Tuesday, August 24, 2010

How Do I measure up? WOYWW


This Wednesday, My work area is in several areas, much like me. I seem to bounce from one project to another so have several things going at once. Today I am working on a quilt on my long arm machine.... ahemmm..... or am trying to. As you can see, I have my apprentice here who seems to know more about these things than I do. This is Boa, (as in feathered boa) who is so soft and fluffy and likes to curl around your neck. AKA " snaggle puss" as he is always trying to grab out for you when you walk by as if he were playing tag. O.K. Boa, you have had your 15 min. of fame so I am off to show what else I am working on.

Well as I was saying, I am taming a quilt on this monstrosity machine.

The pattern is a busy one, so you aren't seeing really as much work with the thread, but it really is there! You can however see it more on the solid fabric.

Lots of thread and lots of choices hanging on my wall. These are just some of them.

Meanwhile, at the worktable from last week, I have tiddied up a bit and since then gotten some mail art in. Remember the hands from my earlier post that I did? Well, I had gotten in my trades back from the mail. It was suppose to go into a hand journal, but the hands were just so varied in sizes, that I decided to post them on my cabinet. I think they look pretty good there so that I can view them often. They are also reversable, so I guess if I get tired of one side, I can turn them over.


Note also I have my little photo album on the table that I have been filling with ATC's that I have made and have gotten in the mail too. The top shelf on my work area is a reserved area penthouse for my assistant. I love my area corner where I can pull out an extra table area (where the basket is) when I need it, but can just slide it back when not in use. Just about all of the furniture you see here, I have purchased at yard sales! The "desk" is a kitchen table I got several years ago. The shelf area where the paints are on, are actually stackable units I think that were used in closets for shoes. The cabinet on the left was actually a microwave cabinet I paid $20. for. One of my favorite functional pieces! The bottom of it has all of my rubber stamping supplies. My kitchen is huge, so I have utilized this area for more work space for me.
The black tray was brand new, still in the box from a yard sale. It was a unit that you actually were to attach to the side of a drafting table. I had it attached to the shelf and it has provided a nice handy supply area for me. They run about $25.00 and I paid $4.00!
I also have some projects going on, that are sitting at my sewing area. 6 of these are from trades while the rest are ones that I made. Rather rustic with all of those wonderful hand stitches. These are done Teesha Moore style. You can click on her link for a tutorial.


Even by machine, you can get a rustic quality! I am thinking I should add some of this in the piece too!

I also ran across some of these textures that I may put in. The two on the right, I recycled from some shirts. I am not sure where I am going with all of these pieces yet. It could be a journal cover or perhaps even a tote bag. I guess you will just have to stay tuned!



Further on past my paper working area, is my sewing area and you can see where I am posting to you from my computer. BTW the desk the computer is on was a $5.00 yard sale find, the black cabinet to the right was $15.00, the cabinet to the right of the sewing table was a thrift store $49. find. The cabinet just beyond the desk was from an auction in England when we lived there. I think the only new furniture is the Koala cabinet my sewing machine sits in and the chairs.


In the next room is more work area. The table was an old drafting table my husband had purchased at a military base silent auction many years ago for $20.05. lol It sure makes for a wonderful cutting table with ample room to store cabinets underneath it. Note, my assistant is also in the corner supervising this area too!

Looking back you can see how all of this area is tied in. As you can see my bigboard ironing table is loaded with stuff that needs to be put away!




To the right of the photo you just viewed is more storage and junk. The table is temporarily there full of stuff that needs to be organized and put away.

This is the view you see across from the cutting table. The center shelving unit came from a Big Bear store that was going out of business. I also got the baker's racks behind this unit from there too.




This wood cabinet was a cabinet I purchased when we lived in England.
The white bins are filled with fat quarter fabrics in color families.



I have had a great mail week also, as I won on Diana Boiston's blog! She sent me some silks and silk dyes and embellishments all the way from England! WOW, I am going to have fun with this! Thanks so much Diana! What a treasure! Be sure to check out her blog too! My husband is especially excited about the neck tie since it will be for him! lol I use to make lots of neck ties for him and he would pick out the fabric and pay for it. I would tell him that it was going to take 10 yards of fabric to make a neck tie just so I would have just a "little extra scrap" left over. hee hee How is that for sneaking in extra measured stash! It is too tempting to open up the packages and start playing this very moment, but seems I have a quilt on the frame yet that is calling my name that needs to be finished. Perhaps I can show some finished works soon though with all of the lovely new found dyes.

It's off to work I go, but hope you have enjoyed the shop and studio tour!


48 comments:

Diane Kelsey said...

WOW what a studio, so much thread and fabric, for starters. I expect you still have to make the occassional special purchase, because you haven't got the right colour.

Patti said...

What a simply wonderful place to create!

Maggie's Crafts said...

WOW! WOW! Amazing space! Love it!

Bea said...

I just sat there humming to myself as I looked at your studio. hmmmmmmmmmlook at thathmmmmmmmmmmmmmmoh boy hmmmmmmmmmmmLOVE THAT hmmmmmmmmmmmm
HEY, she has as much fabric as I do! lolololsnort What a wonderful place to create. And, so neat and tidy. LOVE IT and it looks like you spend a lot of time in there doing a lot of wonderful things. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. JUST WONDERFUL! :)Bea

Alisonw30 said...

Great workspace(s)! Love the cat penthouse. Thanks for becoming my latest follower

Alison x

Andria said...

Oh wow a wonderful space to just let your imagination run riot, and a beautiful helper too.

Helen said...

Oh my!!! Your studio is huge, how fabulous. I LOVE that quilt you're working on. Thanks for the tour - I feel worn out!

Hels Sheridan said...

You have a craft house!!! LOL Amazing space to play in... and... yes, I was instantly distracted by your gorgoeus Boa.. he is beautiful.. is he a RagDoll?

Anonymous said...

I am seriously in awe of your workspace. Stunning.

And beautiful stitching on your quilt.

XXX

Candace said...

What a wonderful crafting space you have. Thanks for sharing with us

Hugs Candace

Sue said...

Hi ya
wow what a fabulous selection of piccies, wonderful space, lots of lovely material, gorgeous quilt, happy WOYWW, sue,x

Nan said...

WOW...what an amzing space you have. YOur projects are so creative. Love the Teesha squares!

Unknown said...

gosh what a place to craft !!! Love it all, lucky you

hugs
judie xx

Joey said...

Oh my goodness Wanda I am in awe! your workroom is just fabulous like an aladdins cave of goodies, love the quilt. Joey.x

cheryl said...

omg that is what I call a studio and a half oh wonderful so much too see just love it hugs cheryl xxxx

Deborah said...

What an amazing studio you have!

Vicki W said...

That's an amazing studio space! But what I am focused on is the "s" curls in your sashing. As hard as I try I can't get mine to look that good!

Sue from Oregon said...

oh goodness...I could go into your craft rooms and never come out...EVER!

Morti said...

Woweeeeeeeeee! What a FANTASTIC space to work in - and all that fabric!!! I take it you do quilting as a business as well? If not, you should!!! Boa is gorgeous too and fully deserves the 15 mins of fame allocated. Thanks for becoming a follower on my blog!

Annie said...

That is one amazing work space. When can I come to play? You have such a lot of wonderful areas to rummage through and being mainly a fabric crafter I would be on cloud nine there. Thanks for showing us round. I shall be back :-)
A x

G Peplow said...

Hi there, Wow, you have a fantastic space to work in , no wonder you are creating everyday! Thank you for popping by my blog, isn't it lovely to be able to peek:D xx

Annie said...

I have awarded you a blog award. Please pop over to my blog to find out more.
A x

Neet said...

What an amazing place you have. Truly amazing. And what beautiful work you do - as amazing as your studio.
Love Boa!

Nancy said...

Wow a great space, I think I woulr get lost in there for days so much to play with.

x

NEEDLEWINGS said...

Glad you have all popped in. You are welcome to come play anytime! And yes, I do quilt for others. Just check it out:)
http://enchantedquilts.com

JoZart Designs said...

Oh! I really did enjoy the tour of your work rooms. So interesting, especially as I enjoy making quilts as well as paper crafting. The spaces are so inviting and inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing.
JoZarty

Pattyskypants said...

I'm kinda overwhelmed by your work area, except for the kitteh, to which I can relate. I shouldn't say this, but I would feel A LOT of pressure to produce given all the space and stuff you've got in there! Fortunately, you CAN produce! Doubtful that I would be in the same position. xxoo Patty

Sharne Gregory said...

