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Tuesday, 31 January 2017

No problem, I'll make one.

Hello. Thank you for the many more messages coming in. You are so kind. I'm taking one day at a time, looking for things to occupy my time and my mind. Can't sit around feeling sorry for myself. Bugsy had the best life ever, I made him that promise when he first came into my life. For the last few years he knew he was the King of the Castle, mooching  around his domain,  checking on his subjects, letting them know he was boss. Nothing bothered him, he was so laid back. The last few months while he was living on the table we had conversations, face to face. He knew he was loved. We were a team, I am grateful that I have lovely memories of him. 
 I'll tell you about a little invention I made yesterday. I bought my sewing machine about the time I retired, nearly eight years ago, it was just under £100, nothing fancy, it does what I want it to do. 
This is the piece I am working on at the moment, patchwork pieces. I cut out some brown strips of fabric for the tree, it's a heavy material and frays a lot. I laid them out where I wanted them.

Hand sewing was going to take too long, so I thought machining would be best, but the pieces were in danger of falling off while I was doing it. I need a wider flatter surface around the machine to support it and  keep it all flat. 
I could make one out of wood, but that might take a while, and it's too cold to work outdoors at the moment. So, I had a look around and found a sturdy cardboard box that I brought my groceries home in from Aldi. Measured the height, exactly three inches, perfect. I cut an aperture in it, the width and length of the machine base.

 Covered the top with sticky white glossy paper, and slid it onto the machine.

Perfect. Now I have a flat surface to support my work, and it cost nothing.
Does the job just fine. A good invention I think. 
It's lunch time and I am going out this afternoon, so I'll sign off. Don't forget, tomorrow is the 1st of February, the day the Walking Group clock in with their mileages.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip.
at

43 comments:

  1. Unknown31 January 2017 at 12:50

    That is a brilliant invention and I think I might pinch the idea.

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  2. Jenny, Life Goes On31 January 2017 at 13:00

    I was just catching up with your blog this morning, I'm so sorry to hear about Bugsy, I want to offer my sincere condolences. It is so painful to lose those we love, what a handsome fellow, may he fly free and be at peace.
    Jenny

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  3. Anonymous31 January 2017 at 13:31

    Your textile work just keeps getting better x

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  4. Anonymous31 January 2017 at 13:32

    Your an absolute genius. Well done!

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  5. Anonymous31 January 2017 at 13:39

    I'm very late with this but haven't been on the computer in the last few days. I'm so sorry to hear about Bugsy, but I know you took great care of him, loved him and he knew that. Take care and I hope the pain subsides soon. Always know you did the best for him. Arlene from NJ

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  6. chinadogs31 January 2017 at 13:47

    We lost our big, chunky pensioner ginger tom 6 month ago and we still think about him every day, he and Bugsy looked very similar. It was an unusual situation as we'd only had him for 3 years. We were told that he was about 10 when we got him from a rescue centre but that was all they knew about him. Each vet that we saw after that added a year or so to his age so maybe he was close to 20 when he passed. We still don't know his story but we saw on an X-ray that he had 2 airgun pellets lodged in his body and there were signs that his ribs had been broken, the vet said that he'd probably been kicked. We gave him the best final years he could have had, whatever Harry wanted Harry got.

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  7. Anonymous31 January 2017 at 14:16

    Ilona, you have a flair for designing things that are useful, that's certain. What a brilliant idea. And all made with stuff you didn't have to buy, absolutely excellent. Amanda

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  8. Anonymous31 January 2017 at 14:23

    I know that if there is a stumbling block you will sort it. You are not to be beaten by something like this. Well done. Ingenious.

    Joan (Wales)

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  9. Unknown31 January 2017 at 14:28

    Very clever.

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  10. Unknown31 January 2017 at 15:00

    It is a great job! You are very creative. Better yet, you made it with simple items. Great idea.

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  11. Anonymous31 January 2017 at 15:41

    So clever, useful and cheap! Well done. JanF

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  12. mamasmercantile31 January 2017 at 15:44

    Inspirational, I will certainly bear that great invention in mind.

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  13. Brendaintheboro31 January 2017 at 15:55

    well done. buying one costs quite a bit. I was lucky to get on with my last machine but that is just brilliant, I will show the girls at quilt group this week

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  14. Lisa31 January 2017 at 16:04

    Absolutely brilliant! I will remember this, something tells me it will come in very handy. I love to sew, too. It is very relaxing for me. I hope you will show us the details of this when it is finished. I would love to see it up close.
    Lisa in Miami

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  15. Craft-E-Place31 January 2017 at 16:04

    Inspired idea! They do say necessity is the mother of invention ... at least I think that is the saying!
    Elaine

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  16. Anonymous31 January 2017 at 16:11

    That's fantastic!!! Been thinking the same thing for ages never got round o it ,but cardboard..... Genius!!!!! I'm off to tesco tonight for yellow stickers and,,,,,,,, a sturdy cardboard box. #love sewing

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  17. Connie31 January 2017 at 16:16

    Now that's very clever. Smart and talented girl!

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  18. hilary.robbinshill31 January 2017 at 16:52

    Oh dear Ilona,
    I am so sorry to hear about Bugsy. My last cat lived to be 22 and I miss him still but it gets better. We have another one now. Not the same but he is lovely. RIP Bugsy.
    Hilary in Hunstanton

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  19. Anonymous31 January 2017 at 17:07

    what a very clever idea. My husband is off to make one as soon as he has the necessary cardboard box. I get such inspiration from your blog. My husband is also a fan of yours.
    Audrey

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  20. VickiEY31 January 2017 at 17:07

    Clever solution - I shall definitely be copying this! Well chosen colours for the patchwork background for the trees - looks like another winner! Vicki

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  21. Sue in Suffolk31 January 2017 at 17:17

    A clever idea to solve a problem

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  22. Carol Caldwell31 January 2017 at 17:54

    What a brilliant idea.

