Come Stitch With Me

The School Board delivered an early Christmas present – the new service animal/therapy dog board rules passed at Thursday night’s board meeting. This is a big deal because everything – and I mean ALL visiting – was halted when school resumed in August. I was slated to start a weekly R.E.A.D. program with Sadie at an area elementary school. The agreement was signed and a kick-off meeting scheduled when they had to cancel. We’d even recruited and started training other volunteers to place at other schools that had also requested a R.E.A.D. team. What a mess! As I suspected, it was the school district’s legal department holding up the works. Hopefully, with the new policy in place, we can get things rolling in January.

My former assistant principal recently announced his retirement (another sign I made the right decision to retire when I did). On Tuesday, I attended his retirement party. It was great to see so many of my former coworkers. I was asked if I missed working. I replied that I missed the daily interactions with students and staff. If we could get the reading dog program back in the schools, my volunteer work with that and the public library would allow me to do all the things I loved best about my work as a librarian without all of the other nonsense that went along with it.

Two days later, the new service animal/therapy dog board rules passed. A glimmer of hope for 2023!

Perplexed as to what to get the quilter/sewist who “seams” to have everything?

Here are a few suggestions to help you out with your holiday gift giving. Any links in the list below are for artisan produced items that I personally own and absolutely love. I receive no renumeration for the recommendation. I am merely a satisfied customer.

Gift certificate to a favorite local quilt shop
Gift certificate to a favorite online quilt shop
Sterling silver thimble that’s custom fitted (vends at many quilt shows and Original Sewing & Quilt Expos around the country)
Handcrafted seam ripper and/or stiletto
Wooden clapper for pressing seams flat
Advanced steam iron or ironing system
Rotary cutting mat
Titanium blades for 45mm and 60mm rotary cutters.
Quality sewing scissors (like Gingher or similar brand)
Chocolate

Does your quilter/sewist frequently attend classes, retreats, sew with friend days or RV extensively?

18″x24″ folding cutting mat
12″x18″ wool press mat
Sew Steady extension table
Travel size steam iron & 4 oz Best Press
Power strip with 12′ cord
Portable sewing lamp
Duplicates of favorite notions and rulers to create a designated “travel only” sewing kit
Clear project bags in assorted sizes
XL canvas tote bag to carry everything (long handle option makes it easier to sling over your shoulder)
Small lightweight sewing machine and carry bag*
Chocolate

*If you fly with a sewing machine, you may want to invest in a 3/4 size sewing machine and a wheeled tote. I do fly with my Elna STAR Edition (or my Singer Featherweight) in a wheeled tote that fits under the seat. All other accessories are packed in my checked luggage.