Feeling Twitchy

 Judy shared, in response to my last post, that she was thinking about adopting an older but, as she already has another cat plus a dog, is worried about how they would accept another family member.  This is a realistic problem and, sometimes, no matter how much we want to be able to do something, it just isn't possible.  However, if a person isn't able to adopt a needy animal, we can still support the agencies that help them.  As quilters, we have tons of left over batting that can be made into mats.  I make a simple bag by sewing around 3 sides of a top and bottom fabric.  Turn it right side out and loosely fill with layered batting.  Stitch opening and then sew  diagonally from one corner to another and the same with the other two corners.  This prevents the batting from getting matted.  Use a smaller than usual stitch so the animal doesn't get its nails caught.  Denim or plain upholstery fabric makes a good cover as they are durable. Old towels, blankets and sheets can also be used by shelters and, of course, pet food.

This was my day for working on the computer.  I updated two web sites, our church blog and took care of some business for the Burk's Falls Art and Crafts Centre.  The end of the month is when I submit my magazine article so I got that started.  I was really hoping to be able to do some more organizing of the quilt room and a bit of quilting.  I am starting to feel twitching because I haven't been able to sew for a few days.  I will do some hand quilting this evening while watching television so that might help.

Blessings,

A Friend for Heidi

 Hubby and I watch a lot of animal rescue shows and one of the things we noted was the difficulty in finding homes for older pets.  One of my friends recently adopted a cat and purposely chose and older one.  We have been thinking of getting another dog as a companion for our Heidi.  We wanted another Westie and decided an older one would be a good choice.  One reason is that we are too old to have the energy for a pup and the second reason was our desire to give an older dog a place to be loved and comfortable for his remaining years.  I found a site that rescues Westie's and filled out the adoption form.

Our only concern is whether Heidi will accept another dog.  As I have mentioned previously, she seems to be friendlier to other dogs lately so we are hoping this will continue to be the case.  We may not end up getting a dog but we have taken the first steps.

Do you ever forget some of the tops you've made?  I was looking for one on which I could try out a new quilting pattern and came across a tote full of tops.  They are from our quilt group and I was given them to finish when covid shut us down.  They will be donated to a women's shelter when finished.  Someone else will do the binding.  I guess I had better get at them,

Blessings

Vaccination

 I didn't get much done this week.  I had my vaccination on Tuesday morning and, while I didn't get hardly any reaction, I was tired.  I spent that afternoon and the next day either sleeping or reading.  I am back to normal today so am getting caught up on things.  I had most things done before my appointment so I am not too far behind.

I was really impressed with the efficiency of the clinic I attended.  Right from the moment we arrived, there was someone to direct parking and then another person to indicate where to go.  More people inside making sure you get to each stage.  I was given a sheet to take home saying what symptoms I might feel and what to do in each case.  Hubby has his appointment at the same place as well.

Hubby drove me to my appointment because he was concerned about my reaction to the vaccination.  I don't do well with medications of any kind and he didn't want me getting ill on the way home.  It is a nice feeling having someone look after you but while I was thinking that, I remembered some of my friends who aren't that fortunate.  I will have to remember to be more thoughtful and offer to go with them to those types of appointments.

We are still getting cool weather although I think it is going to change next week.  We have the new netting for our gazebo so are ready for both summer and the bugs.

Tomorrow, I will  getting another quilt on the frame.

Blessings,

Another Quilt to Do

 This top is my next customer quilt to do.  It is going to an elderly lady for her bed in a long tern care facility.  I think she will find it very cheerful.  It is made with batik fabric so will stand up to a lot of washings.  I haven't decided how to quilt it yet but it won't be closely stitched as I don't want it to be stiff.  I am thinking that I may use flannel for the backing.  Will see what the customer says.

I didn't get very much done today.  Had a meeting this morning, did a bit of sewing in the afternoon and then laid down on the couch and fell asleep.  Not sure if it is age, or the weather but I felt draggy all day. Hope I have more energy tomorrow.

Blessings

Reversed Quilting

 It is a bit dreary today.  When we have had a run of nice sunny weather, I appreciate having one that is not as nice.  I have a hard time staying in doors most times but sunshine, whether accompanied by heat or cold, definitely drags me through the door.  Of course, when I am outside, it means all the things that need doing indoors remain unfinished.

