Beach Cottage Renovation - Half Way!

I'm so excited by the progress made this week - just look at my new stairs!

 No more clumsy man-handling of the vacuum, no more worn path up the middle!  These will get a clear coat, just like the floor.  We'll see how slippery they are - could be a runner has to be put in place, but I hope not.

And, look at my new peninsula and cabinets:

The new vent hood is just visible over to the upper right - when the HVAC guys hooked it up, they stated that it would, indeed, lift the hair on my head when I turn it on.  That is just so perfect for the seared tuna, crab boils, grilled whatever, and flash-sauteed mahi-mahi that will continue to get cooked in this kitchen.  Only now, the whole house won't smell like dinner for 12 hours!

The refrigerator nook is finished except for the doors and painting...

There will be a pantry on the right hand side, and a pull-out pantry on the upper left.  Lots of storage.

See how the refrigerator is just inching over, trying to sneak into her new room?  She's going to be SO HAPPY there, no more grease splattering on her from the stove.  And, I settled on my paint colors, and wound up with a Valspar collection for the whole house - yummy sea oat, sand, and puffy white cloud colors.  Should be great with the new black Kitchen Island:

Got this at: http://www.tradewindsfurniture.com/Gallery/RJCD/RJ500_TuscanyBarIsland.html before I sold the store.

Monday, the floor should be finished in husband's office (no more carpet there, either), and the cabinets should be installed in the bathroom.  I took a picture in there, but it is still a jumble of studs and exposed plumbing.  I'm so excited, though!

Now, I'm off to New York to the Surtex Market - here is a link so you can see what it is all about:

http://www.surtex.com  

and also the National Stationery Show: http://www.nationalstationeryshow.com

so that I can check out what everyone is doing in the textile, paper goods, and home accent design arena.  Not to mention a little sight-seeing, eating fabulous food, and shopping.  I'll report when I get back!

Fusion Sushi in Shallotte, NC

Several months ago, Jack approached my husband about leasing the vacant restaurant space next door to my fabric shoppe.  Being the foodies that we are, we were intensely interested in his menu plan.  With expressive waves of his big arms, he described a plan of good steaks, great salad bar, home-made salad dressings, seafood and chicken.  Along with the usual frills that get added in along the way.  Sounded pretty good.

The months went by, the deal was done, and a construction crew moved in with jack-hammers, drills and saws.  They demolished the previous restaurant's decor, but Jack had a vision.  One day, standing gleefully in the midst of the utter chaos he had created, he revealed that part of his vision was to install a tiny Sushi Bar on one end of the expansive bar.  In unison, we slapped hands to foreheads, moaning, "Jack, what are you THINKING?"  He watched our reaction with the aplomb that we are now very familiar with - and means you should consider whatever deed he is contemplating to be...done.

So, Friday night we drug our renovation/road-trip fatigued selves over to his newly finished restaurant, The Shallotte Cattle Barn, and settled in at the bar.  We really just wanted wine, food, and bed.

http://shallottecattlebarn.com/Cattle_Barn_Menu.pdf

 You can click on the link to see his menu - but NOT the sushi menu, because that wasn't resolved by the time he opened.  I admit that we thought to ourselves, "Told you so!"

Revived by a few sips of wine and Jack's cheerful hello, we slowly became aware of the hubbub at the far end of the bar.  It centered around the tiny Sushi Bar, where an American Sushi Chef wielded his tools with precision and a certain snappiness that spoke to confidence. 

 My interest piqued, I asked for the sushi menu.  I saw immediately that the style was Fusion, and I do mean Fusion.  Happily, I ordered the Cattle Barn Roll - I think that's what it was called, and nearly swooned at first bite.  It was composed of real Back-Fin Crab Meat, crunchy fresh Asparagus (locally grown), wrapped up in rare Bison, and drizzled with traditional spicy Japanese mayo.  Simply amazing.


