By Susan Spicer-McGarry
Photography supplied by Carla Sakson
Contrary to popular belief, it is not always sunny and 70 degrees at the Jersey shore. For the casual puzzler or the true dissectologist, a jigsaw puzzle is a great way to pass the time on an inclement day. Invented for educational purposes in the 1700s by British cartographer John Spillsbury and called Dissected Maps; the original jigsaw puzzle was a cut up map of Europe.
Recently, local LBI puzzlers Patty Koleski, Cheryl Goffus, Cindy Pampinella, Jacqui Thomas, Janet Celi, and Carla Sakson spent time waiting out a rainy day with jigsaw puzzles. “Putting a puzzle together takes your mind off everything except finding the right piece,” said Carla.
The puzzlers suggest tackling straight edges to form the puzzle boarder first. Also, having an undisturbed work space is vital. “Don’t start a puzzle on the dinner table,” advised Carla. “Ours made for interesting eating.”
Puzzlers have different techniques. Wanderers stop by the table to visit puzzle activity. They comment on progress, sort through pieces, frequently add to the puzzle as they wander in, and are willing to search for missing pieces. Hardcore puzzlers dive-in and generally sort pieces according to color and pattern. Committed to completion, they rarely leave the table. “Patty and I stayed up late at night working on the puzzle while others went to bed,” said Carla “Jigsaw puzzles are like therapy on a rainy day.”
