Silent Studio : Noisy Blog

I'm sitting at my new desk with my toes nestled in a cream shag rug. It's my first full day working from the new studio.  We still have a lot of painting and decorating to do before this place feels like home, but the shag rug is a cozy start -- along with my green, crocheted, doily coaster.  

-- Which reminds me that I need to park a camera up here if my photos are to match up with my chit-chat now and again. Here are a few Nicey Jane pillows and a full-size Nicey Jane quilt. Recognize the settee, updated & reupholstered in a french-gray velveteen? --

The hardest thing to get used to is the glorious quiet.  Who knew quiet could be so distracting.

My studio at home is smack-dab in the middle of the house, with two wide, arched entrances and no doors.  I'm used to Isaac's music and loud-talk from the other room, dogs barking at the front door, Dora the Explorer calling out from the family room and Charlotte playing at my elbows. Oh, and four phones and a fax machine ringing intermittently.

Charlotte will still play at my elbows here, as she should.  She has discovered a 'cave' at the back of my display dress form.  She rounds up my three sock-doll bats and lets her imagination trot along.  The beefy warehouse shelving makes for fabulous bunk beds too, I'm told.  For turtles, elephants, bats, and little children. 

The rest of the happy rackity-clackity will stay put at home.  I'll still be there most of the time to enjoy it.

Gotta run.  My mom is on her way over for a lunch date.

Comments

[happy zombie]

Why I like the occasional (short) power outage... the pure silence is like music.

[Susan L]

nothing like a little silence ... that's why i like work first thing in the monring before everybody else arrives. but power blackouts ... not my thing. the power was still out this morning at home before I left

[Susan]

Congratulations Heather on your new studio! How fun is that!! Can't wait to see all the wonderful new fabrics and things you create from your new space.

SusanOver at "RaisinToast"

[Jennifer Schroeder]

Can't wait to see pics of the new space!!

[gina f.]

your couch looks lovely with all the Nicey Jane accessories!! Did you see Studio Calico (a scrapbook kit club) used Nicey Jane for a banner project kit this month? Enjoy your new space!

[blop]

I, too love the quiet! Early mornings with the birds chirping is my fav music!! I can get so much more done, when it is quiet!

[heather]

love what you did to the settee, looks fab!

[Rachel]

Quiet? What's that? Haha, just kidding. Love your upholstery job on the settee and I can't wait to see pics of your new studio!

[Rachel]

Love the settee. We're looking for a new couch. I've told people that I'd like gray and they look at me like I'm weird. I think it's the perfect color to sit in the background while my quilts and pillows shine out.

[Meredith from Penelope Loves Lists]

Sounds like a perfectly wonderful studio. I hope your creativity continues to flow in it.

[Heather Bailey]

Gina F., where can I see the Studio Calico kit? Is it for a sewing project?

[amy norris]

to me, there is nothing more peaceful than the sounds of my sewing room/studio. the humming of the machines, the way the irons tick and tock, pandora cranked up on my blackberry (which is on silent so the overload of emails doesn't distract me) and the best part....my sweet toddler "makin some cwothes and pants and stuffs" with my fabric scraps, some tape and glue and some safety scissors that "don wanna cuts any of my fabics." :)

[CMN]

STUNNING makeover on the settee! It looks gorgeous -- and the Nicey Jane pieces simply 'pop!' against it. Good choices there all around, Heather. And thanks for sharing those pics.

(consider that subtle reinforcement that getting a camera at the new spot is a good idea... LOL!)

[JazzyGeof]

Great stuff, have a look at our BLOG I'm sure you'll find it interesting too A day in the life of a fancy dress shop

[Cindy]

Silence sounds good to me.

I love the nice jane colors against the gray sofa.

[kimM]

I'm impressed that you can actually get work done with a child "playing at your elbow" :) They are certainly the loudest, most distracting part of my world (not that I'd trade them for quiet--at least, not more than a couple hours a day).

Love the settee.

[the messy nest - Jen Osborn]

The silence is always so shocking at first! I remember when both my children were first off together for a full day of school, and the quiet seemed to echo and boom. Now, I usually play music to keep me company, but every once in awhile those quiet days are like treasures :)

May you create AMAZING things in your new studio!

[Nancey]

The settee is gorgeous. All those who left comments to convince you not to change it are drooooling right about now!

[erin]

I was just researching sewing projects and craft blogs and I found yours and I'm smitten. I'm now following!

[Shirley Hudson]

The turtles and elephants are so darned cute!!! Your patterns are so cheerful. I love the vibrant feel. I am making some bunnies right now from retro fabric into a pattern. I, too, have been changing to a new studio...so much work, but so worth it. I wish I could wave a magic wand and everything would be in place and organized right.

