Time for a Change

I think the blog should reflect the new elements to my “makings” and the new year is a good time for it.  I will probably try several before deciding on the one to use.  Please comment on the pros and cons of what you see.  After all, you are the ones I write this for and it should be easy for you to see and read.  I do like the darker ones because they make my photos look better.  I just hope I don’t wreck the thing diddling around.

One of the big changes is how many arts and crafts I’m playing with.  This is a direct effect of my Australia trip.  I got to revisit some fun things and I took them up again.  An unanticipated effect is the number of stashes I’ve developed.  No one will ever want to photograph my workspace for a magazine, but I took some pics to share with you.

Knit library, paint stash, bead area

This is organized.  I’m rather proud of all the boxing and labeling I’ve done recently.  I have also down sized my knitting library significantly.  No, you don’t see any yarn.  There is a huge double closet full of it, and all the fabric and weaving yarn is on shelves in the attached attic.  The good news is I am working from both those stashes.

Beads, design wall, top of my chair

The white flannel on the wall holds a paper painting piece, a fabric print design, stamped fabric, a pattern, and some quilted leaves.  The fabric covered chair in the foreground is a real favorite.  Many years ago it belonged to a very special friend; when I decided to take over upstairs and create a studio, she gave it to me.  It is an old fashioned comfy chair that is smaller than what you buy today.  My feet actually reach the floor in it.  I sit there with Bella and watch my 14 inch TV while doing hand sewing or knitting.  It is cozy and just mine.

Sewing and ironing area

This is the sewing area.  I’m too cheap to buy a sewing machine cabinet when I have an old corner desk and a 1960ish typing table from the school system’s attic sale.  The typing table is the perfect height for me, and the adjustable desk chair works with it.  The cord in the left lower corner is to the iron; the ironing board is in front of two windows that overlook the back yard and lots of neighbors.

It isn’t beautiful and the amount of stuff up there sends my daughters away screaming.  Too much clutter.  Clutter indeed!!  They got a lot of gifts from that clutter this year.  I just love the space.  The dogs have beds and I have the tiny refrigerator from my classroom days.  It is filled with Diet Dr. Pepper.  The TV will play VHS tapes and CDs as well as our taped TV shows.  There is a bathroom and two attics to store things I don’t want to look at.  Frankly, it is wonderful and I love it.  Everywhere I look is inspiration.  I’m a lucky woman.

Some day I’ll show you the Bat Cave.  That’s Steve’s area in the basement.  Workout machines, multi-bicycles, washer/dryer, souvenir wall art from his bike races.  He’s pretty lucky too.

More later–Don’t forget to weigh in on the blog design if you have an opinion.