Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Kitchen and Stitching....a little rant

I'm sorry I know this is a quilting blog but I just have to rant, whine, cry about my dismantled kitchen. We started the prep for a new floor in the kitchen on Monday. How does a new floor snowball into a kitchen being gutted almost 90%....well, let me tell you....if you want to skip this whine then move down to see the quilty pictures. Our house is almost 100 years old and seems the problems are endless. In the process off removing the floor it was discovered the floor under the dishwasher is rotted and thus traveled up the wall, which is also rotted.....what more could happen, part of the framing was rotted as well. Now we need new dry wall, new plumbing and new lower cabinets (or at least the backs need to be replaced) A 2 man 2 1/2 day job has turned into a 4 man 4 day job or more.....and we aren't finished yet....I could just cry, this picture is where my sink and counter once was. After these guys preform their miracle work we'll still need to have the flooring installed, I'm hoping that will be early next week. The original plan was to install a new floor and new counter tops. I can't even think that far ahead right now with the entire floor open to the beams, I can even see right thought to the furnace room in the basement, I don't even want to talk to the guys doing the work anymore....they might have more bad news, don't get me wrong, the guys are doing a fantastic job and making sure everything is done right, we are lucky to have such a good crew.
Right before all the chaos (kitchen reno) started I sewed this batik quilt for Maureen (shop owner). It still needs a black border and then a small border using one of the fabrics in the quilt. Lula is giving her sniff of approval. I've left this for Maureen to finish, I hope see likes it and finishes it.
My first block of Hocuspocusville is stitched, only 11 more to go. Look Donna I found it! (this block was missing for a few days)

This little stitchery was to try out the brown varigated thread.
I hope you have less chaos in your part of the world and keep your fingers crossed my kitchen will be functioning again by the weekend.
Happy Stitching, until next time.

36 comments:

Yvette said...

Yikes!

I am so sorry!!!

I have been shopping for new kitchen flooring but not I better make sure I have 10X the amount needed.

Darlene said...

The dreaded chain reaction of chaos. Ugh! It'll be over very soon. Enjoy your needle and thread in the meantime.

Love the batik quilt and your stitching. Very cute!

Libby said...

Oh how I feel your kitchen reno pain! Hang in there, it will end *s* Doesn't mean it won't be aggravating, but when you are working in your lovely new space you'll be so glad!

LINDA BYLSMA said...

Such is the nature of remodeling. Every board removed presents a new "challenge". Think of it as an excuse to go out to dinner!!! That doesn't work here, since DH is doing ALL the work. We just work around it.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Oh the troubles when dealing with an older home - hopefully all comes out great in the end.

Lori said...

I hope when it is all finished it'll be worth all the hassles!!
The quilt is so pretty and graphic! Way to go!!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh baby - that kitchen is scarey! Shudder.

Meredith said...

Here is a big HUG!

whitey said...

THE ONLY THING THAT WORKS IN A OLD HOUSE IS THE OWNER! AS MY FATHER-IN-LAW WOULD SAY AND HE SHOULD KNOW HE LIVES IN ONE ALSO

Loris said...

ah yes, chaos and the unknown is so uncomfortable. Hang in there. In the meantime, your batiks are beautiful and I love your embroideries. Love the cat at the Bubble and Brew.

Lynn E said...

I have been there and its not a happy place to be. Quilty hugs and heres to you having capable workmen. Ps my Chaos lasted 7 years one thing after another.

Anonymous said...

You know...it is waaaaaay better that the problem was discovered and being dealt with rather than covered up to only create more of an expense later...just think how gorgeous this will look in the end! I'm guessing I'll have some kitchen envy!! Be sure to let me see the "after" as I'm in need of new countertops myself.

Rae Ann said...

Wendy ~ I went through almost the same thing! Then one thing led to another and a year later...
You will be happy in the long run!
Love your quilt and blocks!

Jo said...

It sounds like some good theraputic sewing is what the doctor ordered.

esquiltingpassion said...

Hang in there I have been going through renos of some sort most of my life. It seems by the time you finish everything you need to start again. On the other hand you batik quilt is great, and your stitcherys
came out good to. I have used variegated thread a time or two and liked how they came out.
Elaine

Kim said...

