For us in Melbourne, Australia the shutdown started gently in early March, then became more onerous by the end of March. For most of that time I was struggling to get my online work setup going OK. Eventually March merged into April and the need to fill my spare hours with – something – creativity – concrete and tangible things. I made:

Miss 20’s pyjama’s
- Leggings for Miss 15 – Melbourne safety black (of course).
- Hoodie for Miss 15.
- Long pyjama bottoms for Miss 15.
- Two short pyjama bottoms for the husband.
- Hoodie for Mr 19 – also in Melbourne safety black.
- Long pyjama bottoms for Miss 20.
- Non-hood hoodie for my husband (red this time).
- Two pairs of oven mitts.
- A new coat for whippet.
- Two dog beds.
- Two pairs of undies for me.
- One pair of boxers for me.
Am I the only one hearing “12 Days of Christmas”? It is the carol I dislike the most.

Miss 15’s hoodie

The non-hoodie
I also almost made some trousers for me. They were binned as they were just terrible.

Miss 15’s long pyjamas
About half of this list is easy-peasy stuff. Minimal pattern pieces with minimal fitting stress. And either a great deal of joy from the recipient (Miss 15) or a tentative acceptance of the new (Penny the dog).
Mr 19 displayed his joy silently, by wearing his hoodie everyday for a week. Then admitting he wouldn’t mind another one, but in navy this time.

Oven mitts
Some was fiddly – looking at the oven mitts here. The hoodies were fun. The collar on my husband’s non-hoodie was interesting but also satisfying. I wondered why so much was achieved and realised it was because my sewing machine stayed out and I could sneak in 30 minutes or more sewing at a time.

Penny – who is wondering why her walk has been delayed for so long.
My micro-business has survived, initially having a large drop in income. That has changed and I am almost back to pre-lockdown times. Sadly there has been a secondary surge in infection numbers. The restrictions that had eased a little have had to be reinstated (sigh).
Stay safe everyone!