The Saga Continues

So, the Saga Continues along, slowly it seems, but moving in the right direction anyway.  You know, you just can't get 'good help" anymore!  (I'm saying that to be funny.)  This hardworking, sweaty and tired little person is my daughter, Kelly.  It just so happens that she is my realtor!  And, saying my patio needed pressure washing, she took it upon herself to come over in the heat the last two days to clean my patio and deck.  Did I say awful heat?  Now, I happen to know she has done this very thing for others recently.  Far and above what a realtor should be doing, if you ask me.  But, then, maybe I did accidentally raise her right...or maybe I just got lucky...either way...she is a delightful person and quite good at helping folks.  I told her I was going to post these photos on my blog.  She was too hot and tired to protest.  So, I'm showing you this...to joke around with her AND also to let you  (and her) know that I appreciate her beyond belief!

 She doesn't normally have this silly face.....what she was doing was smiling while trying to tell me at the same time NOT to post these photos.  Well, how could I not...she's adorable!

 

As long as I've known her, and that is from her stay in the womb until now.....she has always made the best of every situation...and that is what she's doing here...knowing full well that I AM going to publish these photos.   Bless her!

I'm showing you this photo to prove I might write on any surface at any time, so I couldn't resist trying my hand at writing with the pressure washer.  She did the hard work, I was having fun!

 

While Kelly was hard at work outdoors, most of the time I was in packing tons of stuff, fretting over every little thing.  As I do.  Then, I went out to get my mail and found a little cartoon there, sent by my sister.  It made me laugh.  It's me and my son ALL OVER!!!  So, I laughed a good bit and decided I would post it on my blog also.  There we are.....as the moving saga continues....still trying to have a laugh or two.

I will try to post again before the move, if possible.  Otherwise, expect something ASAP!  I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July...be safe, have fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!!

Until then, pat ♥

My "DMC Embroidery Thread Filing and Storage System"

 

During the posting of my backyard studio photos, my blogging friend, Sheila, asked about my DMC thread collection I had mentioned being stored in the three drawers shown above.  I said I would tell about that in a future post.  So, here is the story: 

A few years ago, during a particularly trying set back with pneumonia, I was told to get some bed rest.  Something I don't do very well.   (And, by the way, the old navy man and I both had pneumonia AT THE SAME TIME!)  So, while trying to recuperate and also trying to stay in bed - an impossibility with the two people in the house sick at the same time - I began to think of 'things to do' when I got better.  One of the things that came to mind was getting my beloved (and I seriously mean that!) DMC thread collection ORGANIZED.  I knew I had these three drawers available to help in the organization, so my seriously OCD mind came up with this 'DMC Thread Filing and Storage System' as I have come to call it.   First thing I did was gather every skein of thread I had and put them together, and in order, by number, while IN the bed.  So, my bed was almost completely covered with DMC floss!  The next thing I did was figure out how to 'file' them in numerical order in these drawers.  I can 'figure' pretty well when confined, I guess, so I made a divider for the drawers from foam core, dividing each drawer into two sections.   (Of course, I cheated and went out into the Nest to carry all the needed supplies, like drawers and foam core into my bedroom!)

Next, I had to figure out how to actually contain and number each skein, in some cases, multiples of the same color.  At the time, I was quite taken with the new ziplock snack size bags.  They are handy for much more than snacks!  I had people out buying me several boxes of them.  I also had quite a number of the large index size cards...unlined ones, of course, and because office supplies are one of my all-time favorite things to accumulate, I had a very large amount of stickers.  I decided it would be a good thing to use one card per color number, write that number on the sticker, adhere it to the snack bag and also to write the number ON the bag itself, just in case the sticker came off.  You can only think of that if you are OCD!  At the very beginning of this 'plan' I knew the snack bags would not stand up properly without some support, so the index cards were used.  Works perfectly.

Are you seeing how this came together?  Into the bags went the skeins of gorgeous threads.  And, my filing and storage system was born!

 I began by placing the bags in order in the first drawer on the left.......filling each one with as many as would comfortably fit...and knew it would take two drawers, maybe three to file and store the thread I had on hand.  Which was true...with the exception of a 'little extra space' in drawer #3.  It's about half full at this point,  which won't be true when I get my most recently purchased colors bagged and ready for 'filing.' 

