When did I first go to Hartford this year? April? That sounds about right.
Well then, since April, my little studio has been rather a mess. I packed up 2 boxes of supplies to take to Hartford, along with Mabel. Then when I returned in late May, knowing I would be leaving again at the end of July, I simply stacked the boxes on the floor right by my chair.
Yesterday I grabbed a couple of hours while Don was here to keep an eye on Scout and I finally unpacked those boxes and put everything in its proper place. I grabbed the camera and quickly took some pictures. No styling. No perfect lighting. Just as is.
This is what greets you at the top of the stairs. If this is your first time visiting the studio or craft space, whatever you want to call it, it’s located in the hallway upstairs. I don’t have a separate room for my things. This is it. Consequently, it’s almost impossible to get a complete shot of anything, especially in front of the cabinet – too narrow.
The skylight is a welcome source of light. (It’s rather dark here today as it’s going to rain, so excuse any graininess in the photos.) You can see Mabel, back in her rightful place.
A closer view of the mantel turned shelf.
My little nisse is hanging from a hook. And on the little shelf? My original Lamb With The Party Hat. See how tiny he is?
Underneath that vintage doily cover is my trusty Elna.
I refolded all the fat quarters that I took to Hartford. Oh fabric, you are so pretty.
My bookshelf, beloved muse Lambchop and some framed press that I’m rather proud of. The little vintage toy piano was a gift from Don. The other lamb, made of paper, was a gift from my sister Meredith.
Letitia, wearing my bloomers (from a play I was in, long ago.)
The cabinet that I got via Craig’s List, formerly painted in a combination of taupe and blue, now a soft pink.
The corner between the cabinet and the door leading to the guest bedroom/Don’s studio/office. That’s a flannel covered mini-design board on the wall and my chalkboard on the door. The silk parasol was a gift from my cousin when I was a young girl. He brought it home from Korea.
On the board? My current favorite quote.
Little treasures and supplies inside the cabinet.
The light isn’t the best, but take heart, if you want to see more you can find a lot of other photos of the studio on the blog.
Today I have to find space for all the reference books I’ve stashed in various totes since April. They go on the bookshelf in the bedroom. More sorting. More arranging.
And I will be watching my Red Sox in the ALDS at 3:00!
Scout update: Little miss continues to improve. I wish the bleeding would stop but yesterday, when I had to run to the vet for some special food, I happened to see the doctor who operated on her and she assured me again that it was normal. It only happens when she urinates – I guess that area is still healing. We have towels stashed in all her favorite places in which to recline, including the ‘tunnel.’ Last night she was so ravenous it was like she was hopped up on speed! But she’s eating and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. We are still really tired as we haven’t been sleeping all that well.
Here she is. This was taken just a moment ago:
Scout says thank you for all your prayers and love and everything. We do, too. Have I told you how much you all mean to me? A whole lot.
Happy Friday.
Claudia,I must confess, I envy your studio I never tire of looking at it. In fact lots of times I pull out your pictures for inspiration, to try and make a “Special place” for myself. -Judy A-
Thanks, Judy!
p.s. Did I miss the announcement of who won the last book? -Judy A-
No. I’ve been too overwhelmed and keep forgetting to pick the winner. I’ll announce it when I do.
It’s grey and raining; having seen your studio again, I know I’ll be picking up my knitting needles today and get on with making a simple sweater.
Poor Scout has had a rough go of it lately, as have you. Take care, Claudia.
-Karen
I’m circling around picking up the crochet hook again, Karen. Maybe today.
So glad things are looking up at your house! Now we can continue prayers for your roof!
Keep ’em coming, Dottie! Thank you!
Claudia, I like your treasures. You are way more organized that I could ever be. I need to try to re-do all my things this coming winter. Hope your Scout is okay. xoxo,Susie
She’s doing a bit better each day, Susie.
Scout is so precious and I love your studio, too! Enjoy your day Claudia.
Thank you, Shari!
Scout is so lucky to have such a sweet mom like you to look after her! She looks adorable on the couch.
She’s very photogenic, Jen!
I love your little hallway studio Claudia..it is so cozy and pretty..I have been on the lookout for a cute little Lamb Chop doll since I first saw yours..She was one of my childhood favorites and she is still such a cutie to me..Thank you for showing us a picture of our sweet Miss Scoutie..she looks quite comfy there and I am so glad to hear that she is eating well..
I got her at Cracker Barrel about 5 years ago, Nancy. I don’t know whether they still carry them. My sister got a little Lambchop (a dog’s toy) at Target.
It’s gray and raining here too…a good day to putz! You should each take a nap…great day for it. Scout looks like such an angel! ;)
Can’t nap – the Red Sox will soon be playing!
I love your little studio and all your beautiful little “things” that have so much meaning. I’m glad to hear Scout is doing better and that she was ravenously eating her food! She looks so sweet lying there on the couch. She has such beautiful, white fur.
She is a beautiful girl, Melanie.
I am so glad to see her looking better! I bet it makes your heart lighter. Prayers will continue for a steady improvement.
I love your space for crafting. I have a room and it is always messy. Even if mine was in the open like yours I would still have a messy spot! I love to see that some people are organized!
Well, I’m not working on anything at the moment! But if I was, I would clean up each day because we walk through this area all the time.
Sweet baby girl! So glad she is feeling a bit better. I know you and Don are going to need some rest yourselves! I have always loved seeing photos of your special craft nook! Inspiring what you can do in even a little space! Hugs my dear friend!!!
Thank you so much, sweet Linda.
You mean a lot to us, too, Claudia. I am so glad Scout is improving.
Your studio makes me smile, and I smile even more thinking of you at home with Don and Scout.
Thank goodness I’m back home, especially with all that’s happened to Scout!
