😊 THE JOY OF SEWING ❤️ - VLOG #9

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Good morning everyone. It's been an interesting week. I had a list of things to do and I chucked it out the window to take a step back and enjoy some time in my sewing room. I hope you can find the same joy in yours today too.

[@sharonflemming3026]

I really enjoy your KZbin sewing videos!! I’m 70 and have been quilting for about 15 years snd sewing since I was a teenager. It’s given me many hours of enjoyment and family and friends many gifts… Something I changed in my quilting was not giving small baby crib quilts for baby gifts. I realized that after a few months Moms we’re putting them up in their cupboards and my work was sort of being wasted. So after that instead I made lap size quilts and used more trendy fabrics that would be able to go with the child throughout their lifetime- even to college. I also embroidered the child’s name and birthdate subtly somewhere on the quilt. These “baby” quilts have been a huge hit and the Moms are using them on their children’s beds as they are growing up. I’m feeling like they are really being used and appreciated!!!!!

[@ravensmokedancer8242]

Hey that purple quilt is going to be gorgeous!!! Mando ...... Goodness puppy!!! They are like toddlers and day care is good for his social skills as well as your breathing room!! My daughter subscribed to your channel and she is now inspired! We spent last night organizing her fabric, looking at improv quilts and trying to decide what she is going to make. We had a blast!!! Snuggle Mando for us and it is good to see you!!!!

[@rhondagarden8878]

You know, that's a great idea! He's a BIG puppy and they are so energetic! He needs the rambunctious socialization with other dogs. I'm SO GLAD you were able to discover this solution!

[@loiswood3363]

Good on you Karen, and chuck the guilt! Mando had a fun time, you had a fun time. Forget the lists, the world will wait for you! We would like you to take care of yourself! That's what is important!

[@suecberry]

I never understand why people get a dog without realising the effort that is needed. I have three large dogs that need at least an hour a day free running exercise. I don’t go near my sewing room until the dogs and I have had our daily walk. The benefits of being out in the fresh air do more for my mental and physical health than anything else, be it with my dogs or horses. I can then get ‘lost’ in my sewing and be creative.

[@ireneolsen8131]

YOu are so right,, sewing does a soul good ,, So glad you got time in your sewing room to settle in and let the cares go!

[@susanlusk9584]

Thanks for sharing real life stories about dogs, quilts, family, and taking care of your physical and mental health! All areas of our life matter and help to keep us centered. I, too, can tell pretty quickly when I am off kilter.

[@terridean4784]

Puppies are so different than senior dogs. I love all dogs but the seniors hold a special place in my heart.

[@martirichards1424]

This video couldn't have come at a better time for me. No dog, but family responsibilities that make it hard to breathe sometimes. I'm going to follow your example and give myself permission to go in my sewing room and close the door. Set my timer and enjoy the process of quilting and just breathe. ☺️

[@chrisstusek6955]

Glad you are taking time for you. Sending Mando to doggy daycare is a wonderful idea. He's happy after daycare and you are calm after a day of sewing, and can enjoy each other without frustration.

[@manuelashannon1369]

Very cute Mando. You’re right, sewing is therapy. The sound of the machine relaxes me so much. Working fires my brain.

[@ronibradley234]

When I got the last puppy it was so naughty for 6 months I kept saying I think it has to go back! Now I would not be without him. He loves the sewing room. He is great company while I am sewing. He mainly just snoozes next to me while I sit and stitch. Actually at the moment I have 3 puppies and a cat all snoozing in the sewing room. All of which my daughter brought home. I love them. But I remember those tough days. All I can say Karen is like everything it won't last. Soon he will be a wonderful faithful companion.

[@valpeters9480]

Karen, you may be the most organized person I have ever come across. I am in awe of all the balls you have in the air at any given time. A real inspiration.

[@suzinelson2388]

As a single woman with a dog, a part time job and an ongoing full time degree course, thanks for acknowledging how much mental and physical effort it takes to have a dog. I think people think I am making excuses about not getting stuff done.

[@tanabeverly1306]

You are such an inspiration Karen! And you are right, sewing is good for you (and cheaper than a therapist!). Love your 30 min. time blocks. It seems we figure if we don't have hours to work on something, we don't work on it at all. 30 minutes here and there will eventually get the project done. Good work.

[@karenlittle2905]

Oh Karren, the joy of “baby” pets! They are delightful, however, like any “baby” require/demand so much of our attention! My dear daughter in law found a doggy day care for their extremely boisterous, 8 month old husky mix. She is a beautiful and very friendly dog who is a bundle of energy. Carrie was hesitant to use a doggy day care, thinking she “should” be able to train the puppy on her own. She tried a doggy day care and Luna LOVED it! She has “friends” to play with. The owner of the centre cuts their nails (if requested) will bathe the dogs, etc. It is the best thing since sliced bread! I’m sure Mandolin has a great time! When Luna comes home she eats and falls asleep, the next day she sleeps most of the day. It’s a good thing for both dog and owner(s).

[@cashby1425]

Sundays have become my rest and renew days. Doing things that recharge my battery and make me happy, which helps start the next week off right!…sleep in a bit, church, a big breakfast, and lots of sewing in the afternoons! So glad you have doggie daycare to help you get to your tasks or enjoy a sewing day regularly until excited puppy calms a bit! Really enjoyed this video, especially the beginning lol

[@pst47wings]

It is SO true that sewing is not only fun, but good for you!!! I need to prioritize it a bit more then I have been. I have always realized that I don't take enough time to just sit and sew 😁

[@jo-annevandermey2704]

So glad you have got re-energized. Mando is an adorable bundle of puppy energy and I bet he is loving doggy day care. Why are we so hard on ourselves? You work full time with Your business and having puppy with you is like having your baby at a jobsite. So happy to see you rested.

[@redders6858]

Bloggers and KZbinrs always seem to have these perfect, charmed lives that I simply can’t achieve but you always show your human side for which I send a great, big, fat thank you plus a squeeze hug 🤗

[@loniegraham3834]

Good Morning! I was out of sorts in recent days. I had Friday off and took time just to be in my sewing room. I have a quilt in progress of being quilted but decided to do some machine embroidery. We have a road trip in 2 weeks to visit family, soI decided to make some dish towels. I had so much fun and before I knew it the day flew by. My spirit has lifted and I free refreshed. Being in my sewing room is a joy and it was great to play! Have a wonderful week! Thank you for sharing all that you do Karen! Much appreciated!

[@barbararowe771]

This was relaxing for me to watch as you sewed w/no pressure! Puppies ARE a handful and-a-half. Glad you found some sew-time. Boy! you get a lot done!

[@stitchann]

Doggy day care is a wonderful thing. All of our dogs have attended periodically and they love it too.

[@jeannemcmillintwinlakeses3767]

Thank goodness my kids are past the crazy puppy days. Instead I am constantly stepping over a great dane and an irish wolfhound sprawled across the sewing room floor. Wouldn't have it any other way!

[@claudialautenslager8695]

I can not tell you how much sewing has saved me with the covid shut down. I was able to get so much done that had been put aside. Thank you for the great video.

[@moniquebrood5441]

Hi Karen, from the Netherlands I wish you inner peace......just keep breathing dear, taking care of yourself is superior to all other things. Even cute doggies.....and yes, sewing (creativity) gives al lot of serotonine. It is healing. Always. With love, Monique

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗

[@sunflowerbaby1853]

Fortunately all of my pets found me and adopted me. Never went through the puppy stage. I was really inspired by today's video. Have a bunch of stuff ready and when time permits...viola❗

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

😎

[@marieerickson9695]

I’m new to quilting but not new to sewing.. I just wanted you to know that I really enjoy your videos. I take care of my veteran hubby who is disabled and sewing gives me a release and a joy and I have found quilting is so much fun and rewarding!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@christinegarcia9093]

Thank you Karen for all that you do! I enjoy your videos, tips and tricks but most of all your honesty and transparency. I am abandoning my to do list today and going down to my sewing room to enjoy myself with my quilting….guilt free!

