Tuesday, January 14, 2014

I'm back finally after a year and a half! What has happened to me? The usual trips out of the country and to Jackson Hole to visit and also surgery for me. These things wouldn't have stopped my sewing but the big event did. After 43 years in Modesto, 32 in our farmhouse, we decided to move. We wanted to be closer to our Bay Area kids, closer to the airport, and our acre of high maintenance landscaping was just too much. So after looking at over 200 houses in person, probably 1000 on line, 11 offers (the Bay Area real estate market is insane) we finally got lucky and bought our dream house. During all this time I was spending every spare moment trying to get rid of things. 8 garage sales, dozens of trips to the donation spots, giving away and selling took lots of time. In June we closed on our new house and then started the big push to sell our old house and to pack umpteen million things.

I was a collector for many, many years. I counted over 350 framed items hanging on the walls and about 100 decorative plates. Collections everywhere plus of course all the clothing and fabric stash. Although I got rid of lots, there was still much to move. One giant and one regular moving van loaded up at the end of August and we had it all hauled over here. Now I had walls of boxes and much less storage space. Everyday unpacking, and more hauling away.

Not much sewing during this long time except a few isolated projects for my granddaughter. But NOW I am ready to sew again.  I can finally feel like a human. My wonderful new sewing room is set up and a delight to be in. Don't be mad, here is the view from the sewing room. Hard to see because of the back lighting but in the view are the bay bridge, downtown San Francisco, and Golden Gate Bridge. Heaven! I can have my cutting board set up and ready to use all the time. Plus Yvette (in the red robe and hat) loves it too.


p.s. I guess I will have to change the photo at the top of my blog....

15 comments:

Helen said...

well, I am so glad that mostly good things kept you from sewing and blogging. And, what a view! I AM jealous even though you warned us not to be.

Welcome back, Ann. I'm looking forward to more posts.
with best wishes,
Helen

Katej841 said...

Welcome back so glad to see that you are back sewing and blogging!

kathysthreads.wordress.com said...

Uhm, do you maybe have a guest room for a fellow seamstress?

MarcyF said...

Welcome back! It was such a pleasure to see you had posted on your blog, as well as PatternReview. I have truly missed your presence in the online sewing community and am highly looking forward to seeing new creations from your new sewing studio (with its utterly gorgeous view!!) You always provide me with such fabulous inspiration!

Anne said...

What a wonderful view! Glad you found your piece of heaven on earth. I suppose the huge armoire you always stood in front of to model your lovely creations didn't find a place in your new home. You'll have to post photos of your whole sewing room for us to see!

Martha said...

Ann - so glad you're back . You and your wonderful creations have been missed! And I love your rendition of Katherine Tilton's new dress!

Margy said...

Welcome back, Ann...I've missed your reviews and smiling face! You're due some serious sewing after a year like that!

Linda T said...

Beautiful view! Welcome back to blogging world! Will look forward to your new creations.

ElleC said...

What a gorgeous view! If that was my sewing room, I'm afraid I would just sit and look out the window. Enjoy your lovely new sewing room.

PS-welcome back to blogging and sewing

shams said...

Welcome back, Ann! Such a year-plus of change, but it sounds like you've landed in a wonderful place! I look forward to seeing you very very soon!

Jillybejoyful said...

SO nice to have you back blogging and sewing! And I look forward to seeing you soon :)

badmomgoodmom said...

Welcome back.

Despite your warning, I am jealous of your view as I look at the apartment complex 10 feet from my window.

Sharon Sews said...

Welcome back! So glad to hear you are settled and ready to enjoy sewing and blogging again!

linda said...

welcome back, you have been missed.what a lovely house and such great views, looking forward to seeing lots of lovely garments when you are settled in.
linda in Australia.

NancyDaQ said...

Amazing view! I hope you have many creative hours there!