Friday, December 30, 2011

The Quilt Shed - Phase I


A space of her own is every woman's dream,
so they say. I would have to agree.

I can't complain. I actually do have a sewing room in the house--and a large one at that.
 It was built for my mother-in-law. I have no shame.  Here is the present state of my collection. Two sets of bunk beds are piled high plus a queen size bed.



But several years after our move to the island, my quilt history/textile history library, research files — not to mention my teaching collection of quilts and quilt ephemera — has long outstripped the space and taken over both guest rooms in the back part of the house as well.  







One of the guest rooms.  All the quilts get moved when family comes.


They get moved into this small shed above.


So, it's time to build new storage space just for quilts so that the family can have their guest rooms back!




This will be the view down the driveway from the deck of The Quilt Shed.





Machines have replaced buggy-whip makers and ditch diggers


Searching for current electrical lines, not unlike looking for buried coins at the beach.



The electrical line comes out of the house at this corner and goes out to the pump house.


Bill Lewis instructs the digger to go down 24 inches.











Where the line to the well comes out from the house, hand digging takes place so as to not damage the line.


A sharp turn is required as the digging heads up the hill.



 The tree roots and salal roots take such a beating but once things settle down, they will grow back.



Rather looks like the Big Guy lost its false teeth!

Stay tuned for the next phase!

Meanwhile, happy New Year from all the Gang!


20 comments:

  1. This sounds like a great project! We have talked about taking down a wall between two of the rooms but nothing has happened yet....

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  2. Wow - the finished project sounds wonderful! Just stay strong during the process. A few years ago we added a 500 sq ft addition to our formerly 1,000 square foot home. During the foundation and utility dig, many neighbors asked if we were tearing our house down! We lived in the house during the whole process. Good luck!

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  3. How exciting. Looking forward to watching the progress.
    Looks like their might be some buried treasure in your sewing room too once you can sort it all.
    Happy New Year
    Sue

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  4. Wow Karen how great!
    I have to say I am jealous, but more than that happy for you! all the space will be amazing...and think of all the fun you can have filling it to the rafters with even more quilting treasures!!
    Happy New Year
    Tim

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  5. LOL! That's exactly what my husband is afraid of!! And then the "house creep" will just start all over again!

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  6. This is exciting. Thank you for sharing the process.

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  7. YAY!! Glad you are finally getting this done!! I am excited for you

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  8. Karen: It's wonderful! I am so happy for you. It's hard to believe that you could have your collection in earlier years in the townhouse across from me in Reston, VA. Now, we both have moved for a few years and I have my dream sewing and quilt room. It's more than time for you to have your dream, too. I can't wait to see the results! Love - Marie

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    1. You've got to come visit the islands sometime, Marie!

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  9. Wonderful Karen! Enjoy this new space.
    kind regards,
    Valerie Hearder

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  10. Found your blog (and subscribed) thru your post on WSIQ, you have some fascinating info! Good to know you lecture, sounds like something our little group here on Anderson Island (near Tacoma) would enjoy, I'll mention it at our next meeting.
    Sandi (a die-hard island dweller)

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    1. Thank you! Does your island also require a ferry ride? I know a few are reached by bridges. How long have you been quilting?

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    2. Yes, we are dependent on the ferry, about a 20 minute ride. Sure makes you plan out the off island trips! I've been quilting for around 30 years now, retired last year, can now quilt and garden all I want!
      Sandi

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    3. I'm thinking of offering a quilt history retreat here on Lopez Island sometime next year. If there is enough interest, I might even do it once a year. Is it something you think you would be interested in yourself? I think I need to devise some kind of "what would you like to learn about quilt history" survey to get a feel for what folks would hope to get from such a retreat.

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  11. What a wonderful thing to get for 2012! I am desperate for a space of my own that is larger than what I have. I will live vicariously through your joy!! Marcia Kaylakie

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    1. Thank you, Marcia. It truly does bring me joy!

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  12. Enjoy your new space, Karen. Sounds like great fun!

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  13. Wow - a quilt shed! What a great space to have - I need one of those too for my own quilting and creating. I will be looking forward to seeing the progress. Have been following your blog and I enjoy it very much. Keep up the good work!
    Pam
    http://cubcreekart.weebly.com/

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  15. Thank you to each of you for stopping by to read my blog and for all your comments about the new Quilt Shed. I suppose if I didn't have any readers, I would still write blogs...because that's what I love to do as much as I love to study quilt history. But it's so much more fun when there are readers! The progress on The Quilt Shed has come so far so fast that yesterday I did a walk-thru with the electrician to show him where I wanted all the outlets as well as track lighting.

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