Welcome!
Rick and I have a new addition to our family! Meet Buddy!
He’s the sweetest boy! So loving … and he wants to make new friends wherever he goes. Buddy captured our hearts right away! Our challenge? He won’t turn one until April … he’s one big furball of energy!
Do you have the same challenge with your fur babies? Our other two dogs, Bryzzo and Gizmo, are more laid back. Now that we have Buddy, we’ve definitely had to change the way we do somethings around the house … that includes how I organize and use my quilt space.
I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve learned! If you have additional tips, please share!
Making your quilting space safe
First and foremost, just like you baby-proof your house for toddlers, you need to pet-proof your house for your pets.
When it comes to your quilting space, consider some of the following tips:
- Keep sharp tools like rotary cutters, scissors and seam rippers stored safely away in drawers or containers with secure lids. If the tool has a cover, use it!
- Securely store any products that contain chemicals. Think starches, glues, etc. … anything that could be lethal or dangerous if ingested. You don’t want your pets to accidentally sample or spill anything that could be harmful.
- Safely store all small items like bobbins, clips and buttons. We know them as choking hazards, but pets can see them as treats.
- Use a magnetic pin holder and periodically check tables and floors for loose pins and needles with a magnetic wand. (If your pet swallows a pin, head for the vet immediately! If you see a string hanging out of anywhere on your pet, do NOT pull it!)
- Keep tangly supplies like thread in a safe, covered container and up on high shelves.
- Make sure larger, heavier items can’t be tipped over. You don’t want anything to fall on your pet or have surrounding items damaged, toppled or smashed.
- Unplug your iron or other electrical tools. Then make sure you don’t leave any cords dangling. Some pets like to play them. Older pets may not see the cords, get tangled in them and yank on them to get free.
- Use covered trash cans so nothing is spilled or pulled out.
- Keep a thread catcher near your sewing area so little bits of thread or fabric aren’t dropped on the floor.
- Wash any quilts your pets may sleep or play on with mild, natural, unscented products.
Follow the old adage … be safe rather than sorry! Things can still happen, but it’s less likely.
Establishing an environment for productive quilting time
Some of our pets just lay at our feet while we work or occasionally peek in on us to make sure they know where we are. But others, like our curious puppy Buddy, are constantly underfoot or getting into something they shouldn’t.
Setting some expectations and providing some distractions or activities to keep your pets busy will help you get in some uninterrupted, productive quilting time. Try some of these tips:
- Provide distractions so your project doesn’t seem so fascinating. For example, set up a hunting game by hiding some treats around the room. (You’ll have to do some training first for this to work.)
- Buy mentally stimulating toys like treat puzzles or toys that can be filled with treats. Egg cartons filled with treats or small toys can be especially fun for cats!
- Rotate which toys your pet plays with so they seem new and different versus the same old thing.
- Turn on the television! Believe it or not, some pets love to watch TV, movies and YouTube videos. Give it a try!
- Take a walk or actively play with your pets for about a half hour prior to your quilting time so they’re ready for some quiet time or a nap.
- Quilt at the same time every day. Pets, especially dogs, like routine. If it fits your schedule, try to quilt when your pet normally naps. Sync your routine with your pet’s!
If your pets just like to be near you, try to do some of your quilting by their favorite rest spot. An occasional pet or scratch behind the ears lets them know that you know they’re there.
It takes time, but you’ll find what works best for both you and your fur baby!
Dealing with pet fur and allergies
A frequent side effect of having pets is having to deal with fur on your fabric, quilt surfaces, quilts, etc.
For some households this isn’t an issue. An occasional swipe with a lint roller or periodically washing your quilts works … no allergies to deal with. But for other households, shedding and allergies are a problem.
Considerations also need to be made for recipients of quilts, longarm quilters finishing your projects, viewers of quilt show-and-tells/shows, participants at retreats/in classes, etc.
If you deal with pet fur, here are some suggestions that may help if concerns arise:
- Store your quilting fabric in plastic totes or up on shelves.
- If you have cats that like to jump and climb, consider closing the door to your quilt space in an effort to keep them out.
- Regularly go over your quilts with lint rollers or garment brushes.
- Wash your quilts more frequently and, when possible, hang them outside to dry or air out.
- If you know your finished quilt is going to someone with allergies, pre-wash the fabric and/or wash the finished quilt in an effort to remove any fur and dander. If the recipient’s allergies are severe, consider buying new fabric for the project.
A related issue (that often raises more debate) is whether or not to let your pets lay on your quilts.
A lot depends on the personality/habits of your pets. Do they just lay on the quilt, or do they tear and/or chew the fabric? Do they push and pull your quilts in an effort to nest in them?
Possible options?
- Allow your pets on only certain quilts.
- Make small, simple quilts or use practice projects for your pets.
- Invest in cheap storebought quilts.
