What fabulous weather we are having in the UK at the moment! Yesterday, we took my elderly parents for a picnic in the grounds of their retirement apartment (probably the only public place that wouldn't be so crowded we could be sure of finding a bench!) and we actually needed sun cream! Definitely a first for 2014!
The June issue of Sewing World arrived on my doorstep the other day, with my heart-shaped scissor keeper in (you can see a tiny picture of it on the front cover, if you look closely at the bottom left corner).
This project first appeared on my blog (it's actually my all-time most popular post) but I made an updated version for Sewing World...
I love the print fabric from Wholeport on the Sewing World version (follow the link if you'd like to buy it!). I used a pair of old jeans for the black fabric which backs it.
For Craftseller I've been making more cards with their free papers. These papers are very kind of fourth of July in their inspiration - they'll be given away with issue 39.
Also for Craftseller, there was a really quick make using vintage sheet music...
Quentin news...
One of the things I've been doing with Quentin for a few weeks now is whistle feeding, where he waits for his food until I blow a whistle - it's something all guide dog puppies do. It sounds a bit crazy, until you know the reasoning behind it...
The whistle will be used to call him back when he's free running (off the lead) in a park or open ground. Even working dogs need some playtime, but if you are blind you need to be really confident your guide dog will come back to you! So the whistle is strongly linked to food quite early on - hopefully ensuring the dog will return!
We've tried the whistle when he's in the garden, and the first time was quite comical. My son was playing tug and chase with him and when the whistle sounded Quentin immediately froze, looking quite startled. He then ran as fast as his little legs would carry him for his food (which I had prepared in secret, while they were out walking - he can hear his food cupboard door from the bottom of the garden!).
The next stage will be recalling him with the whistle when he's off the lead in a park. This has to be done under supervision the first time - which will be in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, he stays on the lead for walks, but is allowed pretty much everywhere now, since his vaccinations.
The walks are as good for me as for him - exercise is one of those things I never get enough of! I'm also discovering new areas in my neighbourhood - parks, woodland, streams and farm paths within easy reach of my front door. Although sometimes it clearly gets exhausting and a random lie down is needed...
What's new in your world? Feel free to share it with us for Handmade Monday...
10 comments:
Hi Wendy - I love the scissor keeper, and Quentin is absolutely gorgeous! It's fascinating to hear the reasoning behind different aspects of training. Thanks for sharing, and have a great week. Chris x
your scissor keeper is such a great make and i love the updated version with that gorgeous fabric!
Its lovely to see Quentin looking so happy and healthy, he is clearly enjoying his time with you as much as you are with him :) x
It is great to see all your Craftseller projects and hearing how the puppy training is going, I look forward to every weeks post.
Fabulous makes, I'll keep an eye out for those mags! xx
Lovely scissor holder. Quentin is adorable, he looks like he will be a wonderful companion for someone.
I keep seeing your lovely creations in craft seller! You are my blogging hero now! xxx
Some lovely projects, as always and love the black lab :D
Missed the deadline this week, late back from a day out and exhausted.
Love the way your guide dog Quentin is coming along. The food wait is the one to win with Labradors, most are stomachs on legs. Just a point are you teaching him any hand signals? I know and end blind user will not be able to do these but if a dog goes deaf in later life as my Molly has done they are a life saver. x
Congratulations on getting your scissor holder on the front page :) I love the Quentin updates. I was out Sunday and it certainly is a time for the sun cream. The picnic in the grounds sounds a great idea, no sticky hot car journey's stuck in traffic and close to home if anything is needed. :)
Have a great week
Jan x
It looks like you've had another busy week. I wonder which takes up most of your time, training Quentin or making lovely things for the magazines. I always love looking at your creations.
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