Today, I gave the kitchen floor a good scrub and started exchanging winter clothes for summer.  The latter usually takes at least two days as I 1: have too many clothes and 2: I try to lessen number one.  There are always things that I didn't wear because they shrunk in the closet or they don't fit comfortably.  This winter I had bags (literally) of clothes given to me that were previously owned by someone who, like me, was tall.  This is a rarity so I had great fun adding slacks, tops and skirts to my closet.  I doubt if I will ever be able to wear them all so I am going to have to get ruthless and take some of them to the thrift store-when it opens.

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Have you every quilted a top from the back?  I needed to add more stitched rows to a quilt I finished and, as the pattern I had done was a large diamond and I was going to do straight lines through all the points, I decided to reverse it.  I can see the previous pattern easier and a few guide marks are all that are needed to keep me going in a straight line.

Blessings,

Doggie Play Date

 Yesterday was a busy and lovely day as I celebrated reaching the age of 75.  It feels like a real milestone year as I think I may have finally matured as well as realizing I have a lot less years ahead than I do behind.

In addition to the many good wishes and cards I received, one of my favourite happenings was my little dog Heidi having a play date.  A friend came over with her dog who is about the same size as mine and really calm.  Heidi has never really liked other dogs although she has been changing a bit now she is older.  She seemed to be okay so we let both dogs loose in the house and watched the fun.  They had a great time with each other to the point of sharing a water dish and toy.

Heidi is the one with the shaggier hair.

This morning hubby woke me with the distressing news of Prince Philips death.  It shouldn't have been unexpected at his age but it wasn't.  I feel bad for the Queen.  Losing your spouse is never easy but I imagine it is especially difficult when you have been married so long.

Blessings.

Titanium Needles

 This and That mentioned that she had all her machines need to go to shop at the same time once.   That would be a real pain.  Not to mention expensive. My Juki seems to be working alright at the moment but I really do need to take it in for service.

I ordered some more batting and a few notions from my suppliers and they arrived yesterday.  One of the things I got was some titanium coated machine needles.  I have a friend that uses them all the time and she really likes them.  Apparently they last longer and are less likely to cause thread breakage.  I am going to give one of them a try as soon as I need to change a needle.  I hope I don't run over a pin or something and damage it.

I hope everyone had a nice Easter.  Hubby and I cooked the turkey that we couldn't use at Christmas due to a lack of working oven.  I also made a pumpkin pie.  Of course, we ate too much.  We zoomed with the grandchildren after supper and found that our granddaughter is self isolating again.  This is the third time someone in her school has tested positive.  Very frustrating.

I can't remember if I mentioned that we are in lock down again.  We had to grocery shop today and I thought we would have to line up but everything was okay.  The only place there was a line up was at the dollar store so we just went to another.

Blessings,

Why I Have so Many Machines.

 I guess this is my week for things to break down.  I have been working on another customer quilt and my favourite Janome kept jamming.  It had done this before and a friend gave me a new foot pedal for it which seemed to solve the problem.  Unfortunately, it was only a temporary fix.  So back to the service people with that one.

I switched to my Juki machine and it started breaking the upper thread.  I have changed to a different brand and it is working right now but I think it too will be taken in for service.  Fortunately, I do have another 2 machines.  My little basic Janome is still working as is the other one that I bought at Costco for back up.  And some people wonder why we have so many machines!

Ontario is back under lock down again.  I am trying not to get frustrated  but it is beginning to feel as though we are never going to get out of this.  I am most annoyed that we didn't get a longer period of notice.  We were told today that lockdown starts 12.01 a.m. Saturday.  Friday, of course, is a holiday so no buying of groceries etc.  I feel bad for the restaurants that had bought extra supplies for the Easter weekend.  I was able to get the hair appointment that was booked for next week changed to today so I won't be looking like a shaggy dog by the time this lockdown is lifted.

And that is my whine.  I will now do my best to focus on the positive and be thankful for all I have.  I do hope you all have a wonderful Easter celebration.  He is risen.

Blessings.