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I’ve gotten a lot of email and voicemails lately, wondering if I am ok and everyone is ok in my family. I am and we are. No serious illnesses here, thank goodness — I guess I need to put my status up on the website…
I have been working on getting my studio set up so I can get everything in one place and have done the majority of it all by myself. I’ve painted, refinished furniture, laid flooring, and touched every piece of fabric that I’ve collected for over 20 years at least twice (if not more than that) to weed out and put away what I’m keeping in my stash.
Here are preliminary pictures so you can see what has been my obsession for the last THREE months:
Here is where I began, in a room that is the dumping ground for everything that doesn’t fit anywhere else. Robin’s stage amplifier, my son Ryan’s bike, camping equipment, etc. used to have a home here, with my fabric stash… no longer!
As I worked, I had to clear out one area and stack the stuff as tightly as I could in another area so I had work space — like playing Tetris. So sometimes, I spent a whole day just moving things around so I could work the next day. Yes, there was NOWHERE else to put the things outside of my studio space while I worked. The ideal solution would have been to work in an empty space — but no such luck with this project. I had to prepare and paint the walls one section at a time — moving things in place once a portion was painted, until I was done.
The wall behind me was painted light yellow to match the flannel for my design wall and the wall to my right is really more of a deep tangerine than a Chiklet orange. The existing lighting is golden, so it makes the photos look weird right now. I’m covering design wall boards with neutral flannel and will put them up like tile to fit the wall. I like this solution for a design wall.
Once I got the design wall up — my first accomplishment — I hung a sign that I found in a local quilt shop. It says “Trust Your Crazy Ideas”, a reminder that I needed throughout this project to help me keep going. The scope of doing a studio, virtually by yourself, is a mammoth undertaking. While I enjoyed the work (and sometimes the solitude), the advantage to working by myself is that I know each piece of fabric that is in my stash, where all of my books go and how many patterns I have for order fulfillment. No one else helped me put things away, so I know that I can find everything exactly where I put it!
Speaking of the “stash”, here it is — all eighty-four boxes of it! Just handling the fabric, deciding what to keep, what to give away and how to categorize it all in the cupboards took me two full weeks, 40 hours each week, to put it all away. I started panicking when I realized I was getting close to running out of room…
Amid the remodel, I had to set up the video recording area of the studio so I could video tape a West of Baltimore block of the month lesson! You can see how my sewing area is set up and the design wall is filled with my examples — and there in the foreground are cupboard fronts that are being white-washed. I covered the precious items with clear drop clothes in case of disasters, which are sure to come…
Here are the cupboards that I refinished and built, using Ikea Ivar modular shelving. Everything I used for the studio was recycled from within my house — believe it or not! Just as I finished with the last layer of varnish, I dropped a half-gallon bucket of pink paint — all over the floor, which splashed up onto the Ivar pieces. I had to re-sand and touch up half of the units before putting the cupboard together. You can see that it’s starting to work just great. The Ivar units can be made to any size that you need and even have a corner unit if you want it to be L-shaped. The sad news is: they no longer have the glass door front cupboards available – remember, I recycled things that we weren’t using in my house. A perfect way to save money and use things that you really love.
This is what my stash used to look like. One of five boxes of green fabric, the color that I have the most of. It’s not my favorite color, red is — but I use green more than any other color, for applique leaves and stems. You can never have too much green!
The contents of more than thirty UFO boxes. My question: “What the heck is this, what does it belong to, and why did I buy these like this?!” After all these years (probably 5 years), I just can’t remember because I didn’t keep the pattern or book with the box. So, I had no choice but to cull the pieces I didn’t like and sort the others into their categories. Oh well, one UFO box down.
There have been a few other happenings while I’ve been working on the studio…
WebGuy had the opportunity to visit our son and his family in North Carolina while doing some business there. The first day he arrived, they went to a Durham Bulls game (baseball, the only true sport ; ) and this is the result of the outing:
Our sweet little 6 month old Cambria was hit in the eye by a foul ball. Those of you little league parents and baseball fans know how serious one of these balls can be. Everything worked to Cambria’s favor: a Pediatric Surgeon who was sitting a couple rows back, EMT’s on the spot, Duke University Hospital ER — 10 minutes away, and a very pliable baby skeleture. Miracles do happen — Cambria had NO damage to her head -or- eye and has recovered nicely, as the picture below shows. Not so the lady a couple seats down from Cambria, who received the ball smack in the middle of her face after it bounced off Cambria… she also went to the ER with a broken nose and broken facial bones.
Taken just two weeks after the incident, no trace of a problem. Cambria is now 8 months old and beginning to crawl. Oh, by the way, she loves to watch baseball on tv.
Finally (and most important):
Here’s the thing I’ve been working on and not been able to talk about: The Ultimate Applique Guidebook! You know that I’ve been working on a book this year, but I haven’t been able to talk about it until my publisher (C&T Publishing) gave me permission. The book will be out in October and is available for presale orders on Amazon.com. Here is a link directly to the book: click here.
I will be sharing much more information about the book as the release date gets closer. I’m also going to devote a podcast and vidcast to my experience with writing the book, just in case you’re interested in learning about the process. Speaking about “book” learning, I think an online class or two or three would be a great idea in early 2011… what do you think? You’ll get up-close and personal instruction for the projects in the book.
Whew — I’m almost done with the studio — and waiting for some podcast equipment to arrive via UPS today and I will be back in business! Working on the studio has given me ideas for 25 new podcasts — so I’m not going away! A new podcast will be up by the weekend. I’m sorry for being gone from the podcast for so long — I just didn’t realize how long it’s been!
Thanks for writing — it’s good to know you’re still out there ; )
Happy Quilting!
©2010 Annie Smith All Rights Reserved
Annie your studio is turning out beautifully! You should be very proud of doing it yourself. The cover of the book looks great, too. I’m looking forward to hearing all about it on a podcast. I’m so glad baby C. is ok. What a horrible scare that must have been!
Hi Annie,
So glad to hear from you and know that everyone is ok. I have missed you so much and can’t wait to see your finished studio, buy your beautiful new book, and listen all your new podcasts! Most of all I’m so glad Cambria is ok!! I felt sick when I saw her picture!! Thanks for the update and happy quilting!
I’m so glad to hear that your finally back! I’d seen you on facebook and was aware that you were very busy. Looking forward to hearng your voice again!
Wow, Annie, your studio is looking fabulous. Thrilled to hear that Cambia has recovered, that must have been terrifying.
Wow. Can’t wait to see the book. And yes, we have missed you terribly. I’m glad you’ll be back soon. Your studio looks lovely. So does your little one. So cute. Welcome back!
Tammy
I’m glad to hear you are OK and all is well. Missed your podcasts like crazy. Congrats on the book and the new studio. I am looking forward to the new podcasts.
Carol
I was so pleased to see this today and remembered when you and I were sitting down eating an ice cream in California and saying that you had to put up your studio. It is turning out just great. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
I am glad Cambria is just fine and she is SOOOOOO cute.
A big hug from Costa Rica!!!!
Your friend,
Teresa
I’m not too far away if your “extra” fabric needs a second home! Glad to see you’ve made progress on the studio. Can I visit the black WoB quilt?
TC
Thank you — all of you, for your comments!
@Teresa: Thank you so much for your encouragement to get get my studio set up. You made me realize just how important it is — and I’m loving it, even though it’s not quite done yet.
@Terri: You need to hurry and come over to see the quilt — it’s going away for two years, to tour the U.S. It needs to arrive in Houston by August 11th!
Oh Annie – what you’ve done is just amazing. You must feel wonderful! I’m sure the creative juices will be flowing full force!
Don’t suppose you want to come to my house and do the same. 🙂
Congratulations!
Annie, I am thrilled that you are back! I can’t wait to get your new book – how exciting. And I hope we’ll see more photos of your new studio – that is very exciting too! Looking forward to hearing you again!
@Holly: I got inspiration from seeing YOUR studio and work area LOL! But yeah, I’d be willing to help ; ) The deal is is that you have to touch all of your fabric and see what you will keep and what you will donate to a good cause. That’s the only thing that someone else can not do for you.
@Denise: Great to hear from you!! I’m going to do a vidcast about my experience and show and explain everything I did so you can do it too ; )
Love the new studio! So glad Cambria is well and huge congratulations on the new book.
Yeah!!! You’re back 🙂 I’m so glad … I have sure missed listening to you! I was signed up and started the quilting 101 class, but just after the first week we unfortunately had a death in the family, so I’m going to have to try and take the class again after things settle down. Sooooo glad baby C is ok…how scary that must have been for everyone. What a little trooper! Your studio looks awesome…what a project…so impressed with you 🙂 Welcome back! Can’t wait to see the book!
So glad you posted. A friend an I were just talking about you and wondering what had happened. Sure looks like life happened. The new studio looks great and the baby is fine so on with life. Good luck and keep us informed.
WOW! you’ve been a busy lady. The studio looks great. Hope to hear more soon.
Hi Annie. It’s so good to hear from you and know that all is well. Your studio looks great and I’m anxiously awaiting your next podcast. I’m glad to know that Cambria survived the eye injury okay. I can imagine how frightened you must have been. Glad to know that Guy was there to give you a full update. Best wishes to you and your family.
Ann
Benn reading your studio “adventures” on FB so figured you’re keeping plenty busy. Your studio will be fabulous for your work! Do miss your podcasts but will look forward to whenever you are able to get back to them – it’s probably saving me $$$ – as I always order some book or something after I listen to the “Quilting Stash podcast” – lol! Have a great summer!
The studio looks wonderful. I thought my one weekend of reorganizing mine was a lot of work. My hat’s off to you. I love those cupboards.
Can’t wait to see the book. Welcome back.
Is it me? Your podcast won’t “save” from IE or download in iTunes. I tried in Firefox as well and can’t get it to open. I’m experiencing a technical difficulty!
Nope, it’s not you!! WebGuy fixed it.
Thanks for the heads-up. It will download either from here or on iTunes.
I love the excitement that I hear in your voice – both to be podcasting but most of all the excitement that I hear when you express the joy of having such a wonderful place to create. I’m glad you had a break to create your studio. I look forward to hear more about the creation process. Glad you are back
WOW!! what an endeavor! and it’s looking fabulous! i’m not sure when i’ll tackle my own bedroom/studio, but i hope it ends up as spiffy as yours is looking! 🙂
I discovered your podcast awhile back & i *luv-luv-luv* it during my workouts!! i can’t wait to hear the next 25! thanks very much for your efforts!
YIPPEE!! I was so excited when iTunes started to download an Annie Smith podcast!! Glad you’re OK and that your time away from podcasting has been so productive. Your studio looks wonderful. Keep it up.
Hi Annie. Just listened to your podcast. I’ve missed them so! It’s great to have you back with us! Give my regards to Guy. His sous chef also sends her regards (smile)
Ann McG
Hi Annie
I’m so glad to hear your voice again. I love your podcast I just enjoy listening to you because I love to listen to them and sew. Thank you for coming back and letting us hear you.
I listened to your latest podcast (which was my first time to listen in) and heard you talk about The Big Tent dot com…..I can’t find it on the web though…..Do you have a direct link?
It’s so great to hear you again!
You have definitely been busy & everything looks wonderful.
I loved hearing your most recent podcast! I don’t think I realized how much I missed it until I heard your voice again. It’s SO GOOD to have you back! I love listening to the podcast at the end of the day after my children are safely tucked in bed. I sit on the couch, applique, and listen. It’s a great way to spend the evening. Welcome back!!!
BTW, could you post a link to Mimi Dietrich’s blog?
Welcome back Annie!
I have photos to send to you for West of Baltimore, and a few bits n pieces too.
I also love the ‘Create your perfect quilting space’ book, and it is great to see how it can work for real. We head back to Aus in October, & I think I will need a shed in the backyard for my sewing. No dedicated room for sewing back home for me!
I can’t believe I thought that I would have a bit more time to quilt in the summer – I want / need the kids back at school! 🙂
I enjoyed your podcast. From looking at the photos you had a huge task to take on in order to organize your quilting studio. I had a collection room like that too in my house, however, my husband cleaned the room up so he could use it as a TV room.
I am glad to hear that your granddaughter is all right after the ball to the face. In looking at the photo of your granddaughter in the red outfit, I can see you in her.
I am interested in seeing your book. I’ll have to go to the local Borders store to see if it is on hand.
I was so happy to see a new podcast. Listened and enjoyed. Looking forward to more. It sounds like your days have been very full.
So glad to hear your voice again. I have missed you my friend!
A great stash of fabrics have to be hidden in all those containers.
Annie;
Hoping all is still well and we will be hearing from you soon. Sure do miss your sweet voice and many pearls of quilting wisdom.
Lynn