Dead Simple Sewing & the MRL Studio

Wow, another Wednesday...and as my usual readers know I have been away so I have not much to show for it.  But, I am working on this and you can see a bit last night's progress on it here...

Dead Simple Quilt Along Sewn Strips

I made a slight cutting error but was excited to resolve it by adding some selvage on a few squares.  Heh heh, see no problems just creative opportunities!

In the meantime I thought I would cross some things off my To Do List.  One of which is to write a post about my studio space.  A few weeks ago Helen posted about her studio space and I, as usual when it comes to things Helen, drooled at the serenity and organization of her creative spot. Via email I told her I would also post about my studio...as per usual Rebecca Lynne style it has taken me a bit to get my act together.  Helen, slowly but surely I do complete my promises...

I am a clutter person.  I am not a hoarder, nor do I abide by filth (detergent/white vinegar + baking soda = my favorite formula)...but I definitely generate clutter.  Fascinating that someone so into Excel Spreadsheets, To Do Lists, and extremely anal Legal Files still ends up with piles of this or that everywhere...I think it is because I am a visual person and I like to see things to jog my memory or motivate me to work.  That is just how my brain works best!  A few years ago a New York Times Article spoke about the value of a cluttered office, how it is the sign of a flexible and creative mind.  As you can imagine I received the article multiple times from friends and family vindicating my clutter tendencies.  I couldn't find the article but I did find this book which talks about the benefits of mess.  Whatever your take on it, keep in mind You Don't Have to Live Here, I Do.  

Without further ado...

This is an overview of my studio from the doorway as it stood last night while I sewed my Dead Simple Quilt.  Yup, there is a lot of STUFF!

This is the corner directly across from my sewing machine.  I have a small design wall there where I keep some things up to inspire me.  The fabrics in the upper right are some of my absolute favorites and these are all the bits I have left of them...  The TV and DVDs are my usual distraction while sewing.  I have 4 versions of Pride & Prejudice and I basically watch it on a loop.  

plastic suitcases to hold beads and beading supplies, suitcases to hold old photos and scrapbooking materials

Right next to my sewing machine is an Asian inspired apron smock thingy that Lauren picked up for me.  I use it to hold my supplies.  Yes, this photo was taken before the wedding and you can see the veil in progress!  Um, notice the fabric hanging over my chair?  Usually whatever I am currently cutting or piecing lives here...I literally reach behind me and grab it to sew.  The beautiful white plastic bag?  My garbage.  Hahahhaaa...hey it works and saves space from having a garbage can under my feet.

You can see this peeking out from the corner in the photo above.  I found this printer's tray at an antique store nearby and started to use it to store spools of thread.  As per usual Rebecca Lynne style it was all beautiful and color coordinated...hahahhaaa...now I mostly stack the thread and matching spool I am using most that week on top.  I know at least one of you who is cringing at this lack of organization!

Here are a few views of my sewing table.  Ikea desk style.  My favorite piece of ironing equipment aside from my Rowenta is my small little blue ironing board.  I heart it so much!  It wobbles, is completely bent and annoying, and yet for $5 who can beat it?

                           

This is a small  textile piece of mine mounted on canvas, it is a small study for a much larger 7 yard screen print I have upstairs in the house.  It is screen prints of 18th Century Dress Patterns.  I just like to remind myself of where I have come from and all that I have learned.

Lucy - remember the door in your Hot Mess photos of your sewing area?  Yeah, well here is mine.  This used to be a pile of crap with things stacked up top of each other in moving boxes...but I asked the Mr. if I could get shelves and am so relieved he agreed.  This was a Huge Step Forward in this room!  My Lush Cluster supplies are up top (mostly behind those photos of family) and moving down are WIPs, (see the ATS Block?), books I am currently reading, my knitting supplies, and fabric I am debating what to do with but want to see out in the hopes I will have an "aha" moment.

My small attempt at studio organization...my chalkboard WIP list.  This really has been stagnant as of late...I must get on it!

And of course what everyone is really interested in is Where Is the Fabric?  In these chalk labeled drawers and bins of course.   

On top of the shelves are my "to be quilted's" and Solid Fabrics.  Inside the shelves is my own unique way of organizing...sometimes by color, sometimes by project, sometimes by collection...

The Japanese Fabric is taking over as of late and are all living on top of these bins right now. Like everything it has its moment in the spotlight right now, and when it is over I will place it in a bin, label it, and another fabric of the moment will take over the lids of the bins!

Large library of Art Books on Left; Books I am currently obsessing over on Right

                                      

And none of this would be complete without showing you Ms. V's toys.  She does occasionally come visit for very very very short periods of time.  Basically, she can stay as long as she forgets about the spools of thread but once she heads for that printing tray...it is all over!

So what keeps me from going crazy with all this stimulation going on in this room?  This.

A blank design wall waiting for my latest crazy inspiration!

Linking up to WIP Wednesday.  Don't forget to check out all the amazingness in case you don't already...

- rebecca lynne