[jay anderson]

love the summery colours and it reminds me a little of Kath Kitson's fabric - Lovely!

[mindy t]

The quilt is beautiful. Is there a pattern?

[Whoshue.blogspot.com]

I can't wait till I'm able to have my own studio, I can't think of anything better than surrounding yourself with inspiration!
A sea view would be nice as well - but I'll start with a studio first!!
Enjoy...

[elinor peace bailey]

Gorgeous. I think of Heather Bailey like honey. It spreads and sweetens all it touches. Takes on's breath away. The ratter and clatter of life at home is a kind of silence. It means life goes on. Sometimes silence is less predictable. Good to have both worlds. Love Mom Bailey

[thehobbybarrel]

You are so artsy! And all of your crafts come out sooo beautiful. I agree with so many others that your fabrics are oh so wonderful. I have a site and it is in continual slow progression. Hopefully it will be as amazing as yours. The-Hobby-Barrel

[Erin]

i think i`m in love with your website. Brilliant Heather!

[Debra]

Glad to see you back! I have always wanted a studio of my own.(sigh) Sounds wonderful! Congratulations!!

Hugs,
Debra

[mathea]

Your settee looks fab. The gray is so classy, and it won't compete with your wonderful fabrics. Enjoy your new studio, I'm sure you'll get used to the lack of noise. And having a separate studio means that when you get home you are really at home and can relax and enjoy being with your family.

[Марат]

Спасибо!
Вот мой сайт http://www.vrs.su/

[Cindy Sue]

I just found you! What a surprise and a delight. I can't wait to come back.

[Tracey]

Looks like spring! Love all the floral fabrics, gorgeous, puts me in the mood for sewing!
Tracey

[Ravenhill]

Oh, I am just insanely mad about your sofa. It is incredibele with the gorgeous quilts made with your wonderous fabrics on top. It can't get any better. I am so enjoying your new line! Thanks for all the delightful inspiration!
♥ Emily

[rebekka]

The color for the settee really is perfect.

[Adina Greenwood]

Awesome stuff coming out of your (new) studio!! There is one thing off subject i was wondering about though (and this is because I'm a nerd sometimes). Are you planning on hosting "March Of The Tools" again? I was looking forward to it this year but I realize things have been hectic for you with the move.
Let me know if there's anything I can do to help with that. It would be fun to keep it going.
Adina
www.adinagreenwood.wordpress.com

[Crystal Singing Bowl]

Great article. Interesting site. I am addicted to your stories.

[Jodie - Gingham Daisy]

Nice to have you back. Three weeks was far too long!

[marijka]

And how exactly are you going to keep that shag rug clean in a SEWING studio? :-) Hope you've got a ~really~ good vacuum.

[Heather Bailey]

Good question. The rug is under my computer desk. I'll probably keep the sewing to another area of the studio. The place is 2300 square feet - plenty of room to grow.

[Alice Magazine // Alice Media]

Hi Heather!

Very spring like over here - just to let you know you are blog of the day today over at Alice Magazine: http://kathleenandthedreadedopium.com/alicemagazine/2010/03/heather-bailey-fabric-lifestyle-designer/

x x

[Melissa Stramel]

Hi Heather. I love the sofa. So pretty. But where is March of the Tools? All year I have been thinking of my favorites, so I could post too! Boo hoo! Just joking. I know you are super busy.

[Heather Bailey]

I so want to do MOT, but am just overwhelmed this month. Tons of deadlines & a huge move. Oh, and the kids' Spring Break too. I may have to bring back last year's April of the Tools. No promises yet. Of course, I would love for folks to keep the flame alive!

[Sandy]

OMG, I LOVE this grey couch with the fun, colorful throw blanket and pillows! Heather - you're patterns are truly amazing and an inspiration to sooo many people. I wish I could own all of your patterns in my measly fabric collection!!

[amy faldet]

Happy days! I am so glad you can have a sacred and fun space with quiet! Congrats! Blessings and wishes, amy

[Rend]

thanks for post :)

[Windinmyletterbox.wordpress.com]

I'm new to Arizona, and recently stumbled upon your fabrics while perusing a little shop by my house, and I love it! I'm sure I will make many wonderful things to brighten my new home :)

I hope to be showing off some things that I've made from your gorgeous fabrics on my blog someday soon!

[Kristen]

Thanks(=

[Ella Quent]

what a beautiful, refreshing, website! The colors are simply amazing I look forward to following along.

[Catherine]

Beautiful mix of colours

[California king bedding]

I think the like the pillow casing. The vibrant colors makes it stands out. Will be great decorations to have in a living room.

[Maryellen]

any info on the quilt pattern and fabrics used? It's all so wonderfully fresh and springy!