worry. You've done a fabulous job with the scrubs bags, but I bet you're looking forward to making something different! Glad you're enjoying some time sitting in the garden, not just working there (it looks fabulous though) Take care,s tay safe. Helen #?

glitterandglue said...

Morning Jan. A break from the bags sounds like a plan! You were incredibly busy with them all. Great, happy fabrics there, for your little case to go down to the harbour. brilliant. It sounds like you are already working through your UFOs... whatever will you do for the challenge set us all?! Gorgeous walking place - well done you.
Love to Elizabeth and Alan. I'm not in touch, so please pass it on to them...
Take care of yourselves. Stay safe. God bless.
Margaret #3

Lynn Holland said...

Morning Jan
We too count ourselves lucky in both where we live and not being bored. Even when we just sit quietly we are happy and the days go so quickly, time is whizzing by.
I like the idea Julia has come up with for the annual event. It’ll take me till then to pick through all the half done stuff I’ve got haha.
Stay safe and see you next week
Lynn xx 16

Ali Wade Designs said...

Happy WOYWW. Great photos as usual. This bright sunshine does help to make the days go past quickly. I am not able to walk as far as I used to and my pace is slow, but it is still a pleasure to stroll in the fields with Buzz the Dog. I am missing having a sewing machine, but will have to wait a few months until budget allows to get a small one (and I hear they are sold out in a lot of online shops). Could be an idea for a Christmas pressie. I am going to be concentrating on the colouring classes. Already been asked to do some classes - online to start with, and then in person later in the year. I always said I should have been a teacher, as all my life I have been the person that gets asked how to do things! Do you watch Derek the Weatherman's programmes? He went through Burry Port recently and I was excited to see the RNLI shop - pointed it out to hubby and said that is where Jan sells her creations! Stay safe. Ali x #13

Twiglet said...

Oh that beautiful walk along the path - light at the end of the tunnel!! I'm with you on the sewing frenzy - it's just good to have something to do and yes our gorgeous fabrics do make us smile don't they. A lovely sunny day here so I am thinking of walking over to my little sis with the pattern weights I have treated her to - don't tell her - I can't go in but I can stand on her drive and sing "Somewhere over the rainbow"!! lol xx Jo

sandra de said...

Simple pleasures are the best ..... I do have to agree. How lucky are we to be able to soak up some sun, have a cuppa and enjoy it in a beautiful garden. By the way mine is not so pretty at the moment, seedlings growing and a pretty little white butterfly has laid eggs on my cabbages and cauliflowers and now I have to make an organic spray and kill them. It's a tough world in the organic garden. I was wondering if you have UFO's and can't wait to see what you find. The deep dark recess of my cupboard has already disclosed quite a few. An endless array of choices. Enjoy your garden and keep safe until next week.
Sandra de @9

lisa said...

Morning Jan
Yes, you are right. We can be very much in our own cocoon and forget that people are really suffering. Love to Elizabeth and Alan. I was talking to a neighbour the other day who works at the local hospital. Her hubby works at another one so they are both in the front line and she said it's a horrible disease and they've never seen anything like it before and they come home heartbroken most days. They really hit home for me.
Your garden is looking lovely. I go out to do jobs and end up with a book and just sitting, the weather has been so glorious hasn't it. Your dell is beautiful too. Nature is so calming isn't it.
Have a good week and take care
Hugs Lisax #24

Sarah Brennan said...

The garden is looking beautiful Jan. I haven't a clue what I'm doing for the anniversary yet as I have quite a few UFOs. I hope Alan recovers soon. Such a horrible virus! Pretty fabric, they will make great masks. Stay safe and Happy WOYWW. Sarah #5

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

That's a fab photo Jan Jo so right regarding light at the end of the tunnel.. How bright and cheery those poppers & press studs look a great feature for even the plainest design. You always bring us something lovely to look at Jan, i'm sure you'll get word very soon regarding the scrubs bags.
Hoorahhhh regarding the elastic, bet that stretchy stuff has never looked so good!! What a life saver.. Happy WoywW Hugs Tracey #6 xx
I hope good news will soon be heard regarding Alan such a worry for all, kindest regards & positive thoughts sent their way xx

Sue Jones said...

What lovely happy photos. I hope Elizabeth and Alan are well and Alan in particular recovering. My friends daughter past away a couple of weeks ago from covid 19 - she was only 31 and had learning difficulties. My other friends sister ( lives in care home ) has it but thankfully is recovering and face timing - she doesn't understand and though she was being isolated because she was naughty- so so sad. I am so pleased now that mine are all at home as I can keep them safe.
Any way - i love your sewing and for such a brilliant cause.
Take care xxSoojay#22

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Jan. It doesn't look as though you've had any problem finding things to do. Clearing the UFOs is probably a good idea. It's a worrying time for everyone really and I my thoughts are with Elizabeth and Alan, I know how they must be feeling. Many thanks for your kind words for us too. Bet the elastic manufacturers are full on at the moment. Take care and have a happy and constructive WOYWW, Angela x21x

My name is Cindy said...

Hello darling girl, so sorry I missed you last week - I am really not sure what is happenning with the space time continuum but its definitely gone a bit wonky!! Like you I'm not exactly sitting on my hands and I'm up pretty early most days but before I blink it's afternoon!! Ha ha - you should have kept those UFOs for a couple of weeks time, little miss Finisher. My problem is the class prep, if I prep and people dont turn up I end up with lots of spare projects - never seem to catch up! ! Happy WOYWW, stay safe, stay well, Cindy #18

shazsilverwolf said...

Hiya Jan, the garden is looking amazing! And so is that woodland walk, love to see nature taking the land back! Lots of fab, sunny colours on your desk with all your makings too. Love & hugs to you all, Have a lovely week, Stay safe, Hugs, Shaz #8 X

Christine said...

How super to have such wonderful walks ... I miss our drives out into the country .... but soon....
I daren't start trying to sort any WIPs out just yet!!
Take care and stay safe
Christine #29

Crafting With Jack said...

Hi Jan, that walk looks just lovely. I haven’t been anywhere for the last seven weeks, but I can’t say I am fretting. Trying to keep up with exercises and never short of some crafting or reading to do. Your mini purses are beautiful and very useful. It is so nice to sit in the sunshine, although there is a cold breeze sometimes. Have a great week x Angela #29

StampinCarol said...

Your opening now has that song stuck in my mind! LOL!
Love the bright colors of your projects. And what wonderful friends to find elastic and duval covers to help you with your projects!
Gorgeous place to walk! We have done some work in our yard but the heat today (under heat advisory) prohibits much work outside.
Thanks for popping by and have a wonderful week!
Carol N #26

Heather M said...

Hi Jan, your colourful desk and fabrics is enough to cheer anyone up. I'm also thankful we are not struggling with the lockdown. I'm missing my daughters and grandchildren dreadfully, but we talk and facetime so I can at least keep up with them. I've never spent so many evenings in the garden - one of the reasons I'm revamping the summerhouse! That path looks a lovely walk - what a beautiful photo you have taken. And your garden looks fab - I love seeing all the different flowers, trees and shrubs coming to life. Thanks for stopping by my blog - I'm sure I will have my work cut out with the family tree, but if I don't do it, then that's another generation of family history lost. Have a lovely week and stay safe and well, Heather xx #20

Caro said...

I love your garden - it is so inviting. That pathway looks gorgeous! Happy WOYWW! Stay safe and take care, with love and God Bless, Caro xxx (#17)

Eva said...

Thank you for being friend! Thank you for being invited in your life, garden and situation. Love the colors of your fabrics. I'm always thinking of you and your family. Not god news in our TV from England.
Stay well and safe, lot of hugs!!
Eva from Austria (always on the sewing machine....)

Shoshi said...

Well done with your continuing sewing efforts, Jan. I do love your pretty colours and that button box is good enough to eat!! Your garden is looking great too, and I love the wooded tunnel for your walks. Thank you for your visit - I'm glad you like the annotated pictures - I don't always get round to photographing the desk, let alone annotating it, so it's worth the effort! I hadn't considered that it might actually help people to notice things that might otherwise get overlooked. Glad you liked the card - the recipient was delighted with it, I'm pleased to say. I think card insides are important and often get neglected, and the inking and spattering is a quick and easy way to add a bit of interest.

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi x #7

Stacy Sheldon said...

HI Jan, ooh what a cool place to go for a walk through :) and that is so nice that you were able to get more elastic it's sold out here at a lot of the normal places people would buy it. I am thinking I "should" have some and I am tinkering with the idea of removing the tie straps I have on my mask and doing loops of elastic instead. and then maybe getting one of those neck things with the buttons ( it sits on the back of your neck with buttons on both sides like a rectangle piece and you look the elastic on the buttons instead of your ears. (mine are getting sore from the addition of the cotton ties, to the limited space from the sound processors and glasses.) anyways reading your post my thoughts wandered off in left field. :) ~Stacy #27

Neet said...

