Studio Visit

Today I decided to straighten up the studio from my latest working frenzy and if I managed to actually do it...then I would post some photos. I actually did do it, so I'm going to show you the inside of my studio, which I call Bird Nest on the Ground. To be honest, I always try to have it somewhat on the neat side. Well, I like things neat, plus there's that OCD thing. However, when I get really involved in something....it can get kind of 'piled up' with 'stuff.' You may look at it now and see 'junky' rather than 'neat' but really, considering how much stuff is in this 18' x 26' space, it really is pretty orderly.

I'm always buying all the 'studio' books...I just love to see how people work and where they work. And, actually, I am really drawn to all those studios filled with antique furniture, luscious fabrics, roses, pink 'stuff' and all that. But, I don't have antique furniture to put in here, nor the funds to go get it, so my studio can only be considered as 'utilitarian.'' I do like a place for everything and everything in it's place. I dislike having to look for things when I need them, although have not found a perfect way to avoid this dilemma.

If you've visited my studio before, then you know that the old navy man built that 4' x 8' work table for me. It's my very favorite possession and is a wonderful place to work, not to mention how much storage is underneath it. I do a lot of work standing up.....even hand sewing...sometimes. I've got a place to sit and sew by hand...there by the 'bulletin' board and next to my computer. Love my iMac and that is where I talk to YOU. We've moved that old green 50's desk to several different houses and it's not a simple thing to do...it weighs a ton. But, I love a desk, especially this one....wherever I live...it gets to live there also!

There's a spot for my Bernina and next to it an old Singer that my son- in-law brought me one day after his family's clothing store closed. They had an alterations department, so there's no telling how many garments were altered at this machine....it still sews beautifully! The ironing board is the one thing I use all the time, but am never happy with where it sits. And, I mean NEVER! I've tried using an ironing pad on the table, but I really detested that....so there it sits, right in the middle of everything. I'm a firm believer in pressing though, so it's a necessary evil.

I usually have eight chairs and two to four tables in this room....seating/workspace for friends or students. It's much too easy to 'store' on the tables when they are not in use and my daughter needed to borrow them for the month of June, so you can see, I've just set up an old card table so I could have a place to sit a drink or something if I wanted to sit in that great old chair you see here. It's a beauty though really ragged and dirty, but the minute I saw it at the flea market, I knew it was coming home with me. Even though it's ratty, it sits pretty well and I just love looking at it! (I've told you, I think, that when at the flea market...stuff talks to me....this chair said "You aren't leaving without me!" And, I didn't.) My husband says this kind of thing is what he means when he asks "What are you dragging in now?" I pay no attention, of course.

Well, so that's pretty much it.....my sanctuary...my favorite place....the depository of all my 'ingredients.' Tell me what you think...I'd love to hear all about it....meantime, stay cool, and take care. pat