How is everyone holding up? Week 2 of the Washington stay-at-home order still has me feeling a little antsy, but I think I'm getting into the a somewhat normal routine.
Last week I started taking evening walks (mostly to the nearby post office to drop off everyone's stitch kits. So thank you!) These walks have been a calming way for me to get out of my apartment and also listen to an audiobook. Right now I'm working my way through the Needlecraft Murder Mystery series (thanks for the recommendation Sara from Brown Paper Bag.) It's a cozy series about a woman in Minnesota who runs a needlecraft store and has a penchant for solving murders. Pretty much two of my favorite things. Plus, this series has 19 books, so it'll *hopefully* keep me busy for a while. I found this series available through my local library downloadable audiobooks. If you're interested in the other murder mystery books I've been reading, check out my Goodreads profile.
Along with walks, some friend and I hosted a virtual craft meet up. After dinner everyone logged on to say hi and craft. I was surprised at how much better I felt after talking with friends for a few hours and crafting. I didn't even realize how stressed I was feeling until I could just have a normal conversation with someone besides myself and my husband for a little while. Needless to say, there will be more virtual meets up and I'd recommend you give them a try too!
For those of you looking to get crafty and try something new, I've put together an embroidered clothing DIY craft tutorial. It'll walk you through needed materials, provides a free flower design, and step-by-step of how to create it. I'm convinced embroidering your clothing is the crafters version of cutting your own hair. Can anyone else relate? I might have an entire embroidered wardrobe by the end of quarantine.
Other great maker resources I found this week:
Fellow Seattle stitcher Lauren of Lark Rising Embroidery created a delightful embroidery pattern that supports the UW Medicine Emergency Response Fund. It's only $4 and all proceeds from the pattern go to the fund. So why not stitch for a good cause?!
Like myself, I'm sure many makers are wondering what they can do for their small business in the wake of the coronavirus. Lucky Break Consulting shares a few ways to hopefully help you slow the impact of the coronavirus on your small business.
Valley Made Market is one of my favorite local makers markets. Due to the virus they've had to cancel a bunch of in-person markets. and even though we can't get together in-person, they've been quick to find ways to support makers in the community! This month they launched an online version of the Valley Made Market that showcase makers on their website as a virtual craft show. If you can, it's a great way to support small business by shopping small.