Sunday, September 25, 2011

Catch Up Sunday

It’s a foggy, dull and overcast day here in paradise as you can see from this view from an upstairs window but I’m not complaining.

SAM_1831

Mr. Painted Quilt is away for the day fishing with his buddies which leaves me and my shadows sidekicks, Frankie and Mac, alone to do as we please.  I love these kind of days because it seems like I can get so much accomplished.

leafline

First on the list…clean and organize my studio.  Aaahhh…so much better!

SAM_1813

A place for everything and everything in it’s place.

SAM_1809

Now everything is neat and tidy and I can easily see things at a glance.

SAM_1826

Things were getting a little messy because as I’d buy new fabric or wool, I would just let it pile up on the cutting table instead of putting it away.  Are you like me and just love to look at and fondle new fabric…like the ones below?

leaves divider

Blue shirting fabrics for a new blue and white, two-color quilt that is in the planning stages…

SAM_1803

Along with these yummy Civil War and reproduction fabrics.

SAM_1805

And I couldn’t resist this new solid cheddar fabric…all 5 yards of it!

SAM_1807

I went to the farmer’s market in Annapolis Royal yesterday but because it was pouring rain, only the diehard vendors and customers were there.  I bought a bushel of tomatoes along with some fresh brown mushrooms, green and red bell peppers and garlic. 

SAM_1825

I froze some of the tomatoes and the others are simmering on the stove as I write this. 

Home made spaghetti sauce for dinner tonight!  Are ya coming?

SAM_1834

Did the boys help?  I don’t think so! 

Here’s Frankie catching some zzzzz’s on top of the warrn dryer…

SAM_1800

And Mac’s curled up on the loveseat.

SAM_1822

I’ve been a little remiss in telling you about some of the wonderful surprises that I’ve received in the mail recently from dear blogging friends.

Karen sent me this incredible miniature pieced heart pin which I’ve attached to my guild name tag.  I just can’t imagine holding such tiny pieces, never mind sewing them.  Thank you so much again, Karen.

SAM_1819

When I opened the package from Miche’le, my heart skipped several beats. 

You all know I love pin cushions and this cross stitched one has become my favorite.  Of course I would never use it as a pin cushion but I keep it beside my sewing machine just to admire.  More thanks and hugs to you my Kiwi friend!

SAM_1821

The spaghetti sauce needs stirring and the dryer signal just sounded so I’d better get back to my chores. 

Oh, and in the meantime, I’m diligently working on October’s FFF!  (First Friday Freebie).

Kaarenheartname

on

48 comments:

  1. ElzaanSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    It is lovely to see your studio again! This is off coarse where all the magic happens.
    Since the boys didn't help, there not getting any yummy food, are they? :) They do look adorable though!
    Such lovely gifts. You are surely loved.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SharonSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    Your studio is fabulous. I'm not so much with a place for everything, although it does make finding things quicker. What cheddar did you buy? I'm struggling with all the "orange" colors on line.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ElyteSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Thanks for the invitation to dinner but can I have a rain check?
    You have inspired me to clean up my space. I too have the fruits of one shopping trip piled onto another. End result is lots of goodies but no productivity.
    Lovely fabrics Kaaren, they will make a lovely quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  4. KristiSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    I love getting, looking at and loving new fabric. Such a warm feeling for some reason. Maybe I feel that way because I know it will be made into something someone else will love.
    You veggies look wonderful....so wish we had a farmers market around here.
    your studio looked great!

    ReplyDelete
  5. NeabearSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    Love your studio! Such a pleasant place to do what you enjoy!

    ~Linnea

    ReplyDelete
  6. DarleneSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Love your studio - actually I LOVE your home.

    Here's the plan - I'm coming for spaghetti, then I'm going to play with the boys for a bit and then I'm going to play in your studio with you. OK?

    Dreaming..............

    (hugs)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Flo @ Butterfly QuiltingSeptember 25, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Your studio looks so cozy...such a great place to work! And I can almost smell the spaghetti sauce ....mmmmmm!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Vroomans' QuiltsSeptember 25, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    Love your new header! So much easier to work when neat - but alas, glad you took photos, they don't stay that way do they? Definitely a fabric petter here. Wow, Frankie has grown quite hansomely! Lovely gifts and lovely post.

