Happiness in my studio

It’s not surprising  how much overwhelming fatigue can dull your thoughts and drag you down. It’s so gradual though that at first you don’t see it. When it gets bad you know it but it’s often hard to explain and find your way out. Luckily for me, this time it was the iron levels. I’m amazed at how much better I feel and how physical well being can have such a drastic effect on mental well being and creativity. I am brimming with it again.

I’m so content to be back in my room creating.

The addition of a large monitor (my old 27” tv) on my countertop means I can now watch quilting shows and all manner of things on you tube while I stitch.

It may give me a few too many ideas!

This morning I made it back to yoga for the first time in a few months. Taking it slow. At lunch I did another small mandala at the kitchen table.

I’ll be picking up Flora and fauna soon to sketch. I’ve always wanted to try mandalas though and since the green is just starting here, the timing is good. You’ll find lots of simple directions on you tube. It is very relaxing and meditative.

Then I took my tea to my sewing room, something I’ll be doing a lot more of since the Reno. I’m continuing to work on the Cascade baby Quilt. It’s such a fun (and easy!) pattern by Victoria Finley Wolfe.

The pieces are all from my stash. 

There will be 4 columns so I’m getting there.

When it’s not too hot, this time of year, I like to have the window cracked so I can hear the birds.

I pushed myself to head outside at 3:00 to do a little yard work while the sun is shining. As I write this I’m settled on my swing on the deck in the sun with an Afghan tucked around my legs. It is breezy and quite cool but I’m comfy. Waiting for G to come home and barbecue chicken burgers. Life is good.

Studio Reno

Since increasing my iron, my energy is returning and I feel like I’m emerging from a fog. I’ve had a little Reno angst going on too. The work is all done except for a second window going in which is on order. It is the same size as the existing one and will go next to it on that blank wall. It’s going to be like a mini sunroom.

Gradually, I’ve been cleaning out boxes and putting things into the new cabinets that occupy what used to be 2 single closets.

There is space for my monitor and a sewing machine on the counter.  I really love the pegboard that I picked up from IKEA. There are other pieces available that I could add to it.

As you may notice, I’m working on the Cascade baby quilt. 

In the rare case that I would do night time sewing there is LED strip lighting to go under the cabinet. It will be brighter in the daytime when the other window goes in.

The machine that I use for my fiber art is still in the window facing the garden. 

The in wall ironing board was a bit pricey but so worth the space gained.

This afternoon, cup of tea in hand and window cracked open to the sound of rain, I looked around the room and teared up with gratitude and happiness. It is a dream space.

For now, I think I’ll keep the design wall portable. There is space for the crib/juvenile bed for our grandson if I move out the glider rocker.

At lunch today with my tea I pulled out my sketchbook, compass and retractor to experiment with making my own mandalas, a definite sign that my energy is returning.

It definitely contributed to a sense of calm that I haven’t had in a while.

Cascade baby Quilt

I sewed and cut a few more strips for the baby quilt, starting a second row. I’m determined to stick with stash fabrics. I’ve laid out a loose arrangement which will probably change.

This truly is the most fun I’ve had piecing in a while! I’m enjoying my new space even though it’s not quite finished it feels fresh and clean. 

I will be able to watch quilting shows and tutorials once I get my computer back in there. I’m getting a little frustrated with Kent’s as every week they tell me the cabinets will be in. I was assured they’d be in today and I haven’t heard. I called and left a message. I guess it’s just a busy Reno time of year. I need patience!