[@cathybroadwood6938]

Happy Mum, happy pup - the world's at peace 😊

[@pegpage8618]

Karen - thanks for showing some daily real life struggles and triumphs. I’m glad you’ve gotten some sewing time and it has brightened your day a bit. Hugs and thanks for taking the time to do the videos- they are so enjoyable.

[@angiedefreitas5060]

I used to have a small dog daycare within a 5 minute walk from home. When I was working on a deadline or needed a few hours to focus on things, that's where the boys went. Unfortunately, the daycare has now moved out of the neighbourhood: in order to take advantage of it, I have to walk to my car (thank you urban parking), drive to the daycare and back to park, then walk home. Not an efficient use of time but a couple of days of week worth of 'free time' really pays off. You got so much accomplished. Bravo!

[@chrislittebrant5235]

Thank your Karen, I enjoyed this video, you seemed much more relaxed. 🥰 I loved how you showed us how you work with the different small pieces, very helpful. ❤️ Have a beautiful week, Chris-Raleigh NC

[@maureenkomperda3421]

Karen, You delegated! Yay! Mando and doggy daycare, son/doggy daycare. You took a step back, looked at your situation and made it better for you. Bravo! You’re a giver Karen but it’s “you” time, self time. Your dog tires me out just watching him. Enjoy.

[@janstewart2601]

Like you I’m a puppy mom. My little guy is a year old and he’s momma’s boy and would quite happily sit on my lap all day. I own a long arm quilting business and find having to care for a puppy really takes time away from my business. What used to take six hours sometimes takes 10. I never thought about puppy day care and will need to check it out. Thanks for sharing your tips, tricks and puppy solutions with all of us.

[@lynnpeterson618]

I love watching your videos Karen! You’re just so real and provide doable suggestions to keep our minds in sew-mode. Thanks and keep them coming! (And btw, Mando is such a beautiful, happy dog. So good for the soul!)

[@rosejohnson452]

Thanks for sharing your strategy for a sewing day, doggie away day. Modeling self care is appreciated.

[@S.Kay.Steffy]

So glad to hear you are feeling better...you are a ‘caregiver’ at heart and you have to remember to take care of yourself😊 which is what you did with taking your pup to doggie daycare👍 and having a day for yourself (and mental health)💕. I love your videos! I’m an RN and finally retired so now I’m learning how to quilt (for my mental health 😊). Have found your videos immensely helpful...Thank you!!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Glad to hear

[@cathyswope5174]

Watching you sort out your scrap drawers is visual ASMR 😍

[@sandramyer7081]

Wonderful what you offered and said and somehow you find a Doggy Day Care!😳🥰its amazing but good luck to find her! You did a lot of sewing free with no interrupted time and way you went and starting organizing! WOW! Congratulations!

[@amysheridan4496]

One of your best videos! So important to take care of yourself. This message really hit home for me. Mando is super adorable but he is a puppy and a handful. Doggy day care and having him stay with your son will be good for you and for him too. Love your organizing tips too.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@sandrastacks1853]

Hi Karen. You seem more refreshed and energized this week. Keep doing what you're doing. And thanks for your great tips, etc. Sandra from Tennessee, usa

[@procrastinationneverno2734]

You are making me tired and I feel like a slacker. Thank You for all your time.

[@marilyncarrasquillo5378]

Bless to you and family. You are a great person and teacher. I love all your videos. Your dog is beautiful. Take care.

[@mary-annz.reynolds7778]

A lot of people I know take their dogs to daycare. It's amazing 💕 and helps dogs to socialize effectively. That is essential so when going to dog parks, your puppy knows how to play with other dogs.

[@kirridemarco7531]

Thanks Karen for the reminder to have fun. I have so many things on my to do list I have inadvertently traded what used to be fun to ticking off chores! Then wondered why my mental health has declined. I recently heard that the opposite of play is depression and not rest. Your video was a timely reminder to go back to fun. Thanks for your honesty and realness K

[@melissalepage5913]

I've been following you for some time now and this is my favorite video so far. The puppy enjoyed socializing with other dogs as much as you enjoyed seeing

[@minnos2075]

Brilliant idea! 1.5 years ago we adopted TWO cockapoos! What were we thinking??? They are starting to calm down, thank God. It will happen to you too Karen. But even though my dogs are settling down, I just might look for a daycare for them to socialize in an air conditioned environment. Right now It’s just way too hot and humid for them to be outside. Sending hugs!

[@cindyloera1851]

I love your dog. He is beautiful. I don’t machine sew quilts but I find that just doing them by hand is very relaxing even though it takes a lot longer to do. I mostly just sew squares together but they still turn out pretty. The recipients seem to like them. I recently found your channel and am enjoying it very much. Thanks for sharing.

[@kitzimmerman9843]

I think Day Care is good for the puppy for socialization.

[@maryettayu3995]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your videos! Your intro on this one was perfect! Dogs are the best 🐶 🐾🤎

[@angelabatterman6381]

Loved this one. My dog lays on her pillow and throw while I sew. She does this until she thinks it is time for me to take a break, then she just sits up, stares at me and groans. Better than a timer.

[@lynnepfeffer8039]

You accomplished so very much...hooray for you!!! Glad you are feeling lighter.

[@nzshauna3680]

I’ve watched this 3 times … the Joy of Sewing 🙂

[@barbbobbitt6898]

Love all of you videos! This one really opened my eyes! I need days like you had with no interruptions and lots of quick tasks and lots of FUN.

[@1wholovestrees]

Isn't it wonderful to do what I call "Mindless Sewing"? Where you have no deadlines and sew for the pure joy. Puppies can be so much like small children, and it's good you had Mando in day care. You needed a break! A tip about those wool and cotton blocks: A garment sewing "rule" is to always put your more stable piece of fabric on top to allow the feed dogs to ease in the less stable fabric. But maybe you knew this? I didn't think it would matter on the newer machines, but found out it does.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thanks

[@judyspross6551]

You are so upbeat and happy 😍you make me happy thank you I love quilting but haven’t had much time so this makes my day

[@kathyaschenbach8081]

Thank you absolutely love your 30 minute timer! You got a awful lot done! I am so in awe! I need this sort of video it helps me so much with my time management for sewing! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

this is why I have cats ha ha! xxx

[@rebeccasyms1625]

Karen, I love your videos, wit, humor---thank you!

[@s.oldfield5982]

Cute pennants! And 2 thumbs (er…paws 😁) up for dog daycare! We sent our smartypants shelter rescue for years. AND took every obedience clas we could with her. It saved our sanity and was worth every penny.

[@dianareddell1496]

LOL!! Oh my goodness…loved that intro!!! Crazy puppies!❤️

[@hildadankworth9736]

Lol….I love your 30 minute timer idea!! Also “ eat the frog” ….both help me get things done🤗🤗😋

[@rmenninghaus1646]

You know tidying up does give me joy. I often start with 20 minute play and get my self all trashed up on my sewing counter. Than I go and organize. Sending regards from Maine where we are getting our 4 day above 90 in June... Unheard of...

[@julieenslow5915]

I'm a dog person. Been a dog person all my life. And this is the first time it occurred to me that doggy day care was for me, when I just needed time to do whatever. If I didn't already love this channel - this eureka moment would be a good enough reason!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I really had to talk myself into it. I friend of mine gave me a reality check.

[@wekebu]

Make sure you get your dog's bordetella shots every 6 months instead of every year. We've had an outbreak of kennel cough in our area and people were only getting their shots every year not realizing when you go to doggie daycare you need it every 6 months. Thank you for all that you do in keeping us engaged in sewing.