    ReplyDelete
  9. HeartsdesireSeptember 25, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I always feel so much better after a good sewing-room cleanup. I can't concentrate on a new project if everything is messy. Love the new fabrics you bought. You are so lucky to have a quilt shop nearby that carries those lovely Civil War fabrics. You've inspired me to go to the farmer's market today for tomatoes and get some sauce cooking. Looking forward to seeing your blue-quilt project as I have just bought a pattern from Temecula Quilt Co. that calls for blue and white.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mary on Lake PulaskiSeptember 25, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    Thanks for the tour of your tidy studio Kaaren! That cross stitched pin cushion is incredible - just as you deserve.

    ReplyDelete
  11. ShakerwoodSeptember 25, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    I had one of those days for most of yesterday. Dear Hubby had to unexpectedly go to work yesterday at 2:30 and didn't get home until 11:00. I love the guy but ... Don't you just love those days?

    ReplyDelete
  12. TammySeptember 25, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Love your sewing room; looks so cozy and it's so neat! I need some of that cheddar colored fabric. It's fantastic. You'll have to post the maker of that. That lil' pincushion from Miche'le is adorable! I love your blog and your FFFs. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. DebSeptember 25, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Wish my sewing space was as organized and neat as yours is! Mine is a mess, like you when I buy new fabric, kits, I pile them up rather than putting them away, then I run out of space on my cutting table! LOVE the shirtings and repro fabric that you purchased! I've been adding to my stash in that area too, because I'm getting ready to make a blue/white&cream/brown quilt...think I about have everything I need now, just finish the quilt I'm working on and will start that next! I grew green peppers this summer and I've had a bountiful harvest, have picked more than 40 so far, so I made stuffed green peppers last night for dinner, yummy - they were delicious! Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  14. JudyCinNCSeptember 25, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    Love your studio and Bonnie Hunter's friends would have loved finding five yards of that cheddar for the cheddar bow-tie challenge -are you perhaps doing that one?

    Mac reminds me so much of my sweet boy and I still miss him terribly. Brady always found the best place in the house to lay. Judy C www.shadetreequilting.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. JudyCinNCSeptember 25, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    I forgot - don't let that cross-stitch pin cushion out of your sight - we all covet it. I wish I had the patience to make the small name badges - so unique and special. Judy C

    ReplyDelete
  16. SherriSeptember 25, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    The fog is gorgeous; your studio is beautiful, and you are inspirational as always. Love the wonderful gifts you received!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The Farmer's AtticSeptember 25, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    Your studio looks fabulous. I should have you give me some pointers on how to organize mine!

    What time's dinner. Love, love, love fresh tomato sauce.

    ReplyDelete
  18. CathiSeptember 25, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Your studio looks so inviting! Frankie must love it in there. :-)
    Until I wash new fabric it stays out on my sewing table where I can gaze at it. Once washed it gets put away, but until then ...

    ReplyDelete
  19. WoolenSailsSeptember 25, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Everything looks wonderful, I always love how you decorate. Our tomatoes started coming in, then it got cold, so no homemade sauce and I do love it.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  20. By Hoki QuiltsSeptember 25, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    As much as I love my man I love him even more when he toodles off for the day and leaves me to my own devices where I can focus and create. Fresh vegies - there's nothing like them and a farmers market is just good health wrapped in a stall and nothing more comforting that pasta and sauce on a chilli evening.
    keep well sweetie
    hugs - Miche'le

    ReplyDelete
  21. misstheseaSeptember 25, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    What a lovely studio! I'm so jealous! All of my work is done on the kitchen counter or the couch :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. JocelynSeptember 25, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    I love seeing your very organized creative work space. And the solid Cheddar is beautiful. I have not seen any in our area, but maybe I will have to do a better search ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnnekeSeptember 25, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    Your house looks wonderful all over the place!! I'm a bit green of envy for such a wonderful place.

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    Your home is always so welcoming and inviting....I can smell the aroma of your sauce and just the warmth of "home"....nothing better.

    ReplyDelete
  25. barcordSeptember 25, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    Your studio looks great Kaaren. My small bedroom is not given so grand a title as studio, but I would love to have you stay for a while and tidy it for me. Its a mess. You have inspired me tho, so you are involved, as I tackle it tomorrow. Love your fabrics and gifts. Blessings, B x.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Jeannie MarieSeptember 25, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    Do you feel you get better bargains when you go to the farmers market in the rain or since there are fewer vendors they have the same amount of business?

    Jealous of your studio!

