Week 2 – The Shitshow Continues…

I mean… we all knew that this shitshow was going to continue in 2026, didn’t we? 

We barely get a week into the new year before Trump and his posse of complete buffoons violated international law by kidnapping (yes, that’s what happened – none of this ‘captured’ bullshit that’s being reported in the news) the President of a foreign country.

Was this President a despot who caused untold harm to Venezuelians? Of course, but that doesn’t give the USA the right to unilaterally decide to take him out.

If you’ve lived long enough (or are familiar with modern US history), you will be familiar with this playbook. This is the same story that we have seen play out again and again, with one major difference – Trump isn’t bothering with the veneer of civility. He isn’t bothering to make this invasion look legitimate (like we saw with George W). Trump sees himself as a dictator who is above the law.

And, of course, we have spent the last few days watching footage of the modern-day Gestapo shooting a civilian. This isn’t the first time ICE have shot someone, and it won’t be the last. 

Not caring about politics is a privilege. I saw a quote on Instagram that really stuck with me this week:

Given everything that’s going on, it’s been difficult to be creative…

I spent the past week working on an exploration of tapestry techniques.

I made 11 little hearts with different stitches and methods.

My hands are definitely feeling it! Cotton yarn and a 3mm hook cause a lot of strain on my hypermobile fingers.

I’ve also been working with my sister on her designs for some more hair clip fidgets. Hobbii stopped delivering to Australia last year, and she designed everything with Rainbow Cotton. So, we need to look for an alternative and adjust the patterns for a thicker yarn weight.

We have different yarn preferences (I am not a fan of making amigurumi with anything smaller than DK  yarn and a 2.5mm hook), so fingers crossed she can adjust her designs to work with Flinders Cotton. We’re hoping to have the first bundle of (kawaii animals) finished by the end of the month.

In terms of my personal projects, I am continuing with the Whirlette sweater.

I finished the 2nd skein of yarn. Watching the skein slowly disappear is the only thing that gave me enough dopamine to get through the monotonous rounds of hdc.

We watched Alien on Friday night, and I was able to get quite a few rounds done. I should be finished with the body in the next couple of days.

I’m using Dora Does’ Any Yarn Will Do Sweater pattern and substituting hdc (half double crochet) for esc (extended single crochet).

I’m still reading the Chrestomanci series by Diana Wynne Jones with Conrad’s Fate. It’s been hard going and a bit boring (but maybe it’s more due to my state of mind, considering the fuckery that’s going on around the world). I’m next in line for Snake Eater by T. Kingfisher, so I’m looking forward to that one!

The tapestry project was super popular on the Facebook groups, and I promised that I would release the chart for the Overlay Mosaic version.

So, here you go!

The Heart Mosaic Coaster is up on Ravelry for download. You will need to know how to read a Mosaic Overlay chart – it’s not a tutorial.

I also made the chart in Stitch Fiddle for anyone who wants to follow on there.

The most popular pattern this week has been the Naughty Bits Emotional Support Buddies Bundle! Thanks for all the love on these guys. They are definitely amongst my faves as well.

The Hair Clip Fidgets have also been popular over on Etsy. Are these being shared somewhere? I’m not sure, but I have seen a few other designers releasing patterns for them. Maybe we all just need some nervous system regulation?

So, kids… here we are at the end of Week 2. Make sure you stay hydrated and find moments offline to ground yourself.