Divas and Digs

I wish there were more progress to report on Lida Luna, but Lida the moonbird is proving to be Lida the Diva. I was so sure that metallic silver thread, bright and blingy against the medium-gray fabric of Lida's shoulders, would be the best choice for the scallop stitching on her feathers. Wrong-o. Unless the light shines on it at one particular angle, the silver thread doesn't even show. The scallop stitches (one of the rare instances I'll be using a built-in machine stitch on an otherwise free-motion landscape quilt) will have to be black, and fairly shiny.

The good news is, after 3 separate backorders totaling a 6-week delay, the carpet is being laid in the new studio this morning. A sort of oatmeal shade that goes by the inexplicable name of Lovesick (who names these colors, and what are they thinking?), it will be a nice, neutral, light-reflecting backdrop for all those colorful fabrics, paints and threads. Never have I been so happy to hear hammering and stapling at 8:00 a.m. For a little perspective on just how happy, here's a photo of what I've been waking up to every morning for the last few months:

That's because my 10' by 12' bedroom is also the studio. It started out lovely and non-cluttered, but that was before a second sewing machine, four drawer units, more design boards, and several tubs of fabric were added--all necessary and well-organized, but increasingly invasive. So much so, it's really begun to cramp--make that kill--any real creativity. Several times lately, I've walked in here to work on something, only to turn around and walk right back out. I'm a bit of a neatnik, after all, and this is the kind of scene that can send me over the edge. The only thing that's kept me from turning into a raving lunatic is knowing that this will all soon change. Thanks to my very handy and hardworking husband, and the son who moved out last September, by lunchtime today there will be, for the first time in nearly 40 years in this house, a room dedicated to nothing but designing, quilting, embroidering, and fabric painting. Oh hallelujah, glory be, and happy day!



During renovation (old carpet still in place)



There's a bathroom up there, too. Aside from the obvious advantage of that, I'll be able to paint fabric right over the bathtub and then rinse away the mess. For a neatnik, it doesn't get much better than that!







Tomorrow, after a bribery brunch (just kidding, they'd have done it for nothing), my two wonderful, strong sons will move the heavier items up to my new digs. Then comes the fun part: arranging and organizing. And last but far from least, quilting!

To read about someone who is making real progress with her free-motion project(s), head over to Leah Day's FMQ post. For added inspiration, check out the other blogs hooking up with her at the end of her post.

Also hooking up with Sarah for Whoop-whoop Friday, because she asked what made us dance the happy dance this week. If a new quilting studio doesn't qualify, I don't know what does. And check out all of her hookups!

And here's wishing a happy Mother's Day this Sunday to all of you moms!

Linda