Thursday, February 08, 2007

Non Stitching Update....

Well, it really seems that winter is not my season for stitching. It used to be the season that I stitched the most, so it's a bit strange. I think it's to do with having more time in the winter than I do the other seasons, and due to that I'm catching up with friends, have relatives and friends visiting. Basically taking advantage of the freedom I don't have when I'm so busy working, and I simply don't get around to doing a whole lot of stitching or craft stuff.

That's my excuse for being quiet anyway. ;-)

I've been busy organising a surprise party for the end of the month. My great aunt (zia Christina) turns 80 and this is the first time I can remember her having a birthday in Scotland (as she lives in Italy). Her son asked me what I thought about having the party here rather than Rome and as always, I got volunteered into doing the organising. ;-) It's been a treat, though. We'll have relatives flying in from Italy (you've gotta love those cheap Ryan Air flight from Rome to Glasgow) and we're having it at The Lodge in Loch Lomond. The fun bit though, is that zia Christina hasn't got a CLUE what's going on (and neither does her sister - my nonna, as she can't keep a secret, so we didn't tell her either *grins*). They won't know until they get to the restaurant - not even about the relatives flying in from Italy. I'll definitely have to remember and bring my camera!

Other than that, since I last posted I turned 32 (yeeks!), and I've been busy with home improvements. I had new laminate flooring put down in the attic conversion. The attic is my retreat - I even have my craft room up there. It's been carpeted for years and yuck how I always hated that carpet, apart from the fact that Snoopy really made an awful mess of it. Cats + Carpets = Not Good!

So here are some photos of the new attic:


















Sorry, that was overkill - I've probably broken Blogger! It isn't completely finished - I'm still waiting on some rugs to get here and I haven't put everything out that I plan to yet, like photos and you'll see some cabinets are still half empty - though I'm keeping it as simple as possible. I put up floor to ceiling bookcases on one wall in the craft room (not shown), so most of my books are in there now. Much better - it doesn't look so cluttered.

When it comes to stitching, I do need to take a photo of my progress on Garden of Life (Blackbird Designs), the SAL that I'm doing with Karen. It's the only thing I've stitched on the past couple of weeks. :) I also need to take a photo of the beautiful gift that Karen made me for my birthday. I should really have done that earlier on, it's too dark now to get a decent photo. :-(

Hopefully it won't be so long before I blog again!

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yay, you're back! I've been thinking about you today - obviously the thought waves travelled all the way up to Scotland ;)

Your attic looks fabulous - what a wonderful space! Thanks so much for sharing photos :) Can't wait to see your progress on GoL - I haven't stitched on mine since I last posted a pic (Saturday) because I was waiting to see yours - I didn't want to get too far ahead ;)

Stitching-by-Jean said...

Glad to see you back, loved the pictures and that handsome SNOOPY!
Your little retreat is wonderful

stitcherw said...

Your party plan sounds great. She should be so surprised and thrilled that you took the time to plan it out and that family was willing to fly in to surprise her. I should certainly be a party to rememeber.

I love your attic room, it looks fantastic. I am totally jealous. Sue

Eleni Gratsia said...

Love the new look ... the floors look a lot better ... and now it looks even bigger!!!

Sorry that I've missed your birthday sweetie !!! Happy Belated Birthday! :-))

Wow, this party will be grand!! Good thing your great-aunt and grandmother don't have internet access! LOL

Jenn said...

the attic looks great and snoopy looks like he approves. :)

I hope you had a Happy Birthday!

Sharon said...

Hi Tina, Happy belated Birthday! Your attic looks awesome.

Von said...

Thanks for sharing your glorious retreat with us! I know you'll spend many happy hours there. :D

Chelle said...

Your attic space is fantastic! I love the clean lines and simplicity. I tend to froof things up with I decorate. Happy belated birthday!

Unknown said...

Oh wow, your attic is amazing. I hope to someday have a retreat of my own!

AuntSuze said...

Yor new stitching area looks wonderful!! Happy Stitching!!

lena-lou said...

How nice to see you on your blog again, Happy belated birthday to you :) We had a big family 'do' for my DH's gran on her 90th at Loch Lomand, it is beautiful there! I love the pictures of your attic conversion, it looks massive and a great place to relax in. Looking forward to your GOL progress, I too am doing that in a SAL with a few ladies.

Margie said...

Happy belated Birthday! Your sewing room is looks great! I'd love to have a space like that to call my own. :-)

Michelle said...

Glad you're back! We missed you! Your new flooring looks amazing, so pretty! Congrats on getting such a great project finished!

Wendy said...

Way cool attic space - I'm envious! It looks like you could just spend days and days up there.

Christine S said...

Your attic looks fabulous and not at all like a typical attic!! Thanks for sharing the pics.

Mel in Dubai said...

I just love your attic - it would be so retreat up there at the end of busy (or not so busy) day :)

elenamac said...

Spero che il compleanno di tua zia cristina vada benissimo sono sicura che organizzerai un sacco di cose belle!!
Il tuo appartamento รจ molto carino e riconosco un sacco di mobili Ikea!!!
Il tuo gatto troppo simpatico!!!

Ciaoo
elena

Melissa said...

Your attic retreat looks fabulous! I'd never want to leave.

Anonymous said...

Wow!!!

Chris and Terri said...

Tina it looks wonderful! I can't believe how big it is! I KNOW you will enjoy it! I am always amazed at how organized and tidy you are! Can you come help me?! LOL Love you bunches and hugs! Terri Roy