Do a jigsaw

Just the sort of thing to do in the winter when the weather is wet and windy or cold and the evenings are long, so one can’t get out very much.  But they can become a bit addictive.  And it is hard to match colours in artificial light.

I prefer jigsaws of about 1000 pieces with a “nice” picture, although I did a 1500 piece one, but it was several smaller pictures with mostly different colours for each and was actually quite easy.  There is no way I go for those which are baked beans or smarties or a cob of maize with maize corn around it.  I have seen all those around, but decided not!  I usually get my jigsaws from charity shops – or get my family to get them for me for Christmas, mostly from charity shops.  There can be a problem with having some pieces missing, but I don’t usually mind that, although it can be irritating if one is looking for a particular piece which isn’t there.

I also have a “jig-roll” – well 2 actually – that allow me to start the jigsaw then roll it up when I need the space for something else – like eating my meals.  Having two means that I can leave one jigsaw complete and ready to admire while doing another one!

Jig-roll rolled up
Jig-roll rolled up

As you can see they are basically green felt round a cylinder with straps to hold it in place.  They are easy to roll up and usually keep the parts of the jigsaw that have been done in place, while it is not in use.

P1000455
Ready to roll up

I don’t have anywhere to spread out the pieces, except 2 trays, so the pieces have to be gone through and relevant ones picked out.  I usually start with the edge – doesn’t everyone?  But almost invariably  find that I have missed one or two pieces, so have to look for them the next time round.

Completed edge.
Completed edge.

I quite often do the sky next, as it can be boring so I like to get it out of the way.  Finding pieces which are part sky to give a framework  works quite well for me.

Framework for the sky - mostly a tree here.
Framework for the sky – mostly a tree here.

The sky on this one wasn’t too bad as there were various different shades of colours.

When I have picked out the pieces for one part I quite often put them together on the tray, to save undoing the roll so often.  They can then be slid from the tray onto the jigsaw and put in place.

Joining pieces on the tray
Joining pieces on the tray – it might look a bit confusing as the tray has a picture of a cat in daffodils!

For the last pieces or the sky, I often arrange them by shape as it is then often easier to find the relevant pieces to fill in a hole or join on to the bits that are there.  This is especially true when the colours are not quite as one was expecting.

Pieces in the box arranged by shape
Pieces in the box arranged by shape.

Then all one has to do is complete the jigsaw – although I have been known to pick the wrong piece when there are 2 left or try to put the last piece in the wrong way round!

Most recent jigsaw completed
Most recent jigsaw completed.

Then it is just a matter of standing back to admire it.  If one can find a friend to admire it too, that is even better!

Completed jigsaw to admire.
Completed jigsaw to admire.

And after that?  Take it all apart, put the pieces in a polythene bag and if it is complete take it to the charity shop.  (If it isn’t complete then throw it away.)  Then start a new jigsaw – if one hasn’t already!

So is this a good thing to do?  Well, it takes up far too much time, but is quite relaxing while using the brain a bit, so it suits me!

 

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