Sunday, January 10, 2010

studio clean-out

It felt fantastically good on Saturday morning to have a stretch of time to clean and neaten my studio while Ken watched the little boys. It is wonderfully luxurious to have a little space of my own in our smallish house, and I really should be more mindful of that. Of course, when it gets really cluttered and in disarray (it is a tiny space) like it did over the holidays, it's easy to feel bogged down about it. And conversely, when I get a chance to freshen it up, how wonderful it is! One of life's little pleasures, for sure.
So with my stretch of time, I didn't even worry about completing a sewing project or even starting one for that matter. I just cleared out a lot of junk and stuff I'm no longer needing and spent some time puttering around and changing my little displays. I find they need frequent freshening or they get stale.
I found this square yellow mug while thrifting with Faith over the winter break. It turned out to be the perfect vessel for my Sharpie markers and I love how the yellow looks against the blue walls.
I lined up postcards across the entire inspiration wire--some are mine, some are purchased.
I hammered a nail into the wall and hung my "abby try again" calendar. I love it.
These cards all have mugs or teacups in them.
Handknitted washcloths I have completed, fabric waiting to be made into a throw like Soulemama's, and embroidery hoops waiting to be made into a display like this one.
And at the very end I pulled out some thrifted fabrics for my very next project--something quick and satisfying to ease myself back into sewing. It's the Mama Bag from Handmade Home. I'm very much looking forward to making this next week!

And now I must be off to bed. I've promised myself the "gift" of more sleep this week, by getting to bed by 9pm each night. So, no time to dawdle online. I hope you start your week energetic and well rested, as I hope to be.

20 comments:

Jennifer said...

I work so much better too, when my spaces are clean and tidy. I love the throw and the fabric in the hoops, I've been collecting hoops from the thrift store for just that purpose. Good for you for getting some more rest, I've been working on that as well.

theprairiegirl.com

Jane said...

Everything looks so lovely in your little space. Thanks so much for the inspiration to get my own space in order. It's still covered in tape and bits of wrapping.
I'm looking forward to seeing how your new projects progress.

Rain said...

I love your little space. And what fun projects! I really need to think ahead to what I'd like to make. I'm still such a novice. But have been itching to make the picnic blanket in Homemade Home. I figure if I start now I will have it for the upcoming summer season.

Joy said...

I always love your blue walls. Your space looks just lovely and inspirational. How nice to have a few minutes to yourself in that space. :)

Allison said...

thanks for the peek into your studio. it's really inspiring! i love your photos, your teacup postcards, and the color of your walls. i've got the same stack of fabric waiting to be made into a soulemama-esque throw. i can't wait to see how yours turns out!

Anonymous said...

love the blue walls! your space is gorgeous and mine is awaiting the same....

Ellie said...

how great that you had time to tidy up your space! It looks great - inspirational!

Julie said...

What a beautiful space of inspiration!

Lise said...

What a gorgeous space! I have just a closet, and it's currently a horrible disaster. Your pictures inspire me to want to tackle it, though.

Anonymous said...

The blue hue of your studio walls is so refreshing. Amazing how just a bit of tidying up can get the creative juices flowing again

Kristi said...

So inspiring, I have been hearing that word "puttering" all over lately. Such a great word to describe the "after holiday lull". That swatch portrait wall is amazing, I have one in the works myself. Can't wait to see your finished projects.
PS. Your space looks great.

Diane said...

Isn't it great to get your space all sorted out? Mine still has things from making Christmas presents lying around... Your photos are beautiful (as always) and inspiring.

I mentioned you on my blog yesterday :-)

Abi said...

lovely love love! my daughters room is a similar color and it is so inspiring. but it's a really 'awake' color, maybe not the best for a bedroom?

your space is precious as is the time spent in it. i love the way you arranged things.

Annie said...

Ack! I didn't know that there was an Abby Try Again calendar. I love her pictures so much, but I already have two calendars for 2010. Is three too many??

Carin said...

Just love your space! So much goodness and inspiration there! I now want to sort out/ redecorate my space too!

Nicola said...

i just rediscovered your blog through a comment at soule mama. you have a beautiful, eye pleasing space!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com

jules said...

I drool over your studio. I hope you don't mind.

What great postcards, and I LOVE the tea cups.

elizabeth ~ so wabi sabi said...

this is great inspiration to me to get my own space decluttered and sweetened up;) thanks!

Rachel Dobbs said...

Hi,

We haven't connected in awhile and I just wanted to say that I enjoy your blog so much. Please tell me again what kind of camera you have. I am in the market again as I dropped mine recently and there's no hope for it.

Rachel Dobbs said...

P.S. I realize that my comment was labeled under my new blog name, InFashionation. It's an anthropology research project about how people are treated by the way they dress. I am still designing the layout, so I haven't invited anyone or posted yet.

So, when you see InFashionation, it's Rachel Dobbs.