She's Sew Pretty

Pink Saturday Studio Tour

 

Happy Pink Saturday. Beverly and I and many of our pink friends are joining the Where Bloggers Create II Blog Party hosted by Karen at My Desert Cottage.  I've been looking forward to this event since last years blog party.  I would never have guessed that I would be packing to move to a new house during this years party!  My house is almost packed up. I've saved my office for last so you can see it one more time before we move.  Our new house has a big family room that I will be turning into my office/studio.  At this point I don't have a clue how I will turn a family room with a fireplace into my own space.  My hubby is under the misconception that he will be able to sit in a recliner and enjoy the fire.  *wink*wink*  We shall see.  I'm hoping to find some inspiration during this years blog tour.  As you can see I love boxes and I keep everything from thread and seam binding to paper and stamps in them.  Some are vintage.  Most of them came from Tuesday Morning.

Take a peek into my studio. 

 

I not only save things in boxes; I also love old jars.  I fill jars with collections that range from marbles to spools of thread.  When I bring something home from an estate sale to put in my office, my hubby sometimes looks at me like I've lost my marbles. I tell him not to worry because I've got lots of marbles.  They're in a jar on my book case! 

I've Pedaled to New Jersey and Back

Thanks for all of the advice, tips and well wishes about my last post.  I am determined to be smaller than last year when I have my next birthday.  I really hope you don't think that I am one depressed individual.  Sometimes I sit down here and write and it comes out whiny.  I really don't whine that much in real life.  Earlier this year, my daughter talked me into watching The Sopranos.  They had the whole six seasons on disc and I made a vow that I could not watch it unless I was riding my stationary bike.  I've made it to the very last episode.  Tonight will be the last night to watch The Sopranos and find out what happens to Tony and his made men.  I've had a love-hate relationship with Tony Soprano and am almost glad that it has finally come to an end. I figure that I have probably pedaled all the way to New Jersey, where the Sopranos is set, by now!

So, I'll be looking for something new to watch.  Maybe something more light hearted.  I've parked my exercise bike in my office/studio and there is lots of eye candy to look at.  Gifts from friends and etsy buys.  My own creations.  Maybe I'll just stare out the window and let inspiration come to me or I could listen to a book on tape. Though, I still like turning pages best.

Speaking of great books, I read a fantastic book, The Guernsey Library and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer.  I confess that I checked it out from the library months ago and then took it back after reading only a few pages.  Well, then I met two ladies at an estate sale and they convinced me to try reading it again.  I've now put it on my personal top 100 books list.  It was more than I expected and it really has me thinking days after reading it. I hope that you'll give it a read.  It's that good!

As far as the drawing goes, I'll draw a winner on Friday night.  If you haven't left a comment on my previous post, you still have time.  See you on Pink Saturday!

Wasting Time on Wednesday

I managed to take my head out of my books long enough to go to an estate sale.  The pickings were slim though.  I found a little wooden doll to add to the shelves in my studio and a cute embroidered towel that I will eventually do something with.  I love the colors of both and think they were meant for my studio.  Funny, I've been calling it a studio when this week all I've done is study in here.  My hubby wants a new scrub top for his birthday.  So, I am going to have to move some of these books and get out the sewing machine.  I really need to earn my keep some how.  The poor guy has even resorted to washing windows while my head has been stuck in my text books.  I guess I could have stayed home and cleaned house instead of sneaking away to an estate sale...

The Wisdom of an Owl

I'm making progress in my studio.  I actually did some sewing.  I used my Daisy Kingdom fabric for a window valance and my youngest son put a curtain rod up for me.  In return, I altered his skinny jeans so that they were even skinnier.  Must be nice to have to alter your pants because they're too big!  My daughter and son-in-law gave me their exercise bike and it is sitting in my studio just waiting for me to "get with it".  I debated on whether to bring in my antique sewing machine or the bike.  The bike won. It gets so hot here in the summer that daily walks are not possible.  I figure I can pedal away while thinking about what I'll make next.   I hung a new inspiration board above the bike.  I just wrapped a piece of foam core with batting and polka dot fabric and used strapping tape to tape it down in back.  The buttons are sewn right through the board and fabric.  Really, really easy!
Do you see my owl?  I found her at the thrift store today.  I haven't been to an estate sale or thrift store in what seems like weeks.  Today, I was feeling depressed and sad and just a little bit sorry for myself.  So, my hubby thought a trip to the thrift was a good idea.  This little green owl was calling my name.  I filled it up with scissors and put it right on my desk. I thought she was telling me to smile.
I've been weepy and emotional the last few days.  I don't know if it is related to hormones or just plain old tiredness.  So I am taking a few days off from blogging.  There is still a wall in my studio that needs some artwork so I will be working on that.  I think I should figure out how to power my sewing machine from that exercise bike.  That way I can take care of two things at once...my hips and the electric bill.