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  23. justjill31 January 2017 at 17:57

    You should have a solo exhibition and show the photos you show us so people can see how you got the picture finished. They really are amazing. As you are.

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  24. Sweetpeas and HoneyBees31 January 2017 at 18:28

    Clever, clever girl!! I just looked up the cost of Janome extension tables and they average out at about 70 squid! Looking forward to seeing the finished article.

    Thinking about Bugsy being the top cat, Daisy my Tortie is top cat here. She was found wandering the streets when she was about 6 weeks old. When I took her to the vet he warned me about 'naughty Tortie'. I'd never heard the term before but he was right. That cat could buy and sell you a hundred times over! She's entering her 17th year now and is totally on the ball. We share a fleece dressing gown these days - she lets me wear it in the morning, then she has it for the rest of the day on the bed with a hot water bottle underneath it. The things we do for our beloved animals!

    Linda xx

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  25. Anonymous31 January 2017 at 18:31

    Lovely that you wrapped Bugsy in some lovely patchwork of yours. We did something similar for our beloved doggy. Your picture is fab. Natalie

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  26. Eloise31 January 2017 at 18:57

    What a brilliant invention! You have a very creative mind. X

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  27. Tania31 January 2017 at 19:21

    Well done Ilona, very creative of you! :)

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  28. Rosie31 January 2017 at 19:30

    So sorry about Bugsy he was very special. Your blog is so inspiring the way you share your life, the sad things and the good things and your approach to life. I have copied your ideas, search out the yellow labels and cook from scratch according to what I find. Life is so much more interesting since I found your blog, thank you!

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  29. Linda31 January 2017 at 21:35

    Absolutely brilliant idea Ilona x I know from personal experience that keeping busy somehow helps in times of extreme loss and sadness. Thinking of you xx

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  30. Lesley Gilbert31 January 2017 at 22:23

    Love your sewing/work table - wish I had thought to make my own 2 years ago - would have saved me £65 :p Love your'bark' in the 2nd photo - you have some greats idea's:)

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  31. Jille31 January 2017 at 22:36

    Ilona I am so impressed with your innovation, amazing idea! I have two quilts that need backing and this would be just right!

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  32. Ali31 January 2017 at 22:40

    You are incredibly resourceful and I love the textile you are working on. I lost my gorgeous dog last year at 11 yrs, out of the blue as a result of spleen cancer. Now my little 1 yr old collie went and poked herself with a stick today and has a sore gammy eye so off to the vet tomorrow. I'm not sure who I worry about more, my 15 yr twin girls or my collie! I liked the way you wrapped Bugsy in your patchwork. When my husband died two years ago I worked, in a haze, on a small felt during the horrible days between losing him and the funeral. I needle felted a sunset which felt right and added some of my wedding dress. It sat on his coffin with a photo and now it sits in my inglenook. It was extraordinarily soothing. I keep busy. It's the best way.

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  33. Anonymous1 February 2017 at 01:26

    That's awesome! Didn't cost you anything and is indeed a useful invention. I like your creative project :)

    Sandie

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  34. Hilde1 February 2017 at 04:43

    Ilona, you are a genius!

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  35. alicesav1 February 2017 at 07:19

    Hi Illona, I have walked 67 miles in January. Special hugs for you today. xx

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  36. Curly Club1 February 2017 at 08:50

    How clever. I'm going to steal that idea, thank you. Of course we all know already that Bugsy had a wonderful life with you, you're so kind.

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  37. Unknown1 February 2017 at 11:01

    Inspirational Ilona! OH is most inventive, but in wood, joinery was/is his trade, and he is brill at solving problems which could otherwise cost an arm and a leg.

    Take care.

    Susan (wife of Edward)

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  38. Anonymous1 February 2017 at 20:16

    Hello, It's Pat from Dawson Creek, just checking in. I wanted to say what an inspiration you are. Because of coming to this site, and seeing how resourceful you are I tried something that I wouldn't have done otherwise. As I think I mentioned before, I moved to a 55 plus apartment near my daughter's after my dh died. I couldn't keep up with all the work needing doing to the house and acreage. I wanted to learn how to paint, so put a notice up on our bulletin board , asking if anyone else was interested in an art club. Well, we have had 2 artists volunteer to teach, a room donated for us to use, and 4 more ladies who signed up to learn. We have already had 3 evenings of great fun, and learning and we are all enjoying our selves. WE don't have to leave the apartment block, or try and drive in the dark ( I don't because of double vision). and for seniors that otherwise would be in the house for a month or so longer ( very icy outside, have had a thaw after much snow), it has gotten us out for an evening, for just the cost of our personal supplies. All because of your can do attitude, we are all doing and having a blast doing it.

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  39. Michelle2 February 2017 at 02:01

    I am on Hospice watch with my 3 dogs due to age and one of whom has mytral valve disease. It's never enough time with the ones you love. Thank you for sharing your pain. Everyone with a dear furry family member has to live through it. Your extension table is so clever! I plan to share it with my quilt guild. I'm blown away with your great and thrifty ideas.

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  40. Grandmabeckyl.blogspot2 February 2017 at 06:25

    Good idea for making your sewing machine even better. Hope your days become a bit brighter after Bugsby's passing. Hugs to you!

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  41. alicesav2 February 2017 at 10:31

    Hi Illona. Walked 67 miles in January. x

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  42. Mary in Bath3 February 2017 at 19:45

    I love your tree picture Ilona. And the "extension invention" is great!

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