Some painting

Around 25 years ago, my father made us this corner cabinet.   I love it and the fact that he made it makes it all that more special.

After moving into the new house, Mr. CnW and I both felt it needed “something”.  So, last week, we emptied it out and Mr. CnW painted it.

I love the way it looks now.  It feels like it’s always been black and belongs in the room.  

I took these pictures without a flash for a couple of reasons.   #1.  To show you how dark the room is.   #2. To compare it with what it’s going to look like after we have 2 Solatubes put in this week.
 
The dining room is in the center of the house and is “landlocked”, meaning, it has no windows.   The darkness has been driving me crazy because I like lots of light coming in.    So….I’ll be sure and take pictures of the “after” later in the week so we can contrast and compare.  (That sounds like we’re taking an essay test…LOL)
Hugs, Anne

Ashamed

I promised more pictures of the house, but in true fashion, I just can’t seem to get my act together. So, you’re just gonna have to go over to Anna’s blog to see some.

She showed up yesterday morning (unannounced, I might add ), and brought her trusty camera with her. I was still in my PJ’s planning on a nice quiet morning to putter around. You know what they say…”the best laid plans…”

Since she showed you house pictures, I’ll show you what I’ve been working on. I’ve definitely got my mojo back since getting settled in here.

Stichery:

made into a pillow.

and another one. Not sure what I’m going to do with it yet…

but I think I’m going to make it again in wool. It’ll be fun to see them side by side.

Both patterns are from Primitive Stitches. I just love her patterns.

Here’s another one from the same designer. I got the kit from my friend Karen and am in the process of machine quilting it. There are a couple of rows that have to be ripped out because of tension issues, so I have that still to do.

I am NOT a quilter but I figured “how hard can cross hatching be?”. Well, now I know. UGH!

By the way, Karen is having an AWESOME giveaway. Head on over there. You might still be able to get in on it.

Wool:

Am getting this BOM from Primitive Gatherings. It’s called Autumn Quilt by Heart to Hand. I can’t believe that I’m caught up on it. The next 3 blocks are on their way. (I know this because my bank statement shows it!)

And you can’t get ready for Christmas too soon.

Pattern is called “Seven Santas” by the talented Bonnie Sullivan of All Through the Night. Just have to add the borders and I’ll be done.

Last week when the latest issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects arrived, I fell in love with so many of the patterns. Instead of dog-earing the pages, I decided to just get busy and start on one of them. This one is by Cheri Payne and it’s called Autumn Wools.

If you haven’t seen this magazine, you need to head over to their site and get yourself a subscription. It’s well worth it!

Cottons:

I’m trying to get this next quilt done as fast as possible because I want it to hang in the entry.

This is my progress so far.

Actually, I also have the center block finished but didn’t get a picture taken.

The pattern is called Folk Art Blooms and it’s by Buggy Barn.

We’ve also done a few projects around the house. The latest being recovering our dining room chairs.

Before:

After:

I think they will look nice with the Buggy Barn quilt which will hang on the opposite wall.

So, that’s what’s going on around here. Have a great weekend!

Hugs, Anne

The Nest

I’ve been getting a log of nagging from people (and you know who you are) about posting pictures of the new house.

So, I thought I’d start with The Nest since that’s where I spend most of my time.

When you walk in, this is what you see.

My computer desk area is to the far left.

and if you continue around to the right, I had another desk area put in for an “applique station”.

I do the starch method of applique and it takes a lot of prep work, so I thought about how I could get it to work best for me. See the top drawer to the left of the chair?

Now, notice the cutting board above it?

I can pull it out and prep the applique pieces. I usually put a ceramic tile on the cutting board so that the heat doesn’t warp the wood. In the larger shot above, you can see my little iron and Ott light that make the job so easy.

Now, to the right of the desk opening…

I had a storage cabinet put in for large rulers and mats.

I love how they are so convenient but out of the way.

Continuing clockwise around the room, this is my design wall.

I had been chatting with Kathie about hers and she gave me some great tips. Mr. CnW made it for me. It’s insulation board with a frame on the back to strengthen it, covered in a flannel sheet. He hung it a foot off the floor (because of the plugs) and a foot from the ceiling. It’s hung in 3 sections and each section is 4 ft wide and 6 feet high. I’m pretty short, so I can’t reach the top of it so had to get a step stool. LOL I was worried that a design wall that large could make the room look kinda messy, but so far, so good.

Here’s a different view of it from the entryway.

Notice the chair? It’s actually a twin sleeper and really really comfortable. (and we all know that sofa sleepers are sometimes pretty stiff). When it was delivered, Mr. CnW said he wanted it in his den. So, I’m looking into getting another one for me (in red) and I’ll let him have it whenever I get a new one.

To the right of the design wall, I have my ironing station. I got the idea when Heather posted pictures of her Mom’s fabulous room. Mine isn’t as big as hers because I already have a big board that I’m storing in the attic and really don’t use all that often.

The part I love the most is the pull out for the iron to sit on.

All of the baskets that I’m using in the cabinets came from Target and they fit perfectly.

Here’s a view from the computer area on the opposite side of the room.

The door to the far left goes to the attic storage area. The next door is my walk in closet.

I’ve got a lot of organizing to do in there, but it’s nice to know that everything fits and I’ve even got a little space leftover. Shopping anyone?

The next door is the bathroom.

Not much else to say about that. LOL

Here are my books.

And the last wall is where the TV and storage chest are.

After looking at this picture, I think I may move some of the quilts to the storage bench. Looks kinda top heavy there. LOL

Here’s that same wall from my comfy chair.

So, that’s the nest! I’m loving it and definitely have my mojo back. I’ve been sewing up a storm and will share pictures with you soon. (I don’t dare promise a date…that’s for sure. LOL).

My only distraction is the view

and all the critters I see.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Hugs, Anne

2 more sleeps!

Sorry I’ve been gone for so long, but I was sewing madly for Anne. In fact, I made 4 quilts in 12 days. Now that’s putting the pedal to the metal. (And…they all included some applique). In fact, take a look at her blog. I was working on that portion of the new Block of the Month right up until the night before we left for Quilt Market. When I wasn’t sewing, I was packing, so I hope you can cut me some slack.

Anyway, we are moving in on Friday and we’re so excited.

Welcome to our abode…

Come on in…

Shall we light a fire?

Need to freshen up?

What? You’ve brought some dirty laundry? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s go up to the nest and get creative now.

You say you’re hungry? A big salad sounds really good.

Glad you came for the tour. Window coverings are going in tomorrow and the big move takes place Friday.

I’m hoping for a more “normal” life once we get settled. When that normalcy arrives, I hope to get back to more regular blogging. I’ll even share a couple of averted disasters with the flooring and the dining room chandelier.

While packing up all my projects, I was getting really excited to get back to sewing. Am looking forward to starting on them as soon as we unpack.

Thanks for hanging in there with me throughout this process. This past year and a half has really been a ride.

Hugs, Anne

You were right

All of you who told me that things would slow down once the inside work began were absolutely right!  I was waiting for things to be completed before showing you pictures, but it seems that one thing being finished depends on another thing being done. 

Anyway, here are a lot of things that have been done but maybe not completed.

After the taping and texturing were finished, Steve, the trim guy started working his magic.

Then the painters came in and painted all the walls and stained the doors.  Front door.

My nest.  A pale shade of yellow.

Then, Norm the granite guy, did his thing.

Here’s the kitchen

And the buffet in the dining room.

This is the powder bath that will have the copper vessel sink and really fun faucet.  Can’t wait for it to get installed.

Master bathroom…

and… today when I went over, the tile guy was working in the master bath.

Jack n Jill bathroom…

The fireplace stone guys were there last week but they still have the hearth to put down.   We really love how it turned out.

The color of the first picture is more accurate (if I remember right…LOL)

The outside finally got painted but they still have to finish some of the trim.

And I was so surprised to see that the sod was laid today!

The wood for the floors was delivered today and will start to be installed tomorrow.  

We still don’t have an exact move in date but have been told that as soon as all the “hard surfaces” are installed, we’ll know more.  

We’re getting so excited and anxious to move and get settled in!

So, lots has been done, but you can see that there’s still a lot more left to do.  It’s getting closer tho!

Hugs, Anne