Are you OK? Sometimes I am, other times I am not. For the first couple of dreadful weeks of not knowing when this would hit South Africa, I had sleepless nights. I admit, I am a control freak. I battle to relinquish control over all aspects of my life. And having spent a year planning, talking, generating ideas and then putting them into motion for the Free 2B Me tour and retreat AND having my events manager able to join me from New Zealand, it simply felt like a bad dream that I may need to postpone things, to when and how I did not know.

I think it's the not knowing that is putting a lot of us on edge. Once we give up control over that, we may start to relax into this global situation, or not. I am afraid. And fear feeds this virus, fuels the emptying of the shelves, the selfish as long as I am Ok attitude. Like a two year old I want to have a tantrum and kick and scream and bang my head on the floor because this is not going the way it is meant to. I have had some people asking for refunds - I think I need to be clear here - I have invested in this tour. In the way of flights, accomodation, printed goodie bags, advertising, kits, and so many other things that right now I do not even want to add up. Jose and Atty have paid for their flights from the Netherlands. We had PLANS. And these plans had no contingency for a pandemic that is Killing People. So you may have invested in a workshop, or booked for retreat. Stop and imagine my situation. I have found accomodation for 25 people, paid a deposit, paid for dinners and conference fees, and booked venues around the country for 25 plus people in each venue. All this has taken so much time, and resources. Please do not ask me to refund you. Please lets be in this together and wait for me to set new dates once we know where we will be with it in a month or two. I have already lost so much, and I think more to come. I am trying to continue supporting small businesses who rely on my orders so that they can keep afloat. And let's not talk even talk about Exchange Rates.

So thank you for those who are happy to postpone, well as happy as anyone could be in this situation. Let's seek out the best, rather than the worst. Let's imagine how wonderful it will be to hug each other again, and to share a meal, and to work on a project together. To welcome our Dutch friends, to see them well and to know that their loved ones are ok. Let's imagine how wonderful it will be to people again!

I will send more details and a clever plan I have with regards to those who cannot make potential new dates for tour/retreat. I just need some time to ponder and think how it will work, and to also be in the position of knowing when this will be over. Because it will end. It's just a matter of how long it will take and we pray it does not devastate our country like it has done in China, Italy and Germany... This is a time to think of others, to think of how YOU can be of service to someone else, and not the other way around.

I don't get much time to do ALL the things I want to do. Now I am pretty much alone all day, I will be working on my next sock newsletter, because I have discovered some new patterns and tutorials and ways of doing things.

Next up will be the heel flap and gusset because you mostly all know the afterthought heel now.

Also toe up socks! Watch this space!

We are actually incredibly lucky that our hobby entitles us to stay at home! In fact, I know many of you are rubbing your hands in glee at the prospect of being left alone with your yarn stash! So join our Social Distancing crochet or knit along, where you can work on anything you'd like, as if we were having a get together on the deck. The event is live on facebook on the Be Inspired page, feel free to post some pics of your project, yarns and pattern link. There is already a fair amount happening on there for you to browse through and get inspired. 
I will be in the month to come, organising some little give aways and prizes to cheer us all up.

For those of you who would like to try something a little different I have organised some Dorset Button kits from Linda, who taught us at Thread Handed. The kits are aimed at beginners, and will have step by step notes, as well as the hardware and yarn needed to start creating these beauties.
They should be loaded online by Friday.

We love the Oh Fudge I bought more yarn fudge. Sometimes you request extra to keep your partner or kids quiet. Now you can add as many as you like to your parcel. They call it fudge, we call it bribery and corruption. My son will do just about anything for a piece, so I thought I would offer the same advantage to you!
 

Also, it is helping a small business sustain a minimum income throughout this period when school tuck shops and cafes (her main business) are closed. Please support this initiative - the fudge is listed under "Bribe" on the website.
 

If you want to buy directly, or in bigger quantities please message me and I will send you contact details.

I know some of you love to come in the studio and wander around. I get it. I used to do the same when I found a shop I liked. But I could never totally get my hit, until I started Be Inspired and practically banned brown and cream (although I do have a bit of that, it's not what I am renowned for). So I will be doing some amateur video footage and showing you some yarns and ideas of what you can do. Maybe you have some in your stash and will be challenged to try something new, maybe you had no idea and now you have learnt a Thing. I will place these videos online - maybe on Instagram stories and on facebook. 

If you need a personal tour, we can make a date to whats app video call! Now wouldn't that be fun! One great thing from this pandemic, is learning to do things differently and staying flexible. Watch out for the first video tomorrow....I need to tidy the shop first hahahhahahah.

Please stay safe. Only go out if you have to. Please don't buy all the toilet paper (if it's too late and you have already, please send me your number so I know who to call when I run out - I am the world's worst forward planner when it comes to home goods like toilet paper and sugar), wash your hands, think of others, be considerate, be kind, and try find ways to support that little business on the corner...if you want that business to still be there for you when this is over.

With love and blessings and silver linings of yarn stashes and hands that can create,
we will chat soon.
Your Chief Yarn Enabler and Bringer of Rainbows and Kitty Cuddles
Chantal