Wednesday, November 28, 2007

My Sad Little Softie ... and Remodeling is Not For Wimps

Hi everyone! I know its been forever since I've posted anything...let me just say that remodeling projects in a small home are VERY trying and not for wimps. Unfortunately, I am a wimp and have complained through the entire ordeal...and its not over yet. The cabinets are in (yea!) and I do have a stove now(yea!) but, we're still without a sink and counter tops (boohoo).

I know it can't be easy to live through gutting a kitchen in any home, but I can't help but to think that in a larger house there is probably at least one room to retreat to that has not been coated in drywall dust. There is also, most likely, a garage in which to store the infinite number of large boxes containing the cabinets, hardware, sink, and major appliances rather than having them stacked to the ceiling in the living room, dining room, and hallway! (I still sound bitter, don't I? I need to work on that.) Its just such a mess here that I can't even bring myself to take pictures. Hubby has been documenting the process, though, and when its all done and I'm in a happier place, I'll share the kitchen reveal.

In the meantime, I have been sewing a little. I wanted to try my hand at one of these cute little softies. As a child I can only remember having one doll (a Thumbelina) but I had literally hundreds of stuffed animals. I just loved their cute little faces. While making a diaperbag/tote for a friend, I thought it would be so cute to make a matching "Purse Pet". I've never made anything like that before, so I thought I better use a pattern my first go around. The talented lady over at the Wee Wonderfuls blog provided a free print out pattern of this little bunny.

Now, my sad little softie bunny bares little resemblence to her cute examples. Mine is slightly lumpy, leans to one side, and I'm not sure what's going on with her eyes. LOL
But, as my first attempt, she will have an honored place in the sewing room. :) Hmmm....she still needs a name. Any suggestions?

19 comments:

MODERN COUNTRY said...

First attempt, you are kidding right? She is gorgeous!!! I love her eyes!
I know it can be hard with renovation, but hang in there Niesz! Finally you will get your dreamkitchen and then all the work will just be a faded memory. I can`t wait to get a glimpse of it though :))

Your visits and your thoughts make me so happy. And i am glad that you are asking how i am. Not many out there do that, they are oh to busy these days..thanks!! It has been a few very difficult weeks, but I have learned to be more aware about my own feelings. I have decided to do more for me. I want to be a good sister, and I really am. But it takes so much energy listening to all the sadness you know. So I have been taking a break, a creative break. Now i am back and are trying to make those Christmas gifts that i had planned to do. Yes,i am making giftbags! :)) How did you know, LOL...I am almost finnished. I hope you also are doing fine, not to worried about all the things that is happening in your house. It will be fine! :)

Enjoy rest of your week and have a fun weekend! Hug, Aina

Anonymous said...

LOL, I love your little softie!

I've been through remodeling a kitchen in a small house, definitely challenging. Also been through it in a very large house, easier to find a place to hide! Yet, the dust still travels and the mess and inconvenience drives you nuts.

Happy remodeling, and hugging that cute softie!

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure this is going to make you feel better, but NO, in a larger home you're still drowning in dust and boxes. My last house was 2700 square feet (not huge but not tiny) and we spent the entire four years covered in plaster dust, dirt, sawdust, wiring bits, and boxes, boxes, boxes moving from one room to another. Just wait--you'll think it's worth it when it's done (and we want pictures!) :-)
~ANgela :-)

Sugar Bear said...

Oh I so understand. We've done most of the work in our small home ourselves and it is so overwhelming. I so know what you mean about the dust coating everything! That literally sends me into a spiral of depression - it can be too much. But I know that it will all be worth the effort, though you may not think that now!
Hugs,
Karla
P.S. The softie is adorable!

Anonymous said...

Not very original, but Cottontail comes to mind ~ good luck with the renovations.

Marie x

Anonymous said...

She looks sleepy, but cute! I think renovation is hard whether your home is large or small. But it'll all just be a bad memory when it's finished and you'll be so happy with the result you'll forget. Then you know what happens....you remodel another room!

Manuela

Wanda @ Just Vintage said...

Oh, she's so sweet! I'm not a good namer, so won't offer any suggestion.

I understand exactly how you feel. We lived with a remodeling mess for a year. My stove was under the carport last Thanksgiving. We're still not through, but I can at least get the place clean now.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I hear ya about small house remodeling! So depressing! Hang in there - it's going to all be beautiful and well worth the dust and disarray!

Your softie is adorable! So sweet!

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

LOL! That was from me, Kim - Twilightmama - Mama Twila - whatever, hehe! How embarassing.

Rosemary said...

So glad you are back blogging.
I think any project let alone a remodel is crazy!!
Love your little softy!
Rosemary

Jennifer Paganelli said...

wow what a cute bunny...so nice to hear from you...looks like you are redoing something that's always exciting...I hated the dust too..but always worth it in the end..all my best, Jennifer

Jodie said...

hmmm how about Wilma- wonky wonderful wilma - she is superb for a first attempt - well done

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Thank you, everyone! For your encouraging comments.
I needed to hear that others have survived his type of thing. LOL

Marie, I think Cottontail is cute. Maybe she can be my Calico Cottontail.
Oh, but Jodie's Wonky Wilma is so appropriate, too. (with her leaning problem, and all).

Thanks again everyone!
Kimberly :)

Bristol said...

You are brave. We have a whole lot going on here across the river. We are working on our bathroom. Pulled the nasty vanity sink out. We now need to go buy a new one. Not fun!!!
Good Luck
Bristol

Anonymous said...

Sad little bunny I think not ahe is gorgeous!
cd&m
http://catondarlingandmoore.typepad.com

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

Love your bunny. So cute! I saw a comment you left on a blog about organizing your office space. I did the same to my home office. Please come take a peek. It's a past post on my blog via video! Beware, you must like PINK and lots of it! Please tell me you stopped by!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Living through renovation is awful, but worth every minute once it is done. Kind of like childbirth. But more painful.

Gale said...

I LOVE your cute little bunny. I can just see pulling it out of a purse for a grandchild to play with when we're out and having everyone think it is SOOO adorable.

Gale said...

As for remodeling, we have a 100 year old "four square" that after 35 years I'm just now getting around to stripping the beautiful oak woodwork. My husband, as wonderful as he is, does not do well with powertools so any projects are either done by me or hired. Luckily my Dad taught his girls to be handy.