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From: Debby215
Date: 08-05-2006, 09:40 PM (1 of 9)
PLEASE HELP me figure out how to use my new empty room for a sewing room, the dimensions are 13X11. I have a 4 foot bookshelf, which I figure can hold books magazines and lots of STUFF. My biggest question is this, HOW to configure the sewing machine area? I was thinking about having my DH install a corner area, say about 5x6, but is facing a wall the best way to go?  Please feel free to give any suggestions or ideas? Thanks ahead for any advice!! 
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611 
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From: paroper
Date: 08-05-2006, 11:16 PM (2 of 9)
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In any room always start with the largest pieces first. I've had my "stuff" smashed into corners and with the new room I had a chance to open up my space so that I could walk into it. My sewing space, one way or another has always ended up being "U" shaped with machines wrapping on 3 sides (sergers, sewing machines, extra sewing machines, embroidery machines, whatever.) With the new sewing space being so "large" at least to me 14X20, I had my first chance to spin the equipment around so that I could walk "into" the space. I still found that putting one side of the "U" into the corner seemed to be the best answer, after much moving, trying, etc. I seem to have less lost space and more accessiblity. I like to keep the machine I use the most facing into the room. Right now that machine is the machine that I use to embroidery and the computer. When I was sewing professionally it was my main sewing machine and my main serger on the side so that I could see around the room easily. I'm a TV aholic so I always have a TV within viewing space no matter where my sewing machine may be (and I still spend a lot of time sewing.) When I was sewing professionally my back up machine was on a simple desk. As time as gone on I have added a real quilting table to the mix to hold my embroidery machine. Because of the drop leaf on the quilting table (which is almost necessary with a Giant Hoop it All), it is almost necessary that table extend into the room for full access. If you think that you will eventually add to your sewing furniture (not only have I added the quilters table, I've also added a corner computer table), I would plan as though it were there, making things so that can be added as time passes. The other thing is that whether you have one or not, plan to have a full size cutting table. It has by FAR been the best investment I have made. Whether your husband makes it or you buy it, be sure that it is solid and has drop leaves so it can be moved. I would also recommend that you have a good comfortable chair in your room. I often have company with me when I am sewing and it is pleasant to be able to make them comfortable. It is also nice when doing hand work. The chair doesn't have to be new or pretty, just as comfortable as possible. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MartySews
Date: 08-06-2006, 12:13 AM (3 of 9)
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Debby, On your byline, you mention that you are a quilter. I would think that in placement of your sewing machine that you would need to leave room for the quilts to lay flat when stitching. I don't have a sewing room anymore but like to envision the way I would have it if I had one. I would face the doorway with my sewing machine so that I could see who was coming or going. I would want my serger to be on my right side since I'm right handed. My sewing cabinet right now has an extension shelf for a serger and it is on my right. On my left side, I would want my embroidery machine with the computer by it. Next to each machine I would want a cabinet to hold supplies for the machine and any extra presser feet. In a corner, I would want a comfy lounge chair or recliner with a pole lamp for doing handwork. I would have my bookcase next to the chair so that I could relax and read plus have an end table for a beverage. Across the room from the chair, I would like to have a TV/VCR/DVD player to watch sewing shows. In the middle I would like a cutting table on wheels with fold down sides and storage underneath. I would also add a pressing center next to the cutting table. One wall would have a design board and another wall would have a full length mirror mounted. I would want a closet with shelves for fabric storage and a chest of drawers for patterns. You might want to look at the book "Dream Sewing Spaces" for more inspiration. It can be found in most public libraries. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: Debby215
Date: 08-06-2006, 12:48 AM (4 of 9)
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Thanks Pam and Marty for your input. I will give you a little more info on my wants and desires for this room. First of all I am NOT a tv watcher, I would though want a tv for dh, if he chose to visit, before he goes to bed, which is around 8, since he gets up at 4am for work, or for the grands after school, if they didnt want to do crafts in THEIR space, that I am also planning. They both love crafts and my grandaughter is learning to sew, I had thought about a U shape with maybe my machine facing the corner, it is the only one I own for now, with my ironing board to make a U, the space to my left would be for pieces waiting to be sewn. I MOSTLY quilt more, but DO make around 20 pair of flannel pj's for Christmas gifts for the family.I do had a small kitchen table given to me, that I plan to have blocks made for, to raise it higher to be my cutting table, and when I am not cutting, it will be for the kids. I DO have a Grace quilt frame just waiting to be assembled, that I am excited about. I also have 2 empty sewing machine cabinets as well....I thought I would use the space to my right for a machine for my grandaughter, and eventually an embroidery machine and a SMALL desk to the right for my computer, of course I have NO idea about embroidery and downloading from the computer, that is a WHOLE story of its own...Anyways, I am just looking for ideas and suggestions, and appreciate anyone that takes the time to give me some. Thanks again!! Sorry for being so long winded.....
