Wednesday, June 23, 2010

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

17 comments:

Denise Felton said...

Whoa! Your studio is AWESOME!! It's as neat and beautiful as any real working studio I've ever seen. (I read all those mags, too, and some of the workspaces seem to be a lot more photogenic than practical.) And it's so roomy. When you get tired of your old Navy man, may I have him? :)

Amy R said...

Thanks so much for sharing you studio with us! So glad you have such a wonderful space to work/create in!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely working space - it seems more friendly than many a studio one sees in those magazines..and I buy them too! I envy you a room of that size, mine is probably less than half that size and it is rarely as neat as yours!

Beth Macre said...

Very cool place! I wish I had so much room! I probably have just as much stuff in about half the space! But thats the burden of being an artist, I guess. I've rearranged so many times, looking for the right way. But that seems to evolve, as I do!
Thanks for sharing!

Caron at Michigan Quilts said...

Ohhhh, I am SO envious! You have no idea! I clicked on a few pictures to see how you store your thread. I must do something better than what I'm doing right now, which stinks. What a wonderful sanctuary!

BrenWall61@gmail.com said...

Well I love it and it is really you, but where do I sit when I come to visit? LOL Never consider it junky, even when you are working away.

Cindy P said...

Oh, I could just cry. We have so many of the same things. That little fan, I have several. Same desk lamps. Same bumper sticker. I could move right in and be totally comfortable. I'd have arm wrestled you for that chair. That looks like a hand crank machine under your "real" machine. I have one. It's so cool to sew on.

Gosh,I wish we lived closer.

Cathy said...

Of all the studios I've seen in the mags and in the tour last weekend, I must say yours is one of my top favorites, if not actually THE ONE. I like things neat too (although it hasn't been that way for awhile), and I'm working to downsize my stash, get rid of some old yukky storage, then paint and open up my vintage Singer. But your room is so practical and organized and lovely. GREAT JOB!!! BTW, your bird and nest pincushion is a true work of art. SOOOOO beautiful!! Big hugs, Cathy

Vivian said...

Love your studio. One of these days I'll get mine ready to show pics. That old chair is the first thing that really caught my eye.

Elderberry-Rob said...

What an interesting workplace, there is so much to see, I like your tailors dummy, everything looks so functional but cosy as well. Betty

Riet said...

Wowwwww Pat,What a beautiful photos.

Hugs Riet.xx

Peonies & Magnolias said...

What an awesome sanctuary. I love it all, especially since it looks so comfortable to work in. I also love the look of antiques but don't have any either, much to expensive for my budget. Great table your husband built - we all need one. Have a wonderful weekend.

Sandy

Anne said...

What an inviting sanctuary! It's perfect. I am envious of your Singer 201. Those are indeed nice machines. You're right that a steaming-hot iron is integral to sewing. Looks like you have adequate lighting, as well. With those windows and great lighting, I'll bet you can easily see the project you're working on! I so enjoyed studying those great pictures.

Francien said...

Well Pat....everything has bin said...its all of the above..could use a line from every comment...just love it!!Thanks for sharing the pics...
Have a nice weekend...greetings Francien.

Cat Stegall said...

What a great place to create! lucky lady you are!!

Memaw's memories said...

I AM SOOOO JEALOUS!!!! Your work room is gorgeous.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

my goodness what a studio!!! you are so very lucky to have such a large well stocked pretty studio.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

A Bit of Heaven

A Bit of Heaven
An original designed wall quilt with my vision of heaven on earth.