Sewing instead of sowing today

A few months ago I was offered a double set of linen sheets by friends because the colours didn't suit their new guest bedroom design. As far as I can make out they had been rarely used: presumably only by occasional guests. I accepted with alacrity: being on the look out for some new sheets myself.

The duvet covers of washed and softened linen are lovely. But the flat and fitted sheets are of unsoftened linen and are too scratchy for a girl who rarely wears pjs in bed. As a result the sheets have been part of the previously mentioned fabric piles. 

While I was sorting the piles I rediscovered them and realised how enormous they are (queen size). Perfect for loose summer trousers. Eight pairs potentially. 

Having cut out the fabric on one of the recent rainy days, I completed the first pair today. I am pleased. They are delightfully comfortable and the pattern was simple to follow. You can see it just behind the sewing machine. I shall resist the opportunity to make a matching blouse...

It was lovely to have the sewing machine whirring. It's been a while.

As I worked I listened to three remarkable things on the computer. 

First was a Nate Hagens conversation with a couple of folk working to help us understand the current ecosystem and biodiversity crises. It was full of common sense, simple truths and no expert-speak at all. I hope world leaders listen to Nate.

Then I switched to the BBC and listened to some of the recent broadcast of The Warsaw Ghetto. It is the story of the Oyneg Shabes archive of accounts written by ordinary people in the ghetto between 1940 and 1943, and only recently discovered. 

I wondered if by listening to it I would find any new perspective on what is going on in the Middle East today. But the only conclusions I came to are that I care about all people who are persecuted, and that it can be a very fine line between being a persecutor and being persecuted. It is extraordinary listening...

Finally I stumbled across the fact that Julian Assange has made his first public statement since gaining his freedom a few months ago. It was wonderful to see him and to hear him: he is a remarkable human being who has been through experiences which should never have happened.

When used for enlightenment and understanding the internet is bloody marvellous.