Creating an Action Quilt - Part 3

Now that all the pieces are cut in various sizes, it’s time to add doo-dads!!!!!!!! This is the fun creative part I absolutely love!

You know what though, sometimes I just don’t like the way something looks with the other “planned” pieces. There are no rules! No ripping out! Just grab another piece of fabric, cut to size, then start over!

On this Action Quilt, I started with the red pet screen (mini screen) to make a pocket. I didn’t want the top of the plastic to be hard or rough on the hands/fingers, so I stitched a narrow binding across the top using a lot of white but complementing the purple.

After reading the article I shared yesterday, about blue-violet was hard to see, I thought the red screen would be perfect on the purple.

I first stitched the red screen across the bottom, attaching it to the purple. Then I added white & red lace (it’s a combined unit I found in my stash) along the side.

Notice where I stitched both sides down 3 times, albeit not that straight, sorry! Anyway, I want it as secure as possible!

Later you’ll see where I took narrow satin yellow ribbon and weaved through the eyelet holes on the red lace. I’ve not trimmed the lace to size – yet! That will come later, when I’m ready to join the pieces. I’m ready now to move on to another doo-dad!

Tomorrow I’ll add a zipper to the Action Quilt!

Creating an Action Quilt - Part 2

This is the photo I shared yesterday of the few pieces of fabric and some trims I plan on working with for this Action Quilt. As I go, I may not use something, or add another piece or two of fabric I’d rather use. This is just a starting point. There are no hard & fast “rules” – just an assortment of different textures and colors.

You may recognize a rare piece – REAL Dotted Swiss! A while back, a friend/neighbor of mine gave me a few boxes and some sacks of fabric… I found this treasure of red Dotted Swiss inside!!!

A bit of lace, satin ribbon, and chiffon will be among the “doo-dads” I’ll incorporate.

I like working with plastic pet screen (aka mini screen) as well. I made a makeup bag out of it before, a class I took with Sew Michelle at Thomas Sewing Center. It makes a nice “pocket” effect. But, certainly ~ trust me ~ keep the iron far far away from it!

I start cutting out pieces of the fabric in different sizes, anywhere from 6.5” square, 2.5” x whatever length, to a 4.5” x 12”, and lay next to each other as I go. I’ve found placing them on the grid of my cutting mat works well. 

I try and keep the size to be about 14” x 19” – to fit nicely on a lap, or tray, and folks won’t have to reach so far.

Because there is no pattern, you’re free to play with different sizes and shapes – whatever suits your fancy!

While I play, I keep in mind:

1. Avoid the need to match seams
2. Scatter different textures throughout
3. Balance color around the quilt
4. I can always change my mind

I don’t fret over using thin (like my white with colorful dots or the red dotted swiss) or flimsy (like a knit) fabric. I simply use a lightweight iron-on interfacing to act as a barrier and/or give the fabric an extra bit of body.

I highly recommend reading Vision and Alzheimer’s Disease – A Different Way to See the World and what I took from reading this article I incorporate into Action Quilts:

Reds

Color Contrast

Once I’ve cut and arranged the pieces, and I’ve applied any needed interfacing ~ keeping mindful of #1 - #4 above ~ it’s time to start adding doo-dads here and there! I’ll share tomorrow! 

Creating an Action Quilt – Part 1

Let me begin with a caveat –

The Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts) I create are not for commercial facilities such as Nursing Homes or Adult Day Care Centers serving those with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. My focus is for those living in a home environment with a 24/7 caregiver.

Why are they my focus?

1) After reading posts from the closed Facebook group Memory People, I’ve learned how much help the caregivers need in helping their Loved Ones keep once busy hands occupied, and mind stimulated.

2) Some of the materials I usually like to incorporate (clear vinyl, for example) may not withstand the commercial laundry process. They will, however, go through a normal home washing (on delicate cycle in cold water) and drying (on low temperature). When I’m finished with one, they each are washed and dried, and come out perfectly!

When creating an Action Quilt (aka Fidget Quilt) there are a couple of things I keep in mind…

Safety of our Loved Ones

Easy to use “doo-dads”

One of the first pictures I saw when doing an internet search for “fidget quilts” – was where someone put a large safety pin on one of the squares. I immediately wondered, What Could Go Wrong There? Goodness gracious folks. What were you thinking? Keep Loved Ones SAFE!

Have you noticed the difference between metal zippers and the polyester ones? The pulls are much bigger on the metal ones which will make them EASY to use! Whenever I do use a polyester one, I do something, add something, to the pull. I’m sure arthritic hands/fingers will appreciate the “bigness” created!

Oh, and I want to explain once again why I am calling these little quilts ~ Action ~ rather than fidget. To me, “fidget” sounds negative.

As a little girl, I would get in trouble if I did any “fidgeting” rather than sitting still while in church. I do use “(aka Fidget Quilt)” a lot, only so others used to the name will know what I’m talking about. And, for search engines to catch! Nancy, of Sewing with Nancy, uses “Activity” – I’m guessing she may think fidget has a negative connotation as well!

Maybe, someday, eventually, Action Quilt will be the norm!

Now that that’s all said, gather some fabric together and tomorrow we’ll begin creating an Action Quilt together!

The Purpose of Life

My Own Flare

I rarely have original ideas of what to make. Sometimes I do, but not often. Why reinvent the wheel?

What I do is add my own flare to something I’ve seen others create. Thanks to the lifelong lessons I’ve learned from my mother, I can look at something and figure out how to make it. Even when I create something from purchased patterns, I typically end up putting my own flare on it. I confess. It’s usually because I haven’t followed the directions to the letter so I have to readjust rather than rip out!

For example, take the Action Quilts [Fidget Quilts]. It was not my idea. However, I am thrilled someone had the idea and shared it! I now design and create them, with no pattern involved, no instructions to follow. Keeping mindful of a few basic, common sense guidelines ~ that I’ll share later ~ I’ve found creating Action Quilts to be the most stress-free, rewarding project I’ve ever done!

I highly recommend Sew Mama Sew’s website for finding tutorials, inspiration, ideas on just about anything/everything sewing related and more! I just read her “Joyful Sewing – 12 Tips for Enjoying a Stress-Free Hobby” and I HIGHLY recommend reading it in full. Her #3 is something I learned a long time ago:

Give yourself permission to do things your own way.

Be creative! Add your own flare to projects! Sew for the Charity of it!

Monday begins a 9 part series, a tutorial, on how I create Action Quilts! I hope you'll join me!

Follow Your Heart

It’s all about “Sewing for the Charity of it”! Which ever group you selected to focus on, I’m thinking you felt an extra tug on your heart strings! Remember me saying it gets a bit overwhelming reading about all the different needs out there? The words of Edward Everett Hale are a great mantra to keep playing in our minds:

I am only one, but I am one.

I cannot do everything,

but I can do something.

And I will not let what I cannot do

interfere with what I can do.

Follow your heart and you’ll create with passion. I know it’s the way I feel when I create something for seniors, Veterans, and adolescents/young adults ~ my focus groups.

Last year, National Sewing Month 2014, “Sew for the Creativity of it!” I focused on creating a quilt top. Making quilts is what I love to do to honor and Thank our Veterans and for adolescents/young adults in need of comfort.

The year before (2013), their theme was “Sew for the Skill of it!” It was then I shared a variety of projects reflecting different techniques and tips to hone our home sewing skills. One particular day, I featured “Sewing for Seniors” listing several projects to make. I’ve not made them all ~ yet ~ but plan to over the next several weeks!

Back in January, I wrote about creating “Action Quilts” for seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. Some folks call them “fidget quilts” and I’ve read where others refer to them as “Activity Mats”. Whatever you call this beautiful rose, it helps those with once busy hands.

Here is an Action Quilt I created recently and entered in the Lampasas (Texas) County Fair.