Last night, I drug my husband back over there to really get into the Sushi Menu, and snagged the seat nearest to the chef.  I went Omakase instead of ordering off the menu, and the party started.  First, a clear chilled Cucumber Soup that tasted like Spring - unbelievably refreshing.  Then, a Ceviche with Yellow Tail, served in four black Japanese soup spoons lined up on a white tray.  A Shrimp Pickle was next, and then this:

I don't know what this was, except for the Tuna, Tobiko, Wasabe Tobiko, crunchy Asparagus, and thin sliced fresh Jalapeno Pepper, but it was fabulous.  After that, we rolled right on into Poke - if you've ever been to Hawaii you know about this - and it was potentially the best Poke I've ever had.  And I've had a lot.  I couldn't help myself, I had to have one more of those Cattle Barn Rolls, but couldn't eat but a couple of bites before I had to pack leftovers up in a take-out box.  Happy tummy.

Decor that includes Cattle Horns alongside Japanese Fans, a menu that runs from juicy Steaks to Hawaiian Poke and Fusion Sushi.  I guess we can call that one for Jack!

 

Consider Twice, Cut Once...Thanks, Mom!

When I was three, my Mom & Dad gave me a tiny, crank-wheel sewing machine for Christmas.  My Mom was always sewing up a storm on her Singer Sewing Machine, and I was perpetually underfoot, begging her to let me at it.  So they bought me that little pink machine, and the lessons began.  The first thing she taught me was to consider my finished piece in my mind - "see" it in my imagination made up and totally done, and then work backwards to figure out how to cut and assemble my material.  

Those lessons have been invaluable, and have followed me all through life - not just for sewing, but for anything that has to be brought out of my imagination and turned into a real object.  Watching the cabinet crew working today, I realized that they work the same way...they study the space something has to fit into, visualize the finished room, and then after measuring and pondering some more, they cut and assemble.  Here they are in action:

They HAVE to figure out how to trim out these windows without using "trim".

 We're replacing 28 year-old wallpaper (Ugh) with bead board, and the space is too small to put a slice of bead board in.  And, it has to look good when they're finished.  Check out Daniel with the tape:

Then, whispering the measurement to himself, and holding the picture in his mind, he races down to the saw to cut out a part of the pattern:

This work station only works when it's not raining!

 I can assure you that when he comes back with this piece, it will fit perfectly.

In the bathroom, the same thing happened this morning as another team member started to build our new linen closet and vanity:

You probably can't see it, but his tongue is sticking out to help in concentrating...

He's working in the chaos of the old bedroom, but he can already "see" the linen closet installed in the bathroom, where there are only cut wires, partial plumbing stubs, and old insulation right now.

It REALLY makes me want to get back to my studio and make something - and it REALLY makes me remember my Mom as Mother's Day approaches.  What a great teacher she was, to pass that tricky but powerful lesson on to me.  Thanks, Mom!

Apologies to Marley and Lockyer

Good Heavens - I was racing so fast to get last night's post done so I could jump in bed, that I made a mistake, and it wasn't just a Type-O!

This photo was tagged "Heather and Lockyear" - where the heck did HEATHER come from?  My apologies.  

Image is from MARLEY and LOCKYER

You should go over and check out this blog, it is beautiful: http://marleyandlockyer.blogspot.com/

Now, I can go back to work.

Deciding Against Oil Rubbed Bronze

As you can see, I am FULL BORE trying to get this job under control so that I can go back to Atlanta and dance with my husband, cutting table, sewing machine and rude geese while the guys make our Beach Cottage beautiful and cozy.  Hopefully in our absence.

For the last 24 hours, I've been hot on the trail of Cabinet and Door Hardware, and I do mean hot.  After looking at images and samples until my brain blurred, I realized what was wrong with the Oil Rubbed Bronze that I have loved so much, for so many years...  It's too dark for my new warm white cabinets.  Take a look at these images:

Image from Decor Pad

 Do you see how these drawer pulls look like Black Polka Dots??  The pristine finish on the cabinets is simply jarred by the splots of black from the ORB knobs.

Now look at this:

 

Image from Heather and Lockyear

See how the cabinets are quietly wearing their hardware instead of the hardware wearing them?  That's what I'm talking about.  They are in the groove together, dancing in perfect harmony.

I finally realized that although I truly love the look and feel of any aged metal, it doesn't belong in my light and bright Beach Cottage.  


The funny thing was, when I put my hand on the front door knob of WB Properties to leave their office today, I was happy to see my hand grasping what looked liked an ancient, reclaimed metal knob.  Only it wasn't.  It was an Oil Rubbed Bronze knob that the dark patina had partially worn off of, leaving a mottled, copperish finish that looked like it belonged on a Factory Door!  So lovely, but... our Beach Cottage isn't an old factory... Love that, but it isn't.  So.  Done.

 

The Magic of a Two-By-Four

I'm always amazed at what sliced pine trees and little steel needles can do...

Here are some shots of what the artisans of wood did yesterday at our Beach Cottage!

This will be our new BIGGER closet.

This used to be our closet - it'll be much better as a soaking tub!

I'm headed down to the basement in a minute, but first must settle on the finish for the new door hardware.  I wanted Oil Rubbed Bronze (of course), but I don't know about that now.  Here is a photo of the door I've selected to replace all the doors inside the Cottage:

I LOVE this door, and it needs just the right hardware.  This morning I'm really into vintage white porcelain knobs, but there is the issue of the construction budget...

Down to the basement I go!

Beach Cottage Re-Do - Minus Bin Laden!

Those of you who know me understand that I am usually in bed by 9:30, 10:00 at the latest.  Last night, I was up a tad later, finishing my overdue Blog Post.  I never even considered checking the news when I signed off (who wants to go to sleep on that stuff??),  and although I missed the excitement of the announcement about Bin Laden's Smack Down, I'm glad I didn't hear until this morning.  I would have stayed up until midnight, and I guess my thinking is this:  that idiot kept me up enough already.

Bin Laden has been planted on the bottom of the sea - where he will be finished off in tiny bites by creatures with sharp little teeth.  What a great finish to a real Scum Bag.


Thank you, Seals and Special Forces; Thank you, President Obama.  Now I can finish my Beach Cottage Re-do with a lighter heart.

So, to turn to the job at hand, today I got HUGE progress in the form of cabinets roughed in, bathroom with studs for walls, and finally picked my paint colours. 


Here's the kitchen today:

Monday night.  Looking more like cabinets.

And, here is the new refrigerator home and custom pantry tonight:

Just a little leveling to do - the fridge goes where the tools have been stacked.

Turns out that within 12 feet, the floor slants down 3 inches!  But this crew knows how to handle it.  My granite will be supremely level.  Here's a shot of that:

Kashmire Gold - it should pick up the floor color AND the stainless range.

This slab came in a little more orange than I wanted, but I think it will work beautifully - I had to go to a new shade of paint for the Bead Board walls, but it's gonna be beautiful!  I'm so tired, so I will sign off now for some good sleep before my 5:00 "outta bed" tomorrow morning!  Because, THIS is one of the things facing me tomorrow:

The much-dreaded basement organization so I can haul the old cabinets in there!

Tomorrow, I'll show you what happened to my sweet little sewing room and my graphic design studio - Much, much work to do there also.  Goodnight, sweet readers.

Crossing the Bridge & Flying Away

After crossing the bridge to Ocean Isle last Sunday, I have tried diligently to stay one step ahead of the contractors, but haven't always been successful.  They move like greased lightening, working on the clock, but always aware of the time spent on the job.  What a wonderful crew!  WB Properties in Calabash, NC is doing the work - here is a link to their website:  http://www.wbpropertiesofnc.com/

 We are so lucky to have them living next door to us!

