I’ve been on a home improvement tear since the end of ‘09. In part because our house is old (built in 1809) and always in need of some kind of repair, in part because it’s winter in New England, which means more layers, more gear, and more time in the house, and in part because I’m in the end zone of my new home decor book, so I’m feeling inspired!
The mudroom has been a source of frustration for me. It’s also our laundry room, which I originally thought was a great idea. But the staggering amount of laundry that is generated by a busy family of six, combined with all of the winter stuff we all need to keep active and enjoy the season, and topped off with a need for some kind of household storage had proved to be a great challenge.
Here’s what I’m up against:
Clean or Dirty, you tell me!
Whose stuff is this??
Wasted Space
So far, I’ve found some of these ideas to add to my inspiration board… let me know what you think!
from roomremix.com
from ll bean via blisstree.com
from shelterpop.com | photo from better homes and gardens
Looks like I have my work cut out for me! I’m glad it’s Sunday. Good day to work on the house. And so I’m off in search of creative solutions to my mudroom dilemma. Got answers? Share them, please!
The past few months have been particularly trying for my family and me. I’ve kept a lower-than-usual profile professionally, socially, and online. I’ve been leaning on a few close friends more than ever and I am so grateful to them. Today I came home to such a treat that I just had to share – and thank my friends publicly.
After a(nother) very long day, I came home to find a package on my porch from a dear friend in Vermont. She was the first friend I made after moving to New England. We came from Boulder ten years ago – and didn’t know a soul. We connected immediately and have been close ever since. She moved “up north” a few years ago, but the distance hasn’t hurt our friendship a bit. Our families get together for some holidays, a few special occasions, and when we can, we’ll drive up or they’ll come down just for the heck of it.
Anyhoo, I opened the package and was surprised and delighted to find an uplifting note and some goodies: envigorating green tea, soothing chamomile tea with lavender, refreshing eucalyptus soap, and a locally-made dark chocolate peppermint crunch bar (my favorite!).
Treats for the soul
Wow. Talk about making my day! Such a simple gesture, but it meant so much to me and felt so good. I guess that’s why they call it a “care package.”
So I wanted to say THANK YOU to my friend for thinking of me. And to a few select others (you know who you are) for answering their phones (a lot!) and texting me throughout the day. I love you and appreciate you.
And to you, Dear Readers, I suggest taking a moment to check in with a friend. Or your kids. Or your partner. Or your pet. Anyone who means something to you. And tell them so.
I’m getting down to the nitty gritty of my new book — and I’m so excited. It’s big and bold and a LOT of fun to work on. Right now, I’m choosing fabrics for the final projects. This just might be the best part. I loved the fabrics I used in Sew What! Bags, but [...]
Have you seen our latest knitting accessory? It’s the brand new Coco case for circular and interchangeable needles. Coco’s compact size makes it perfect for stowing at home or tagging along in your Lady B. Frankly my dears, it’s the best damn needle case out there.
The Coco case boasts 20 clear, sturdy pockets; [...]
Meanwhile, back at our HQ,we’re finally getting around to painting it. My fabulous dad came over and did most of the work — what a guy!
We moved into this space over a year ago, but have just been too busy to get it fixed up. Since the new space is more officey (and we’re really [...]
One of my favorite projects is Twist – the indie craft and art fair my husband Cory and I produce in Northampton, MA.
We do the show twice a year – in May and November. We just wrapped up this year’s holiday show: Twist III. This time around, we got a terrific suggestion from some friends, [...]
Phew. Finally time for a Fashion Week recap. What an amazing scene. When I arrived at the swank Bryant Park Hotel, I was really impressed. The hotel is small and boutiquey. The suite was beautiful, simple, and comfortable. And the service was the best hotel service I’ve experienced in years. To borrow from Ferris Bueller, [...]
As you may have heard, I’m hosting a Knitting Lounge and Media Suite at Fashion Week NY. And you may have heard that I’m working with kickstarter.com to raise the money to put it together.
Kickstarter.com is a new, amazing platform created for people to raise cash for their projects. There are artists and activists, filmmakers [...]
Hip, growing company based in South Deerfield, MA is seeking
energetic, hard-working Sales and Marketing interns. We’re a fun,
fast-paced business and we need you! Responsibilities include:
organizing and preparing marketing materials, market research,
competitive research and analysis, communicating via phone and
e-mail with retail customers, colleagues, and retail stores, regularly
updating dealer database, preparing weekly status reports,
recommending strategies for increased [...]
hello good people,
we’ve been crazy busy with photography, site building, book writing, media working, and prepping for the Knitting Lounge at Fashion Week, that we didn’t have time to get these interior shots on to the site earlier today. Enjoy…
Dottie Case Interior
Betty Case Interior
That’s it for interior shots for now. Will add more soon… [...]