Uh oh...good thing this was caught now. I know it's a challenge money wise and inconvenience wise, but knowing how bad this can get, how much worse it could have been, I am so glad you had guys who dug deeper and now it's going to be solid again. The cabinets would be nice if salvaged, I like them painted. Hang in there. Your stitchery work is looking great! Batiks are very pretty colors.

Sue-Anne said...

Oh you poor thing! Our wall oven needs replacing, but I can't get the same colour or size. One thing will lead to another and before I know it, will have to have a total kitchen renovation. We decided not to do anything until the oven wont work at all and now every night I have to wedge a broom against the oven door!

Love your stitcheries and the colours in that top are lovely.

Good luck with your kitchen.

Pat said...

Wendy, your kitchen project sounds like when I left for a quilting retreat and asked my DH if he would please clean the shower - well you know the rest of the story.

On a happier note your new quilt as well as your kitchen sink quilts are very cute!

http://quiltsandotherhobbies.blogspot.com

Lise said...

oh wow,,, I can relate somewhat to your little reno dilema but not that big of an area,,. I'm sure that in the end you will be happy with it..and as for your batik quilt..it is looking awesome , looking forward in seeing the finished quilt and kitchen too.. smile , it will all turn out great...

Shakerwood said...

Speaking from experience.....twice as long, cost is twice as much. It always seems to turn out that way.

Red Geranium Cottage said...

Oh myyyy, that gives me nightmares just seeing a kitchen gutted. But just think at least it will be all nice and new when your finished.
Love the stitchery and the quilt you made for the shop.
Hang in there.

Mimi said...

I feel for you. We are just coming out of two bathroom renovations one of which the floor was rotten from a leaky shower stall. I could see the storage room in the basement. The good thing is that once they are done, everything will be perfect and beautiful. We are close to finishing and you will see the light at the end of the tunnel, too. Just keep quilting to keep you sanity!

julieQ said...

Hang in there! My sun room was torn apart....FIVE years!! But it is done...I know, it wasn't the kitchen, so I am sorry for you. Very cute block for hocuspocusville!

Jessica White said...

Eek! We're in the middle of our own renovation mess! Just keep telling yourself how wonderful it will be when it's done...

Karen said...

I like the basket stitchery with "Seeds" on it. Is it part of a pattern set or a separate pattern.

Brooke said...

I have always dreamed of living in an older home, but realize the work load can be daunting! A "simple" project doesn't always stay simple. I feel for you. When my kitchen is out of order I feel like I've lost control of the whole house. That is my "hub" and I can't seem to function quite right when it is disrupted.

Good luck with the progress. In the meantime, enjoy eating a few meals out on the town, and keep your fingers busy stitching so you don't have time to worry about it!

Stina Blomgren said...

Ohhh what a mess ..... but on the good side... you will have a more healthy and a wonderful "New" kitchen....
once everything is done.. lets hope no more bad news!!! Hang in there... BIG HUG!!!!!

sewkalico said...

After being through our kirchen renovations, I can say that I feel your pain!!! Just be strong and it will be over soon!

tich said...

Gosh, what a shame!! It is bad enough getting work done in the house, without it turning into a marathon!
Hope everything improves soon.

Cindy said...

Oh goodness, I'm so sorry. Stay possitive. You'll love the new floor when it's done.

Chookyblue...... said...

goodluck with it........rant if you want it is your blog you can post what you want........hope it is looking much closer to done for you......

Sharon said...

Yikes, home reno's the grow are not fun. I hope they put things together in a timely manner and you like the results. Your stitching is beautiful, I really like the variegated floss!

Lynn said...

Saying your house was almost 100 said it all. And I'm complaining abt how my house is almost 13 yrs old and the things starting to fall apart!! LOL My sister moves to a new house every 7-10 years so she never deals with a remodel. She just sells the old one and buys a new one with all the new appliances, gadgets, granite, etc. I can only imagine your pain.

But the quilts are gorgeous!

deb said...

omg I feel your pain....seems like one thing always leds to another!
one the other hand I LOVE all your projects, very nice!!!

Carrie P. said...

Oh my, that sure is a lot of chaos. Hope it doesn't last too long. The kitchen is where we spend so much time and to have it in an upheaval is not nice.

Wendy P said...

Probably I am weird, but I love remodeling and making things new. I know you are frustrated by your disrupted kitchen, but I would look at it as exciting. New cabinets and floor? New countertops maybe?

Just tell yourself you are on one of those DIY shows. You could even submit Before and After pics that they will show before and after commercials.