Well...I guess I could have titled this post, "There's a Sewing Machine in my Living Room!" But if you're a regular reader, I think you know that our home the Lord has given us is a multi-purpose place where we use every room for whatever we're into at the moment!
The kitchen is alive with lots of canning and freezing garden produce at the moment...along with soap making, bread baking, and a multitude of pies, cookies, and cheesecake being produced every week!
And you already know from past posts that the living room has its own unique personality with beehives and beds residing here on certain days!
Anyway, I thought you might like to see what this room looks like when all of my quilting paraphernalia is set up:
My sewing table is a 6-foot Costco foldable table, and it comes in quite handy! I love all the space to spread out and work! The ironing board, positioned at waist level and right by my side, is a real time saver.
The living room actually works out well for my needs. Except...when I'm done with my monthly block, everything needs to be put away--especially when company is coming!
So, it's not ideal at all. There's a lot of mess when everything is out in the open, and there's a lot of toting up and down the stairs when time comes to stash it all. But...I'm so thankful I have a nice sewing machine, and I'm thankful to be taking this class, and I'm thankful for this season of life when I have the time to work on quilting. So, it's all good.
My last Block of the Month class was this past Saturday, and here's the block that I brought to class as my homework assignment--65 individual pieces sewn together--count them--65!!:
Funny thing was...last week I was moaning and groaning that I needed to get everything out to make my block. Come to find out, Sarah told me I had already made it immediately after last month's class so it would be done! Woo-Hoo! How could I have forgotten that wonderful piece of news?!
Fast forward to Saturday...after class I received my next month's fabric for Block 6 and guess what I did this week? I've already made September's block!! Woo-Hoo! Maybe I'll remember I sewed it in advance next time! This one only has 45 pieces:In other sewing news...a couple of months ago when I was recuperating from a fall, Hannah organized my fabric stash one day. Here I am just sitting with my feet up and watching her work to get like colors together:
I'd venture to say that about 90% of the fabric you see here wasn't purchased. Almost all of it I won on quilting blogs (thank you, blogland!!). Now, that's an inexpensive way to accummulate lots of fabric! Here's another view:
Everything is organized much better now (but not in this picture...yet). Hannah made a list of what projects I already have the fabric for, what is in progress, and what I need to start on next. Only thing is...these organized boxes are now upstairs on Costco shelving, and my quilting area is in the living room!
One day I'd love to have a play area like one of these examples on Pinterest. If you've blogged before about your sewing area, even if it's in your living room or on your kitchen table, please leave me a link so I can go check it out!
~Deb
Hello Deb,
Love that photo of you resting and watching your fabric, you look so happy. I have a sewing room but things tend to come out and occupy the dinner table.
Happy days.
Bev.
Posted by: Bev C | Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 02:10 AM
Deb have you read the Elm Creek Quilt books? I think you'd enjoy them. http://elmcreek.net/books
Posted by: Rose | Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 04:02 AM
Deb I love the blocks you are doing and I can't wait to see the quilt. Your living room is a nice big space to work in and so full of sun light!
Posted by: Cindi | Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 08:39 AM
Hi Deb! Love the blocks, they look fabulous! I'm learning to quilt, too, just a newbie myself. I don't have any pictures or blog posts, but I usually sew in the kitchen. It's good sized so I put my machine at one end of the kitchen table and leave it there until I need to put it away. With only my hubby at home now, it's working. :)
Posted by: Toni | Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 09:35 AM
I used to have everything set up in my living room. If i had to set up and tear down, I don't know that I would sew very much. I am very grateful to have my own space. =)
Your blocks are beautiful!!
Posted by: Amy, a redeemed sheep | Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 10:00 AM
I was looking at your post with our 2 year old, and she pointed at the picture of you with the fabric and starting yelling "GRANDMA!!! That's my Grandma!! I'll kiss you on the 'puter screen" Side note, there is no physical resemblance to her grandmother....so...you must look like a good grandmother to have:)
Posted by: Jenny | Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 04:42 PM
I just followed all your boards on Pinterest, which is very rare as I seldom find someone that I enjoy everyone of their boards. I can't say I'm surprised, though. ;)
In a former home, we had a formal dining room that had DOOORS on it (the only thing I miss about that house a lot!). It was my sewing room, homeschooling room, home office, and occasionally even used for nice dinners.
Still tweaking my study/creativity room.
Posted by: Brenda Nuland | Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 10:46 AM
How nice you can sew and still be a part of your wonderful family's activities, instead of being sequestered off by yourself. Love your quilt blocks and the fabrics you chose! Hope you have fully recovered from the fall. Great stash!
Posted by: Lisa Spivey | Friday, August 16, 2013 at 08:50 AM
What a colorful array of fabric blocks. Love the colors you chose for your recent project and glad you are back up and around.
Victoria
Posted by: victoria | Friday, August 16, 2013 at 08:59 AM
Nice photos! I love being organized and having a dedicated place to sew is quite the luxury too. Now I need to get myself in that space and get to work, huh. This summer has had so many distractions that my sewing has gone into hibernation. Perhaps autumn will bring lots of leisurely sewing time. :) xoc
Posted by: Connie H | Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 12:19 PM
Love those red and white blocks! How blessed you are to have a sweet daughter or organize your fabrics.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 02:22 PM