The Quilts of Ann Brauer: everything in its place--well almost

Now in my ideal world, my new studio was going to be done. I dreamed of taking my work--one small van load at a time across the bridge and putting it just where I wanted it with next to no disruption in my sewing. How sweet that would be, wouldn't it?

Of course that did not happen. The studio needed painting and electricity, the mini-splits were still on the floor. The windows needed to be finished. Oh so much to do. But they did have an area cleared for me and new tenants were moving into my former space. So--with the help of my wonderful DH and two great friends--thanks Scott and Kate--everything was in boxes and bags. Wrapped to protect it. And stashed.

Doesn't this look like fun?

Now luckily this is a space that is at once familiar and new. It was designed with windows for the sewing machine. I knew where it was going. The counter beside it. The ironing board in its place. And I am used to setting up my display area. After all, every time I do a craft show I pack my possessions in my van, load in the display and the work and in a day or so make it home. This was just a craft show on steriods.

First things first. Get a couple LARGE storage cabinets. One for craft shows. One for supplies. The more I could store, the less I would have to search through. Order out of chaos. And yes, they do double duty as design boards. Can you ever have too many?

studio--Ann Brauer

Then as they worked, I could work. If I can't set up my studio, I can make potholders. Do what I know as I search for the tools. Not bad huh?

potholders--Ann Brauer

Finally the workers left--at least most of them. Time to uncover the floor. Doesn't it look magnificent?

studio--Ann Brauer

What goes where? There is a bit of order already. Get the quilts out. Sure, those Abstracta will be replaced at some point. For now though, it is time to get the studio set up. See what goes where.

studio--Ann Brauer

Move the display furniture into place. At least sort of. Do what I know.

My amazing DH made me even more design boards. I really don't think you can have too many, can you? These are just foam board covered with flannel sheets. Look great, don't they? Yes, I created an island with my plastic containers for fabric. Maybe not the most elegant but I have them. I know where the fabric is. Maybe later I can upgrade. Looks good, doesn't it?

studio--Ann Brauer

I put my foam mats down in the work area. I had purchased those to cover an ugly rug in the temporary space. I think in the back of my head I always planned to move, don't you? Yes, I want to do an Ikea-hack for my ironing board. Get a bureau with storage and put the ironing board on top of it. Why waste that space? Soon, Ann. Soon.

While my DH is there, we hang the big quilt. Again, I knew where it was going. At least more or less. The studio was designed for the big quilts on this wall after all.

studio--Ann Brauer

Fill in the holes. Tidy up a bit. This is not a permanent display. The quilts are supposed to find new homes. It will always be a place in motion. And that is how I want it.

quilts--Ann Brauer 2014

Tuck things in place. I just had to get this new sewing box. It was in such good shape. Not sure where it goes just yet. Not sure how to use it. For now it can hold some potholders. That can change.

studio--Ann Brauer

And get the front entrance looking better. Luckily I have this great counter. I bought it for the former studio. Looks good, doesn't it? You can see glimpses of the sewing machine with the windows. The light is absolutely fantastic. Better than I could have imagined.

studio--Ann Brauer

Then move my display rack to an angle so those coming in can immediately see color. Again, there may be better places for this. More to do. But for now I can live with it. Think about it as I sew.

studio--Ann Brauer

And now to figure out how to get my customers to find me. Always something, isn't there? They still need to do a bit of work on the building. Patience Ann. But I am open. Each day I hang another quilt. Make another tweak.