 

 In this photo, you can see the foam core down the center.  This idea surely worked well for me and it might work for you too. (Oh, I just remembered, I also lined the drawers with that neat drawer lining you can buy that keeps things from slipping around...it sure helps everything stay in place.)

 

 Here is one of the snack bags...numbered and ready to file.......

 

 You can see there are several skeins in this bag...sometimes I buy multiples because I LOVE the color and know I will USE it a lot.  You can also see the index card that is inserted in each bag, like I mentioned, for stability.

 

 And, another color I evidently like.....

 Oh, I love this color too, wonder why there is only one?   I hope you can understand the instructions I have given for the making of this filing and storage system and if you try it, I hope it works for you as it has for me.  I do know it sure makes dealing with many skeins of thread much more efficient  than anything I had tried previously. 

 

I found this little box with it's cute rose decoration at the flea market a while back....and when I saw it, first thing I thought of was a cute place to pull out some colors of floss I'd like to use in a project...so here they are waiting patiently for me to DO SOMETHING!  My fingers just itch to get started on something new!  So, Sheila and other blogging friends, there you are....something to share with you from the backyard studio.  Y'all take care....pat

PS.  I must tell you that I know some of my family members worry about my 'hoarding' tendencies.  One of my brothers-in-law was once in the Nest and stood in here just taking in all the stuff, including the DMC storage system and all the fabrics.  He's an artist...he paints.  He looked around with this look of wonder on his face and said "Now, I GET it.....these things are your paint!"  What a great thing to be able to hear.  Thank you, Don!

"The Nest - Part Three, the FINALE!"

 Are you ready for the "Finale?"  Really?  You know when I started this 'tour' I had no intention of it being this LONG....but, here we are....many photos later and I'm still showing you stuff.  Yes....it has been a long tour, but I hope you have enjoyed it.  We left off with a mannequin last time...so we begin right next to it...here perched on top of twelve of the many plastic drawers I have in this place...are where the beads are.  Well, and some other treasures also.  Long ago, I began to collect these little cabinets.  Meant to hold nuts and bolts...every time I found one, it would come home with me, but I never could find many that matched, so you will notice they don't match and don't even fit together all that well, but I use them anyway.  It works for me.  There is a glass lidded box..I have it on it's side, with some of my stitched treasures in it.  Three jewelry boxed filled with goodies, two of my collages on the upper left, a couple of vintage framed pieces, the vintage flower picture I showed you not long ago...and some trinkets here and there. 

A few weeks ago, I found a stack of these plastic trays in Walmart...you know where the closet storage items and other things are.  I bought a couple, brought them home and found them just 'perfect' for storing odd bits of jewelry, buttons, beads and such...even old watches...which I save, but don't know why yet.  I had to go buy more!  See that little lady over on the right...she is broken.  A victim of my clumsiness.  Dropped on the floor, poor innocent thing!  There is enough of her left, I do believe, to surround her with a bit of embroidery or something on a collage....at least, that is where my mind is going with her for now.  We'll see. 

 

More stuff I've recently transferred to these trays.  I intend to clean out a couple of those drawers and insert these trays into them....so things won't get all dusty.  Besides, as I said in a previous post...those drawers NEED cleaning out.  My sister says 'dust is a protective covering for furniture.'  Sure doesn't do trays of blingy things any good though!

More!

And even more!

 Some of my rayon seam binding.......I will never own enough of this stuff!!!  A collaged book cover I made.  And, tiny drawers of beads.  I once dropped one of these bead cabinets....beads went EVERYWHERE!  That was NOT a good day.....but being pretty patient....and OCD also....I hunted them all up, sorted them all out and reloaded the cabinet, hopefully to never repeat the experience!

A closer view....if you'd like to read that whole poem on that framed rose piece...well, like I said before, I can take some closeups so you can do that....just let me know what you want to know more about.  Found that old tin can at a flea market, someone had taken the time to paint roses on it...it has a wire to hang it from.  $1.00.  Well, who wouldn't bring that home?  See the two girls on that clipboard?  The one on the right is my late Mother-in-law.  She was a teenager in this photo.  No, I did not use the real photo, just made a copy. 

A stack of glass boxes....holding mostly green glass buttons.  Yes, I LOVE green.....and glass buttons are dear.  There are other things in them too....but hard to see unless I take closeups.  I may dip into them and show you a couple of things as time goes by.  The floral box holds beads I use to make beaded stars....I think I've used up all I've made by now...and given many, many stars away.  But, it's here waiting if I get the urge to make more.  One of my readers said she was now saving and collecting things so she can save money when she is on social security, as money will be tight.  Yes.  I'm there now, so I can identify.  Actually, that is why I began to save all the stuff in HERE.....and it is true, I could never have all this if I hadn't started long ago to save....I think it was seeing the writing on the wall...and acting on it.  It's never too early to start and I've thanked myself many times.  I mentioned to her that I am also trying to limit my visits to the flea market.  Oh, my!  That is so difficult! Haven't been to one in nearly a month....seems forever, so may have to give into the urge before long...and I always limit the amount I can spend too.  The old navy man used to say "what are you dragging in the house now?"  These days he says "why don't you go walk around the fleas?" 

More beads!

 A closer view of that vintage picture.....with two angels.  The one on the left given to me by my daughter...the smaller one given to me by my friend, Bibi.  So sweet.  And, two little birds.  (They sneak into the oddest places here!)

 This old chest came from the in-laws...years ago.  It's about had it...but right now is holding a load of vintage linens, my notebooks, copy papers, folders, card stock, and so forth.  Found the cabinet at the local restaurant supply of all places for $10.  And, now it holds the tv my son sent recently.  I had a tiny one there....but, well, he thought I needed a new one.  He's right...I can actually see this one from across the room.  Mary Englebreit doll doorstop was a gift from my sister.

 Here is where I sit to talk to YOU.  I bought this desk when we moved to Arkansas in 1981.  From a moving and storage salvage kind of place.  $30.  The matching table you will see next, $20.  Had to have it and have used daily ever since.  Weighs a ton!  I could not live without it.  It's been moved to three different homes now.  The male members of my family say they will not move it again.  Well, when and if the day comes, we will see.  My computer....a very lovely and miraculous thing to own.  I will never know all the miracles it can perform because I'm not a techy person...but I can talk to you and that is pretty much all I need.    The quilt I made a few years ago.  I don't like the blue in it....but I do LOVE the embroidery in it....so lesson learned.   Sometimes you just don't know what you like until it's too late.  So, it's hanging here to remind me to think twice sometimes...or maybe even three times?

At my guild's last quilt retreat in 2011,  I purchased these decorated clipboards from the guild store.

The product of my friend Shannon's hands, along with some recruits too.  I don't think I bought them all, but I bought all I could.  They are decorated front and back and were screaming  my name.  LOVE them!

 More!

 A close up of that quilt.  There is a monogram in the middle...don't know why I didn't photograph it, but my favorite thing about it is the appliqued hearts with the embroidery around them...AND, that embroidered border.  Loved doing that!

 There is a shelf full of ink bottles, vintage dipping pens, old twine, an old typewriter and such and on the table, also my pencil/pen holder etc.  There can never be enough pens....NEVER!  In my younger days, I once worked for a manufacturer's rep who sold pens and office supplies.  We had a two person office...him (he was gone nearly all the time) and ME.  I had the office all to myself and LOVED working there.

 I also became permanently and forever hooked and in love with 'office stuff.'   Oh, goodness, those were my phone answering, shorthand taking, filing and typing days.  I'd never make it in an office these days....the computer would do me in!   I could, however, write a book about some of the jobs I had back then. 

This funny little thing was made by my favorite son when he was a kid.  I've saved it all these years because...well...it's profound, isn't it?   As a young guy...oh, he was probably in his early twenties, he had a dream and told me about it the next morning.  I thought it was  also VERY profound.... I wrote it down so we would remember what he said in the dream:  "I would soon reassure myself that in the future, I shall heed my own instinctual warning mechanisms."   He later gave it to me with the words in very large type and I had it hanging here for years.  I still have the paper too. Yes, never a dull moment!

