A lot of little things

 First the good news . . .

 The new blinds are up.  The previous ones, being tan, always looked dusty in this room of so much white.  So up went new ones, albeit not without a few choice words like jumpin' Jehoshaphat.

The trouble came with putting in the brackets; trying to hold them, the new screw, and the screw gun and not drop anything, which of course I did . . several times.

Finally the light bulb went off and I scotch taped the bracket in 2 places to the wood just to hold it until I could get the first screw in.  Now I do  plan on dusting them, but I've no plans for taking them down again. . . . ever!

The shelves went in the new storage cupboards, but not without a struggle.  As they squared up the cabinet, out popped several nail tacks on the back, messing up 4 places on the inside.

The problem tacks were removed.  New tacks installed this time angled towards the outer edge.  To do that, I took my smallest drill bit, started the tip in straight and then angled it carefully to the outside edge.  Just a smidgen.  Then the tacks were carefully driven from the back into the side of the cabinet.  Gorilla All Surface Glue was applied and smoothed with a Q-tip all the way down the back problem edge.  Clamps held everything snug for 24 hours.

Next came the doors . . . oh lawsy me, more colorful phrases.

The first door went on fine, but it was crooked on the outside.  The second one was off by 1/4" on the top bracket and would not line up at all.

After several attempts, I took both doors off, turned them upside down, and removed the center bracket from each.  Turning them upside down was the trick.  Both top and bottom hinges slid on correctly, were tightened, and then the middle hinge was slid in place and screwed to the door.

I'm now deciding if this is their final location before filling them with fabric.

Next on the project list is the old cabinet, which was given to me.

The screw holes on the outside and inside were filled with wood putty and will get painted over.

The icky backing will be replaced with cardboard that came with the new cabinets of which I painted one side white today.

We were very grateful for a weekend of warmer temps, sunshine, and NO rain.

If you're looking for an Xmas gift for some handy person or even for yourself, check the Harbor Freight sale ads and print out a coupon.

This lovely collection of 29 titanium drill bits in every size and then some, was only $14.99.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Dollies, wheels, and Dolly

Here is the first dolly I built with an edge, framed in by 2x4s.  Plans have changed and it will now go under one of the short cabinets.  You'll eventually see why when I finish that project.

By framing the inside bottom of the tall cabinet with painted 2x3's (which were glued and screwed for safety) 4 wheels were then attached making the cabinet mobile.

Why mobility??? . . .mostly due to yearly carpet cleaning and cleaning in general.  Of course, I also like to rearrange furniture . . . often.

Where did I get the wheels?  Harbor Freight had a sale on small furniture dollies.  With a coupon, I think they were $7.00 each.  That means each wheel cost less than $2.00.  A pretty good bargain for nice rubber wheels that fit perfectly.

Is Dolly excited about having new dollies in the house?  Actually no, she just wants mom to finish moving stuff around so she can go to the park for a big walk.

Enjoy your weekend everyone.  Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

A view from my window

Since the sewing room is in disorder, I relaxed with counted cross stitch last weekend.

 My fall festival purchase for holding rotary cutters, small rulers, etc.

Baskets by Dawn.  Notice the sturdy wooden handle and wood bottom.  This will last a long time.  

 The first dolly is done, and will go under one of the new storage cabinets.

 Friends came to raid the larder, gobble, gobble.

 Taken during the storm yesterday.  Acorns are falling in abundance on my roof.  This must be a mast year.  Odd thing is, I've seen nary a squirrel.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Last batch, promise.

 Painted gourds.  Too fun!

 What to get for the person who has everything.

Wood carving is very popular in this area.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Are you bored yet?

This will wake you up.  The next 3 photos are Giclees done by Ginger Donn of Wildlife Art.

Outstanding colors.

 So serene.

 Can you hear this robin singing?

Ginger and I had a lovely discussion about our love of animals and the wonderful folks who rescue them.  She's an incredibly talented lady.  If you love good art at a reasonable price, you'll want one of her pieces.

website:  gingerdonn.com

 Talk about sturdy!

 Are these not dreamy enough for an afternoon nap?  I love wood furniture and Mr. Richard Egli sure knows how to build quality into comfort.  He lives close by, so if you're interested in a chair just e-mail me so I can pass along his number.

This trio was created by JoLynn Matthews of Dancin Sun Pottery in Bryson City.  Lovely glazing technique, don't you agree?  JoLynn can be reached at Dancinsun130@aol.com

There are a few more photos of Fall Festival to share.  Sewing room photos won't be available until the rain stops so I can paint and assemble a few more dollies to move furniture around with.  Good gracious granny, this project is about to wear me out.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .