Saturday, March 26, 2011

More Progress…Finally!

It seems as though I’ve been busy doing everything except unpacking. 

I scrapped the First Friday Freebie that I had started over a month ago and replaced it with a new design that will be released this coming Friday, the 1st of April.  If you recall, I had to postpone last month’s FFF because I couldn’t get into my studio! 

I also started to hook a new rug which is going to be done in a scrappy…better known as ‘hit-and-miss’ in the hooking world...log cabin style.

SAM_1248

But finally, at 6 this morning, I threw caution to the wind and got busy.

After much procrastination, I talked myself into unpacking some boxes which I’ve been putting off since the renovations.   I had definitely been avoiding the chore, simply because I could not come to grips with another mess after having lived with one for what seemed to be an eternity.

SAM_1249

The blurry photo can be attributed to either the lack of caffeine at that early hour or me shaking because I was dreading the task at hand.  I can assure you that it wasn’t the former.  *wink* 

Of course, my assistant was there to supervise.

SAM_1246

The actual unpacking was very easy.  It was finding a home for everything that took time.  As each box was unpacked, the piles started to grow…and grow.

SAM_1250

Eight boxes and some pictures later, I did see some progress .

The left side of the front entry…

SAM_1254

And the right side.

SAM_1255

My Mom used to love to collect Royal Doulton figurines.  For several years, Mr. Painted Quilt and I gifted her with one on her birthday and after she passed away, they became ours to enjoy and remember her by.  Although they are not my style, I could never part with them nor the curio cabinet in which she had them displayed.

SAM_1253

The still life that I painted on our grandmother clock pictured below is one of my favorites.  It now hangs on the wall in our sitting room.

By this time, Mac was tuckered out and had to have a little shut-eye.

SAM_1256

More ‘treasures’ were added to the shelves in the sitting room.

SAM_1257

Here’s a wider angle.

SAM_1258

And from here, you can see into the living room.  It’s becoming more and more like home.

SAM_1259

The sampler hooked rug commemorating 9/11 that I purchased on one of my travel teaching trips to Ohio back in 2003 is hanging in our dining room.

SAM_1260

And the built-in china cabinet is now full…

SAM_1261

And so are the pantry shelves.

SAM_1264

All the boxes that were stored on our sunporch have now been unpacked.  Woo hoo!  All that remains to come indoors are the shelves which I have to find places for.  The rest is the furniture that will remain out there.

SAM_1262

So, until the shelves are hung, the 8 boxes in the spare bedroom and the other 8 in the workshop will remain as is.  Tomorrow, I’m hoping that Mr. PQ will hang the remaining shelves so that I can at least unpack the boxes in the spare bedroom. 

The ones in the workshop…well…outta sight is outta mind…for a little while anyway.

What a day.  I think I’ll join Mac on the sofa.

knametag1b

43 comments:

  1. Having been a military family in the past, I know the value of finishing those final boxes. It really feels like home when all your treasures and memories are there for you to see. You've had quite a delay in feeling like home, since you had to wait for renovations. Soon, it will feel like you've always lived there...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Boy do I know how it feels to unpack those final boxes and toss them. Finding a home for every treasure always a chore but in the end they make it HOME.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looks like Mac finds that quilt mighty comfy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I haven't moved since 1986 so I don't know how I would feel - except I can say I know that I have acculated so much more since then = both stuff and years of wear and tear on this body and mind so I do know it would be a lot harder. I am happy for you that you are making more prgoress and getting some more of your treasures out in plain view. They all look wonderful!!

    I hope it is feeling more like spring there - it's chilly but gorgeous here!! Take care !! HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your place is shaping up wonderfully! It always takes some time to get things unpacked and where you want them. Soon everything will have it's place and you can relax. It looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, you have been very busy and it is looking amazing.

    I think I'd join Mac on the sofa after that also.

    Isn't it fun to discover what is in the boxes and find a new place for them to shine?

    Enjoy!

    My last move was in 1988 and I almost need to move into a storage locker to purge and then move all back!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Home is looking great! You have accomplished an enormous amount in a short time.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your new home is beautiful!! I know you must have put a lot of work and thought into finding that special place for each of your treasures. :0)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kaaren, What can I say? I absolutely LOVE your home. The curio cabinet that was you mothers is just like the one my mom had. Now I have it & I too treasure mine. The mirror to the right of your front is like one we just bought about 3 weeks ago at an antique shop. How wild is that. Have a great week-end. Here in Pictou county N.S. we now have about 8 inches of fresh snow since yesterday. Blessings: Dianne.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kaaren, your new home is beautiful. How relieved you must be to be able to finally spread out after all of your hard work and patience.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh Kaaren things are looking so good. Gosh I've only been away a week or so and you seem to have made your house a home so quickly - see, I told you, you could do it.
    Everything looks just so fresh and welcoming yet like you have been there forever - well done my friend.
    hugs, Miche'le

    ReplyDelete
  12. Move over Mac! Your momma needs a rest!
    Kaaren,your home is just beautiful and so inviting. Warm, welcoming...just the way a home should be. Although we have never met, I know exactly the kind of person you are from the surroundings you've created. It is a special home, made that way by a special person.
    Enjoy it...you've been working hard!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Looking good!! I'm tired just reading about all your hard work!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Congratulations in getting all the renos done and being able to call your lovely house your HOME!
    It looks like you have always been there! How lucky you found the right home in the right place and the right time to make such a big change! Enjoy every second!
    Take care, Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  15. There is a danger that if you leave the boxes too long, they remain unpacked, I know this from experience, lol. You did good and deserve to sit back and enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Everything is looking so lovely. But the best words I read on your post were -
    It’s becoming more and more like home.

    Yay! I knew it would. Thanks for sharing all the great pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  17. it is amazing how much you have finished in such a short time..you have made it so homey looking...I know I drag my feet when I near the end of something...almost like saying "I am tired of doing this, I need a break". I have moved a number of times and I know the feeling....You have made this a beautiful home, it is time to enjoy it.....

    ReplyDelete
  18. Cute, Cute little Mac ;o) Hope you got a little rest time too ;o)
    Having grown up in a military family and then marrying military...it was every 2 years and then every 3 years that we moved to another assignment...so...I can relate to the unpacking! I didnt like the packing up as much, but the unpacking and setting up, I did like.

    I am happy to have found your blog! (I am a novice quilter). I think your Raggedy Ann and Andy quilt is so cute!!!

    Blessings & Aloha!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your home is looking beautiful Kaaren, I love seeing where you are putting things.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great to see you settling in so well. Your house looks lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Everything looks so wonderful in your new home. Love that rug, really beautiful work and design.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  22. Nice work getting all that unpacked and put away. I love the quilt that Mac is sleeping on. Is it all half-square triangles, or are there some squares in there, too?

    ReplyDelete
  23. It all looks great Kaaren. As to the fuzzy photo, wasn't that just you unpacking at fast speed...lol...? Happy crafting, Jenny

    ReplyDelete
  24. That was a lot of work. You have a good hand for decorating, your home looks lovely now.
    KATRIN W.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I hate unpacking even after being away on holiday. Everything is looking much more comfortable now. Love the beginnings of your rug.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Que maravilla ya tienes todo organizado . Enhorabuena y ahora a trabajar.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your home is looking cozy and beautiful!
    Love the pictures of your new area!! I'm so happy to see the sun shining!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your home is looking lovley - I know it's hard to start, but I bet you felt good when you finished! Mac sure worked hard!

    ReplyDelete
  29. You are settling in and turning your house into a welcoming home.

    It is so lovely and I think tea is almost ready. I will bring the shortbread.........

    I am starting to tear mine apart and put it into boxes.......Maybe next year at this time we will both be completely settled.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great going Kaaren. Everything looks lovely. I especially loved that 9/11 hooked rug hanging on the wall. What a lot you achieved. I'm trying to get my mojo together to start the packing...prior to the storage...then the building...oooohhh it makes me tired to even think of it...then I see how yours looks so lovely finished and it inspires me so.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  31. Kaaren love, I have just the tour of your beautiful home finished and can only say it is very, very mad at you. Anywhere nice little things, but also great wonderful work. Words fail me, I'm really impressed. I wish you and your family all love everything. See you soon, your Christine

    ReplyDelete
  32. Once you got started you really accomplished a ton! I think supervising is a tiring job. Poor Mac! Being military we've moved too much and the unpacking was always the worst for me. But doing it makes the new place HOME, if only temporarily. Lucky you to be settled in such a gorgeous home with your special treasure.

    ReplyDelete
  33. It is coming along and looking like "home."
    I thought I would share this video with you on rug hooking. Pretty neat.
    http://utahrugandfiberguild.blogspot.com/2011/01/our-meeting.html?showComment=1301322844532#c8811902910992003763

    ReplyDelete
  34. Your house is looking wonderful! So charming and comfortable. Thanks for sharing you adventures over the last few months. I always am glad to find a new post from you!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love all your personal things that turn your house into your home. Thanks for sharing all the pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Your home is defintely looking more homey now! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I almost think unpacking is harder than packing. I moved in August and still have a few boxes left - I look at them and then keep hoping the unpacking fairy will come and take care of them. So far, no luck.
    Your house is really becoming a home now.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Your house looks fantastic! It has come together beautifully!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Kaaren, you have been one busy lady and I have always loved all your treasures. It's like putting the icing on the cake and when it is all done you can sit and enjoy...

    ReplyDelete
  40. Beautiful home, Kaaren. I love your style. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Impressive! And your dog is too cute :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks for supporting the Buttons from South Africa - they are really beautiful and so nurturing of the amazing community who produces them!

    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.