Making a Creative Space

Since moving into our house three years ago I had yet to unpack my sewing and crafting supplies. Several months ago I finally unpacked and set things up in an area of our finished basement. It was sufficient but I had taken over what used to be used by our kids as their board game area. Needing to return that space to my kids (they are fanatical board game enthusiasts) the hunt was on for a new space. 

We have a beautiful sunroom (since it has a gas heater we call that a "four season" room here in Michigan) that overlooks the woods behind our house and is home to our piano. When my husband suggested I take up space there I couldn't resist. I had just moved my reconditioned treadle in there and it looked amazing. Now all I had to do was figure out how to get all my supplies and my electric machine in that space without having it look like a craft room. That space is our serenity and we wanted it to remain uncluttered. 

What else do you do in a creative space but get creative?! I already had my hope chest in that space and it housed all of our music books. I didn't realize how many we had but found a new home for them on a shelf in the garage with easy access through an adjoining door to the garage. 

Fortunately that space behind the adjoining door opens to a landing in the garage. It housed our recycling which I found a new home for and now use that space as my craft "closet". An old dresser already stored in that space became a great place to organize my craft supplies. Someday I plan to enclose the space and add built in shelves in an effort to keep out a bit if the cold. Going into the garage in the middle of a Michigan winter can sometimes involve bundling up which I would like to avoid. 

I now have a comfortable, serene place to sew and create. Being able to hide my sewing machines makes it even easier to keep this as our serene place to relax. The view is an added bonus!

Creatively Speaking,

Woven Headband - Keeping Ears Warm!

So I have finally finished my daughter's requested ear warmers! Our last winter was extremely cold and we set a record 10+ missed school days. During that time my middle daughter requested some ear warmers.  I came across this pattern on ravelry.com (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/woven-headband)  that she approved. Even though it's July AND we have encountered a typical Michigan colder-than-usual summer I did manage to finish the project. 

I love this pattern. Although the constant cables were a bit trying at times it is tightly enough woven to prove warm but lets enough air flow that I think her ears won't get too hot.  I think this type of basket weave pattern would also prove suitable for a very warm shawl.  

If you have some experience with cables or would like to get some great experience with them I highly recommend this pattern. I also recommend ravelry.com as a great resource for finding free patterns for your knitting or crocheting needs. 

Creatively speaking,

My Trusty Treadle; Exceptional Edna

As a young girl I loved reading Little House on the Prairie and even dreamed of being Laura Ingalls Wilder. Unable to convince my husband to live off grid in the wilds of the Michigan forests I've turned to my trusty treadle sewing machine to satisfy my pioneer spirit.  She was given to me by my in-laws and was proudly owned by my husband's great grandmother Edna Hibner.

Edna Hibner

 Recently I decided it was time to give her a good cleaning, oil her thoroughly and start using her religiously.  To my dismay the bobbin winder broke during her cleaning due to a hairline fracture.  Luckily a quick stop on Ebay proved sufficient to purchase a replacement part and I was once again able to get her running smoothly.  To clean the decals I used an all-purpose metal cleaner and cotton swabs taking care not to clean so thoroughly that I removed the color on them.  Here are a few before and after pictures.

Decals near the hand crank; before & after

Decals above the thread tension assembly; before & after

 If you have never sewn on a treadle I assure you they prove trusty and true with every stitch.  She will sew consistently through the thickest of fabrics.  And there's nothing like treadling while you sew.  As a friend commented its a great way to combine art and exercise!

All shined up! (Here she was still waiting for her new bobbin winder)

Creatively Speaking,