Sailcloth makes!

Aarrggghhhh.... had the post nearly finished and lost it all except for the title!!!!

Ah well, let's try and rehash the content.  Hope you are all keeping well in these very strange times.  Thankfully we are all doing okay and coming out the other side of #stayhome to #staylocal.  

Like many of you I am sure, lockdown gave me an opportunity to visit the "to do" list in my head!.  I had accumulated sails over the years and even had some gifted that were no longer fit for purpose.  

Last year I used an old laser sail to make cushion covers for the conservatory - added bonus is that sailcloth doesn't mind the heat and sunshine!.

I then proceeded to cut up the rest of the sail and make a plethora of pouches, pencil cases and folders - just perfect for the sailors in the house!.

I then made a foray into wash bags using an old optimist sail and topper sail which I gifted as spot prizes to charity functions that friends were involved in.

And then lockdown happened and I spent a couple of days "making and doing" with IRL394 - our very first optimist (over 30 years old when we had it).  The sail wasn't 30 years old!

I made three different sizes with old CH Marine straps used to tie boats to car roof racks/trailers over the years and some harken straps for the zipper "ends".  There was some laser radial sail - yes, there was still some knocking about and topper sail added for strength.  Recycling at it's best!.

Then I decided wine bags would be very handy!  After a few prototypes (that will only ever take a slim bottle of reisling!) I have the measurements and stitching perfected!

 Then back to the wash bags again using an old topper sail - love how colourful the topper sail makes these bags/pouches.  There is even a bit of uniformity appearing in the creations - which believe me is a miracle in itself!.

In other news - this cutie is due to return to "big school" on June 25th.  We are on countdown and will all be heartbroken.  He arrived on September 20th last year and has become a much loved fur baby. 

We are hopeful that he will do well on the next chapter of his adventure with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.  It's always difficult to hand them back.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Stay well. xx

Ireland amid the 2020 pandemic

I wrote the following post on 13th March and saved it as a draft.  After re-reading it today I am hitting publish as it is a snapshot in time of all the changes happening in Ireland at the very start of the crisis.  Things have moved quite quickly and there are newer restrictions in place and we are all to stay home/stay safe until May 5th.

"As this new virus sweeps across the globe it has put Ireland into a "lockdown" situation.  Whilst shops and restaurants are still open, all schools, colleges and creche facililties are closed until 29/3.  Whilst our new reality settles over our household, things like google classrooms and you tube schooling moves from the imagination into the actual.

We are all safe and sound and minimising our external outings but then again it's only Day One of our new reality.  I am sure cabin fever will ensue - I reckon we will have watched everything on netflix by the 29/3!.

Thankfully our guide dog puppy Zakk keeps us on our toes and had us out walking in the woods through mucky puddles and streams at the crack of dawn this morning.  Friday is free run day despite it being Friday the 13th or schools closed!.  We met a few individuals - one gentleman running and siblings playing in the stream.  It was restful and energising to be away from all news reports/social media and constant updates.  I don't put notifications "on" for any of my platforms which is probably a blessing given the barrage of stuff coming at us over the last few weeks".

Mind yourselves, take care of each other and be kind.