Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Back in the Groove!

Change is never easy but it's often necessary and very welcome.  On Memorial Day weekend we received a call from my son who lives in New York City saying he has had enough of the city life.  His relationship was over and he wanted to get out of town.  Which meant he was coming home after 3 1/2 years.  We could hear the anguish in his voice and knew this was serious.  We were all looking forward to having him back home again and were more than willing to make the changes needed in our daily lives.  Which meant...I no longer have a sewing room.  

You never know how comfortable and efficient a sewing room is until you have to 'relocate'.  I found a small space in our kitchen nook to set up my sewing station.  For the past couple weeks I've tried to 'fit in' and make it function.  About the only things I've managed to make are pot holders and mini mini quilts.  With the space in the center of all activity, I couldn't focus for much more than something small.  Inevitably someone needs water or ice, makes breakfast or lunch, or just gathers together for conversation!  

Don't get me wrong, I'm beyond thrilled to have my son home again!  I just need to find my groove again!



Here is the new normal for me.  A corner off the kitchen that houses my quilting essentials.  



I had to take a picture off the wall to hang one of my design walls, but didn't cover the nail in the wall.  It was driving me crazy so I hung my 'masked mascot' up to ease the unease!

A couple days ago I decided it was time to try making a quilt.  Albeit small...it was an attempt to put the space to the test.   


I pulled fabric, cut a stack of squares, chain pieced some HST's and...


...trimmed with ease.  I think I found my groove again!



The design wall behind the table is less than ideal.  For a small quilt I can almost layout and arrange blocks without having to contort myself in an unnatural way!  I will need to pull out the table so I can work behind it when I work on large quilts though.

'GEO POP'

I did finish the quilt top, which made me very happy!  I felt a sense of accomplishment and relief that I can make this space work.  This quilt pattern is available here 'Geo Pop'.  


Another problem to solve is photos!  Before I could snap away without worry, now I get a different 'glow' and I've yet to solve that problem.  I will...I most certainly will!

POT HOLDERS
9" x 9"
One of my small projects was this set of pot holders.  I could probably have sewn these is a closet, but I had to start somewhere to get the feel of the new digs!

BONUS HST MINI
4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Of course I saved the bonus HST's from the pot holders and promptly made this mini mini quilt.  Another accomplishment! 

Hopefully my mojo, groove, spark will continue as I settle in and adjust.  Change is a good thing!

LINKING:
PEACOCK PARTY   TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

23 comments :

  1. Your son most likely did the right thing by getting out of NYC, I can't imagine living there during this time, scary. Hopefully he will find a job near you soon and get settled into his own digs. In the mean time if there is a will there is a way for you to sew.

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    1. He took all the precautions he could while living in NYC. When he got home he went and got tested right away for everyones peace of mind. It’s good to have him home regardless of my displacement!

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  2. Sounds like you're making lemonade! Family first.

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  3. at the age you son must be I bet he won't stay home long - he will need his own space. I guess you are lucky you have a large enough kitchen that you have a little space.

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    1. It’s hard to say how long he’ll be here! He may start some college classes and with housing as expensive as it is…time will tell! I am lucky that I have a space to invade with my sewing. It’s awkward but doable!

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  4. Those are bright and happy colors to play with, Jayne! We could never say no to our kids if they wanted to come home, either. Glad you are finding ways to work around the change in your space!

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    1. We’ll make it work one way or the other with our full house! It’s comforting to know that he is safe and sound especially with the Covid uncertainty!

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  5. I'm glad that your son knew he would be safe back home and that he rebounds with love and confidence. Adjusting to a new space takes time, but it looks like you are feeling your way through it and adjusting pretty well. Sending you all good vibes!

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  6. We have our daughter home after her Master's program was closed down due to the hysteria. Then she was trying to run down a job and finally began her career this week! Thankfully we had an extra bedroom so I didn't lose my sewing room! But there are adjustments to be made and joy to be found in the family time. In less than 8 weeks she will start her other new life as Mrs, so time will march on.

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  7. It is such a struggle when one of our kids is going through a hard time. I am glad he is back home and figuring things out. Maybe taking classes will be a good way to see what is next. I know out here the job market is horrid due to the virus. Good luck to all of you with this adjustment. :-). Beautiful projects too Jayne!!
    One thought - you know those the sectioned wall dividers? They are free standing? If you somehow divided off your space when you want to work solo, would that help?

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  8. You have certainly made good use of your time and space. It does take a while to get our heads reorganized when our routine gets changed! Looks like you are doing good!

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  9. It's a compliment to you to have him want to come back home, and I'm glad he's now there and safe. You seem to be settling in pretty well to your new digs, while tweaking as you go. My design wall is small, a painter's canvas actually, that I covered with batting. It hangs over a dresser that stores FQs, batting, etc. If I need to access it for more than one block, I lift it off the wall and put it to use. When I'm done, I hang it back up. Someday I'll have a big wall for designing, but just not yet! Love the pink project, the mascot doing cover-up work, and those potholders too!

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  10. Our son came back to Texas after 8 years in Missouri. I willingly gave up my sewing space and moved my stuff to our bedroom because there's a tv there vs. the guest room (small and dark). It was an adjustment but an easy one to make. Congratulations on having him within hugging distance!

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  11. SEW sorry that your son coming home meant that you had to lose your sewing room, Jayne, but I'm glad to hear that your mojo is returning!

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  12. Sorry to hear about the loss of the space, but enjoy the time with your son. Happy sewing.

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  13. Glad you are adjusting to 'some space is better than no space!' You definitely haven't lost your touch!

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  14. LOVE GEO POP!!!!! Girl, you still got it, even if your space is different.

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  15. hugs to you friend. change is hard. enjoy your son & i look forward to seeing all that you create in your new nook

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  16. Oh my gosh! I am feeling you!! I love that your son can come home and I love that you made room for him. ... 2 of mine came back - and my husband ... and every time I am doing quilty math.... they want to talk to me. (ha ha) I love it, and get annoyed at the same time!! Hugs to you my friend - and do enjoy this time. I love your positivity!!

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  17. Your new place is great, with lot of light ;) Good to have your son back home, he will be able to help you and hold the quilts for the photos ;)) I love your new creation.

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  18. That is quite an adjustment, but I know you love having him back home again. Glad you're finding your groove!

    :) Kelly

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  19. I know all will be well! I hear positivity abound from your posts. Your masked mascot made me giggle!

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