Too Many Pillows?

My daughter says I went a little overboard on the pillows.  All the fabrics are hand painted, dyed or printed by me - years ago.  I dug through boxes to find fabrics that coordinated with my paint colors.  Once I got started on this - I had a hard time stopping.  I know it is more pillows than I need, but I love them all and it was fun making them!  I mean, which one would you take away?  I can't discard any of them, so I will just enjoy them!

Lunch Table

I wanted to add a little table for eating lunch or sitting with my laptop.  The furniture is all scavenged from other places.   Most of it stored in my husband's shop.  I love the size and shape of this long narrow table.  It is perfect here with this old captain's chair.  The entryway on the far left of the picture is the passage into the wet studio / kitchen area (which is still a work in progress - trying to get organized in there and figure out how it needs to be set up).

This piece, "Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire" is heavily beaded.  I made it 2004 - 2006 (took a long time to bead) I just love sitting at this table looking at the intricacies of the beading.  I would / could never do that kind of work now.  I have to wear reading glasses!  I don't do much hand sewing any more as it is such a strain on the eyes and also - my hands hurt!

Work Table Again

 This office suite has two smaller offices (doors closed above).  The one on the right is the sewing room I showed earlier.  The one on the left is a work in progress - a big mess cluttered with tools and supplies, the vacuum cleaner, paint cans, etc., currently - I think it may end up as storage for finished quilts.  I am thinking of creating some kind of custom quilt storage for all my work that is currently scattered among multiple closets in my home......  But I could put a long arm in there! ...... Or a bed - and I could move in (or at least stay for longer periods of time)!  Hah!

This space just makes me feel so good!  It really is my happy place right now.

Cutting Table and Design Wall

Here is a view of the design wall and cutting table /  work surface.  I designed the work table base so that there would be sufficient leg room for people to be comfortable while sitting here on bar stools.  I have one bar stool that I purchased to test my theory and I will eventually add more.  The bar stools come from Target and I am hoping for either a sale or I will pick one up now and then to add to the space.  At this point - I don't need more than the one for myself.

Eventually, I think I may be teaching in this space or facilitating the Artists Way group here.  This work table was designed and built with multiple purposes in mind.  I could even entertain in this studio!  Come for coffee?   I am very happy with the way the work table turned out.  It measures 49 x 97" and is 36" high.

The design wall is 14 ft x 8 ft.  I built a framework of 2 x 4s behind it and the Styrofoam insulation panels are covered in black flannel with Velcro strips on the back to hold them in place on the 2x4s.  The wall here slants at a sharp angle behind the design wall and I built a shelf out of 2 x 4s for stability and storage.  It is a large area and I could store a great amount of bulky stuff behind the design panels.  I thought it would be easy to remove the panels to access things behind the design wall.  However, I am not sure how well the velcro and panels are going to hold up to repeated removal and replacement.  I will have to reinforce them if I am going to be accessing the storage behind frequently.  At this point, I don't need the space, though - so there is nothing stored behind and the panels are going to stay put.

Black design wall?  The one at my home studio is white.  But I have it covered with a black sheet!  I realized I like working and photographing with a black background, so that is what I installed here.  I only hope the light doesn't cause it to fade too quickly.  Time will tell!

Sewing Room New Studio

 The main components of the sewing room are now in place.  Design wall, ironing table and sewing table are all built in.  2x4 construction on the sewing table and ironing table.

 

Eventually, the sewing machine will be dropped down into the table so it is a giant level sewing surface (49 x 97).  I brought my old Janome 6500 in to see if I can be content with it.  So far I have only been reminded of how much I dislike sewing on it.  In my home studio, I primarily use a Juki 98Q.  In fact, I have pretty much worn the Juki out and was already considering purchasing another one.  They run about $700, so very affordable.  I still contemplate a sit down quilter, as well, though.....so not yet sure what will become permanent in this sewing area.  I don't want to cut into the work table until I am certain.  Once the hole is cut - it is a long term commitment.

I am thrilled with my giant ironing table that is built into this window nook.  It measures 73 x 42"  I covered plywood with aluminum foil, then a couple of layers of batting and finally wrapped on some upholstery twill that I've had for a decade or so.  Staple gun was my tool of choice for this project.  I will eventually build a giant shelf or two under the ironing table to store rolls of fabric and batting.  I am not doing that until I decide exactly what supplies will be taking up residence in this space so I can customize the storage dimensions.

By the way - I did all this construction 100% by myself.  Nobody else - except I did pay someone to carry the 49 x 79" sheets of melamine up two flights of stairs.  So heavy and way too big and awkward.

World Market Clearance Sofa

 I looked and looked for a proper sofa for this space.  Needed to be something comfortable, something not too heavy or bulky (had to carry it up three flights of stairs).  I happened upon just the thing at World Market.  Last one on clearance!  Perfect!  The 100% cotton cover is removable and washable.  I could dye it if it starts looking shabby.

Ottoman Made By Me

 I wanted just the right thing for putting up my achy feet,  so I built my own pair of ottomans.  The bases are made of 2 x 4s.  Painted.  The tops are framed of 2 x 4s and covered in plywood, then foam and batting - wrapped in fabric.  Then a hand painted cotton fabric - I did this fabric years ago - Setacolor paints dripped onto cotton broadcloth.  Had just enough fabric stashed away for these two ottomans.  Barely.  So pleased with them.  They measure 22 x 22 x 16".  Super soft and cushy.  I found ideas for their construction online and adapted to my desires.  I even found the instructions for the painting process for the legs and base (rubbing vaseline on the edges of the undercoating so the top layers of paint would rub away easily.)

Slipper Chairs for New Studio

I wanted to create a conversation area in my new studio space.  I don't have any such space in my home studio, which is a solitary work space with lots of storage and work surfaces but only room for me. 

I was beginning to regret my wall color choices....."Wet Coral", "Yukon Gold", "Mermaid's Tail" and "Majestic Grape" - bright vivid colors that are not exactly popular decorating colors.  As I searched for furnishings - I was discouraged by the prices as well as the limited color options. I shopped every furniture store in town as well as all the thrift stores.   I thought I might have to resort to black, but I was resisting black for the furnishings since the design wall is black (pictures to come).  I felt it would be too much black.  So I kept looking - expanding my search to the Internet.  I was delighted to discover these chairs at Target Online in Clearance.  A bargain with free shipping - a bit of a gamble - since it is difficult to really read colors online, but I thought they would be close!  I love these chairs and the colors are perfect for my wall colors!  What a stroke of luck!

Wet Studio / Kitchen

I am gradually getting the wet studio set up.  I am happy to have a sink.  Have added a small fridge and microwave.  I added the built in shelving, too.  This is going to be another messy space.  Paint flinging will be happening here.

Sewing Room Set Up - The Beginning

I decided this smaller office with good light will be the best location for my sewing machine and ironing table.  Again, I looked for furniture for my sewing machine.  There are lots of sewing machine cabinets on the market, but none of them really seemed right.  I was especially dismayed by the price tag.  So - I decided to build in my sewing machine table.  Just a few screws into the stud wall (can be easily filled and painted over when I move out).  I believe this will be a very stable and comfortable sewing surface.

New Studio Paint Progress

I've been working steadily at creating an inspiring work environment in a commercial office building (which I am co-managing with my daughter).  This space was left trashed by the previous tenant and I spent a lot of time cleaning, repainting, etc.  I chose bright cheerful colors for the walls.  This seemed like a big leap of faith.  I tried to just listen to my internal voice and ended up with some pretty random wall colors.  These are not colors I have in my home or any other space......

Window treatments (above) are made from cheesecloth.  I purchased a huge bolt of 60" wide cheesecloth years ago.  I have not been using it in my work, so was glad to have it available for the window treatments.  Who knew it could be so effective?

After shopping around and not finding what I wanted as a work table, I decided to build one myself using 2x4 lumber.  It turned out very sturdy.  I put wheels on it and painted it purple.  Stay tuned to see how it looks with the top added.

A Second Studio

This is one reason I have not been keeping up with my daily blog posts.  I have been working daily for the past two and a half months on this commercial office building I co-own with my mother.  Due to a lengthy series of mishaps with property managers - my daughter and I are taking over the management of this 29 suite, 3 level building.  My daughter has had an office in the building for six years.  I decided I need a workspace in the building, as well.  This space was left trashed by the previous tenant.  I have taken on the task of creating a working studio / office in this space.  So much to do!  It has taken over every moment of my life - awake and most nights, as well.

I shopped around for affordable ways to create custom work space and ultimately decided I could build a sturdy work table base out of 2x4's.  I am planning to add a 4 x 8 foot sheet of plywood or MDF or maybe melamine coated particle board on the top of this base.  It will serve as a work table, as well as a meeting place.  It is counter height and I will be adding counter height bar stools (as shown).  I am contemplating doing some small group classes out of this space, thus the dual purpose work surface.  The work surface I have at home has cabinets underneath all the way around.  It is not possible to sit anywhere.  Standing all day really does not work for me, as I have chronic foot pain.  I am really excited about this new work table.  Notice the wheels! 

This smaller attached office measures about 12 x 9 - with a good sized dormer type space.  I think this will be suitable for a sewing room.  I believe I can custom build (out of 2 x 4's) a sewing table and a large ironing table / design surface. I am planning to build the supports right into the walls by screwing the horizontal pieces right into the wall studs.  It will make for a very sturdy work surface, I believe.   Stay tuned!

My Print Table

My 3 x 4' print table is covered in Yupo paper - a stiff synthetic art paper.  I have a big roll of it.  It makes a great work surface and when I am finished using it - I plan an using it for collage or some other kind of art work.  Time will tell.  So far - nothing is sticking to it (except the paint, anyway) - so I will keep using it.

Sorting in the Studio

 Fall is a transitional time for me.  My outdoor activities are limited these days.....the weather is chilly - even cold some days.  We've had some snow and it is time to settle into a studio routine once again.  This is a difficult time for me.  My big looming deadlines have been met and now it is time to turn my attention to doing some work that is meaningful and satisfying.  So.....what would that be?

Will I find a solution in my scrap drawer?  Sometimes that is a good place to begin.  So, I open it up and start sorting scraps out on the work table.  Here are some of the piles.

 I've also found some pieces I have started and then abandoned.  A few of those go into the garbage - something I have been rather ruthless about the past few months.  Time to clear out and make room for fresh new work.  This piece was an experiment - a study of color and value with hand dyed fabric and block printing done a couple of years ago.  It is about 70 x 18".  I put it on the design wall and take a picture. 

I don't really see this one going anywhere........I hate to discard that much fabric, but I am not sure it is any better if I cut it apart......  

Scorpion in my Studio

Just a few days ago, I was stepping in through my studio door and right near the threshold, I spotted this creature.  It was already dead.  It seems odd that a scorpion would live in Montana, but the Northern Scorpion apparently lives around sandstone cliffs in the Billings area.

http://fieldguide.mt.gov/detail_ILARA64020.aspx

This is only the third time we have seen a scorpion since moving here in 2001.  The others were much smaller (and were also found inside the house, by the way).  I imagine it was seeking a spot to hibernate when it crawled in under the weatherstripping on the door.  It looks like it has been stepped on. 

Studio Interview with Quilting Arts Magazine

I was recently interviewed by Ellen Seeburger, Assistant Editor of Quilting Arts Magazine, and she has posted the interview on her blog. You can see the interview on Ellen's blog here.
Ellen asked me about my studio and my work.

Cynthia's Studio

Saturday, I opened my studio for tours as part of a fundraising drive for Big Sky Quilt Retreat. For this reason, I tidied up quite a bit, deep cleaned and hung some finished work on my design wall. I thought I would share some pictures of my workspace and tell you a bit about my arrangement.

My workspace is not a showplace. Although it is roomy, it has been outfitted with a mishmash of salvaged fixtures that have been cobbled together. While it is not very beautiful - it is extremely functional.
My worktables are Formica laminate - rescued from the dumpster behind TJ Maxx - which was remodeling. The drawers beneath the tables are old Hallmark drawers that Joe found on the curb in front of a store that went out of business. He constructed racks for my thread spools and bead strands out of dowels inset into drilled plywood. These are terrific and I have three large ones - all full, of course.

One 5' x 8' surface is set up to the correct height for me to work comfortably while standing. The other end is lower (just a little smaller), set up for my sewing machine with a big table for machine quilting.

I am currently in the process of switching from a desktop - to a laptop and I have a computer station at each end of the room.

My Janome 6500 has been recessed so that the bed of the machine is flush with the table top and this allows for smooth movement during quilting.

My design wall is large. I have one 8' square wall and another that is 4' square right next to it. This allows me to work on a number of different pieces at once. There is a track lighting system installed on the ceiling above the design wall and the bulbs are super bright - especially for photography. This is where I shoot most of my entry photos.

I picked up these two vintage silk dupioni upholstered chairs at an antique shop that was going out of business. This corner is set up for me to do my journaling, reading, and hand stitching. I love these chairs.

The window along the west wall allows a good view of the trees and sunsets. This sofa is a hide-a-bed, as cast off from another room and there was no place else for it to go. The lighting in the room consists of daylight fluorescent - three fixtures with four tubes in each. The room is very bright. I never have a problem seeing what I am doing.

My ironing surface is 3/4" particle board covered with foil, two layers of cotton batting, and covered with a cotton canvas grid. Joe attached it to the wall with hinges and the two front legs fold up, so if I ever wanted to - I could fold it flat against the wall. Instead, I have used the space beneath it as storage for my flat boxes of fabrics, etc.

I also have a mangle - awesome for ironing dyed fabrics, (not shown) which sits just to the right of my flat ironing table.

I keep a narrow 12' slat hanging above my ironing surface, and this is where I hang finished work - often while it is waiting to be sent off to a show.

In the picture above, at the far left is the doorway into my 9' x 11' wet studio. The picture below starts the tour of my wet studio.

The wet studio is also equipped with salvaged fixtures. Everything from the sink to the shelving to the pegboard on the wall came from somewhere else and was free. I am pleased to have a dedicated washing machine, sink, and microwave in this little workspace. Oh, and a thermofax machine, too! Yay!

I really like this little 4 x 2' folding table. I keep three sheets of 3/8" OSB (fiberboard) stashed behind it and pull them up when I need a portable work surface. The OSB is cut to 3 x 4' sizes and one has heavy plastic stretched over it - I use this when I want to paint fabric or paper. Another is covered with two layers of batting - and this one I use for stamping on fabric. With these multiple portable surfaces - I can easily switch from one task to another, setting one aside to dry while I work on the other one - a system I have used for about 8 years - very efficient.

I don't remember where Joe got these narrow shelves, but they appeared one day and he insisted I needed them. I reluctantly agreed and now I cannot imagine how I stored my dye before I had these!

My studio is also equipped with a woodburning stove and has a door leading directly outdoors. Unfortunately, it is the first door a person sees when approaching our house from the cul de sac so it is used much more often than I would like.