Lock down easing?

Well, quite a lot has happened in the last month, but thankfully my jigsaws remain a constant...and a way of escaping the real world for a few hours each weekend. 

Time taken: every Sunday - varying. 

Lock down labours

Well, I decided to keep things as normal as possible as we entered full lock down. This meant only completing jigsaws at the weekend. This also meant I won't run out any time soon. 

Time taken: Not relevant during these times...

Puzzling in the time of Corona

I am so very grateful that I have jigsaws in my life. I crochet, cross stitch and bake as well, so although things are scary at the moment, I can at least keep myself safe and content at home. I won't say much about these jigsaws - they were all lovely - due in part because they allowed me to escape the real world for a bit. 

Time taken: not important in current circumstances. 

Final outing

Sunday 15th March: COVID-19 was becoming a very real worry, but places were still open, the vulnerable list had not been announced and the lock down had yet happened. I had been intending to visit a jigsaw puzzle festival at a National Trust property and decided I would still go, not use the cafe and keep away from people. Well, 'festival' was a loose term for what was essentially a table top sale. There were varying prices and I was delighted to find several jigsaws for £1 each. Only having £7 on me meant a self imposed buying limit...but 7 puzzles came home in the car with me...judging by what happened from the Monday onwards, not a bad decision. 

Home for Christmas - Ravensburger (1000 pieces)

I do enjoy the Ravensburger Christmas puzzle and the 2019 one was really rather lovely. A good bit of sky to get me started before plenty of boats, trees and lights to confuse and delight. I also call this puzzle a boomerang gift. I buy Dad the Christmas puzzle every year, safe in the knowledge that once he's finished I will get a chance. 

Time taken: afternoon 

Fireworks over the Bay (1000 pieces)

When will I ever learn to say no when presented with a challenge? This puzzle was 1000 pieces, but some of the tiniest pieces I have ever seen with an incredibly dark picture. Sadly the cut wasn't great either which meant pieces ended up fitting in multiple spots. Interestingly the puzzle was split into 6ths, with each section having a different pattern on the back. I'm afraid we ended up having to turn it over and do parts of it by using the pattern rather than the picture on the front. However, it was pleasing to get it finished and I'm sure I will continue to not being able to say 'no'! 

Time taken: forever...

Bepuzzled (500 and 1000 pieces)

I've decided not to print the names of these 2 puzzles as it has the potential to give the solution to anyone attempting them at another time. To cut the explanation down I will simply say that you are given no picture and must simply 'solve' the murder mystery by using the puzzle to help. A chance to hone my puzzling skills. 

Time taken: afternoon and evening for the 1000, morning for the 500