Harold and Bev Laid Out All Their Quilt Squares. Duke Found the Softest Pile.
Quilt squares are everywhere: blue florals, soft plaids, faded calicoes, all spread across the couch and floor in a colorful patchwork jumble. Bev bends over a section of quilt with a needle, carefully stitching, while Harold holds the fabric steady and studies the seam through his glasses. Both wear their matching cream cable-knit sweaters. And right in the middle of it all, Duke has flopped down for a nap, his huge fawn body stretched across the fabric pile, head resting on a stack of squares and eyes closed in total contentment. Spools of thread and a basket of supplies sit close by.
Dogs often love fabric piles because they are soft, warm, and carry their people's scent. A sewing project with a dog around does need a few precautions. Needles, pins, and thread can be dangerous if swallowed, and string-like materials can cause serious problems in a dog's digestive tract. Keep pin cushions and needles well out of reach, use a magnetic pin dish, and do a quick sweep of the floor after each session. If you ever suspect your dog has swallowed a needle or a length of thread, call your vet right away. A spare old blanket placed nearby gives a dog his own soft spot.
This quilt may end up with a little extra fawn fur stitched into it, but that just makes it more personal. Every family heirloom deserves a story, and Duke is already part of this one.
