Hey everybody! With the holidays over now, it's time to get to the plans for the new year. The first thing on the agenda for me is to finish moving my sewing studio from downstairs to upstairs. I finished the second decoupaged table. I have just loved doing this process...I'd decoupage the walls if it wouldn't be so permanent. 
One of the first things to come upstairs was my favorite chair that I got from the Goodwill about five years ago for $24.95  ......I LOVE a deal, especially for something I love as much as I do this chair. DH said, "Take a picture of me acting like it's hurting my back for your blog."....So I did. There's really not room for the chair in the new space, but I HAVE to have it in here...so it's in the middle of the floor. 
I have been working on the new sewing studio a lot. It's been a very slow process since dh does not have very much time each day to work on it with the work shift he is on. So I've just tried to enjoy it along the way and dream about the time after New Year's when I can start on my projects for 2010. I have three big projects planned: (1) My new Rhapsody which I designed at retreat this past Summer, (2) My bird from David Taylor's class, and (3) The 2010 TQS BOM applique quilt. I don't really have resolutions for the new year. I guess I just want to make sure I use my time the best way I can. This past year, I used my time to think a lot and plan a lot, but I didn't really make very much..so this year I want to MAKE things. The new design wall went up last week...it is 8' X 8'. I used flannel sheets which are a polyester/cotton blend. It is so smooth and leaves no lint on my pieces like my other design wall did. We used two pieces of the foam core insulation board,(the blue one), and covered it with the flannel sheets. We had to install it in two pieces. I'll paint the tips of the nails beige, and it'll be fine. 
Like Bridget, I've been trying to think of a name for my new space too. Last year, I purchased a book called "Where Women Create", which features a lot of studios of different kinds of fiber and multimedia artists. Some of them had very catchy names like "Wildflower Studio", and "The Classy Girl Studio". Ever since I started reading that book, I've tried to think of a name that fits me and my space. It has to be special. So, for now, I'm still thinking........? Any suggestions? In all my sewing spaces in the past, I have had such a problem with cords. They've just been everywhere across tables, on the floor....I've even cut a few with the rotary cutter. So I decided to use this little white cabinet to house all chargers, the house phone, the IPOD dock, the DVD player, the electric pencil sharpner, and all my CD's.....it is a wonderful addition so far, and cleared so many things from the table. 
And I love this little storage box I found at Michaels. It is made to store 1000 4X6 photos, but I'm storing everything from sewing machine feet to all kinds of needles and small tools and various items that usually I just lose. 
When I was sorting and organizing, I found this picture of Gabrielle when she was 8 in her first and only quilting class. She went for Quilt Camp to the local shop and made this quilt. She gave it as a gift to her 4th grade school teacher. I remember biting my tongue because I wanted her to keep it so bad...but I really believe that the "quiltmaker" of a quilt should do with it as they choose...so I told her what a wonderful thing that was to want to give something so special to somebody. 
May we all find much love and joy, and make many beautiful quilts! I look forward to sharing your lives in this New Year to come. Blessings to all! Dana | 
