Washing a piece with metallics

Yep, I use it all the time on stuff stitched with Kreinik or Rainbow Gallery metallics. :-) CiaoMeow >^;;^<

Anything not lemony should be OK. (Lemon may tarnish some metallics.)

Real metals? Or the mylar of Kreiniks that give a metallic effect? Either way, Orvus should be fine, but watch your iron temps with the mylars.

Today was the day my Mother went to a special care home ... not easy. I would like to do volunteer work there and shall ask them of course what is needed, but I was wondering if any you out there have done something like this, and what do they enjoy learning at the 80 - 90 and up range? I'd really like to help in some way, but does anyone have any kind of suggestions for people of this age bracket to do?

Sharon (N.B.) ............................................................................ ....

Big {{{HUGS}}} to you Sharon. I know this move wasn't an easy thing for you. Sometime just providing company and having someone to talk to is appreciated as much as anything. Maybe instead of teaching them something new you could encourage them to continue with hobbies they already know. Having someone to share their interest with might be enough to get them motivated again. Good luck with what ever you do.

I have several pieces of ceramic "artwork" that my great aunt made when she was in here 90s. I don't mean those paint it yourself pieces that are already made, but candle holders and a vase that were actually formed by her 90 year old hands. :-)) She and her friends also did lots of crocheting. They would have a bazaar every Christmas season and use the money earned for a fun trip the following summer. Liz from Humbug

(Very tongue in cheek) This sort of post tends to make me wonder. In about a month I celebrate my 80th birthday. I dont really feel any difference as to what I like to do. Except some of my activities tend to be limited by arthritis. (VBG)

-- Jim Cripwell. A volante tribe of bards on earth are found,/ who, while the flattering zephyrs round them play,/ on "coignes of vantage" build their nests of clay;/ how quickly from that aery hold unbound,/ dust for oblivion!/ To the solid ground/ of nature trusts the mind that builds for aye. Wordsworth.

Oh, huge hugs, this must so hard on you.

I'd consider putting an adult spin on some kiddie crafts - stringing pony beads (not all of them are in Day-Glo colors), decoupage, painting.

Cheryl

But you're not in a special care home, where time weighs heavy because the residents *are* limited in what they can do (after all, that's why they are there, because they *can't* continue to live on their own).

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net WIP: FrankenFauna, Morning Glory, NoshiRibbons, Emperor's Coat II Most recently Finished: Water Lilies, Be Mine, Honey I Shrunk the Heart Stitching log:

Thanks Mavia, and you are right - they should continue to do whatever hobbies they are able to do - I will keep my eyes open as to what some of the other residents do and get more ideas there - my Mother took her crochet hooks and some yarn - the first thing she noticed on one of the couches in the 'big room' was that someone had crocheted an afghan to throw over the back of it - she said 'oh that's nice, someone else here must crochet'. I'll make sure she has a good supply of yarn.

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I love the idea of a Christmas bazaar - I must check to see if something like that already happens there.

Shar> > Today was the day my Mother went to a special care home ... not easy. I

Thanks Mirjam - a big bunch of ideas from you for sure. Cards would definitely be easy and fun to make - especially where we have Dollar Stores so buying beads, ribbons, feathers, etc. would be quite inexpensive. Please send me your pattern for the crochet bag/ball - it sounds like a fun project too. We visited her again last night and found that she was relaxing much more - needless to say, we were very happy about that.

Sharon (N.B.) ............................................................................ ...

You're a lucky guy Jim - you are still capable of taking care of yourself at this stage of your life - good for you - and I hope you have many more healthy years.

Sharon (N.B.) ............................................................................ ......

Good ideas Cheryl, I'm keeping a list of all the wonderful ideas suggested on this ng - then when I do get to the volunteer work, I'll be able to make more fun suggestions to the group. Thanks.

Sharon (N.B.) ............................................................................ ......

Darla,

It's the DMC metallic floss of the spool. I'll test the stuff on/in the damp towel and see how it goes.

Cheryl

One of the most popular events at the home my aunt went into was cooking... sometimes the dish was as simple as a tossed salad, but it always had the most in attendance.

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Hugs to you and your mom, Sharon.

I think people are happy when they remembered and helped with everyday things. If they already crochet, they need someone to shop for the yarn and encourage them in their work. Sometimes just sitting alongside them while you're doing your handwork and chatting (maybe start a "sewing circle"). If you have any musical ability, or could drag in some friends with you who do, they'd probably love a "sing along" time when they could turn off the ubiquitous TV set droning and participate in singing some old songs, the old familiar hymns, or just listening!

Another thing is to identify a service they can perform - everyone likes to feel useful! Folks who crochet can make baby blankets for social services. Or make cards, as someone else suggested, and send them to service people in Iraq. The trick is to identify a need that they can fill.

A nursing home near me has an organized "play group" for moms and babies to come meet there. The older folks sit around the circle and just bask in watching the babies and interacting with a few of the toddlers. The moms chat, the babies play, and the generations mingle -- which happens less and less in our busy, fragmented lives! Maybe you could organize such a group for your mom's place.

Sue

Cheryl, those Z-threads on the spool wash up beautifully. Over and over again. You should have absolutely NO problems with them.

Dianne

Cheryl Isaak wrote: