In the Making: A New Workspace!

Look what we've been making this weekend! I can hardly believe it's mine! Last Saturday we drove down to Sydney, left the kids with my folks and slipped out to Ikea and shopped like two child-free pigs in mud. Armed with a generous gift, some Christmas money and some hard earned savings, we were able to get exactly what I needed to fill my designated sewing wall and free up our dining table.

I still can't believe it to look at it. At Christmas, with Tim still unemployed, I reflected that things not going to plan seem to be part of the plan. I could never have imagined that by Easter I would have this special, beautiful space.

It took me a while to decide what I wanted. I scoured second hand places for beautiful old furniture. I needed enough room for my stuff plus a desk to work at, and I needed to keep little fingers out. But nothing would quite do the trick. It was either too big or too expensive. So I embraced the versatility of a flat packed kitchen and we spent a restful Easter Sunday putting it together. It was a really fun way to spend a special day with the family.

So this is it, nearly done! As you can see, I got a bit impatient with screwing holes and started packing. And soon after this photo was taken, I started sewing! So, needless to say, it's still 80% finished.

All my fabric is up high out of reach. We used a couple of towel rails under this shelf for finished clothing waiting to be photographed. And we cut the timber bench (which we got for a steal in the reduced section!) to lower half of it to desk height. What do you think?

Do you know that in about 10 days I would have been blogging for a year? You can read my first post here. I was inspired to blog by an ugly creeping feeling for Anna Maria Horner. She was building her new studio and I had a little teething baby who tied me to the couch and made me feel utterly dissatisfied with my life. It was while hanging the washing out one day that I had the thought that maybe, if I just took photos of the things I loved and made, I would be on the look out for the beautiful, wonderful things in my world. Then I started to make. Then I got the courage to sell what I make. And following a vast array of celebrations and disappointments, here I am, in my sunny new studio and I can't help but think that that moment hanging out the washing had everything to do with it.
Many people, when they have a blogging anniversary give something away. But could I impose upon you do give something for me? A little while ago I wrote about my dear friend Jem and her three kids. Do you know that with online and offline donations, they're nearly half way to their $55,000 goal for new electric wheelchairs! That's amazing! Thank you to those who have so generously donated. My raffle on my Facebook page is running till Saturday. If you've donated, you can comment under the Giveaway Album to enter to win a great bunch of handmade prizes! And there's some yummy voile on offer! Here's where I'm up to with my Little Folks voile quilt... I can't wait to finish and show you the whole thing!

Thanks for being along for the ride! Jodi. xx