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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

The left side of the front entry…

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And the right side.

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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.

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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.

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

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Here’s a wider angle.

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

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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.

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And the built-in china cabinet is now full…

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And so are the pantry shelves.

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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.

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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:

Susan Torrens said...

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...

Anonymous said...

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.

Karen said...

Looks like Mac finds that quilt mighty comfy!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

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!

Deb said...

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.

Sandi said...

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!

Lindah said...

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

Karen said...

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)

Red Heads said...

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.

KaHolly said...

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.

By Hoki Quilts said...

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

Karen said...

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!

Ruby said...

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

LesQuilts said...

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

Janet said...

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.

Jocelyn said...

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.

Kathleen said...

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.....

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

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!

Leanne said...

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

Elyte said...

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

WoolenSails said...

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

Debbie

Tammy J said...

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?

Jenny's Place Online said...

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

Cattinka said...

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

Valspierssews said...

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

susiloci said...

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

JessicaSews said...

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

Denise in PA said...

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!

Susan said...

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.

Hellen Sigurbjörg said...

You have a beautiful home!

Gloria J W said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Abby and Stephanie said...

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.

Carrie P. said...

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

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

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!

Teresa said...

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

Anita said...

Your home is defintely looking more homey now! Beautiful!

suz said...

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.

Sandy said...

Your house looks fantastic! It has come together beautifully!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

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...

Darlene said...

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

Eye Shutter to Think said...

Impressive! And your dog is too cute :)

Anonymous said...

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