What a treasure you are with all this sewing - I think you should be named for an award. I have a friend up north (yes more north than I am) who is sewing like crazy to help and I am so proud of the two of you - and of Jo who has been doing her bit too. Such a lot of lovely WOYWW'ers who are working hard to keep the nhs going with things.
I had no idea Alan was poorly, knew he had the virus but thought it was probably only a mild one and not heard anything since. What a worry.
Love your woodland walk, how lovely to see all those wild flowers and things. I used to love walking around the island when we had the caravan at Treaddur Bay, the hedges wer ehoneysuckle in so many places and the flowers were so pretty. I loved the fuchsia hedges that houses had on the estate close by, they clipped them straight so they were green with specks of red in and looked so pretty. Some may think that a shame but it did look lovely.
Anyway, may you All Stay safe and well
Hugs, Neet 4 xx

Dorlene Durham said...

My sewing machine is in shock right now since I’ve used it more than I have in a long time. LOL. Good to see you’re still working on projects. I have made some masks for my family and friends and even started a t-shirt quilt for hubby. Have a great week. Dorlene #33

Julia Dunnit said...

Lovely to chat yesterday, and I’ve found the elastic...it’s at Annie’s!! You’ve done so well with all the scrubs bags, I expect a lull is quite welcome. Ever so proud of you, Missus Appleton. I might have to make you crashing around in the Dell, I don’t know what Greater Stitchwort and Lords and Ladies look like.....I don’t think, anyway! Xxxx

Lillianb said...

Loving all the different colours of fabric there, I really like the first green one,

Great pictures of the walk, it really look like a place I would love and that garden is ideal for sitting in,

Take care and stay safe,

Lilian B #15

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Good Morning Jan, oh your photos are all fun. Love the area you are living. Pretty fabrics for those projects also. I am excited about Julia's choice, just the push I needed to finish up 2 projects for sure and no doubt a few more stashed away and yet to be located. I'm playing home body, more chances to go and do but I'm not ready for the rush. Now we have a meat shortage. Just ridiculous. Poor hog/cattle farmers are sick at heart and do not get prices to make ends me. BUT 3x the money on meat to buy at the stores. This time stores are limiting purchases, but 1 day previous hoarders wiped out on store. NO hot dogs, hamburger, steaks, We have plenty in our freezer and if we cut back will be fine.. We had about 6 nice days here and there and now 40's and gloom/rain. Could have frost Fri/Sat. ? Crazy Enjoy your lovely yard and Stay safe

Lindart said...

You are so far ahead of us weather wise! It still goes below freezing here at night, barely making it over 10°C during the day. We have the usual early spring flowers, and Forsythia, but that it as far as flowering goes. Your garden is so beautiful! I love that path - such a magical path! I want to plant a fairy right there in the opening...You look well on your way to cheering people up when the shop opens! Have a great day, and stay safe! Lindart #28

BJ said...

Loving the colours in the box too, are they poppers?
I'm a bit late on the scrubs bandwagon but a friend from church is bringing me some fabric tomorrow as I live near her click and collect supermarket!
Thanks for the visit and sorry I'm so late replying BJ#2

craftyani said...

Sorry for the late visit don't know where the days go to. Your page always brightens my day such 'happy' fabrics. Was lisitening to the radio and one of the top ten items people are buying is elastic. So how much have you and Anni used between you? Have a good week oh your garden looks great. Ani #11

Marit said...

Sorry for my (very) late visit, time seems to speed even in lockdown. I, too, did a lot of sewing last week. It will be a necessity to wear masks in trains and busses next month so I made my son and his girl some... yes, the Japanese flower fabric you send me is put to good use! (My mum, my son's girl and I have that fabric for our masks!) Enjoy the sunshine and stay safe dear. Have a nice week, love from Holland. Marit #25

Sue said...

Jan, Glad you are able to keep sewing and have been getting supplies in.

The walk in the woods looks lovely.

Your garden is fab.

Take care. Sue

Cardarian said...

Hi Jan! Sorry for mzlate commenting - been busy sewing masks as you have been! I am glad all of you are well, we are wel too! Lovely garden, ours looks a bit sad for itself but as the nurserys open this week I am hoping to go and get some flowers to get my garden going! Love all you are making!
Lots of hugs,
Cardarian

WOYWW 769

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