[@goldensmamma]

We just lost our Golden Skye last Tuesday she was only 7.5 years old. She loved laying just outside my sewing room and if I got up she would raise her head and see if I was leaving or just getting something in the room. She will be dearly miss💔 she had blood cancer diagnosed just on May 1st. Gone way to soon

[@deloresangus7117]

So sorry, Debbie. It’s so hard to lose our fur babies. Hugs to you.

[@C12133]

Well, I don’t have a dog but I do have 3 energetic grandchildren!!!😆 It’s summer so they are usually at my house about 10 hours a day. I can certainly understand how it’s hard for you to get things done. My grands are on vacation this week so I’m on vacation at my home. 🥳🎊🎉👏 I’m hoping I can get a few things finished this week!! Good luck to you having two days off and your son helping out too! It takes a village!!😉🤩

[@deborahannreid5655]

Thank you, Karen! Really enjoyed this video as I do all of your videos. I can really share with your feelings - For the joy of sewing. It just makes my heart smile. Wishing you blessings! (I would love to have Mando for a day)

[@clairemccall4349]

I once took over care of my friends puppy for a few weeks when she told me she didn't know if she could keep him. She was just so overwhelmed and exhausted. After a few weeks she found her puppy love again and that dog went back to his family where he was a much loved pet for the next thirteen years. Respite did the trick.

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Congrats on the puppy! I just love your fabric choices! Thanks for sharing!

[@madhattersoriginal6258]

Large crate and crate train. So easy! Buy puppy a Kong toy. He will be opening the door and taking himself in for naps a Kong time lol

[@garnettasmith1717]

I so enjoy the gentle practicality of your videos. They are inspiring and so helpful! Thank you!

[@nancycox3318]

I love your honesty with your struggles - although I wish you were having less of them. We all have them and it helps us realize we aren't alone. After 5 years in retirement, I am working part time again with deadlines and I missing all my free hours to sew. The other day when I finished work I was so tired I felt I needed a nap --- but I'd also desperately been feeling the need to start piecing a new project. I quickly pulled my fabric for an easy strip tube quilt and sewed for an hour or so - and it was so wonderful! Sewing can be so restorative. I loved seeing all of your different projects; you are an inspiration.

[@cheriwilliams7001]

That’s wonderful. Doggie day care!!! I just love the way you put colors and patterns together. Sewing is therapeutic.

[@rebeccamontag4786]

Sewing is therapy!

[@bridgetroberts9799]

Wish there was a hubby day care 😂

[@sandih4741]

So happy that you and Mando are having fun!

[@mindytaylor523]

Thank you, Karen, for showing us your real human side. I’ve been struggling lately. I think I have to be finishing or working on customer projects. I have scraps to clean up, and piles that need attention. Just can’t seem to want to go in there. Think I’ll go set a timer and see what I can do today.

[@pampaxton3072]

I love the beginning of this video and had to watch it several times!! 💜🐾 My dog, Howie, is very mischievous and I wasn’t sure he and I were going to make it together! 🤣 He’s 5 yrs old now and slowing down slightly, but still has the tendency to cause a little trouble to keep me on my toes and shaking my head! Thanks for the chuckle! 😊

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

He can be perfectly good and still cause chaos

[@joanneventorini7960]

Karen, so glad you are back and looking refreshed. Thank you for sharing not only your tips and tricks but for sharing the challenges and speed bumps you work through…most helpful. Thank you.

[@rhondagarden8878]

I just thought about it may be time to do training classes with Mando. It may make a big difference!

[@colorcrazy2944]

I wish I could give this more than 1 thumbs up. Sounds like you both had a great day.

[@rlgillette]

I've enjoyed hearing about Mundo. Bonnie Hunter also got a new, very active puppy last year during Covid. She went through a lot of what your going through with her's as well. it's been so fun seeing the photo's of their antic's as they mature. The first year is the hardest. LOL but you'll treasure it. Thanks for sharing our sewing projects. I just can't seem to get into the rhythem of a project if I am set to a timer. When I sit down, no matter what it is.. (cleaning, sewing, or what ever), I want to be doing the project all day until It is either done, or I'm so tired I can't continue. lOL

[@gingerfeeley6849]

Finishing things always motivates me! My son has a dog like Mando ! His name is Louie and he is sweet!