Here's what our open plan living area in our beach cottage looked like before they arrived on Wednesday:

Check out the Parson's Chairs by B&R Upholstery, and the refinished (last year) floors by WB Properties.

And, here is what it looks like now:

Orderly Chaos.  Husband isn't happy, but there is a plan here.  Don't worry, they will refinish the floors again after everything is done.

You can see that everything is a mess, but moving on to something newer, fresher, and better.  Here is a shot of my old pantry space, which will be the new refrigerator space:

This was my pantry until two weeks ago!

 This used to be where my sushi rice, seaweed, sesame seeds, and nori hung out.  I can't wait for it to be my new refrigerator space, and for my new contiguous counter space to be installed in the old 'fridge space by the stove.


This isn't easy, but a necessary job to keep our 28-year-old island home in a livable condition.  What with hurricanes and winter storms, there is a lot of damage to unseen areas...not to mention that after 28 years, WE NEED NEW STUFF!  And yes, the Lime Green walls are going away.

Meantime, I shipped out several Mitzi Cornelius bags from the Shallotte UPS shipping center, and am basking in the glow of satisfied clients.  Emails, phone calls, and mountains of Thanks have absolutely been the highlight of this difficult week.  Thanks so much to all of you new bag owners! 


So, now, I want to talk about Flying Away.  Since around 2007, one of my original "Ladies of Tideline", Jan Caudill, has been battling a recurrence of cancer with all the gusto a woman can muster.  She helped us set the original store in the Spring of 2005, and gave us the huge smiles that you just need at any moment of the day.  Soft spoken, but with the most mischievous twinkle,  she donned crazy hats and flamboyant  scarves and pins with the most amazing, comfortable sense of style I've ever seen.  When she agreed with you, she would ponder the point and then give this breathy "Yeaaah", like it came from her toes.  And you didn't get that unless she agreed.  She traded cars with abandon - after choosing one and driving it for a few days, if she didn't like it she would take it back, and somehow, drive off with a new one.  Immensely spiritual,  she always responded to comments about God with a chuckle or intense look into your eyes, letting you know without words that she walked hand-in-hand with Him.  She knew Him.

And yesterday, around 4:30 in the afternoon, she left this earth to walk the Heavens forever.  Godspeed, Miss Jan.  We love you.  We will miss your presence, and your flair for life.  You will make a stir amongst the Angels with your hats, pins, and scarves and zippy cars, but they will be the better for it.  Godspeed.

Meet Penelope Robin!

MC800

I am so happy to post the new Penelope Robin Bag, photographed from the safety of a Goose-less location.  She is joining the line-up of new Mitzi Cornelius Handbags on the Lula Belle Tassels website, and I'll probably have to have one myself to take to the Surtex Show in New York in a couple of weeks.

Here are a couple more views:

This handbag is shipping out tomorrow morning to a new customer, along with one of the Butterfly Bags that you saw on one of my earlier posts.

Next up - Turtles and Polka Dots.

Also wanted to pass along this link to a really fabulous blog that I'm following daily:  http://colourmehappyblog.blogspot.com/ that is written by a talented designer named Maria Killam.  Lots of beautiful interior design photos,  and great information on the use of color.

Sorry for the short post, but it is Dinner Time!

Goose Throwdown

Well.  I never.  Will you just look at this and tell me if this is bad behavior, or what??  I was on my way out the door to shoot the Penelope Robin Bag, and caught the beginning of this goose fight on our idyllic little pond:

This couple LAUNCHED toward the other two.

They trumpeted taunts and goose curses all the way across the pond, with me and Penelope Robin hanging on to our hats.

Screeches and Honks and Bedlam as the fight begins, with Lucy Goosey egging them on.

It only got worse...

Words were flung that should never have passed those goose lips.  Never.

Then, realizing I was taking pictures of all this rude behavior, they climbed out of the pond and took the fight off behind the little boat house where I couldn't see them.  When husband went to see what the heck was going on back there, they chased HIM back around the boat house at a fast little clip, then resumed the yard fight.  It was, purely and simply, a Goose Throwdown.

As a result of all this bedlam and ill will, I was unable to get to the spot where I was going to photograph Penelope.  She simply refused to enter an arena that was filled with hissing, honks, lingering rage, residual goose-cursing, and damaged serenity.

So I guess we'll try again this afternoon, but I may have to hire security.  Good grief.

Lovely Chocolate and Squishy Goose Poop

As promised, here are better images of the newest Mitzi Bag - MC839:

Now, I'm sewing up a Penelope Robin Bag, and will post those images after photos in the LATE AFTERNOON light.  No more 1:00 photo shoots.  And, FYI- don't walk barefoot in the yard after the geese have hung out all day. 

Squishy Goose Poop Between Toes will result.  Just Saying.

Loving Chocolate, Loving Leather

So, here is the newest addition to the line...  I knew when I saw this brown fabric that I loved it, but had no idea how very much I was going to love it made up.  This is my new favorite bag - at least for today.




MC839



Here is another shot - I know that mid-day isn't the time to take outdoor photos, but I just HAD to show you this bag.  Better photos later for the website...

MC839 Peek at inside



In between packing up my Ocean Isle cottage for some badly needed repairs/renovation, zooming back to Atlanta to clean up the debris from Saturday's storms, and sewing like mad,  I also managed to snag an appointment with a leather cord manufacturer for tomorrow.  Hang on to your hats, LEATHER HANDLES may be coming to Lula Belle!

Here is a sneak preview of the cord I would use for handles in natural brown:

I'll know the minute I see it tomorrow if it will work for our bags - there are many colors to choose from - even pink! 

Pink Cord before being Braided

So, fingers crossed that it doesn't look too heavy; I've always wanted my Mitzi Cornelius Bags and Satchels to have leather handles.  Love the lightweight Bamboo, but we do need a different look on some fabrics, and especially our Fall Bags. 

Back to the workroom...so much to do!

Bo. Da. Cious Bags

Well.  Despite an overloaded day yesterday, I polished off these two new bags to add to the Mitzi Cornelius line, and shot them on the Rosemary Steps leading up to the  kitchen.  Now I can't wait to sew up the Chocolate Vine bag!  I think these look, well, Bo. Da. Cious!

Here's the inside fabric:

And, here is my own Butterfly Fabric on Oatmeal Linen, sewn up with dancing ruffles!

Now I'm off for breakfast, and some fast sewing before the carpet and tile  measurer man gets here!

Time Out for Strawberries

So, now that we are "at the beach", time changes in odd little ways from the way it works in Atlanta.  It's almost as if you are on a game board, and the roll of the dice determines what you will do, and at what speed!

I discovered that Tideline Fabrics is now closed on Mondays to give Todd and Sally a break, sew up some window treatments, and tend to their beautiful store so it will be ready for the Tuesday-Saturday dance.  Being unable to go take photos for you, I used Monday to pack up more of the studio for transfer to Atlanta, cleaned out my closet in preparation for the upcoming renovation, and strolled on into Tuesday, hoping for more control over my day.

Delightfully, I lost all control again, this time to Strawberries and another Grandma party!  Visiting Holden Brother's Produce out on Hwy. 17 yielded baby lettuce, baby spinach, and these lovely berries:

Husband and daughter-in-law, Amy, had declared an impromptu party over at Grandma Mac's, so I sliced these beauties up and headed over to the event with those yummy little retro shortcakes that come in a cellophane pack - and of course, some squirt-on whipped creme.  We had a take-out sushi feast, followed very quickly by a dive into the strawberry bowl.  Just yummy!  Of course, the squirt-on whipped creme was exhausted very quickly, and licking fingers was the order of the day.

