The last few days have been awhirl between work, contractors, packing, and oh yes, a little weaving. But I’ve arranged for estimates on redoing the flooring, painting most of the house, and some plumbing work, and figured out the general timeframe for our move. It is looking like the construction work will complete sometime around May 18, which means we could conceivably move in the weekend of May 25. Being a good project manager, however, I’m building in a buffer, so we will most likely move the weekend of June 2. (Which, alas, means I may miss my bi-monthly guild meeting! A pity, because I was really looking forward to June’s program.) Nothing is in stone yet (we haven’t even gotten estimates from everyone), but at least I can pencil in a schedule now.
Meanwhile, I have laid out the weaving studio with blue painter’s tape on the floor of the garage. I had to make a number of changes “on the fly” – mostly, making the walkways wider – but I think I’ve arrived at a workable arrangement. I still have to show it to Mike, though.
Regarding the woodworking dust, it’s a good question. I don’t have a good answer to that, and dust isn’t good for the compudobby (or me!). However, since Mike favors working with hand tools, there will probably be less dust flying around than if he were using a power sander. We’ll have to figure that out as we go. Better ventilation? Draperies between the woodworking and weaving areas? Life’s a puzzle.
I have also assembled a new 2’x4′ utility shelf, this time for my dyework. I’ve also hauled all my dyestuff and screen printing stuff out of cabinets, off the floor, etc. and put it into plastic tubs:
Er, yes, there is rather a lot of it. And there is still stuff left in the cabinets! But most of it is in those boxes. It’s basically a full set of Lanaset dyes, a full set of Cibacron F dyes, some Pro MX dyes, a full set of screen printing inks, various dyeing auxiliaries, devore and discharge supplies, tools for applying dyes (brushes, syringes), containers of all shapes and sizes, and safety equipment. I still need to pack the weighing and measuring equipment. Rather daunting, really.
On the slate for the coming week: finish weaving the yardage for the CNCH gallery (up to seven yards now, so only one yard left!), finalize things with the contractors, build the platform for the loom, and help Mike figure out how to cut up cabinetry so we can install a dishwasher.
And work, of course. Did I mention that I have a full-time job? And a very busy one, at that. It’s a good thing I’m the original Energizer Bunny – I’m needing that energy, right around now.
I am so enjoying your posts about the new house, and vicariously reliving the joy (and pains) of taking over my own home a few years back! Having a proper workspace is such a luxury! I hired a wonderful local worker (and good friend, who, sadly, died last year, leaving a great hole in the world) who put the workshop into shape for me, with shelves, some interior walls (the woodworker who built this house apparently had no problem with the breeze blowing through (-;) and a new roof. I treasure it not only for its utility, but as a gift from a dear man. There is also the thought that the man who built the house would be happy to know that craft still takes place in “his” workshop. I even kept his “not responsible in case of fire” sign!!LOL
Amidst all the work to get things done, you will have so much joy from your house, knowing that it “fits” you and is just what YOU want. There’s nothing like it!
Hmmm, Captain Reid (the original owner/builder of my house) left behind a motor-thingie attached to the wall in what I have begun to call “the Weaving Shed”. I have considered rigging it up as a bobbin-winder, so have never removed it! LOL (He also made the walls so thick and sturdy, having had unlimited access to good wood) that the house is the sturdiest one I’ve ever encountered…once inside, all hell can be breaking loose somewhere outside, and you never hear it!)
Keep posting! It’s fun to hear about your progress, and, as I said, recalls for me, and, I am sure, others, that unique excitement and wonder of your first house! May you have many years of happiness and creativity!
Congrats on the new house! So much fun to be able to make a space all your own.
Maybe something like shoji screens between weaving studio and woodworking shop? These would probably take up less space, hold less dust, maybe let some light through and be easy enough to make.