Well - it's week three of the school holidays and how things have changed since week one. Dave started his new job on Monday - but not till the afternoon as his new boss broke her arm at the weekend and spent the morning in hospital. She also told him that she has resigned so they're looking for a new boss for him so that's all up in the air. He came home like a dog with three tails, he's got his first non-Renault company car for nearly 30 years - we now have a blue BMW for the next few months and they he gets to choose what he wants.
Haven't spent too much time in the Studio as it's not easy with the kids at home but I have done some hand quilting on the Brown Floating Stars quilt and it's now ready for the binding and label. The A Quilter Lives Here quilt is in progress with some of the hand quilting done and it's still in the hoop.
Picked up the new Dinosaur knitting patterns and started making the Diplodocus for Byron for Xmas, it's coming on really well. The body/neck/tail is done and stuffed (it's huge) and i've knitted three of the legs, so one leg and four feet to do.
I've also done the back of Sarahs Harry Potter jumper which is in Green with grey striping and a grey S for either Sarah or Slytherin.
Haven't done much so far this holiday but we did take the kids on the train to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery to see the Staffordshire Hoard and the Egyptian exhibition, also went to Oasis and bought Sarah and I a new skirt each. Sarah met her friend in town yesterday and Mike played with Sophie in the park.
May go to the cinema tomorrow - kids want to see The Lorax so will probably go in the afternoon if its on.
Need to think of some more things to do over the hols that don't need the weather to be consistent. We will be going on holiday soon but Dave can't come as he can't get the time off work so close to starting.
Four weeks and counting.
Sally
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Thursday 26th
Not such a good day today. Really hot last night and couldn't sleep. Dave was up at 5am and Mike decided I shouldn't sleep alone, bless him. Crawled in with me and went straight back to sleep.
Walked into town to work this afternoon at weightwatchers - lovely to see everyone but had managed to put on 4lb in a week....WTF. I know I've not exercised as much lately as it's been so hot but really...
Stuck to my points today but don't know how I'm going to manage tomorrow. Carolyn's funeral at 10.30. Ordered some flowers today and when I spoke to mum it turns out we've ordered the same flowers...lol Programmed the Sat Nav for the Church and Crem so hopefully I'll be OK and will find somewhere to park as well.
Spent a little time in my Studio this afternoon. Got my glass paints out and painted three acrylic pictures I've had for absolutely ages. Propped them up against my window for a bit of decoration.
Working on a Slytherin jumper for Sarah - she's had her heart set on it for months but we couldn't find the right colour in Aran but she saw something in DK that she liked so I've got a basic pattern and have adapted it to put the grey stripes around the bottom, sleeves and neck and have sat and worked out a snake S to go on the front - don't know how it will work out but if it doesn't I can always reknit it without the S.
Got three loads of washing done today so now I have some ironing to do. I also have a lot to put away. Cleared away a little more clutter today, at this rate I may be decluttered by the time I retire.
Will keep going anyway. Must do better is the motto for today - diet and declutter...lol
Sally
Walked into town to work this afternoon at weightwatchers - lovely to see everyone but had managed to put on 4lb in a week....WTF. I know I've not exercised as much lately as it's been so hot but really...
Stuck to my points today but don't know how I'm going to manage tomorrow. Carolyn's funeral at 10.30. Ordered some flowers today and when I spoke to mum it turns out we've ordered the same flowers...lol Programmed the Sat Nav for the Church and Crem so hopefully I'll be OK and will find somewhere to park as well.
Spent a little time in my Studio this afternoon. Got my glass paints out and painted three acrylic pictures I've had for absolutely ages. Propped them up against my window for a bit of decoration.
Working on a Slytherin jumper for Sarah - she's had her heart set on it for months but we couldn't find the right colour in Aran but she saw something in DK that she liked so I've got a basic pattern and have adapted it to put the grey stripes around the bottom, sleeves and neck and have sat and worked out a snake S to go on the front - don't know how it will work out but if it doesn't I can always reknit it without the S.
Got three loads of washing done today so now I have some ironing to do. I also have a lot to put away. Cleared away a little more clutter today, at this rate I may be decluttered by the time I retire.
Will keep going anyway. Must do better is the motto for today - diet and declutter...lol
Sally
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Tuesday 24th July 2012
As requested, an update....
Everything is now in the studio, albeit not necessarily in the place it will stay. The fabrics are roughly sorted although I think the FQ's will need to be folded smaller and in colours. The magazines and cutting still need to be sorted and I've bought a couple of folders today as I can start sorting through them. Sarah has been down there in the quiet and has done some lovely drawings for her artists badge at scouts.
One of the jelly rolls has been pieced together into a mile-a-minute quilt top which Sarah has put her name on. I've used two of the hand dyes to dye an old sheet to use as the backing so just need to sort a piece of wadding and get it sorted. That will be the first quilt made in the new room. I've begun a cushion cover for my room - Moonflower cushion from Monkey Buttons. Photo below of where I've got to so far and also a drawing to prove I can still draw (sort of). The room has been used for a while every day so far and that's with the kids off on school holidays so that's not bad going.
Everything is now in the studio, albeit not necessarily in the place it will stay. The fabrics are roughly sorted although I think the FQ's will need to be folded smaller and in colours. The magazines and cutting still need to be sorted and I've bought a couple of folders today as I can start sorting through them. Sarah has been down there in the quiet and has done some lovely drawings for her artists badge at scouts.
One of the jelly rolls has been pieced together into a mile-a-minute quilt top which Sarah has put her name on. I've used two of the hand dyes to dye an old sheet to use as the backing so just need to sort a piece of wadding and get it sorted. That will be the first quilt made in the new room. I've begun a cushion cover for my room - Moonflower cushion from Monkey Buttons. Photo below of where I've got to so far and also a drawing to prove I can still draw (sort of). The room has been used for a while every day so far and that's with the kids off on school holidays so that's not bad going.
Main storage with books and bits
Sewing table and cutting mat by the table
Bookcase (Cd's alongside) cupboard still needs sorting - this corner needs work
First thing I've pieced in the new room. A mile a minute from a Jelly Roll. Top measures 64" x 70" and Sarah wants it.
Moonflower cushion. The base and the first border is done. the flowers are ready but can't be put on until the stems are down. Just sitting on the background fabric to see how it looks.
First proper go at drawing for years - hopefully will improve
It will definitely be easier to do things now. When I go down now as everything is pretty much to hand I can be sewing/drawing within minutes of getting in there. Just need to put on my music and I can get going.
Now I need to start getting the house sorted. I want to reduce the paperwork in the house by 60% over the next few months as this seems to be a lot of the clutter. The washing and the ironing is up to date. The front office is getting somewhere - toys need to be sorted and reduced by half. Sarah is going to give me a hand.
Watch this space and as I get things done I'll brag on here...lol
Saly
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Sunday 15th
Day started with washing the floor in the studio...again. This is an endless job. As soon as it dries it looks milky again - plaster dust. This could turn into my 'forth bridge'.
Moved some things into the right place and then started unloading the shed, as wisdom of wisdoms the desks are right at the back and we have to unload the middle of the shed so we can get at them.
Desks out and legs attached. Lots of boxes where I don't want but I'll have to sort those as I go. I can see plenty of things that won't be having a home in the finished room. The big shelving unit is down there at the moment and Dave is putting it together - he really doesn't do flatpacks, usually I take the screwdriver off him as it's safer. But... this time I think he wants to do it so I've come up to the house out of the way to make sure I don't lean over him telling him he's doing it wrong - however I did say that should he feel the need to use either a drill or a hammer that he is to call me first.
Made some sandwiches for lunch, took DJ some tea and got Mike off Zoombinis long enough for a sandwich and a cup of tea. Sarah is taking a break from her homework and I'm catching up on here.
Took a couple of pics this morning before we moved stuff in - and will take some more shortly. I'm having to bite my tongue as I can hear hammering down there - hopefully it's just the wooden pegs going in...
As you can see - before and after electrician and painting. It looks like a real room now. Once he's got the unit together I'll start putting the slide in boxes and drawers and then most of the packaging will be ready to go to the tip. I've got all my Avon deliveries to make tonight so after putting those together and making some dinner that will probably be it for the day.
Thinking that I'm not going to have room for everything, but that bridge will have to be crossed when I get there. Think DJ is out most of Wednesday and Friday which will be great as I've nothing on these two days and can spend some time getting stuff in and sorted.
Can't wait.
Sally
Moved some things into the right place and then started unloading the shed, as wisdom of wisdoms the desks are right at the back and we have to unload the middle of the shed so we can get at them.
Desks out and legs attached. Lots of boxes where I don't want but I'll have to sort those as I go. I can see plenty of things that won't be having a home in the finished room. The big shelving unit is down there at the moment and Dave is putting it together - he really doesn't do flatpacks, usually I take the screwdriver off him as it's safer. But... this time I think he wants to do it so I've come up to the house out of the way to make sure I don't lean over him telling him he's doing it wrong - however I did say that should he feel the need to use either a drill or a hammer that he is to call me first.
Made some sandwiches for lunch, took DJ some tea and got Mike off Zoombinis long enough for a sandwich and a cup of tea. Sarah is taking a break from her homework and I'm catching up on here.
Took a couple of pics this morning before we moved stuff in - and will take some more shortly. I'm having to bite my tongue as I can hear hammering down there - hopefully it's just the wooden pegs going in...
As you can see - before and after electrician and painting. It looks like a real room now. Once he's got the unit together I'll start putting the slide in boxes and drawers and then most of the packaging will be ready to go to the tip. I've got all my Avon deliveries to make tonight so after putting those together and making some dinner that will probably be it for the day.
Thinking that I'm not going to have room for everything, but that bridge will have to be crossed when I get there. Think DJ is out most of Wednesday and Friday which will be great as I've nothing on these two days and can spend some time getting stuff in and sorted.
Can't wait.
Sally
Saturday, 14 July 2012
Saturday 14th
Put the last coat on the feature wall this afternoon, Steve came this morning and sorted the electrics so we have power - yeah. Jumping with joy.
Dave has put together the shelves for the CD's and moved the bookcase into position so there seems more room in there now. Just got the 2nd coats for the window and shelf wall to do which I hope to get done tonight and then we are ready for serious furniture input. Two proper desks, one corner desk and the big shelf unit. Then yes Bev we are go for load.....can't wait. Would like to get a lot sorted before the kids break up from school on Friday as I think I'm gonna need a bolt hole over the six weeks.
Lovely afternoon with Anne-Marie. She's over from Brussels for a few days and I arranged to meet her this afternoon at Starbucks in Merry Hill. Took Sarah with me but she didn't bring Sacha - think Sarah was a bit disappointed.
Went into town at lunchtime to get some new light switches as I won't need dimmers in the studio, either on or off will do me fine thank you very much. Saw Nici as I haven't seen her all week and had a stroll round the farmers market. Bought some garlic stuffed olives, yum.
Dinner is cooking and then I hope to get the last of the painting done.
Fingers crossed.
Not snacked today as haven't been near food but I'm starving now. Looking forward to my dinner.
Sally
Dave has put together the shelves for the CD's and moved the bookcase into position so there seems more room in there now. Just got the 2nd coats for the window and shelf wall to do which I hope to get done tonight and then we are ready for serious furniture input. Two proper desks, one corner desk and the big shelf unit. Then yes Bev we are go for load.....can't wait. Would like to get a lot sorted before the kids break up from school on Friday as I think I'm gonna need a bolt hole over the six weeks.
Lovely afternoon with Anne-Marie. She's over from Brussels for a few days and I arranged to meet her this afternoon at Starbucks in Merry Hill. Took Sarah with me but she didn't bring Sacha - think Sarah was a bit disappointed.
Went into town at lunchtime to get some new light switches as I won't need dimmers in the studio, either on or off will do me fine thank you very much. Saw Nici as I haven't seen her all week and had a stroll round the farmers market. Bought some garlic stuffed olives, yum.
Dinner is cooking and then I hope to get the last of the painting done.
Fingers crossed.
Not snacked today as haven't been near food but I'm starving now. Looking forward to my dinner.
Sally
Friday, 13 July 2012
Friday 13th
Well, it's been a few days since I last posted.
Last week my cousin Carolyn went into hospital for a major operation - they had to remove blood clots from her heart - to do this they had to remove her blood and put her on a bypass machine to enable the clots to be removed. The recovery rate was excellent so although we were concerned we didn't worry too much. Unfortunately, they couldn't get many of the clots out and had to leave her on the bypass machine in ITU. A week later they still hadn't been able to close her chest and although they tried several different drugs to help her heart recover nothing worked and finally we were told they would close her up and her heart would stop. Tuesday Carolyn passed away. So sad, she was only 56. I hadn't spoken to her in person for a long time, although we were in contact through Facebook. But as Aunt Nancy had died earlier this year I got a chance to talk to Carolyn at the Funeral. I feel very priviledged to have been given that chance.
As you can understand this has hit us as a family very hard so soon after losing Nancy. But, life goes on.
Good news was Sarah acing all of her end of year tests, her score in RE was apparently off their scale. She got an 8A which is the equivalent to A* at GCSE but her teacher told her that her project was actually off his scale but he had nothing higher than an 8A to give her. We are proud.
Well, the last post was towards the end of the construction of the Craft Studio. The builders actually finished on Monday 9th with the installation of the skirting boards and shelving. So now it's down to me. Tuesday I put a coat of paint on the skirting boards and window sill and Wednesday went to quilt group and therefore did nothing in the studion. Thursday I did the mist coat on the new plaster and after it dried put on the first coat on the sides and window wall - looking good.
Today I've spent a lot of time in there. First thing I put a second coat on the sides and window but ran out of paint so sent David went to get more. Once this had dried I put the first coat on the feature wall. Wasn't too sure about the colour at first but it's come out really well. Tomorrow I'm hoping to put the second coat on the long wall and finish the second coat on the other walls. Chased Steve the electrician to get the sockets sorted but haven't heard anything from him yet.
Dave went to Ikea and bought the shelving unit and drawers along with a narrow unit for CD's which should fit in behind the door into a wasted space. He had to go again today to get some legs for the desk.
Don't know whether to start putting the furniture in while waiting for Steve or wait. The house looks like an Ikea warehouse at the moment and there's craft stuff everywhere.
Started hand quilting my A Quilter Lives here quilt yesterday at quilt group.
Will post more pictures asap.
Sally
Last week my cousin Carolyn went into hospital for a major operation - they had to remove blood clots from her heart - to do this they had to remove her blood and put her on a bypass machine to enable the clots to be removed. The recovery rate was excellent so although we were concerned we didn't worry too much. Unfortunately, they couldn't get many of the clots out and had to leave her on the bypass machine in ITU. A week later they still hadn't been able to close her chest and although they tried several different drugs to help her heart recover nothing worked and finally we were told they would close her up and her heart would stop. Tuesday Carolyn passed away. So sad, she was only 56. I hadn't spoken to her in person for a long time, although we were in contact through Facebook. But as Aunt Nancy had died earlier this year I got a chance to talk to Carolyn at the Funeral. I feel very priviledged to have been given that chance.
As you can understand this has hit us as a family very hard so soon after losing Nancy. But, life goes on.
Good news was Sarah acing all of her end of year tests, her score in RE was apparently off their scale. She got an 8A which is the equivalent to A* at GCSE but her teacher told her that her project was actually off his scale but he had nothing higher than an 8A to give her. We are proud.
Well, the last post was towards the end of the construction of the Craft Studio. The builders actually finished on Monday 9th with the installation of the skirting boards and shelving. So now it's down to me. Tuesday I put a coat of paint on the skirting boards and window sill and Wednesday went to quilt group and therefore did nothing in the studion. Thursday I did the mist coat on the new plaster and after it dried put on the first coat on the sides and window wall - looking good.
Today I've spent a lot of time in there. First thing I put a second coat on the sides and window but ran out of paint so sent David went to get more. Once this had dried I put the first coat on the feature wall. Wasn't too sure about the colour at first but it's come out really well. Tomorrow I'm hoping to put the second coat on the long wall and finish the second coat on the other walls. Chased Steve the electrician to get the sockets sorted but haven't heard anything from him yet.
Dave went to Ikea and bought the shelving unit and drawers along with a narrow unit for CD's which should fit in behind the door into a wasted space. He had to go again today to get some legs for the desk.
Don't know whether to start putting the furniture in while waiting for Steve or wait. The house looks like an Ikea warehouse at the moment and there's craft stuff everywhere.
Started hand quilting my A Quilter Lives here quilt yesterday at quilt group.
Will post more pictures asap.
Sally
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Thursday AM 5/7/12
Day 3 of the build.
Here are the in - progress shots of the window wall. The battens and insulation went in on Monday and Tuesday and the plasterboard went up yesterday.
Today is the really messy bit - why can't builders be a bit cleaner...?
Plastering...
Looks like a real room now. Just need to get the shelving and the skirting boards in and the building work will be finished - they reckon it will be done for Monday. A few days for the plaster to dry out and let the painting begin.
David is reconsidering an extension on the side of the house. Builder reckons a double height extension will be about the price Dave thought we'd have to pay for a single story. Gonna speak to a man about drawing up some plans so we can get the job priced up properly. Dave just has to get a job and then we could be there.... Extra room and a utility downstairs, extra bedroom and bathroom upstairs - luxury. Don't have to share the bathroom with the kids.
This is still in the dream stage but have to keep reminding myself that a few weeks ago my studio still felt as though it was in the dream stage but that's actually happening.
Fingers crossed.
Sally
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