[@evelynfrench804]

Thanks for your video and sharing your journey with us. ❤️

[@monataylor2600]

So good for Mando to learn new skills and socialization, as well. Yay!!!

[@jennamckenzie647]

This video made me think of me with my two year old son. And I find if I can give myself some time to sew then I’m able to give myself enough ME time to give him the QUALITY of time he needs from ME! It’s a win-win 🏆

[@Purring_cat_06YT]

Having a dog is like having a three year old. Time consuming, always checking up on them when it gets too quiet and full of JOY. I love your utube videos. Lots of helpful ideas and very positive energy.

[@cakeunit9012]

OMG, Mando has the cuties face ever!!! Those lab/poodles are a handful... I housesit 2 different ones, they wear me out and I usually only have them a week :-)

[@bethkoch11]

Just two days ago I sent a large quilt off to the long-armer. So before I begin another big project, you've inspired me to take a look at (and hopefully work on, or finish) some of the UFO's that I've socked away in my sewing room. Every so often my organizational skills need a kick-start, and your video was just what I needed! BTW, I have a 13-year old dog named Cooper who spends most of his time in the recliner in my sewing room. I originally put that chair in so when I need a break, I could have a little reading corner, but it's mostly a Cooper corner. But that's OK. 😍

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I can see him in the seat ❤️

[@rebeccasyms1625]

I LOVE your videos, tips ,wit and HONESTY! THANK YOU!

[@patriciagazey207]

Thank you for everything I learn from you And it's more than just sewing!

[@barbarawinter3736]

Glad you took the time to take care of your mental health. It’s something we don’t do enough of.

[@jennytoomey139]

I just love this. So glad you are getting your sewjo back.

[@Rainydaylily]

Great video! Why is it so satisfying to watch someone else working? LOL! I love the 30-minute rule. In the past I would usually set aside an afternoon or whatever and sewed until I was burned out and so sick of a project that it was a while before I returned to it. I would also think of all the things I DIDN'T get done and I would resent the time my sewing took up in one day. Taking 30 minutes a day has kept me sane. I hadn't thought about using the 30-minute rule to work through a longer sewing time.

[@bethjones8998]

So pleased you are finding some balance and getting to enjoy your “me-time”

[@debbiepayne6899]

I love your Halloween pennant. Its so adorable. Thanks so much for teaching us so many awesome tips and tricks about sewing.😊

[@ishachayil820]

You were so productive! I'm sure both of you had a great time

[@bonnielindsey8663]

Your videos are very enlightening it helps me to calm down when my blocks aren’t perfect.

[@nicmert]

Nice video Karen! Very enjoyable. I think doggie daycare days are great for our pups mental health too.

[@terribishop5313]

I tried to make that darn ball you had on a video awhile back. You have one up on your shelf. Mine went to the trash during a clean out. Been sewing 50 years and that's a project I will never attempt again lol! You made it look so easy. Thank you so much for all you do I'm very grateful for all the knowledge you share. Quilting is a completely different world than clothing.

[@sharonblevins9969]

We used to send our puppy to Doggy Day Care one day a week as we felt it was good for his socialisation. It had an additional and unexpected benefit too. He would play all day with the other dogs, tire himself out and then sleep all of the next day! Two days of peace for the price of one! My dog is 4 now and no trouble whatsoever. I have recently taken delivery of a large craft storage unit and am sorting my various crafts into all the plastic boxes. I am sorting Mt Scrapmore and have chosen 3 scrap quilts to make. I've cut some 2.5" squares and am starting with a 9 patch. I also have a huge pile of UFOs which I am determined to work through. Thanks for all your videos, tips and tricks. You are a huge inspiration.