 

 All this writing stuff.....FUN!!!

An assortment of stuff I love.....a beautiful bird from my friend, Mandy in England.  One of my collages.  A heart card from a friend, a birthday card from Jim one year, along with this crazy 'queeny' birthday gift he created for me.....and a little note from grandson Ty when he was ten.  It says: "I am sorry.  Love, Tyler."  And he cut out a paper 'boy' and added it to the note.  I've no memory of what he was sorry about....but it is dear and I enjoy seeing it there.  He's twenty-eight later this month!!!

Here is where I do all my hand sewing....applique, beading and such.  I can look out the window and see the birds while I stitch.  Yes, I haven't been doing that as of late, but sure want to get back to it asap.  And this is the table that matches that old desk.

DMC threads...one of my greatest loves in the world.  I've tons of it.....yes, in those drawers you keep hearing about and these are the threads I have selected to use SOON.  I have a special 'storage system' I've developed to keep track of all that thread...let me know if you are interested in seeing that, although you can find it in my archives.  That little heart dish I found.  A quarter or so at the flea.  The pink cup pincushion I made a while back.  Jim gave me that little tea box with the bird on it.  My sister-in-law, Sandy, brought me this sweet little dish...right there in the middle, a couple of weeks ago.  Beautiful!!

 More at the sewing table.  My bead trays....and tools.  The lamp came from a small flea market....it's made of parts of several lamps, then put together and rewired.  I like it.

 That cup pincushion.  I embroidered the top, and added that really cool trim.  Meant to sell it, but liked it too much, besides, I filled it with sand, so it weighs a ton...too heavy to mail without spending a small fortune! Yes, selfish, isn't it?  A postcard from 1910.

 And, here we are - almost out the door.  Pink shelf headed for the garbage as I claimed it as my own.

My XM radio, books...and these drawers and boxes ready for going through to 'save the good' and send out the bad.  Just didn't get to it before I wanted to take photographs.  These are all the books left out here...you wouldn't believe the ones I have hauled into the house...remember, I am making my dining room into a small 'library.'  Work on that ongoing at the moment.  And, yes, even a broom!  As a three year old, I told my mother "I was born to sweep."  You'd think I could have come up with something a little more interesting than that to be born to do....but, here we are...evidence!!!

 OK...this is my very favorite thing in the whole place!!!!  The old navy man made this 4 foot x 8 foot table for me when we built this Nest.  Grandson helped too.  It's on wheels, but you can't see them here.  Greatest thing EVER!  And, my dear friend, Kelley, gave me a cutting mat for it too.  And, this is where I do a great deal of work....drawing, cutting, sometimes painting...whatever I need to do.  It's just the most wonderful spot on our property!!  

Some of my collages.  I have enjoyed making these and did these at the downtown studio.  Sold quite a few too.  Great fun!!!

 This chair was in one of my favorite flea markets.  I call it my $12 art chair.  A perfect place these days for these four bears.  They are quietly awaiting a 'makeover' as I want to dress them in old buttons, lace, ribbon and whatever.....my fave is the odd looking light brown furry one.  They never complain.

More of the collages...not the best photos...but you get the idea.

 And, more.

And, here...another one, not yet finished.  But, look, isn't this table the BEST thing?

So...there you are....my little backyard studio, about to explode with stuff....and always my favorite place to be.  I hope you enjoyed the visit and will return to see what comes out of here next.  I wanted to say something about studios though.  Mine is dear to me and I KNOW I am lucky to have it.  I have heard from some of you that you would not want to show yours because it might be too small, too messy, too whatever.  So, I write this in response:

Everyone's work space is different.  Some are quite pretty, some are large, some are small, even very small.  Some are utilitarian, some fancy, some are professional, some are cozy....some are cluttered, some are minimalist.  Some are dark, some are light.  We all have different personalities, different views, different economic circumstances. etc. And, so, our studios are different.  I think each and every space is interesting in it's own way.  I must tell you that I once visited one that was so full and crowded that you could not sit down...anywhere, but I had more fun in there than any other place I had been.  WHY?  Because the occupant of that studio was one of the most fun and interesting people I had ever met.  So, don't worry about your space....just love it and enjoy it.  And, share it.  You will love it even more if you do.  I saw this sign on Pinterest:

Someone will always be prettier.

