Patricia Larocque’s an embroider designer living in Lyon France with her partner and dog. I asked her how she’s staying sane during isolation.
What positivity has isolation brought to your creativity?
Well the thing is I’m already isolated always so the change wasn’t so drastic for me. I’ve gotten to work on some projects that I’ve put off for years so that’s nice, same techniques but on a larger scale. I’m also using up some materials that have been laying around so it’s helped me declutter a tiny bit.
What are you doing to keep sane?
Still trying to figure this one out, the first week was okay. Mostly staying sane by limiting my time looking at the news. I’ll look in the mornings and at night to get my fix. Trying to just focus on stitching throughout the day, watching lots of movies. Also just doing nothing is great, I’m trying not to put so much pressure on myself to be creative right now, letting myself chill a bit but it’s very hard. If I’m not making something I feel like my days are wasted. Stitching is also my therapy and helps me to escape a bit, so trying to find the balance! Oh and I’d love to say I’m working out but that stopped after 3 days, but will try again soon!
Fave snacks you’ve been eating while being at home?
I’m a huge snacker and prior to lockdown I’ve tried to cut down but that’s all gone out the window. Top things to snack on are potato chips, all time fave but I’m rationing now. I had bought a lot of “emergency” ice cream at the beginning but ate it all in the first 3 days. Living in France, I just eat a lot of bread and cheese and my hobbies include going to the fridge and opening it every 20 min to see if there’s anything to eat….It’s a daily struggle of eating because I’m bored.
Can you share any good online stores to buy things for embroidery? Honestly not really, it’s hard because I buy most of my stuff in local stores here and have a good amount of supplies already. I haven’t ordered from any craft stores online in a very long time so I can’t point you in the right direction. In the past I’ve ordered from Amazon, I just feel kinda weird ordering things online right now because I know it must be super stressful for the workers.
First thing you’ll do when the lockdown’s over?
It’s gonna feel very strange I’m sure and seems so far away at the moment but I think I’ll go grab a cup of coffee! Shocker! I will definitely sit outside and avoid people though haha.
Read a previous interview with Patricia here. Follow her on Instagram here.