Getting organized in 2011 (Don't laugh)

As 2011 fast approaches, I am thinking about how I want to get myself organized.  It all starts with my desk/office area.  After seeing pictures in a few magazines of highly organized (and cute) desks, I am green with envy and determined to do something about my messes.


(Please note that the magazine pictures have NO wires showing, from the lamps or computers.  And most of the desks don't even have a computer on it.  Come on.........  get real.)


Here are pictures of my messy office. 

The wires.

The computer desk.

The auxiliary desk.

Under the auxiliary desk.

Today I spent several hours organizing the pictures on my computer.  There were 450 files of pictures to organize.  I have eliminated and re-organized 63 of those files and am up to the year 2006.  Digital pictures are mighty convenient, but keeping them organized is a daunting task.  (We won't even mention the boxes of unorganized printed pictures stored in my basement.)

I wrote out a LONG list of cleaning/organizing projects to occupy my time in 2011.  Will I ever have time to quilt or stitch or knit?  Yes I will.  I have also decided to carve out time each day for all my crafts.  

And now, since I don't have to do anything until 2011, I think I will go read a book.  

Please do not remind me of the list I made for 2010 - or the seven year goals I set back three (four?) years ago.

Ever optimistic.................

No Sewing Here

There is no sewing going on here.  I have been busy with other things and although I am having fun and enjoying the Christmas season, I'm also looking forward to January when I can concentrate again on quilting, stitching and knitting projects.

Tonight I am having friends over for dinner and an evening of knitting and/or making some simple Christmas decorations.  The table is set.

The wreath is up on the fireplace and a Christmas card from one of my favorite people is proudly displayed.

Although I decided that I would not decorate for Christmas this year, a few favorite things have found their way onto tables and walls.  Here are a few favorite Santas.

Today (and every day) I am grateful for friends, good food, a fire in the fireplace, and wonderful smells coming from the kitchen.

Apron

In the midst of working on various Christmas projects, I took an hour out to make this apron.

It is a panel - Cookie Jar Treats Apron by Wendy Edelson (licensed to Wilmington Prints).  There are two pockets that are cut to perfectly match the fabric.  I seldom purchase panels, but this one was well worth the price.

Christmas Decorating

Today I put my tree up.

(OK, OK, so it's a little itty bitty thing - it's a Christmas Tree!)

I also put out these two place mats that I started two years ago and finally finished today.

Of course good old St. Nick (made by Lindsay) was hung in the place of honor in my living room.

A woolie made by Moe  -

a quilt made by Melanie -

and a 12 Days of Christmas quilt (made by me) -

and a Scentsy warmer with the Nativity scene

complete most of my Christmas decorating for 2010

 

(Just love that Silent Night Scentsy warmer! ! )

Bonnie

Scarf

Tonight I finished knitting the scarf to go with my very first knitted sweater.  Now I have a complete ensemble for a very cold day.

Borders on

My blue and white nine-patch quilt top is finished.  The next step is making the backing and binding - and deciding whether to quilt it myself or send it out.  (mmmmmm - me thinking - mmmmmmm)  Who am I kidding?  It will get sent out!

(Too bad the navy blue border does not photograph well - it goes so nicely with the quilt.)

Slow, slow progress

Yes, I am making very slow progress on the projects posted recently on this blog.  Today I had a chance to work on the borders for the blue & white nine-patch and hope to get them finished tomorrow.

My sewing time was made easier by the addition of a new bendable light given to me by my cousin.  Every time I threaded my needle today I hit my target the first time - and I'm sure it was because of the good light spotlighting the needle and presser foot.

While watching TV tonight I also worked a little on this Halloween stitchery.  This is a particularly slow project because the 32 count fabric is a real challenge for me to see.  I can only do a little at a time before everything starts to get blurry.  However, I so enjoy stitching, even though it goes so slowly.

Today I am grateful for -
1.  Visiting with friends.
2.  My new bendable light.
3.  Enjoying Dancing With The Stars.
4.  The Down comforter I recently purchased.