Fabric Dreams & Things

Sorry for the delay.  As will

We hear a lot, almost too much, about healthcare reform.  The one thing we don’t hear about, until now is the hospital gown.  You think it isn’t significant enough to mention?  Well, consider these facts.

*  87 percent of caregivers felt the current gown sometimes interefers with care.

* 88 percent believe it interfers with the patients feeling of wellbeing.

* 74 percent of nurses have to assist in the gowning process because patients are not comfortable with the xnaps ties, front or back issues.  You have to wonder what class in nusring school taught these skills.

Patients also confess that they may limit their mobilbity because they are concerned about being overly “exposed.

A solution to these healthcare issues may be in the “design” process now.  Find out more tomorrow.

The last few days of summer vacation can still be enjoyed by engaging your children in activities that also let you get close to your stash.

Fuse 2 layers of fabric, wrong sides togetherk using fusible web.  Cut with a wavy rotary cutting blade (one of those 5 rotary cutters you own) to make bookmarks.  Punch a hole in the end and add ribbon or a piece from coordinating fabric.  Let the children’s imaginations go.

With the last few days before school begins evaporating, plan a fun day with the neighborhood children.  Invite them over for a bike decorating party.

Weave strips in and out through bicycle spokes, tie them off carefully, to make any bike beautiful.  Then invite the kids to have a bicycle parade.

The kids will enjoy the special occasion.  Talk a couple of the moms into fixing a light drink and snack. Watch the kids have even more fun.  You’ll put some of that unused fabric to good use and have a great time making a special event for the kids.

The ads on TV, in the paper and conversations everywhere you turn remind us that school is just around the corner.  It’s an exciting time with the promises of new classes and teachers.  It’s also an uneasy time as  children  face  new uncertain, situations.  It’s always the little things that can help help quiet some of their fears.

Did you ever consider how personalized book covers could make life less stressful.  Use a fat quarter or half yard to make  individualized, personalized covers for the students in your life.  It only takes a few minutes.  The student receives the benefit of knowing you care.  Everyone that sees them in halls or classrooms  knows that they are special too.

What better way to enjoy quilting than give your work to someone else.  I’ve been “bummed” ever since my son confessed that he and his wife really didn’t want my quilts.  After my bruises healed I’ve realized what a gift he gave me. 

There are two great projects that gladly accept donations,the Linus Project and P&G’s Downy “Touch of Comfort”.  Having donated to them, I’ve come to realize that the joy of giving is the same if you give to a son or to a total stranger.  You really do end up being the one that receives. 

I encourage you.  Give to one of these projects and enjoy that warm feeling for a long time.

Did you know quilters are always learning?      A recent poll found that 85% of quilters want to learn more and do better.

Di d you know quilters can out do Tim the Tool Man Taylor (if you’re old enough to remember him).  The same poll found that 47% of quilters own more than 5 rotary cutters.

Quilters are a loving bunch too.  This poll found that 47% of quilters love their mother-in-law.

Tomatoes, according to history, originated in the Andes Mountains and were spread through North America and back to Europe by Cortez.  All I can say is bless him. 

This tomato and rice recipe is full of all those healthy good things…that even includes taste.  With an abundance of tomatoes at the peek of the growing season, give this recipe a try.

Tomato-Rice Salad

The proportions for this salad are strictly up to your individual taste buds.

Just-cooked brown rice

Handfuls of fresh basil, parsley, cilantro chopped                   

Handfuls of fresh spinach and argugula, chopped

Red and Yellow tomatoes, diced

Olive Oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh garlic (optional)

Preparation:  Mix chopped tomatoes, herbs and greens with brown rice.  Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and season with sea salt and greshly ground black pepper.  I

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Embroidery is something most of us remember from our childhoods.  I personally had not embroideried since my children were young. 

I’ve just completed 2 quilt projects (Winter Wonderland and Over the River and Through the Woods) and have begun the third.  Suddenly I find myself enjoying it more and more.  With my enjoyment  came an amazement as to the number of threads available.  In the August/September 2009 Quilter’s Home, page 21, there is a review of 7 flosses.  I was surprised to learn that Gentle Art was the hands down winner.  Have you experienced this floss?

QNN’s new Quilt Out Loud features Mark Lipinski and Jodi Davis.  It’s difficult for me to travel to Mark’s presentations.  QNN opens the whole world of quilting personalities for people like me.  It’s never as good as a live presentation but it is the next best thing.