Subi project is finished

6 months later and the flat is done.  A tenant moves in tomorrow. It was rented out in a day!  I feel a real sense of achievement - I'm quite chuffed with myself. Lots of people do this every day I know, and on a much much bigger scale than mine.  I could do it again.  It is so totally totally different than living through a renovation (which I've been doing for 8+ years).  It makes all the difference to go home and leave the mess and dust and clutter.  Perhaps I feel really chuffed because this has FINISHED, whereas there is no finishing line at home?  I have no control over the home front due to my partner being a carpenter and in charge of all building .....is that why there is no satisfaction?  The lack of control?  Am I a control freak? He is so so slow on the home front.  And this is funny...I asked him to help with a couple of things at the flat...and he is the only tradesman/contractor I've had trouble with!! He was desperate to do the entire reno, but I said no way.  It was my flat and my project. Perhaps I feel vindicated that I can contribute to a renovation efficiently, practically and cost-effectively. Anyhoo, whatever... it has been a fantastic project for me.

Here are a few photos....

BEFORE

 

 

 

AFTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patchwork of a different kind

 

 

 

My flat is nearly done.  The blinds are to be hung this afternoon. The agent is coming to take photos to list it for rent.  I just have a small bit of grouting to re-grout tonight.  What a job!!  5 hours of back-breaking work - mainly because I have a very sore back at the best of times - but being on your hands and knees when you're not used to it meant I slept super well last night.  A great feeling falling into bed physically exhausted from work.

 

Being a total novice I applied the new grout too liberally which makes for a much bigger clean up job.  Getting the residue off is taking me hours!!  I took photos along the way to inspire me.  There is a great sense of accomplishment to a finished project and a job well done ... just like when I finish a quilt.  Tremendous satisfaction - it's a fantastic feeling.  This one is definitely worth cracking a champagne over.  But I've done it ... my very own  mini Grand Designs makeover project.  I can give myself a big pat on the back for my first job as project manager.  As is the norm, it's taken longer than planned and gone slightly over budget, but as a rental I should see a good return on investment.  Just like one of my quilt projects.

 

One my quilts-to-make list is now a postage stamp quilt, or perhaps I'll call it a mosaic tile quilt.  It will be a bit more colourful than the above inspiration..check back in a year or 2 and you may see some progress pics :))

 

Who knows one day this little studio apartment may be my full time studio...wouldn't that be wonderful, to have my very own stand alone studio?  

Mezzanine Studio Space

This is my studio space - it's a mezzanine floor in our extension. I adore it. I can't tell you how long I've dreamt of having space to work and not pack away - to have my precious and inspiring bits and bobs around me. And it really works - I come up here and move into another zone, not just physically but mentally as well. It is mostly a mess because working with fabric bits etc is messy. I give it a good tidy up every so often but it doesn't bother me - I work well in it. And that's exactly why I've wanted my own space to walk in and out without feeling any pressure that my creativeness imposes on anyone else in the house. See how the cat loves it too!