Then home for some couch time before bed with a regular spur of the moment visitor -  Old Grand Dog:

Who demands his own blankie for the wood floor, and position right under the TV so that he can listen and doze at the same time...

Today, I am declaring a studio day.  Period.  More later to show you the progress on the bags!

Ruffles, Blessings & Gratitude

Now that I have the Binding Blues behind me, I feel like tackling some Ruffles...I have Handbag orders, and the perfect ruffle color for my Back & White Houndstooth bag is eluding me.  I've searched high and low at my favorite trimming haunts, and pure-T black just isn't doing it for me.   Not happening.


So I decided to have another go at Ruffles, Ruffling, Ruffled.  Not pleated, not gathered...Ruffled.


Here is what evolved out of my shopping trip:

I'll sew it on, and see how THAT looks.


Meantime, I want to tell you that the young couple who bought my store have simply blown my socks off.  Last night, they staged a Grand Re-Opening for after hours, complete with Ribbon Cutting,  Catered Food, Open Bar, and the most fabulous display of Home Decor, Fabrics, and Window Treatments and celebratory Floral Arrangements I have ever, ever seen!  They had a huge turnout,  and as I wandered through the crowd and listened to the happy hubbub and bright laughter, I just kept getting wave upon wave of chills up my arms to see what they have done.  It's as if they sent my old store off to Finishing School!  Simply amazing.  I will go tomorrow and take photos of the store and post them...you just have to see it to believe the transformation they have achieved in such a short time. 

And to look at all my former employees, lined up and dressed up so beautifully - receiving every attendee with such charm and regal grace --- well, I was flabbergasted to think that such royalty actually worked for ME for six years.  I am truly, truly blessed.

Turf Battles Before Daylight

Just another quick note before I head off to the workroom...out the window of my graphic design nook, I can see out over the pond.  Very early in the morning, it is beautiful as the sun begins to lighten up the sky and wake up the day. 

In the pre-dawn glow, the water ripples and sometimes, literally churns with the morning activities of wild life of various sorts; geese, ducks, frogs, fish, and... the most irritable hawk I've ever seen. 

Yesterday morning, I was startled out of my reverie by an explosion of wings, water, and outraged quacks erupting from the pond.  Thrusting myself almost through the window to see what was going on, I beheld this soppy-wet guy coming in for a landing on the swing cross-bar:

and, this huffy duck, who was circling under him with indignant strokes of his paddle feet and who was giving him the business with all the duck curse words he could remember:

Turf Battle.  Before full daylight.  Geeze.  Some days just get started off on the wrong foot...

Binding Blues

Well.  I am here to tell you that binding ANYTHING, whether it is a napkin or a quilt is NOT my favorite thing to do. However, after searching the internet from stem to stern, watching about a dozen binding videos, and applying myself rigorously to learn how to do this - since I love piecing things together and they have to be finished somehow - I have cobbled together a binding for my runner.

After all my research, I decided that bias cut was the only way to go.  I worked furiously on Sunday to cut, piece together, and press mountains of binding:

And then thanks to Julie, over at Jaybirdquilts.com, I picked up the following fabulous tip:

Hair clips to hold everything together!  Here's another shot:

Feeling pretty smug with the clip trick, I began sewing the binding to the back...after which I brought it around to the front and machine stitched it close to the edge to finish...I am NOT into hand stitching anything.  What resulted was a roller-coaster edge, wavy and just ugly.  So, rip out, press again, and start over.  After two rounds of that battle, I wound up using Steam-A-Seam to attach it to the front.  Nothing I did would remove the waviness, and it is still slightly wavy (although pretty) on my dining room table.  I've resolved to go with straight cut seam binding from now on - I think it was too stretchy from being cut on the bias!

Here's a link to Julie's tutorial on binding:     Binding tutorial at Jaybird Quilts

Now, back to the workroom!