Can one have too many containers???

Of course this is only a sample of the small, clear, plastic containers.  I like to have my clutter contained so therefore I have containers. 

I have discovered that cute boxes don't work.  I need to see what is inside. 

So the plastic storage towers are my preferred method.  My sewing room is full of them.  They under gird my cutting table where all my sewing supplies lurk. (It also means I can lean on the corners of my table top!)  They will also categorize my new passion, fusing collage shapes. 

They hold all my threads, my embroideries and its paraphernalia as well as my needle felting supplies.

The odd shapes that began my collection are now hiding out in my sewing closet where my big boy storage containers rest.

Now if I can just contain my enthusiasm for collecting containers of any kind!  lol

Happiness is...

Happiness is seeing this Canadian Sunrise rose finally come into its own.  I had planted it as a small planting many years ago but it obviously never thrived so I brought up by the house.  She is now happy!  The buds are orangey  colour and fade to light yellow.

Happiness is having the last bit of barn cleaning in sight.  It is kinda gloomy in the barn and I can't quite bring myself to follow the sunrise photo with the nightshade aspect of the barn.

Happiness is having the grass all cut but again  copious swaths of dried cut grass all over the lawn doesn't make for pretty.

My dear friend Irmgard is also downsizing in her shop.  She offered me an old paper storage cabinet.  I hummed and hawed but I'm SO happy that I  went ahead and got it.  I assured the Rooster I had gotten rid of 2-3 other things so that he would help me carry it up to the art room.

A bit of ugly-

It is inevitable to make things worse before they get better.  I had moved out one of the tall book cases to the new sewing room.  It doesn't look much better but the results will make me happy.

This is better and is the rough sort.  I will be locating all the cafeteria trays I can find.  shh, don't tell the Rooster as he has some he uses for his sausage making.  When we got the trays were wondered what we'd do with them.  Having even more would makes us happier!  But who knew???
I will be putting all my stamps out on one layer of tray and categorized by type.  whoo hoo!  Stamping is gonna be so much more fun.  :)

I got the big sort done before the second lot of visitors arrived.  Next I will fine tune the drawers that are now available since the stamps have vacated!  There is only art supplies in here.  Well, the majority of my books, quilting, design, home dec, and all are here as well.

The sewing room is looking like everything can fit which actually surprised me.  There is only fabric/fibre related  supplies here and my fine beads.  The chunkier bits and polymer clay tools are in the art room.  I really tried to think categories with the necessary supplies  kept together. There is a bit of overlap.  :}  Now for getting those last few things done so I can call that room finished.

I couldn't have planned how the two repainted bookshelves and this old china cabinet fit on this wall if I'd tried.  There is like 1/4 inch wiggle room! The bottom holds my hand sewing supplies.   When I realized I needed a second coat of colour I decided a gallon was cheaper that 2 different quarts so this room is the same as the sewing room.  Not perfect but certainly fine.  I had been thinking pink but when I started putting things in place I realize it is peachy and a warm pink so the peach cotton duvet cover from the thrift shop just may be the perfect curtain.  The basics have been covered and now it is to hang the pictures, tweak my stuff and have a comfy sit down.  It feels very cool to be back in the original master bedroom after all these years as we begin to prepare for selling.

The best will always raise the happiness factor!  Hopefully by the time the kids come for their visit this will have all had the final and best finale! 

And happiness is counting my blessings.  I may have struggled a bit with a blue funk but as I see my sister struggling with depression and dementia I am so happy to have my friends, my family,  my health and my hobbies, and the ability/desire to pursue creativity.

One of these days!

We were blessed with a rainbow after a rather devastating storm.  We appreciated the rainbow but then round two came!  Not such a blessing.  One of these days we'll be dry and actually want rain but we sure don't need more moisture as a rule.  Soon as the lake leaves the lawn we'll deal with the branches and fallen trees.  :{

I appreciate the motivation of dead lines but one of these days I am seriously gonna be in trouble. Though I do think I'll be ready for my company this time but...
 
I need to schedule a mid week break in the future.  I definitely feel a little less motivated as the week moves along.

The new sewing room is just lovely.  My goal is simple, serene and uncluttered.  Then I started putting stuff in it. :/ The fabric stacks avalanched!  There will be some serious editing because I am determined to be true to my motto- KISS.  All sewing related, except books, will be in the sewing room.  Novel idea!

That means two bookshelves, one from the wet room, will hold all my fabric.  That meant messing up the art room and that is where the fabric slid!

Then I had to empty the old sewing room so I could strip wall paper, patch and paint.   More stuff to find places for.  The new sewing room closet is full.  There are 5 drawers I hadn't emptied because I knew I could paint the drawers later.  Later has arrived!  eek!

One room, 5 drawers, 2 bookcases and one little table and that is ALL! Well, the wooden platform base for the mattress will get a quick roll.   I had hoped to be painting today but as I said, I ran out of steam.  I might add that the humid ex was out of sight, hence that mega storm. What is really helping me make up for lost time is that this is the easiest wall paper I have ever had to strip. Seriously a miracle!!!   Makes me want to do more wall paper!  eek.  Not any day soon, I hope!  I'll be ready for the Rooster to do some serious patching tonight.  This room has had serious wall shelves and pictures put up all over.  sheesh!   One of these days, the Rooster is gonna take my tools away!  lol

I think I can make it ready for company.  I may close the Art Room door or else just say I've been creating.  I have two more days and I won't be skipping church 'cause I'm gonna need all the help I can get.  Oops, I've promised Elaina she can help so my 11th hour worker will arrive Saturday.  ;^)

My biggest regret is that this isn't the one day/time I had all my ducks in a row.  I leaped in with a deadline but I never allowed time for the small stuff.  drat!   I had hoped to put everything back after editing.  I envisioned a slow and peaceful placing of necessary supplies in prepared and designated spots.  :-{   So it'll look good for company and probably for a blog post but behind that door and cobbled into drawers is a tangled web of good intentions.  one day...

Next post will be blog ready/company pretty.  Then the one after that will be me finishing up all those good intentions that got stuffed into the cupboards and nooks and crannies.  The second group of travelers that are scheduled for next month aren't really company.  My kids will have no problem checking out my good intentions.  And this might just be the day I surprise them! 

WOW

First to find my work table!

I had to do some serious cleaning.

I got the first auction sale cupboard upstairs and into position. The cupboard's top is even with the cutting table but I'd like to have Nina's actual work surface even with the cutting table because this makes free motion quilting just so much easier and better. I prefer to sew standing up so this height works for me. I could cut out an insert as there is another shelf just below but this top is thick and I'd like to keep this heavy machine on a good solid surface. The base is actually workable and because it is worn it will probably be even sturdier if we trim off the bottom 3 1/4 inches. I'll still have an open toe plate for my toes and to push the foot pedal out of the high traffic area.

When I machine quilt a big quilt I'll push the cupboard around to the side of the cutting table so I can spread out the weight. I took this picture from inside the closet and behind my computer chair. What if I had more space??? ;^)

Last Wednesday I'd done some programed stitches to experiment with the zentangle look.



This week I did use the more open embroidery stitches but I moved my fabric from side to side to vary and open up the patterned stitches for a more organic look.

Then I tried my #43 free motion couching foot. I could only find some dark grey hand embroidery thread and it is another auction sale bundle so I don't know how good it is. Anyway I didn't like the result so on my town trip today I'll see about some better and heavier cording. I was wondering, what if...

I used white string on black fabric!!!