Someone will always be smarter.

Someone will always be younger.

But they will never be YOU.

What is the most interesting thing about your studio?  Even though we may all love your 'stuff,' the space itself, the stories,  or whatever you share about it...the most wonderful and interesting thing in it is YOU!!   That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

So, as I say goodbye for the night....and walk out this door........just know that I have so enjoyed sharing my favorite space with you....and take care.  BIG hugs, pat

"The Nest, Part Two"

Well, the last few days just flew by and it's time for "The Nest, Part Two."  I've had some lovely responses from some of you....most who have visited here before many times and have become my special 'blog friends.'  I appreciate every one of you!  This is where we left off last time....and one friend asked about the bottles because she couldn't see them very well.  We will take care of that!  This is an old computer table, covered with a sheet I appliqued for that applique book for Leisure Arts those ancient years ago.  I dare not show you what is stored UNDER the table...a theme carried out all through this little house!  One of the my favorite things in here is that A/C you see there on the wall.  A heat pump...responsible for cooling this place down and boy, do I love it!  That old tin ceiling tile came from my son-in-law's family store, now closed and the building sold.  It's way over a hundred years old and the ceiling in the building is all still there, has been rejuvenated and is GORGEOUS!  I love the blue bench with the floral seat cover.  I don't know how many times I've said this...but I LOVE floral fabrics and have to really stop myself from buying them!  (However, you have no idea how many are 'hidden' away in this place.)

On that old computer table is lots of 'stuff.'  An old plate with a little blue bird book and buttons, some old-fashioned fans....used to be the only A/C around! A little silk doll bonnet.  And a wooden drawer I have made into a tray of sorts.  I love the little girl and boy vase the fans are standing in.  It's just cute!

 In the tray, are old spools of thread...still 'good,' a glass box with that little white beaded purse I showed you before....and some bird decorative squares from Hobby Lobby.  That vintage pink dish is going to turn into a pincushion some day...and the lids in it are from long lost somethings...I have three alike...now why did I buy those?  Don't know, they just said something to me!

And, now the bottles.  My friend, Deb, got me started on these little salt/pepper shakers.......and now there are more.  Full of beautiful glitter.  That old wooden tray is a Lazy Susan....the shakers are just great!!! Some are vintage, some are new....all are 'glittery!' ( Deb....THINKING OF YOU...GET WELL SOON!)  (You know by now that you can click on the photos and see them larger should you want to.)

This cute bird house was a gift from Sherry...I wouldn't dare put it outdoors.  The little mannequin came from Hobby Lobby too.  That bird tin came from the flea market and is quite old, I think, English and ADORABLE!!!  My friend, the "Mudman" made those little clay bowls for me.  I gave quite a few away, as he wanted me to do.  They are dear.

Here is my antique doll bed.  I almost got rid of it.....but just couldn't do it.  It makes a great home for quite a bit of ecru fabric, lace and stuff.  I do not have enough storage for all this stuff...the bed makes a great storage piece and I can still see what I have! 

 I've moved the mannequin wearing Kelly's dress and the clothing rack, too, so you could see the shelves behind them.  The drawers are full of buttons, old jewelry, stamps, clothes pins, silk flowers, blah, blah, blah as the old navy man would say.  And, there is a bunch of fabric stacked here.  Not neatly, I notice.  Those plastic tubs are full of fabric too.......some of it will have to go to someone else pretty soon....well, if I can make myself go through it.

 This tub of fabric is some of my favorite...most of it given to me by friends.  Bibi made that pink rose.  All of it pink/green and an occasional red.  My favorite color combination. 

I've been saving all this fabric...for what?  Seems to me that I need to be making something, or sharing it.  Will have to figure all that out soon.  My favorite fabrics are not out to be seen, but carefully hidden from the light so as not to fade.

 

Some clothing from the rack........all old...all so SWEET....could show much more of it...but there must be a limit to how many photos you are willing to look at.

 One of my all-time favorite collections: the baby shoes.  Some of these are REALLY old and some not so old, but I love each and every one.  I like to imagine the precious babies walking around in these....See that pair in the upper right....bought them recently from our animal shelter bargain barn.  I tell you...they just spoke to me right there on the spot! 

