Life is just a bit crazy here at the moment! Here is a rundown of what’s been going on…
Sometimes, I feel like I don’t have interesting things to blog about, or pretty photos to post, because it takes so long for things to come to fruition, and so much goes on “behind the scenes”… The “daily grind” just doesn’t seem very exciting! There is a lot of planning and computer work and rough sketches that go into a large project. The block of the month takes months and months of designing and planning, and honestly, most of it is just not at all pretty or interesting! That is what I have been spending the bulk of my time on lately. I am still working on the embroidery for the next BOM (to start in June.) I am doing this as “blue work.” Right now, I’m stitching up the 4th out of 5 blocks. Here is a little sneak peek:
This is going to go into my blue and gray version of the quilt. I cut the fabrics, and I hope to start sewing the blocks soon. I’ve spent several days writing the patterns, and when I sew the blue and gray quilt together, that will be my “second test” of the blocks (the “first test” quilt went off to the long-arm quilter the other day, and the fabrics are VERY different from the blue and gray ones shown below):
Because I’ve been doing so much sewing and computer work, I haven’t had a chance to paint lately. I found myself really missing it, really craving that outlet, but I just couldn’t seem to carve out the time… So I’ve found that if I keep the paper and paint out on my desk, I can sneak in a bit of painting if I have an extra few minutes here and there. Yesterday, I used the last half hour of my day to do a little painting, and it was…. wonderful. Oh how I’ve missed my paint and brushes! I don’t have a particular use for this artwork in mind right now, and it will probably take forever to finish at this rate, but I don’t care- I’m painting again after being away from it for much too long!
And in the midst of all this, we are renovating a bathroom… it certainly has been dusty and noisy here. It’s hard for me to have people in my house all the time, I’m a very private person and it’s hard when you feel like you just can’t relax and feel at home in your own space. The bathroom had all of the original fixtures- the lid to the toilet was stamped 1922!!! It had stopped working a while back… we just made-do with the other bathrooms in the house. But we now have out of town guests coming to stay for a couple of weeks at the end of the month, so we figured we should stop procrastinating and actually get the darn room done! This is what it looked like before (not so bad, except for the non-functioning toilet!):
And this is what it looked like after the first day of work:
It certainly was a shock to walk in there at the end of that first day! More photos to come as we progress. I hope I keep my sanity through it all…
Ugg, I can so relate to your dislike of having strangers tromping in and out. I love how your new project looks. I miss painting too. I should set up a painting station and just leave it up. Have a great Friday! Cheery wave!
Oh, that is rather scary to see your bathroom so gutted – no wonder you had such a shock!!! I agree – it does feel very awkward when there are strangers in our home even though they are there helping to make our homes more comfortable. Your paintings are so beautiful, I agree with Bev, set up a painting station and then when you have a spare moment everything is set out ready for you. The new BOM looks lovely. I like the current palette of colours – the blues and greys, they always look so sophisticated. Thankyou so much for all the beautiful patterns and freebies that you so generously give. Your designs are lovely and your instructions and diagrams are very thorough and easy to follow. Looking forward to seeing your new bathroom unveiled!!! Cheers, Sarah.
I can identify with the renovations…we have been working on our house for 2+ years…mostly doing the work ourselves. It sure is nice when we finish a room. As for painting I spend most of my evenings drawing and painting, and my days on computer work. Getting my work ready to upload to the new ArtLicensingShow site is keeping me tied to the computer!
Love your work…I don’t quilt, but my mom does. I do appreciate all the hard work in the designing project!
A little update- Unfortunately, more of the plumbing needs to be replaced than we originally thought (the pitfalls of living in an OLD house!) Fingers crossed, it will be done at the end of this week!
Good luck with the reno. I know how it is to live in the house while work is going on. We raised the roof on our little ranch and made a two story colonial out of it all the while actually living in the living room while work was going on all around us. Practice meditation, play soothing music and have a glass of wine every evening.
I enjoy Home and Garden television. I have learned a lot from that channel. :)
I know it is trying, but wait until your new bathroom is all finished, I bet you won’t be any happier than I was when I had all the toilet seats replaced in my bathrooms, I am still on high! : )
I also am in the middle of a bathroom renovation. My toilet worked-but gurgled at odd times and was, shall we say, “fussy” about what it would flush! The absolute worst part is that, being “older”, I have to get up in the middle of the night and now the only available toilet is downstairs in the basement! These creeky bones don’t like that one little bit!
Love your blog and your designs. Thanks so much!
I love the faucet on your tub, reminds me of my aunts house many years ago.
Lots of work ahead but it will be nice.
Your artwork caught my eye , I was thinking it would be a perfect quilting /embroidery template for my current project. I was sure hoping at first glance I would find a “printable ” copy. It’s very pretty. Good luck on the bathroom