Ultimately it comes down to what works best for you, your family and your fur babies.
Sewing for your pets!
Okay, making things for your pets may or may not help with your pet related challenges, but it’s fun, right?!
I’m going to list a few items that you might find useful when trying to carve out your quilting time or dealing with your pet’s fur. Then I’ll provide a link to a Love to Sew podcast that includes links to more information about these items as well as other sewing projects for pets.
Patterns/tutorials for items that may help you check your pet’s energy level include:
- dog collars,
- dog and cat harnesses,
- dog and cat leashes,
- pet coats, and a
- do-it-yourself dog poop bag holder.
Patterns/tutorials for items that may help establish your pet’s space in your quilting area:
- pet beds, and a
- cat hammock.
Pattern/tutorial for a toy to occupy your dog while you’re quilting:
- a no-stuffing bunny dog toy.
Patterns/tutorials for items to help you deal with your pet’s shedding:
- do-it-yourself dog car seat cover, and
- make-your-own loveseat protector.
To listen to Caroline and Helen of Love to Sew talk about their pets, the items listed above and additional pet sewing projects, listen to their podcast, “Episode 236: Sewing for Pets” (recorded 5-22-23, 48 minutes long).
Another podcast that covers making your quilting space safe, establishing your productive quilting time and dealing with pet fur is “Episode 492: Tips for Sewing with Pets” by American Patchwork & Quilting (recorded 12-7-20, first 17 minutes).
Buddy and I are still figuring each other out. It’s a journey … and there will be changes along the way. We’re keeping things positive and giving/getting lots of love!
Oh, I have to share two more pictures. The first is a shot of Buddy taking a walk with his brother Bryzzo. The second is a shot of both of Buddy’s brothers, Gizmo and Bryzzo. They’re all figuring each other out too!
Time to wrap up again. Interested in our upcoming classes, events and sale information?
Upcoming Classes
Free-Motion Longarm Quilting with Wendy Fuller
Free-Motion Longarm Quilting (Appleton)
Friday, February 28, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Lunch included)
or
Free-Motion Longarm Quilting (Elkhorn)
Saturday, March 1, 2025
SOLD OUT – JOIN THE WAIT LIST
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Lunch included)
This is a small group, hands-on class.
Wendy will show you how to create/draw your designs. Then you’ll practice stitching them on the longarm. (And take home your finished project!)
Wendy will follow-up with showing you how to use your designs in a variety of ways to fill your quilt blocks and borders. You’ll also learn about marking your quilt top, using stencils as guides and incorporating other techniques like echo quilting.
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Hands on Quilted Jacket Class with Sara (Appleton)
Saturday, March 22, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(Lunch included)
Have you ever wanted a quilted jacket but didn’t know where to start?
Here’s your chance to find out!
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How about joining me at Fabric Bash in Omaha, NE for 1 or 2 in-person classes?!
Pro-Stitcher Beginner’s Class Pantograph (Omaha, NE)
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
or
Pro-Stitcher Custom Quilting (Omaha, NE)
Thursday, March 6, 2025
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Click the links above for even more information on these fantastic opportunities!
Upcoming Events
Our March calendar of quilt shows gives you all sorts of opportunities to get out and see the latest the quilting world has to offer!
West Suburban Quilters’ Guild
Friday, March 14, 2025
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 15, 2025
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Waukesha County Fairgrounds-FORUM BUILDING
1000 Northview Road
Waukesha, WI 53188
Admission: $7
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Saturday, March 15, 2025
Pulaski, WI
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Saturday, March 29, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lourdes Academy
110 N Sawyer Street
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Free admission / Free parking
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Crazy Quilters, Inc.
Saturday, March 29, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, March 30, 2025
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Parkview Middle School
930 N. Rochester Street
Mukwonago, WI
$8 daily admission
$10 two-day admission
Which shows can you visit? Please stop by and say hi!
NOTE: Due to staffing these shows and pulling inventory from our shops, the Appleton store will be closed on the following Fridays: March 14th and March 28th.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause!
Sales! Sales! Sales!
Need to restock your thread? Take advantage of the Sew In Love sale on Superior Threads!
This sale runs through February 19, 2025.
Your discount is automatically applied at checkout … NO promo code needed.
Click here for the Thread page of our website!
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Handi Quilter is still running one of their wonderful Bounce Back Shopping Spree sales but it ends soon! Don’t miss this deal!
This sale goes through February 24th! Contact us for more details!
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And APQS is still sponsoring two sales, but they end soon as well!
The first is the “We Love Lucey” sale!
This incredible deal runs through February 28, 2025!
The second sale is for those of you who want to add Quilt Path to your APQS longarm!
This fantastic opportunity also runs through February 28, 2025!
Again, please contact us for more details!
That’s a wrap!
Please remember, if you ever have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
And please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie