Thursday, December 31, 2009

I Am Having Way Too Much Fun!

Warning: There are a lot of pictures in this post!
I am telling you I am having way too much fun!
Yes that is Granny quilts on top of the armoire.
Some are mine. Some are sold. I picked up that top one today from Granny.
I will put it on the side bar for sale.
Remember Granny's old sewing machine that tore up a while back?
Well it wasn't fixable but she loves the one she has now.
Anyway, the old one has been sitting in the back room and my daddy asked me today if I wanted it. He said Granny wants it out of there. Of course, I said YES! I didn't care if it worked because it was Granny's. That meant more than anything to me. Granny was thrilled for me to take it. I love the cabinet. The machine is in there and will stay in there but for right now I set my featherweight on the top of the cabinet. Connie made the pin cushion for me. Isn't it darling? Do you see my old rotary phone? I love it and it works!
My 6 year old grandson tells me about his best friend and when he describes him, he says his full name and then says: "He is the luckiest boy in the whole world". So cute. Well that is the way I feel right now with my sewing room. I have had my sewing area in a closet, in the basement, and in my bedroom and never been satisfied. We have a room that is a den but we have a huge den and this room we have always called the "nobody's room". We call it that because no one ever goes in there and sits. Well, I have changed it all. It is now a sewing room. It is connected to the dining room but I am just country so that is fine. We never eat at that table anyway.
I told my sweet hubby that I am probably the only person that I know that has a fireplace and lots of windows like this in their sewing room. I think I am the luckiest person in the world!!!

My Sweet Mom bought this for me for an early birthday present. It is a June Taylor Shape Cut Slotted Ruler. We learned about this ruler from my sweet friend Michelle. Thank you Mom for buying it for me & Michelle for telling us about it. One day I was telling Michelle my thoughts about making a new sewing room in my house and I was telling her that it was connected to the dining room and she said something that made me just stop and think.
She told me that it was my home and I could do whatever I wanted with it. She said the kitchen table police would not come knocking on my door. That was a lightbulb moment so I did it.

The room is big and I have things in every corner but to me it looks great. This is a shoe rack that Maranda (daughter) bought at target a while back. She didn't take it with her when she left and I just could not see putting shoes in it. When I looked at it I saw my stash! The Noahs Ark hat boxes were so cute when I saw them at the thrift store. I knew they would be good for something and sure enough they have sewing things hidden inside. The pretty thread holder sitting on top was once in Shannons (oldest daughter) house. It used to have pretty vines in it and was hanging on her wall but in my house it is holding thread right now.

This is a new sewing machine to me. My dad found it and it is exactly like Granny's old one that tore up and he thought I might like it. He was right. I love it just because it was like Grannys.

This is how I set up part of my sewing area. Do you see 3 sewing machines? Wow.
I decided when I was working on this room that I wanted things that I love in this room. The little orange table was in my granddaughters room at one time and she actually painted it. On that table you will see on the right side of the sewing machine a plastic box. It was my Grandmas sewing box. (My Moms mother). I treasure it. Of course you all know that I love my Singer 401A sewing machine. Sitting beside it is a fabric basket that Connie made for me. I love it. The T.V. tray underneath the sewing machine is a work in progress. Connie sent me the stuff to make a little ironing board to sit next to the sewing machine out of this tray. I can't wait to get that done.

This shows you a good view of my cutting table all folded out. In this room it will be able to stay that way. Sitting on it is my Brother Embroidery Machine. Over to the right is my desk to do paperwork. Sitting on the desk is pictures of my grands and also a plant and a candle that my sister Brenda sent to me. Thank you Brenda. Underneath the desk is a kudzu basket that was made for me many years ago by Randys aunt Jude. I would not take anything for it. It is full of quilting magazines and few toys for the kids. My rocking chair.....what can I say? This is the rocking chair that my Mom rocked me in. Precious. The afghan on the back is something I made for my Grandma Cochran before she passed away. When she went home to be with the Lord the family gave it back to me. It makes me think of her.

This is the view of my dining room if you were standing in the new sewing room. See my new rugs that my sweet honey gave me? I love them. They are Sisal rugs.

This is a shelf that is sitting in my dining room. I am not crazy about the shelf but I LOVE the things on the shelf. The cookie jar on the top is from when I was a little girl. My Mom gave this to me. The cookie jar below that is one that Shannon (my daughter) had made for me with all of the grandkids handprints and their ages on it when they were small. The next cookie jar was my Grandma Cochrans. You never went to her house without getting into this cookie jar and it always had Nilla Vanilla Wafers in it. Michelle made me those criss cross coasters that you see laying on the third shelf. I just love them. Both of the quilts on top of this shelf are ones that my Granny made.

This is the view from the dining room looking at my sewing room. Is that a taco bell cup sitting on my hearth??? Funny! My piano is very special to me. This is the piano that I practiced many hours on when I was young. This is the piano that my Mom taught students on to make extra money when we were growing up. It is funny how thinking of that now just touches my heart that my Mom would do that for us but of course when we were young we didn't know to appreciate that like we should. Thank you Mom for all of your sacrifices for us. Can you see the quilt on the piano bench? Mom & I took a quilting class and I have never finished that but thought if I have it laid out maybe I will work on it. The picture above the cutting table will eventually be took down and replaced with my design wall.

This area is the stairway that goes down to my basement. It doesn't look like much but I wanted to show you that piece sitting on top of the stairwell. It was actually the mantel above the fireplace when we bought this house. We hated it as a mantel but when my honey took it off and set it there we loved it. We don't know what it was originally. I don't know what you call that above the stairs going to the basement but when we do have people over that is where I set desserts. It is also as tall as my cutting table and serves as a second place to work when laying things out.

So I have 5 machines in this one room! (6 if you count Grannys old machine that doesn't work that you cannot see.) I have lots of things that I love in this room. I have a fireplace and lots of windows. What more can I ask for? Well I do want one thing. I would love to find some cushions for my rocking chair. I am sure there will be things that I change from day to day. I already have some new ideas just from seeing the pictures but so far I love it. My sweet honey is even impressed! That means a lot. So guess what I will be doing tomorrow to start the new year out right? Yes, I will be doing some cooking but most of all I will be sewing and loving it. 2010 is going to be a great year! There are lots of things that I want to do but my #1 thing on my agenda is to slow down and enjoy my family, friends & things that I love.
Happy New Year!
You all mean the world to me!

26 comments:

Paula said...

Your sewing room is so cute, and I'm sure you'll get lots of great quilts made there!!

Thearica said...

I love your space! I have mine upstairs in the bonus room..out of sight...especially when I get messy...and I am a messy crafter...LOL

Happy New Year!

Heidi said...

Valerie, thank you for sharing your space. You are lucky to have a nice big room to sew in. You could have a sew-in right there with all of us!

I want some of those goods in the canning jars! I love canned goods.

I have my sewing room in a spare room downstairs by the laundry room. It's easier for me to multi task that way. One eye on the laundry and the other on sewing.

Happy New Year to you too! I'm so happy that I know you - even if it is just through the computer.

caknitter said...

I love your new sewing room! You are definitely one lucky gal!
Around here the old sewing machines, like Granny's, are worth GOLD. It's great that you appreciate them as family heirlooms.
Have a great New Year's Day!!

webbsway said...

Valerie,
Your space is so lovely . So many wonderful components to it and when you take all of the small parts it takes all of them to make the whole blessing.
If you are anything like me - your sewing room will become a type of sanctuary for you to honor what you love.
Funny , how you can learn new things along the way . Last year I made a neat gift for an e-buddy and after I finished the project there was just a piece of fabric left over and I discovered that I loved that piece . Something about it called to me and made me smile from ear to ear. Then this Christmas I made another gift and when I had finished it I had the same feeling - I believe it is love for my friend. After I pondered it for a while and during that time she sent me a hand made birthday card - which I really loved because I knew her heart was in there.
Immediately I knew what I needed to do. I took some old picture frames that I had stashed and I put her beautiful card in one and I matted the two different fabrics in two of the others .Yep, it is perfect. They make me so happy -because of the gift of love.
Happy New Year , My dear friend -may it be the best one so far .

Michelle said...

Thank you for the tour, Val. It is nice when people show pictures, and a person can actually see the space, the person, or whatever they are talking about. I love my house, and I have a lot of quirky things going on, but it is MY house, and I LIVE here. If I love it, that's all that matters, and I'm glad you are doing the same. I know just walking in that room makes you happy. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your home, and what goes on in this room. Thanks for sharing. Your home is lovely.
Have a blessed, wonderful, New Year!
love,
Michelle

Alice Grace said...

Looks like you have it all set up to get busy doing what you love best! Grandma (my Mom) would be so proud of you for pursuing sewing and crocheting. Crocheting was her love. I know she was so proud of the afghan you made for her. Love the sewing machine cabinet you have been given that houses Granny's old machine! What a keepsake that is! Great sewing room!

Kim said...

I love your sewing room! I think everything looks relly pretty and you have so many special, neat things. I love it! I'm not sure when I will ever have a spare room around here, don't think any kids ever want to move out of here. Of course, I don't want Whitney to move out, she is mine! Good thing I don't sew or I would be fussing for a room!

Darla said...

I must have that room!

Maria said...

What a great room Valerie BUT how many sewing machines do you have. Including the ones that don't work???

I agree with Heidi, we could have a sew in there but I would have a bit of a long way to go LOL

Jocelyn said...

Oh Valerie what a lovely way to use that room. I know you will enjoy many hours of sewing pleasure in your sewing room. Thanks for giving us this little tour. It's fun to see where people create :-) Wishing you and our family a Happy New Year!

Patty said...

Lovely room,lots of space! Lucky you!

andsewon said...

What a wonderful way to use the space Valerie!! What wonderful gifts from your Ma and Pa too! All those special machines!
You are all set to go now!!
I have used the shoe rack for my fat qts for a few years now and works great!!
I have a small room but I adore it...and it is all mine!!Just a few more things to paint and it will be all done!
Now to just get busy 'doing' in it is my 2010 goal...;-)

Happy New Year!!!!
Hugs,
Lola

StitchinByTheLake said...

Valerie I'm in love with your sewing room and I am totally jealous. Totally. blessings, marlene

AmyW said...

I predict many beautiful things projects coming from the new sewing room. It is a great space. I love the thread holder.

lindsey said...

Your room looks great, so spacious and so tidy!!! I hope that 2010 brings you and your family many blessings God's wisdom and guidance in all that you do.

Love Bears All Things said...

I agree with Michelle, when we bought this house, I decided to make the formal dining room my sewing/craft room. I couldn't see having a room we only used once or twice a year. I have always wanted a place where I could work on a project and leave it out until the next time I could work on it. Now, I have that. I have a table for scrapbooking and I can just walk away and leave it when I have to do something else.
I know how much this room will mean to you. Happy Quilting!
Mama Bear

Unknown said...

Happy New Year, Val! Please tell Granny HNY also. May you all have beautiful & blessed days throughout the year.

TTFN ~Marydon

Diane said...

Val,
Your room is gorgeous. Your home looks really pretty. I would love to have a space to call my own. I have my craft table set up in my tiny bedroom and that's ok. 2010 is going to be the year I start making quilts.(I hope) Anyway, have a blessed New Year.
Love ya,
Diane

Anonymous said...

A wonderful room for you, yippee! Enjoy it, and I know you will. xo

cockermom said...

I do love your space, and your friend was right, it is your house, you can do anything you want with it!
My sewing room is right off our living room, next door to my husband's den. We each have computers in our rooms and sit and IM each other like we did after we first met. Our kids think we are funny, our friends think we are cute!
Have a Blessed New Year!

Susannah said...

Isn't it wonderful to have your own space? I also enjoyed reading about your treasures that mean so much to you! I have many from my Mom and my grandparents....they mean so much to me, too. Interesting post, Val. Thank you for letting us sneak a peek into your little corner of the world.

Susannah

KyQuiltlady said...

I just love your sewing room. I have lots of sewing machines myself and each one serves their prupose. You have everything at your fingertips and that makes it much easier to do what you want to do without draging a machine from the closet or somewhere. I know you will accomplish a lot in 2010. Happy Sewing!

Erika Mulvenna said...

What a great sewing space, you are having fun! Looks like you will have plenty to enjoy about sewing in the new year.

Have you checked out www.WeAllSew.com yet? Lots of sewing and quilting stuff - links to projects, tutorials, and other sewers on the web. It's all updated weekly, so there's always something new to see. I think you might find some inspiration at We All Sew!

Nishant said...

You are lucky to have a nice big room to sew in. You could have a sew-in right there with all of us!

Work from home India

Carole Burant said...

Happy New Year to you and yours, dear Valerie!! I'm slowly making my rounds visiting my dear bloggy friends:-) I so loved seeing all your pictures of your "new" sewing room", it's perfect! I love it that you filled it up with things you love and mean so much to you. I've done the same thing in my faerie/computer room:-) I love being surrounded by family treasures!! xoxo