Sew Much Fun!

I am having so much fun putting my studio together.  My youngest son and I took an old bookcase out of the garage and repainted it.  We used Krylon spray paint in Ocean Breeze Blue.  It almost matches my old blue cabinet.  I can't tell you how much I am loving this room.  I just sat at the table and sorted through treasures this afternoon and didn't want to come out. 

I was able to fill the bookcase with some of my fabric.  I also pulled out some treasures that have been in drawers for years.  My kewpie paper doll, some of my favorite vintage children's books, my little pedal car collection.  The kewpie is actually a wooden "paper" doll.  He has a bunch of outfits that attach with little pegs.  Today he's a mime.  Tomorrow he might be a bumblebee or a cowboy.  You'll notice I don't have a lot of pink.  Don't tell Beverly.  I just love blue and red together.  Just looking at it makes me happy!
I hope you won't think I'm bragging.  But, I just have to toot my own horn.  I managed to get an A in my class.  I made 94% on my final.  The first month of my class, I was sure that I wasn't quite as smart as I thought I was.  With encouragement from my family, friends and some of my wonderful blog friends,  I hung in there and I did it! I'm taking Pathophysiology this summer. I know I haven't been here as much as I was in the beginning and I really want to thank you for still showing up and visiting me.  I have three weeks with no school.  If I can do something besides sit at my table and daydream, I'll have a few things to show you soon!

Creating My Own Space

So, what do you think?!  My son is all moved into his new place.  His room is mine now.  To do with what I want.  Sew, draw, play with paper.  I have it half done.  Curtains need to be made. Art work placed on the walls.  I put my best friend's father's dining room table in front of the window and put all of my bins of fabric underneath.  The wall across from the desk is currently housing a dobro, guitar, banjo and dulcimer.  They are waiting for a "safe" place at my son and his fiancee's new place.  They have lots of sorting and unpacking to do.  I'm not yet sure if I want to move my computer desk in here.  I was thinking my rocking chair and stool might be a better bet.  I can sit there and read or crochet and tune out the soap operas coming from the other room.  Right now, I have a spot at the table for studying.  I have a final this week.  If I get half the answers right on my final I will have an "A" in my class.  I'm hoping to get them all right!  Then when my final is done, I will take a few weeks off from studying and hopefully get down to some serious sewing and creating in my new studio!!

Just Breathe Momma

Oh my goodness!  I am feeling just a little bit guilty!  Do you see that closet?  It's in my oldest son's room.  Those are his clothes I've pushed to the side.  I'm not sure why I'm feeling guilty.  He's making his way home from Kansas as I write.  When he gets home he'll stay the night in his bed here and then he is moving into his own apartment.  He already has the keys.  He told me I could turn his bedroom into my studio.  And so I've been packing up his things.  He didn't ask me to.  I wanted to.  I've packed up so many memories over the last few days.  I found a book that he and his sister made when they were four and five.  We've lived here for seven years.  The early years were hard on both of us.  He was full of teenage angst and I was the "mother".  Oh my gosh.  We made it through though and he has become one of my best friends. 
I have been following his progress by tracking him and his fiancee on Yahoo maps.  They're driving through Texas right now.  My heart is in Texas and soon New Mexico.  Then Arizona and California by Friday.  And I feel as if I won't be able to fully breathe out until he is home.  So, I've been puttering and packing and moving my artsy stuff into his closet.  Because when he is home, in his new place, I will have my sewing room, art studio, place to meditate and do my homework space.  He'll be across town making a new life with his wonderful girl.  And I am so happy for him....but I am a little sad too.  Do you know what I mean?  Letting go is a lot tougher than I thought.