Finally…
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Finally finished Jacob’s quilt. I’ve worked on this off and
on for nearly a year. The fabric is scraps from making 100% cotton shirts for him during the past several years.
The batting is Hobb’s Poly Down. It is incredibly easy to hand quilt and I love the low loft and light weight of the finished quilt. The quilting is an original design and the border quilting was inspired by a Celtic coloring book.
The quilt is 6″ longer and wider than a king-sized sheet. Jake has his great grandfather’s tall, antique iron double bed so this quilt will reach nearly to the floor all around. He’ll use it as a bedspread and warm cover.
Needless to say, he’s thrilled. He’s requested I set it aside until a time when fewer pets sleep in his bed.
I’m now reworking an embroidered quilt made by my Mother. I’ve removed a large pink ruffle from it’s edges and am hemming the binding. I’ll give this to my sister, who lost all family mementos in a house fire several years ago.
Shirl
Comfortis
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I feel compelled to sing praises about Comfortis dog dope for fleas. This stuff is AMAZING! 
In early summer, we began suffering a major flea infestation. The weather in East Texas has been perfect for flea production and they soon invaded our home and property. YUCK!!
When Lolita suffered a major health problem, we decided to give the new Vet in the area a try. He’s young and cute and truly cares about pets. Did I mention he’s cute?
I asked him about an effective flea treatment for our dogs and first he said not to waste our time or money on dip. It simply doesn’t work. My thoughts exactly!! When I mentioned our dogs’ sensitivity to the meds dabbed to the backs of their necks, he told me about Comfortis.
It’s a tablet that is given to each dog with food. It lasts 30-45 days (6 weeks on our three dogs). When fleas jump onto the dog, they die within minutes, giving the fleas no time to create eggs. If there are fleas in the house, the dogs act as a “Flea Motel”… the fleas check in but they don’t check out. In less than 2 weeks with the dogs running inside and out, our flea problem was eradicated. Another good point is Comfortis is cheaper to use than those back-of-the-neck remedies and it doesn’t wash off when the dogs go dipping in the pond.
We’ve now been using this product for over 3 months and it’s wonderful! Our vet happily sells us individual doses so each month or so, I stop by to purchase a round.
Shirl
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Categories: Pets
Finally some sewing
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Was finally inspired to do some clothing sewing yesterday. I’m so desperate for all areas of new clothes; from underwear to sleepwear to housewear to outerwear. It’s time for the old to hit the ragbag.
Yesterday, I made a nightgown from McCall’s M5640. I’ve made this pattern several times using the suggested woven fabric but because I love cotton knit sleepwear, I decided to use interlock, some bits of lace and a few buttons. It worked out well and is wonderfully soft.
With one or two more new gowns, I’ll be set.
Shirl
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Categories: Sewing
Ding! And the lightbulb comes on!
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‘Sunset’ quilt, designed by Julie Popa of Sunflower Hill Designs
Had a great idea two days ago. Because each time I walk away from the business phone and try to sew or quilt, we get a call that requires my immediate attention. It’s incredibly frustrating to be constantly interrupted.
And then an idea hit! If the phone and computer can’t come to the quilting frame, then the frame must come to the phone and computer.
With measuring tape in hand, I found with a little furniture re-arranging and shifting, the quilt frame would fit into the office with easy access to the phone and computer. According to measurements, it fits on the wall of windows so I’ll have a peaceful view to enjoy as I quilt. PERFECT! I love having a big office all to myself.
Now with every great idea comes ‘the hard part’.
Since my last bout of serious health issues, house cleaning has fallen from my list of life priorities. Before I was willing to bring a quilt into the office, I had to clean… and clean I did.
Because we live in a rural area with lots of dirt roads, dust is a constant problem. Spiderwebs are a major issue too. Early yesterday, I started at the ceiling and worked my way to the floor, eliminating these woes and several others. After an entire day of scrubbing, the office is now sparkling clean.
Finally this morning, Bob and I hefted the frame and quilt into the office.
Sadly, with my already aching back, moving the quilt frame was the last straw for the day. I’m waxed! Instead of quilting, I’ll spend the afternoon thumbing through a new book I received today.
I managed to snag a copy of “Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing” from my favorite online bookseller (http://www.betterworldbooks.com) for $4.75 and free shipping! The book is pristine; I can’t tell the cover has ever been opened. WHAT A DEAL!!! The book actually cost me $35 because I couldn’t leave their site without picking up several hardbacks from their Bargain Bin. These folks get a chunk of change from me every month. I’m a real sucker for cheap books and free shipping.
Shirl
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No entry required.
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I was recently out reading several blogs. Most of them are wonderfully informative and I return in order to learn more. Some, on the other hand, appear to be written even if the writer has nothing to say or information to relate.
I hesitated to write an entry today as I have little to say and the world spins slowly here in rural East Texas. Here’s my news:
- We’ve had rain
- I’ve cooked tasty dinners each night
- We’ve enjoyed a quiet holiday, although Monday (a holiday for many), our business was brisk.
- When I’m not Nettin’, I’m readin’.
- No sewing or quilting accomplished..
Yep, nothing much happening so I’ll close now. No need to waste any more time (yours or mine).
Shirl
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Categories: Cooking, Family, Uncategorized, Weather
Rain has arrived
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Finally saw the promised rain from Alex this afternoon. It’s been a gray day and I’ve enjoyed the cooler temperatures and steady song of drizzle on the roof. I much prefer it to the constant drone of air conditioning. I’ve enjoyed this quiet, mellow day.
Haven’t managed to get to the sewing machine for a few days. Hoping it’s a short break and not a long term sabbatical. The closet is hungry for new clothes.
Dinner is in the oven and beginning to smell good. I made a bunch of homemade egg noodles. A double batch with garlic, basil and oregano will act as a bed for baked chicken with mushroom sauce while the spinach noodles will wait for another meal. Yummy rainy day food. I’m hungry!
Shirl
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Disrupted plans
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Had terrific plans for the day that have been postponed thanks to Hurricane Alex. Planned to pick up my sis Janice, buzz over to pick up my bro Jim, run some errands and go out to eat. They live 90 minutes away from me and I didn’t want to drive that far in heavy rain or run to and from the car while getting drenched.
If I don’t see those promised raindrops soon, I’ll be really miffed.
Oh well, I’ve vowed to make the day productive. I’ve been working to resize a favorite sewing pattern. Yes, since I last made it, I’ve added an inch in girth. Grrrr! Today, I’ll cut not-so-favorite fabric and assemble the blouse to make sure the pattern alterations are accurate. If it fits, I have a new knock-around blouse and will then use wonderful fabric to make a nice one.
As we say about pottery… if the lid fits, it’s functional. If it doesn’t, it’s art. I wonder if this applies to clothing.
Hubba hubby Bob will be making dinner on the grill so I’m free from cooking duty today. All’s well in our world.
Shirl
Welcome!
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I don’t know how or why you’re here. It may be contagious but surely not deadly.
According to some friends and family members, I always have MUCH to say. This blog will provide a place to bend an ear or maybe an eye as I let off steam or ramble.
Again, welcome!
Shirl
Categories: Uncategorized