I didn’t enter it to win a ribbon (that was a plus!), but to bring awareness of what folks could create to help their Loved Ones.

And, a few more I’ve made…

In a few days, I’ll post a step–by–step tutorial, to share how I make an Action Quilt. Maybe you would like to make one along with me! If so, you’ll need a few doo-dads, trims, and textured and 100% cotton fabric. I would highly recommend to start collecting, or making them, now! It’s a great way to use other skills such as knitting, crocheting, or embroidering, and seeing things in a new light! I’ve created a Pinterest board with different ideas to include on Action Quilts. Even scrapbooking ideas go on this board! I wouldn’t use paper, but use felt/fabric in the same design!

Let us follow our hearts and Sew for the Charity of it!

Finding Patterns

Hopefully, you are participating in National Sewing Month’s “Sewing for the Charity of it” and have selected a charity! Let’s get focused! I did a Google search for “Sewing for Charity” and found boo-coos of free patterns! Another search, for "Sew to Serve" offers more suggestions and links to free downloadable patterns. I also found several from my search on Pinterest under "Charity Sewing".

It is one stitch at a time that we – all the sewists celebrating National Sewing Month in creating items for charity – will change a life.

What will you create? Which pattern(s) did you select?

I hope you share as I would love to know!

Oh. My. Goodness.

Researching all the different charities that need handmade sewn items can get a bit overwhelming. For me it does anyway. The good thing about it, however, there is something for everyone. Based on skill level, time allowance, and where your heart leads, you’ll find someone, some cause, to concentrate your efforts and Sew for the Charity of it!

I highly recommend ~ rather than get overwhelmed ~ select one or two or three focus groups and go for it!

Several websites offer lists of what’s needed, and where. If you don’t already have a specific charity in mind, take a look over these for ideas of whom you can help and how:

Cyberseams - Sewing Charity List

All Free Sewing – Sewing Charity List

Sewing – Charity Sewing

Craftsy Blog – Charity Sewing

You can also contact organizations in your local community to see how you can help, such as:

š  Children’s hospitals

š  Emergency services

š  Senior centers and nursing homes

š  Cancer treatment centers

š  Women’s shelters

š  Veterans’ organizations

Tomorrow I’ll share various places to go on the internet to find free patterns to create your project(s)!

Please leave a comment below and let me know which charity you selected! Once we discover what areas folks are concentrating on, it will be fun to share the different items we create together!

National Sewing Month

Welcome to September! Which brings ~ once again ~ National Sewing Month!

National Sewing Month celebrates home sewing. You will find an informative .pdf file here about the history of National Sewing Month. This year’s theme is “Sew for the Charity of it!” – what a great focus!

If you don’t know how to sew, this is a great time to learn how! If you already sew, I would like to encourage you to join me in sewing for others – for the charity/love of it!

Out of curiosity, I went to the online dictionary and looked up charity – just to be clear. This is what I found:

noun, plural charities.

1. generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless:

to devote one's life to charity.

2. something given to a person or persons in need; alms:

She asked for work, not charity.

3. a charitable act or work.

4. a charitable fund, foundation, or institution:

He left his estate to a charity.

5. benevolent feeling, especially toward those in need or in disfavor:

She looked so poor that we fed her out of charity.

6. leniency in judging others; forbearance:

She was inclined to view our selfish behavior with charity.

7. Christian love; agape.

Simple, basic.

What can we sew/create for others? Throughout the month, I’ll share ideas and suggestions I find across the internet! Check back daily for the discoveries!

I Am Not a Gardener

It is time to dig in the dirt. It’s time to get dirty and hot and sweaty and experience the “good type of” tired. I will be the first to admit – I Am Not a Gardener. Yes. I’ve tried here and there, and have had some flowerbeds [note: term used loosely], but things are going to change!

I’ve made a promise to myself and I won’t wimp out this time, God willing!

If you’ve been reading my blog, or following me on Facebook, you know I’m in Texas. “Summers” run from about mid May through October. Temps are usually in the low to high 80’s then 90’s starting in June, many times hitting low 100’s by August. Humidity is usually pretty high throughout the season/year. Our hard “winters” – snow/ice – don’t usually hit until February, then it’s gone.

For years to come, we all will remember rain we’ve received, especially during the month of May 2015. We are blessed to have finally come out of the drought that hit about five years ago. Our stock tank is up, ready for the summer. I’m so sorry so many had extremely too much rain/tornadoes and lost their homes and lives due to the excessive flooding and storm damage.

I’m not a landscape designer. I go by the seat of my pants. I’ve looked on the internet, especially Pinterest, and have walked around various nurseries in the area. I know what I like/don’t like, and I – sort of – know the look and purpose (butterflies and hummingbirds) I would like to see out my windows, or while walking around the yard.

What I’m facing (and not)…

The yard is the size of a football field with the house sitting on the 50 yard line. The house faces south. Front yard is only about 30 feet from porch to fence. Back yard is about 60 feet from extended arm of “L” shaped house to fence.

“Stuff” is over in the east yard… workshop/barn…equipment… our parking lot… needless to say, that’s “his” side!

I’m saving the back yard – north side – for last. That’s where the old “two seater” outhouse was when we bought the ranch. Bugs and rotted wood got too bad, so it had to come down. The “hole” is still there (hadn’t been used in years prior), with rocks and stuff, high grass/weeds, but it needs dirt. Anyway, what can I say – I’m not messing with it until the very last!

My focus is on the front and west yards. At least, the west side is the first folks see when they visit. But, I’m saying this… I’m doing this for me, not for anyone else, for appearances. Not for what it looks like to others. I need to do this for me.

Well, last week I had planted some Delphiniums and Achilleas next to the lavender (established years ago), up against the fence. During her visit here at the country, Momma and I had gone to Walmart and bought the lovely blooming plants. It was an easy, quick flowerbed to weed and clean up.

WRONG thing to do.

While back in Dallas with my mother, I learned the news. Our baby girl promptly broke two blooms from the delphiniums while “taking care of the cows” when they got too close to the yard fence. Well, I learned my lesson (I should have known this already!)… it’s her job… need to move the plants and forget that “flowerbed”.

She can’t just look "through" the fence…she can’t see as well…

The 25+ year old fruitless Mulberry tree finally died in the front yard. I don’t want to cut it down. I have plans for that tree – as long as it’s standing!

I did plant a yellow rose bush, in honor of our 35^th wedding anniversary in April… the first of many flowers/plants I envision around the tree. Three buds are about to open up! I also transplanted a few irises around the tree. I love seeing irises bloom... it's the first sign of Spring!

Once back from Dallas yesterday, I began working more on that particular flowerbed and planted these perennials: 

Delphiniums (transplanted) and staked/protected from south winds with yard art found at Joann’s – on 60% off sale!
Achillea – yarrow (transplanted)
Hot Lips Salvia Angelonia, Summer Snapdragon
Red Yucca (not really yucca)
Autumn Joy Sedum

Knock Out Red Roses

It looks pretty yucky now because I had to space the things to allow for their individual growth. It will probably all run together eventually. However, I believe next year it will be a showcase! I already love my view from the kitchen sink window!

I read about the “Autumn Joy Sedum” and discovered deer also likes them. I’m hoping it survives until I can get to town and buy some sweet basil plants. I’ll position them among the flowering plants. The basil worked nicely keeping deer away from the vegetables in the Keyhole Garden. I would think they would work in the Dead Tree Bed.

Today, I will plant the tomatoes & jalapenos and sweet basil I did get (thinking ahead) in the Keyhole Garden. I’m so thankful I didn’t get the veggies planted before the May rains! I would have had to start all over!

Although my right elbow is a touch sore this morning (even started hurting last night) from hitting the caliche rock bed about 8” below the surface – if I was lucky it was that deep! It’s worth the effort. I’m happy. It is the dirt!

If you're looking for me... I'm at the Keyhole Garden!