Well hello, May! It seems like when April started, I was wondering how we were going to make it through, and now, somehow, it's already the first of May. Quarantine time is an odd limbo that seems unreal, too fast, and too slow all at once.
This week I hunkered down and finished up the May Pattern Club design. It's inspired by my yearly spring tradition of going to see the tulip fields.
I also had the opportunity to teach two online embroidery workshops with Monster and Spacecraft which were so much fun! Connecting with fellow makers really brightened up my evenings and I found some great new reading recommendations.
Speaking of reading, after working my way through the Needlecraft Murder Mystery series by Monica Ferris, I've jumped into the Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Mysteries series by Sue Grafton. I started with A is for Alibi and after reading the first few books in the series, realized that they don't need to be read in order, but going through the alphabet does help me keep track of which book I'm on. This new series isn't as lighthearted as the Monica Ferris series and is somewhat dated, however, I love the scene Sue Grafton creates of a female PI in the early 1980s in California.
Also, bread update. My dear friend Lauren from Austin sent me some bread yeast, so I can finally make bread! I've been eyeing this honey wheat recipe and would love your bread suggestions. I'm also wondering if bagels are too ambitious for an amateur (as in the last time I tried to make bread it turned out like a rock) bread maker? So if you have any bagel making tips, please share!
Now enough about me. Here's some fun things from the creative community this week:
Mother's Day is just around the corner and if you're looking for some great handmade gifts, there are tons of virtual craft fairs to shop. Normally, Mother's Day is a time when many makers are featured at local craft fairs, but since we're still all social distancing, consider shopping at Full Moon Market, Seattle Lady Makers Market, Renegade Virtual Craft Fair, or Urban Craft Uprising Small Mall online to find local handmade gifts for your mom or someone special in your life. Plus, this way you can shop from the comfort of your own home. Hello sweatpants!