Thank you for the tour around your studio. All that space! I need an extension to my room as I am a bit of a magpie and cant bear to part with anything!

Carola Bartz said...

Wow, impressive!!! I really love those hands, I've got an idea for doing something like that. Man, this is inspiring!

Carola Bartz said...

Hey, thanks for stopping by. About the photos: the picture of my artwork was 1280 x 1024 pixels whereas all the other photos are 600 x 400 pixels. When I upload them for a post I choose x-large. Also, the columns in my blog seem to be wider which might have an impact, too. You can change that in your template if you want. I hope this helps!

Norma Soulet (AZArtist) said...

Hi Wanda,

I am back! :)
Wow, Can I come over to play in your studio? VBG
It is super fantastic! I really enjoyed my trip through your studio. So many fun things to play with. :)Love the fabric ATC'S.
Hugs

Daniele said...

Oh my giddy aunt what a fantastic place....oh I want to come and browse through all those fabrics and threads....so yummy
hugs

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world.

I love how you have taken so many hodge podge pieces and made them work for you so beautifully. Everything fits together so nicely and serves so many functions.

That is one honkin quilt machine. Amazing! And your Boa is quite handsome. Our Jingles is always playing tag with us.

HOpe you are having a fabulous weekend. Happy quilting and creating. Best wishes, Tammy

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I am in total AWE of your studio. And Bleubeard was happy to see a fellow 4 legged crafter, too. Each photo of your studio was as impressive as the next. I'm so glad I made it here this week.

Sorry I'm late, but I had a fabric oriented tutorial to post on Thursday and had trouble getting back to the WOYWW links. Have a great weekend and thanks again for sharing your amazing space.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful work place you have and your quilt are just amazing.
You are very talented.
Bonjour de France

Plumrose Lane said...

Wow, what a pleasure to find and meet you! Your work space is fabulous, creations are to-die-for, and who wouldn't love that charming helper of yours!?! All too fabulous!
Thanks so much for joining in my giveaway and delighted you found me ~ thanks!
♥Sharon

Anonymous said...

Oh Wanda, What can I say.......???? That is amazing!!! What a studio. No wonder you are so talented, who could help but be inspired there. And all the help you have!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the tour! Hope to come again. Thanks Jan

Jan said...

Wow Wanda, what a great area! And so neat....No wonder you are so creative, you have so much room, and space to do things, and such good help! Thanks for the tour, and hope I can come again. Jan

NEEDLEWINGS said...

Hey, you are all welcome to come over any time. Just clean up after yourselves and after me too! lol

Andrea - Wales, UK said...

Amazing!! Your quilt is absolutely stunning.
I've had a great time here today...Thanks!!

Happy Creating.....sorry i'm a little late!

xx

Maija said...

3 words- OMG!! Just fabulous!!

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

What a wonderful space to *do your thing*! Thanks for sharing your space and a window into your studio. :)

Thanks fro visiting my blog... :)

Romeo said...

What a great space for creating!!! And that you've left spaces for your important quality control inspector....well that speaks volumes! We love you and your space!

Our favorite are the little Teesha Moore style squares - those are sooooo wonderfully fun!

Thanks for stopping by our blog - I do hope that you stop by again, we really enjoyed your company!

Purrs!

Romeo

Kim D. said...

What a fantastic space, love all of your little quilts and the hands are great. I'd want to hang them and enjoy them as well. Thanks for the tour.

Anonymous said...

Is your cat, Boa, a Maine Coon? She sure looks like one. I have 3 Maine Coon cats and they are the sweetest, prettiest breed!
Marcy

MadeByKarla said...

Love your craft spaces and the fact that you like to find great furniture at garage sales and thrift stores. I do too! check out my post http://madebykarla10.blogspot.com/2010/08/blank-canvas.html and I love to make my own storage too http://madebykarla10.blogspot.com/2010/08/um5-for-cardboard-magazine-holder-i.html.
Yay for recycling! Thanks for the peek!

NEEDLEWINGS said...

No, Boa isn't a Main Coon. He is quite small. I had even thought he was a Norwegian Forest cat, but the vet says he's just a plain old cat. LOL I suppose there is some blood line in there somewhere for one of these breeds.

peggy aplSEEDS said...

wow, your space is amazing! i mean, AMAZING! capital A - M - A - Z - I - N - G !