I enjoy the pure cheerfulness of your studio each time you post pictures. I’m so glad your little sweetie is doing better. I’ll continue to pray for her and a complete healing. She looks very content and well loved there on the sofa. :-)
Blessings,
Betsy
She’s relaxing a bit, Betsy, but she’s very clingy. She doesn’t let us out of her sight. Poor girl!
Awww, how sweet that she doesn’t want to lose sight of you. No wonder – she hurts & doesn’t know what’s going on – she needs the security of her Momma and Poppa. How lucky that it happened when it did and you could be home. Big hugs for all – and go Sox!
Yay Sox!
Amazing to me how organized you are! That’s something I’ll never be!!
So glad Scout is eating and recuperating. I know you all are taking excellent care of her!
Judy
In this small of a space, you HAVE to be organized, Judy!
I love your little studio space so much! I’m so glad Scout is doing better, she looks so cute on the sofa. Hope you all can get some rest.
Slowly, but surely, we’re starting to catch up on our sleep, Kim.
Hi Claudia!! I love the photos of your studio!! They make me happy, especially with all your personal touches around!! I have been following Scout’s progress and I am relieved to hear she is on the mend!! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!! Have a good day!! Francine
Thank you so much, dear Francine.
Dear Claudia, Don and Scout
I’ve been out of action for a few days so I’ve just caught up on what’s been happening at Mockingbird Hill cottage.
Oh my goodness what a roller coaster you three guys have been on….
Dear Scout, I’m so happy you are getting back to your old self again – you poor darling it’s frightening when you’re feeling so unwell and can’t understand whats up. Your mommy and daddy were driven crazy with worry about you and they are so thankful you didn’t give up your fight – thank you.
Dear Claudia and Don, in my next life I pray that I come back as a member of your family where I know I would be loved and respected beyond all expectations! You are the most wonderful parents any animal could wish for.
Wishing the three of you a happy and relaxing weekend at home, just being together again.
Much love and hugs
Shane xox
Scout thanks you very much for your good wishes, Shane!
And thank you for what you said about Don and me. We love our children. xoxo
So sorry to be so late in this, but I definitely will keep you, Don and scout in my prayers. I’ve been socked in with doctor appointments for my mom and this is the first week I’ve had to take a breath.
God Bless and many healing thoughts coming your way.
Hugs,
Meri
I hope your mom is doing well, Meri. I’m thinking of you and your family, my friend.
Claudia, You sound so much more relaxed and happy. I am glad things are getting better for Scout. Doris
They are. She barked today because she wanted something. A good sign!
Your studio is darling. I know what you mean sometimes I just throw stuff into my office and it gets out of control, it’s nice to have it all in order.
The photos are awfully dark, Dawn, I’ll have to re-shoot on a sunnier day.
You in turn, mean a lot to us ! Yours is the first blog I turn to each day. Thanks for all the fabulous writing. Take care of yourselves too Claudia and Don. Glad to hear Scout feels somewhat better. An appetite is usually a good sign :)
It is. She’s very hungry today and she’s certainly more feisty!
I don’t comment often but I am always here enjoying your blog. I stumbled upon it one day (through a link from a book review a year or so ago)- it was really the first one I read regularly. As many others have mentioned, I too feel like I know you guys. It makes my heart happy to see sweet Scout is doing better! You all have been in my thoughts.
Donna in Atlanta
Oh, thank you so much, Donna. And thank you for taking the time to comment.
I just want to come over and pet that special girl. The socks are kicking the Rays butts right now, I can’t watch so I am reading blogs.
Hugs,
Mere
She needs a visit from her Aunt Meredith! Yes, we kicked your butts but tomorrow you have David Price pitching so it may be a very different game.
She sure looks comfortable there. Glad she is doing better. Your craft area looks great. I really need to tidy mine.
Smiles to you.
Linda
I may not touch it for a while so that it stays this way!
Thanks for the photo of Scout. She looks very comfy, and that makes me happy.
Scout looks so happy and content. I think she is grateful to be feeling better and to have her mom back. I always love seeing photos of your little work space, which is much better than my non existent one. I was just lamenting the fact that I have nowhere to sew now. I may have to go out in the garage. xo Laura
I love seeing your studio just as it is ~ without any mood lighting. It is always wonderful to be invited into someone’s sanctuary and to be at home. I am also so glad to know that Scout continues to improve. She has worked her way into my heart as well.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Oh, I just want to hug that sweet girl. Give her one for me, will you?
I always love seeing pics of your studio, it’s such a pretty space!
I love your creativity corner….so cool! Glad Scout is home….poor girl she’s been through the ringer hasn’t she. I am glad she has a home full of love to keep her comfy cozy.
Blessings, Joanne
I love the studio and all the colors from the fabrics. I’m a painter, not a sewer, but I can still admire all the cloth. I was wondering if when Scout is feeling better she’d feel like filling in on the blog for you one day? We’d love to hear from her.
Claudia, I always like an update on your studio, even if it’s just about organizing it, as there is something that I come across that I may have missed before! Love all the turquoise with the pinks and reds, and of course, the pops of quilted fun everywhere. Hope Scout is ‘up and running’ soon; she is such as sweet soul!
xo
Poppy
Your studio looks so well organized ! I am so glad Scout if feeling more herself. Give her a big mucha smoochie from me.
I love to see an organized area! Those neatly folded swatches of fabric make me swoon! A delightful visit!
I, like so many other, check in with you each morning. So thrilled Scout is recovering. Your studio is a dream, the lovely, soft colors make me smile. We are getting a ton of rain in Indiana this weekend, praying your roof can take it if it moves East. Your posts are a bright spot in my days. Thank you.
I love your little studio space.
Everything is so cosy.