07 February 2007
Poor old craft room. To start with, I wasn't spending much time in there, because I was too busy with home renovations to get on with crafting. Then, once I started firing up the sewing machine again, I was in and out as quick as I could. The mess was piling up in there, and it was just so easy to shut the door on it! But I've made some progress today:
I owe an eternal creative debt to Sally. I would have never come up with creating a patchwork with pockets and stretching it over a canvas frame. I really hope she doesn't mind that folks have started copying this idea (probably inadvertently -- and in masses -- since that Martha Stewart Living pocket feature); it's just too fantastic to pass up. Sally, a tip of my hat to you!
I think I'll hang the two cork tiles along side this pocket board, and then cover and hang the other canvas I bought on the other wall. Having these colours on the walls will really make a difference! Another big change came in the form of curtains:
These big bookcases used to belong to my parents. They're quite sturdy, solid things! I painted them white, but ran out of time (and energy and motivation and. . . ) before the open house, so the shelves inside are still oak-coloured. And although I love to see stacks of fabric at the quilt shop, I don't so much want to be faced with the messy piles in my own home. So curtains! White on white seersucker, hung on little tension rods. I used/am using the leftover fabric for the inspiration boards.
I love those type cabinets. I didn't like the idea of having them up on top of the bookcases, on display, until I heaved them up there; now I think they look great! See how the drawers aren't quite shut? That's because the type has shifted and gone everywhere, like so many lead flakes in a pine snow globe. My response to this has come mostly in the form of squeezing my eyes shut and plugging my ears, but I may have to give in and survey the damage soon. Anybody out there with a strong desire to sort multiple fonts in multiple point sizes into their correct spots? No? I didn't think so.
Lastly, a food photo:
I was clipping out photos from oldish magazines yesterday, and I tore this photo from MS Living. This week is all about eating up that soup I made on Sunday, but that is going to be the theme for next week. Big bowls of veggies and protein (tofu!). The thought of having five or six different things in one meal is so exciting to me! I'm not so much a foodie as a food geek, you see -- I just get really enthusiastic about random things.
Like the mini tortillas above. So easy and nothing special, but they made me so happy! AND I made them in my panini press, and you know how I feel about that. Whee! If I had a food blog (properly), I'd call it Cookery Geekery. And I wouldn't blame people for being bored by it.
You might check with Stephanie on the type sorting.... She and I bonded over a love of letterpress. In exchange for borrowing some of your type sometime, she might be willing to help sort. That is, if she has time between schoolwork.
posted by Heather at February 7, 2007 09:37 PM
You're right about Sally's creativity with the wall pockets. And she was really gracious when I checked with her about 'copying' her idea for a board in my sewing room. Your board looks great, too!
posted by kayla_d at February 8, 2007 12:20 AM
"Anybody out there with a strong desire to sort multiple fonts in multiple point sizes into their correct spots?"
There must be something wrong with me, because I think this sounds like a grand time.
posted by Sarah at February 8, 2007 12:59 AM
I love how your house is coming along! I stop by often to see the updates, and I admire how you always seem to get your home projects done! Me, I'm full of good intentions, and half-finished projects.
Just thought I'd stop in and say hi!
posted by ursula at February 8, 2007 01:34 AM
I enjoy all the house pics and updates, keep it up! I also love your cabinets- love little drawers.
Cheryl
posted by fromthepines at February 8, 2007 02:40 PM
oh no oh no oh no. I;m worried now. I would enjoy sorting those drawers. I think maybe I need help!!
Seriously, you don't want to do it ??
Please note this is why I find my self sorting buttons (hundreds of) instead of sewing sometimes.
The room is gorgeous by the way !
posted by sarah at February 8, 2007 05:12 PM
The room looks lovely! And I'm intruiged by the idea of a piece of pocket "artwork!" Love it!
posted by sarah at February 8, 2007 07:12 PM
your wall pocket is so bright and cheery! and i love the little chests with all the draws. oh to be organized, its so much fun.
posted by connie at February 8, 2007 10:08 PM
Oo, I saw that same photo and thought "I have to make that!" Eight million obscure ingredients later (umeboshi cost HOW MUCH?), I think I like the general idea more than the recipe itself. Tasty, though =]
posted by Meg at February 9, 2007 05:47 AM
OH, Anna, I hope I'm not too late for you to read this comment. Sam bought some tofu the other day and I marinaded it in peanut butter and oil and ginger and garlic but it was still disgusting! Please tell me a way to make it tasty.
posted by Sally Howe at February 10, 2007 06:45 AM
Sally -- Easy peasy. Just cover it in soy sauce and then fry it in a pan with sesame oil. I cut the block into 1/4" strips and do each side for about five minutes over medium heat -- they should get golden brown and even a bit crunchy. Yum!
posted by Anna at February 10, 2007 12:16 PM
I'm working on my office/studio also and enjoy reading your updates.
posted by Nora at February 10, 2007 07:39 PM