Sunday, June 10, 2012

Chores on Saturday

I woke up early yesterday and got right out of bed--not my usual pattern, to be sure--ate breakfast, made tea, and set to work on the day's chores.  Fortunately the first task was most pleasant and involved sewing.

Three of the four blocks for one of the X blocks were sewn and pressed.  That bottom left one might need some resewing as it is not laying flat.  In my eagerness to proceed to sewing, I didn't check the pink swap blocks for square.   
Oops, this one will need some adjustments too, so the sewing session ended for the day. Aren't these the prettiest fabrics?  I just love them. 

Grant was up by then and after he ate breakfast we proceeded to the next chore, which was fixing the washing machine agitator.   For some unknown time, the top of the agitator was not turning, and through my online research, I learned the problem was some feed dogs wearing out, an easy fix not requiring more than a socket wrench and a half-hour's time.  Replacement parts were ordered (less than $10) and received, directions read, and the first attempt made.  Well, at first the top of the two part agitator was not "easily lifting off".  Therefore, the You Tube video was watched, some extra muscle applied to separate the parts, and within 15 minutes the new feed dogs were inserted, agitator reassembled and the washing machine repaired.  Isn't the Internet an amazing thing when help is required?

Final chore of the day was painting.  We have had sample colors on the wall for months and finally agreed on one.  Last weekend we picked up paint and supplies and started the prep.

Dining room paint samples and patching.  Cute, huh?  On the bottom left are the final two we were choosing between.  We went with the lighter soft tan, called Fioli Antique Lace.  We also picked a more expensive primer/paint combo for better coverage. 

A few hours later, the walls were dry and looking pretty good.  The medium terracotta we put on the walls more than 15 years ago will be covered over gradually.  The last time we did this job it took the two of us nearly six weeks to complete, mostly because the house's "open plan" includes two-story walls in the living/dining room, a hallway to the family room, a wide stairwell and the second floor hallway, with no good place to stop.  Today we'll continue the painting chore to get the dining room back together at least! 

12 comments:

Susan In Texas said...

Your paint job looks terrific; I love the color you've chosen. My husband and I have been married 27 years too and it's amazing how much smarter we have gotten about diy projects. Just knowing that it will probably take 6 weeks is good. The first time you painted I'll bet you didn't think it would take quite so long, no? If you were like us, it was "Three weekends, MAX!" lol With age comes wisdom, thank God. 8)

We're painting my father-in-law's house now. And ater doing the entry-way, which was a wall-papered, oil primered beating of a task, we cleverly decided to break up the remainder of the living/dining rooms into crown-molding, windows, trim and walls. Finish each individual task, after any of which it will look OK to wait as long as we want for the next bit. Much better than the "giterdone" diy nightmare we would have started 20 years ago.

Good luck!
Susan in Texas

Dawn said...

You are so busy! Great work on the DIY washer fix. Love the blocks - yes beautiful fabrics.
Good luck on the painting and I think it is smart to pace yourself!
It's all looking great.

Kate said...

The new paint looks great. Hope you finish up your chores soon.

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

You have been a busy and productive girl. The paint color is great, I really like it.

Anonymous said...

In two months I plan to paint my sons room...when he leaves for college. I hate painting but the room will be a guest room and his gray walls gone. Lol
Like your color choice.

Nanette Merrill said...

What an interesting block. I don't think I've ever seen that one before. New paint is always a cause to celebrate.

Sarah said...

You're very brave to put sewing at the beginning of your to do list! I woudl ahve "problems" moving on to the rest of the list :)

Janet O. said...

I agree with Sarah!
It is amazing what a new coat of paint can do for a room--and your morale!

Unknown said...

I love the 9 patch with the pink. Is that brown also? What fabric is it? Really pretty.

I think you two picked the perfect shade of paint. I must paint my sewing room and Big's basement. Just not ready yet - maybe in a year or two!!

Alyssa said...

Sounds like a busy day for you. Love these blocks - the colors are warm and lovely. :)

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Vivian said...

We've used YouTube videos for a variety of how-to info. It's wonderful! and if one doesn't make sense, we just find another. Bless the internet indeed!
Your new paint color looks great, and I'm not surprised, with its wonderful, elegant name.

Susan said...

WOW....... You really packed a lot of accomplishments into one day......

Your blocks are amazing.... I think that is a great block design and want to remember it to make some myself.....

Then getting the washing machine fixed and on to painting.....

At least you went off to work on Monday feeling you had accomplished your goals......

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