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611
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From: paroper
Date: 08-06-2006, 07:10 AM (5 of 9)
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Your space needs to be functional, organized and lovely. There are times when you need to sew and you may not really be in the mood. If your sewing space becomes a retreat to you then you'll enjoy relaxing there. I've posted my new sewing space pictures (they still haven't been all downloaded) but it may add some ideas as will looking at lots of spaces. I know a lot of people have built ins every where. In my case, everything is modular. I'm kind of a ADHD type of person and I like to move furniture so everything can be moved and changed. Included in my space is a love seat and large ottoman facing a large TV (I have two TVs in my room). It allows me to watch a movie with a famly member or (often in the case of the DGD) just stay in the room with me and be entertained. http://kensphotos.smugmug.com/gallery/1411738/1/66902607 pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 08-06-2006, 09:38 AM (6 of 9)
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I mostly make quilts too, [no quilting frame yet - I'm green with envy, lol!] and have a 12ft counter in my room. I have an old, chrome dinette table with drop leaves butted up to the counter, which my sewing machine is on, so when I quilt I can spread out. My computer is right by that - I do a lot of machine embroidery, although my embroidery machine is on a dresser and not next to the computer. I find that it's a better height for changing threads, etc. My cutting mat is also on my counter. A U-shape is ideal, I agree with the others. I don't have my ironing board too close, although I can spin around in my chair and use it - I like to get up frequently so I'm not sitting too long, it makes my legs ache. I also have a recumbent exercise bike in here, and get on it several times while I'm on a sewing marathon. My counter has cupboards and drawers under it, I LOVE that. I'd eventually like to add upper cupboards too, for storage. We sewers can never get enough of that! Have fun outfitting your studio!!!!!!! Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
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From: esrun3
Date: 08-06-2006, 02:12 PM (7 of 9)
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Pam, love your pictures. Wish I had as much room! Debby, I have a large metal desk that I primarily sew on and have always wanted a wide, L-shaped set up in order to set up all my machines, as it is now, I sew some, then go out to the dining room to serge and back to the sewing room. I cut on the kitchen table but would love to have a large cutting table in my sewing room. Lots of storage too! Those would be my preferences in a sewing room....storage, large work space (L-shaped for added counter space), large cutting table - altho you could use the L-shaped table if dimensions were right as well as room for an ironing board. I'm jealous about your quilting frame too! Not sure where I'd put one if I had it but sure would like to have one! LOL Good luck in organizing your room-keep us posted. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 08-06-2006, 08:37 PM (8 of 9)
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Well, unlike most...I have only one machine and what I consider a small 9'x9' bedroom made into my sewing room. I am still trying to set-up my "perfect" sewing space. But this spring I bought a sewing table that is 19" wide and opens out to 63". So I now have more than 2' on the left of my machine and it is just great for holding anything that I have to sew. Also, I have a 50"x30" office desk for my cutting table and it is covered with cutting mats. Since I machine quilt, I have my sewing table and cutting table back to back. It is just great for spreading out a quilt when I am doing machine quilting. I have installed 5' adjustable shelves in my closet and store all my fabric & quilt batting there. I have a book shelf for my quilting magazines and rolling cart drawers to store my sewing notions etc. The hardest part of setting up my sewing space is trying to arrange around the things I can't change...location of door, closet, window, and heating vent. There is always something in the way! TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: Debby215
Date: 08-06-2006, 08:48 PM (9 of 9)
I agree with Judy, the hardest part is the stuff that can't be moved. The window isnt much of a problem as it is pretty high up. The 4 foot bookshelf is attached to the wall, but I am sure it will be advantageous for storage. The cupboard is very large, around 8 foot wide. I don't have alot of money to buy tables and such, and thought the most economical way to go would be to have DH attach the sewing unit right to the wall. The only thing that arrangement MIGHT hamper would be machine quilting, which I don't do. DH doesn't realize  that SOMEWHERE down the line, I would like to own a long arm quilting machine, but that is much later. I love the handwork, so I will continue to either tie or handquilt for now. Thanks everyone for the ideas!!
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611
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