Here's the rest of them.........so precious.  I started collecting them to make pincushions, but as you see, I have not been able to do that yet........and may not ever.  We'll see.

 I love this little teddy bear.  he's only about eight inches tall and the baby one is only two or three inches...or so.  I think they are guys.  Just guessing.  I think it's their 'attitude.'

 And, I've mentioned this blackboard before.  Yes, I know it is green, but old habits die hard!  When I was a kid, they were always black.  I LOVE this wonderful thing!  (Thank you, Laverne for letting me buy it from your Dad's collection of stuff!)

I smile every time I pick up a piece of chalk.  Post after next, I will talk about what is written here and why, so don't try to strain and read it right now.  Above the blackboard is a sign I bought last year....the instant I saw it I knew it was meant for my little house....and I mean what it says....YOU do have my whole heart!  When I walk into this little house, my eye goes right to that sign!  Notice I leave the ironing board up all the time......well, I use a lot of fabric...must press!!  That brown stool in front of the drawers is a necessity.  I can't write on the whole blackboard without standing on something...It's so very sturdy, I never worry about climbing on it to write....and it's bigger and heavier than it looks, which helps.

 Paint brushes......they have to go somewhere....a frame to use for something....and two metal pieces I purchased to make pincushions from.  One of these days.  I've lots of things to make into pincushions....for instance,

all of these!  I have several drawers of this kind of stuff........and hope to begin on some of those in the Fall.  Oh, no way I can sell that turquoise basket....or the girl....at least that is what I am thinking right now.  And, some odd baby shoes, no mates.  Those I actually might use for pincushions.

Remember, we are walking around the room.....so this is continuing on in that 'circle.'  So to speak.

more shelves of stuff....lots of things stored on top two shelves....decorative papers, buttons to cover and such.  There are three or four buckets full of needlepoint canvas...it was a gift from Brenda and I am determined to find alternate uses for it...but, as of yet...haven't done it.  Wallpapers, canvas,some screening, all kinds of papers, etc.    This spot is where I work at my standing work table...more on that in the next post.

My other mannequin.  This came from friend Jim...I bought it at one of his sales a few years ago.  She's taller than me, but the dress I made to get married in (1966) fits her perfectly!  Too bad I 'bloomed.'  She is now wearing a vintage dress, a long apron with a short apron over it.  Love them both....and well, you'll see more about that too.  More drawers....there are always more drawers in here! 

 I made this doll a long time ago..........love her!  These decorative boxes came from Hobby Lobby, some I bought and some were gifts.  They are divine and hold a multitude of goodies.  We will dive into one or two on another day!

 Being a Texas girl, I am nuts over Bluebonnets!  The middle picture is a painting, the others copies of photos. The one on the bottom left is fabric, not bluebonnets, but special to me as one of my blog friends sent it to me....Barbara, across the sea in the Netherlands, I think of you every time my eye lands on this beautiful embroidered picture!!!!!

Love the vintage Whitman's Sampler box.........and of course, I have to have paints to use in my collages.

And all kinds of other things too.  Lots of it, evidently!

 Frames, papers, and that big bunch on the bottom....a hundred year old ledger from the old family store I was mentioning earlier.  Not to worry, this one was falling apart.  Literally.  The 'good' ones are still in a place of safekeeping....but I appreciate my son-in-law giving me the two I have.

There are birds all over the place!  A couple hiding out high up on the shelves.  

 Here is a closer look at the mannequin.  Love the crocheted skirt trim and embroidered girl and flowers on this apron.  

And, here we are....the end of this post.  Mostly because I'm tired now!  And, it's late.  But, here is a close up of the neckware of this mannequin....that beaded purse I bought at Biltmore in N.C. the time I went with Jim, Sharon, and Deon.  Have never laughed so much in my life!  So, that is what I remember when I see it. 

Hope you will be visiting again on Monday...where I will show you The Nest, Part Three, the Finale!

And, after that, on to other things.  Hope you enjoyed this tour....and will visit to see the rest.  Stay cool and have FUN!  pat