There is just Too Much going on right now to try and write a cohesive post, so it's time to bring back an old favorite... the list post!
1. First and foremost, the world is a terrifying place right now. Coronavirus is in our area and things are looking grim.
They've shut down our schools for the next 3 weeks, which means some of our kids are going to be going hungry because school was the only place they got consistent meals.
People are selfishly hoarding everything, which means that lower income and disabled folks aren't even to get the bare necessities.
And because of fucking capitalism, this virus is going to spread through the masses as we've created a system where missing a single day of work is the difference between surviving and complete ruin for a lot of folks.
I personally am terrified for a few family members who are older and/or immunocompromised.
I can't really do much other than offer to listen if you need someone to unload your anxiety on to, but know that I'm here if that's the case.
2. It's been said a million times in a million other places, but please minimize your contact with others as much as possible. Frequently disinfect communal surfaces. Keep away from family members and loved ones who are more susceptible to illness. AND FOR FUCK'S SAKE, WASH YOUR FUCKING HANDS!
Seriously, I don't fucking care if you think this is "no big deal" or that "I'll survive it fine." Think about someone other than yourself for once and realize that NOT EVERYONE CAN AND WILL BE OKAY! And do you want to be the one responsible for someone else getting ill AND POTENTIALLY DYING because you can't pull your head out of your own ass?
Do your research. Listen to ACTUAL SCIENTISTS AND DOCTORS. Not your bullshit consipracy-esque facebook memes.
3. Sorry, I'm a wee bit frustrated with Certain People at the moment.
4. Because of the virus, huge events are being cancelled everywhere. This is going to severely impact and hurt a lot of indie dyers, artists, and other content creators who rely on these events to make a living.
So if you can, try to support them as much as you can. Order from online shops, donate money, sign up for folks' Patreons... whatever you can do to help make this time less stressful for others.
5. I was actually supposed to be going to the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival next weekend with Morgan, but it's been postponed.
Which means that this shawl that I started last Thursday...
And finished yesterday (a mere week later) with the intention of wearing it to said event...
Doesn't really have a purpose.
Which means three out of the last four shawls I've made have earned that designation.
Maybe I should stop making shawls for events...
6. We know that isn't actually going to happen.
7. Speaking of Morgan, we've been hanging out a lot and it's been AMAZING.
Mostly because they're just an awesome person and the extrovert writing this has sorely needed some human interaction.
But also because they're teaching me to dye yarn.
Which leads me to...
8. I may actually soon be in a position to sell my own hand dyed yarn, something I've literally dreamed about for YEARS.
Morgan has literally thrown open the door to a path that I never thought I'd get close to. (Seriously, I've cried several times over the last few days because of how grateful I am and how overwhelmingly happy I am that I get to do this. And even saying that isn't really a good description for my current emotions.)
I am SO EXCITED to share the plans and schemes I have soon. I think my fellow lace knitters will be happy in particular.
It'll be awhile before anything is finalized and fully set up, but keep an eye out.
9. And if that wasn't enough excitement, I also GOT ASKED TO BE A GUEST BLOGGER FOR YSOLDA TEAGUE!
Apparently, her and her team loved my giant friggin Orchid Thief and would like to feature it.
I'll share a link when it comes out.
But y'all, WHAT EVEN IS MY LIFE RIGHT NOW?!?!?!?!?!
10. And on top of all that, I'm ALSO working on writing up a worsted version of my Rainbomb pattern with the intent of selling it.
I'm making the sample in all affordable yarns, too, so anyone will be able to make it.
I'm not sure exactly when it will be out, because pattern and testing and such, plus trying to figure out the whole yarn business thing, but I promise it WILL be out sometime this year.
11. Is that still not enough? Because guess what?
I ALSO have found my passion for painting again.
One of my favorite artists released a how-to-ish video for watercolor, making this piece at the end.
And I was so firggin inspired that I whipped out my own paints and made this.
I loved that little creature so much that I also made this.
And I started a new Henry piece.
I feel like I'm waking up and living again. I WANT to make stuff. I'm excited to.
I've missed that.
Of course it has to be while the rest of the world is burning down around me, but I guess I'll take the wins I can.
12. And to round us out (and because it wouldn't be a good post without some yarn porn)...
Why hello, there.
This is
Serendipitous Wool's Vajra yarn in Forbidden Forest.
And y'all, I've got SOME PLANS for this.
Which I should probably get to.
So I'll catch up with y'all later and leave you once again with this:
WASH YOUR GODDAMNED HANDS!
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