24 February, 2009

State of the Dining Room

President Obama may be addressing US Congress, and really the world, tonight on the State of the Union, but I am currently concerned with the state of my dining room.  Or should I say, the kitchen table (since there isn't one), the office, the recycling centre, extra fabric/batting storage, obstacle course for the Smilosaurus, and landing zone for nearly everything that comes in to this house.  I love it and hate it.

While the basement is under reno, or as I like to call it, under the idea of renovation, I am stuck quilting on the dining room table.  That means I have to clean up before every meal and if Hubby needs it to look at plans.  Hence the bin of blueprints, a shredder, a sewing machine, ironing board, box of current projects, and cutting mat in the corner.  I want one of those pretty studios filled with organized thread, pretty little boxes of scraps, and an inspiration board. Damn you who have them!

Am I a little bitter?  Hell yeah.  I am so tired of the clutter, of watching that the girls don't play with my thread, and of constantly cleaning up my creativity.  Now I know why kids hate when we constantly tidy their toys and art stuff.  I'm not a messy person (seriously, can't you tell?) but I would love to keep some in progress works spread around.  Oh well, one day.

But I am not telling you the highlight of my day.  I spent almost a half hour on the phone with Mark Lipinski!  We bonded (at least I think so) over discussions about cabbage rolls and the Polish/Ukrainian border.  And I got his commitment for Quilt Canada next year.  He will be the keynote for our Professional Development conference, so mark your calendars for April 26-27, 2010. 

9 comments:

Cynthia said...

I so hear you on the state of the sewing areas. I am sharing my daughter's room and she would prefer I don't. One day is the goal and for now we make do. Thanks for sharing. It gives me courage to keep sewing inspite of not having the dream sewing room.

Twisted Quilts said...

I am so glad I have a sewing room with a door that I can close but it took me years to get to that point. I was just like you for so many years that I gave up my passion for the sake of neatness and that isn't necessarily good. Hang in there.

Ashley said...

Hi Cheryl, You're not alone - that's exactly how my dining room table looks! Luckily though we choose not to eat there so I can typically leave it laying out... a separate sewing room would be so nice, wouldn't it?!

Anonymous said...

I know exactly what you are talking about, I've been there too! And now when I have a craftroom I am complaining again, it's far too small. Next step will be to rent a studio, can't wait!!

Unknown said...

I get you and your dining table woes! I'm there too - but I've managed to work it out so that it's compact and easily put up. . . still dreaming of a studio though! How cool that you were talking with Mark!!! Congrats on his commitment :)

Amanda Jean said...

i'm so sorry to hear/see the state of your dining room. that's really tough.

but hey, congrats on getting Mark as a speaker! you have reason to celebrate!

jacquie said...

you talked with mark lipinski...how FUN is that and you got him to be the keynote...wow!! forget the dining room table...just drop your plate on your lap and eat from there!

Kim said...

The dining room table holds feasts of many kinds...many of us enjoyed this setup as we made room for babies...it is what it is. Relax and let the mess of life flow.

Jenny said...

Ooh, that looks just like my dining room! I have an ironing board that will smack you on the head if you sit in the chair at the end of the table. I should show you a picture sometime so you can feel better about your space.

I AGREE about the clean-up part. Makes crafting that much harder.