22 Yards of Hemming

 Just  been pinning and hemming fabric to make  a large tablecloth and 6 matching napkins for dining room  table once extended. It's material I've had for a while - bought for quilt backing but a bit on the heavy side for this purpose. Perfect for table linen tho' and although the print is of over-sized apples, the grey will look good with the walls and the honesty quilt which (eventually) will be hung in that room.  A quick job I thought as it's simple stitching but it's taken 2 1/2 hours. Then I calculated I'd pinned and stitched  792 inches - 22 yards ( some things I'm still not metrified for).

Although I wear varifocals most of time, separate reading glasses are useful for long stretches at the sewing machine as they give a larger area  in focus and don't have to keep tilting my head! I've just got a new pair despite only 18 months since last test as went to the optitions  with concerns over seeing flashes of light. I had a thorough examination including drops to dilate the pupils  and not having history of migraines,the light  flashes are most likely due to  retina receiving  non-visual (mechanical) stimulation, which can happen when it is being tugged due to  shrinkage of the vitreous humour. This is apparently  quite common with age ( and short sight) - according to NHS leaflet  in approximately half of all people, the vitreous humour has separated from the retina by the time they are 50. This doesn't usually cause any problems, and most people aren't even aware that it has happened. If it becomes persistent or I become aware of a shadow across vision that's the time to go to Moorfields A&E  as it might mean a tear in the retina but otherwise just have to put up with it.

As well as reading glasses I also got a new pair of varifocals - only they look just the same as my old ones as after a hour humming and haaing over frames , (not helped by peering into mirrors with dilated pupils )  found they still stocked the  originals. Decided against getting a different frame just for the sake of it  as they suit me . Made the measuring up and adjustment very easy too!