    ReplyDelete
  27. MerilynSeptember 25, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    What a cosy little family, everyone has their special sleeping places! how cute! cats always have a knack for finding the warmest spots in the house LOL!!! Is he settling down a bit now? You have a lovely sewing space and some gorgeous new fabric additions, love the blue fabric with the paisley design with bits of red in it, beautiful!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. DianeSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    it sounds like a lovely day to yourself. I could use one of those too! (couldn't we all) your gifts are so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  29. GayleSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    Your sewing room looks SO nice - mine needs a LOT of work before it's even close to yours. I noticed that you have a cooktop stove - we got one a few months ago and I'm having a heck of a time keeping it clean. Can you please tell me what you use on yours? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  30. ShariSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    It's just wonderful to potter around and please yourself. With little companions and wonderful mail. Looks like a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  31. PatSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    That sewing studio is much too neat! My own needs another good tidying...

    But I did manage to get the Hoosier cabinet ready for Fall after seeing yours.
    Love your reproductions fabrics!

    ReplyDelete
  32. EllenaElizabethSeptember 26, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    A place for everything and everything in its place. That is one quote I live by. I cannot start a new project until all my work is done, sometimes I wish I could be different, would get so many more projects done :(
    And papercrafting is the worst mess maker going. Seems like I have to pull out a hundred tools and bits and pieces just to make one little card....
    And I see you have your new stove. I love it! Although I loved the look of your old one too. In general the american and canadian stoves seem to be so much bigger than the norm in Australia.

    ReplyDelete
  33. marinaSeptember 26, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    Did you wave a magic wand?
    Love your new fabrics and goodies. lovely pincushion!
    all my favourite colours in this post

    ReplyDelete
  34. MelodySeptember 26, 2011 at 3:25 AM

    Lots of lovely things in this post.

    ReplyDelete
  35. JanetSeptember 26, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    You must feel so good now that the sewing room is all organised. How productive of you to be making sauce, just a good day for doing that sort of thing by the looks of the weather.
    The lovlies you got in the mail are just gorgeous and the cross stitch is so you. Fabrics look promising, hope you get to play with them soon.

    ReplyDelete
  36. AnonymousSeptember 26, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I just love the photos!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Abby and StephanieSeptember 26, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    I wonder if there is a magic wand to organize sewing rooms...if not then I'm on my own. I do feel more creative in a clean space and you have one of the loveliest spaces of all. Gorgeous new fabrics. Do Mac and Frankie help?

    ReplyDelete
  38. KarenSeptember 26, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    I like the wool mat you have on your cutting table. You really have a good sense of decorating style.

    ReplyDelete
  39. SheilaSeptember 26, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    I agree with you, sometimes it nice to have a quiet day by yourself that you can do just as want, at the speed you want. Enjoy your week!

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousSeptember 26, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Love the fabrics and such a pretty pincushion. Frankie has grown so much! xxBrenda

    ReplyDelete
  41. CandaceSeptember 26, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    My favorite kind of day, Kaaren! I hope Mr. PQ brought home some fish, too! Love your nice, neat studio - and the "pals", too! Oh, and that cheddar fabric is to die for! Is that your nifty new wool cutter in the 2nd photo? Spaghetti sounds great, we'll be there! Wish we could send you some of our tomato "overflow"
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  42. JantineSeptember 27, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    Every time you show pics of your house I am just in awe, it is amazing!
    Love the presents. I think maybe you should use the pincushion, you will enjoy it even more and when it gets some wear it would be even more precious???

    ReplyDelete
  43. DonnaSeptember 27, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    Your studio is an inspiration! Today I will attack my sewing room with duster, broom and recycling bin!

    ReplyDelete
  44. ColleenSeptember 27, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Your studio and decorating for fall is fabu! Love those blue repro prints too...and the cheddar...great color, so hard to find.

    ReplyDelete
  45. AllieSeptember 27, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Your studio looks amazing! You must love to spend time in there. I do the same with new fabric, I have to keep it out for awhile, lol. You got some beautiful pieces, and 5 yds of cheddar, woohoo!

    Home made spaghetti sauce sounds so wonderful - enjoy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. The Inspired StitcherSeptember 27, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Oh Kaaren, I just love your studio. I want mine to look just as cute and cozy as yours! Right now mine looks like a white tornado went through it. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  47. SiobhánSeptember 28, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Everything looks so cozy and inviting, as Frankie & Mac have so nicely modeled for us. ;) Wonderful gifts from your friends!

    ReplyDelete
  48. SusanSeptember 29, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    The house and the studio are all looking great. Sorry I missed the spaghetti, it is a favorite of mine.

    Also sad to hear of your lemon news. We will just keep on praying.

    ReplyDelete

I try to reply to all comments and would love to reply to yours, especially if you have a question. However, I can't unless you have your email address visible in your settings.