This is the view from my spot behind my sewing cabinet. I picked it up last year on Craig's List for a song, and though it's not a perfect fit for my machine, it's worked quite well for me. Backed up to my sewing cabinet is my dad's old desk, which holds a huge amount of sentimental value to me. It fits my 24" x 36" Olfa cutting mat perfectly, with a little bit of extra space for my cutting tools and a few small scrap bins.
My stash is pretty well-organized now, with all of the half-yard or larger cuts wrapped around a comic book backing board and shelved. Fat quarters are relegated to the drawers under my design wall, sorted by color. I've got bins for most of my current projects, which I have stacked up next to my fabric bookcases, and each bin is labeled with the project name in nice big letters that I can read even without my glasses. It's good accountability for me, staring at bins holding all of my unfinished projects while I sew.
And this is my baby, my Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 835. This is the machine my husband bought me two Christmases ago, good man that he is. I love my machine. I love the huge harp space, I love how easy it is to quilt on, and I love the needle-down feature. Hands down, my favorite electronic feature of this machine.
The irony is that I've spent the last several days daydreaming about revamping my sewing space...again! I happened to spot a folding cutting table at Jo-Ann's that was assembled and out of the box, and I stood at it for just a moment. It was almost like I could hear a choir behind me singing. It was that magic height for cutting, which my current cutting desk is totally not (being that it's really a desk and all), which often leaves me groaning about my lower back. So, I am toying with the idea of building a cutting island, using some wood and bookcases that are the right height, but until then, I'm really happy with how everything is set up in my sewing space.
You can get it on the Where I Sew fun, too! Be sure to comment all month long at the Pink Chalk blog for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to help stock up your stash. The more you comment, the better the odds are that you might win! You can also link up photos of your own sewing space to join in the fun. Good luck!
My cutting table is 31" tall and perfect for me at 5' 1". I always see those cutting tables in the store and wish they were height adjustable. Hubby made me a cutting table with wheels that works great and has storage shelf for rulers and I use the space under that for fabric storage. I read a book about designing your perfect sewing room and it included how to choose the correct height tables for you height. Ergonomics plays a big roll in comfort.
ReplyDeleteyou have a beautiful sewing space....i would sure love to have something similar someday. i am going to keep dreaming. i love how perfect all your fabric looks all neat and tidy on the shelves
ReplyDeleteWhat a great view into your office! I like the grid on your design wall and the beautifully folded fabric.
ReplyDeleteOne more question, Elizabeth, if you have time...What do the labels on your drawers read? I see Warm, Cool, and maybe Scraps, Scraps, Scraps. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou have such a lovely space! And your machine has me drooling :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful space!!
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog and feel we are kindred spirits, especially as I read the part about a choir singing while you were looking at a cutting table! Who gets excited about a cutting table? Only us quilters. I have a project tablel, 35" wide that I got from Ballard Designs 2 years ago. It 42 by 54" wide and the top sits on two bookcases that face out to the left and right. IT also has a large opening underneath where you can sit with a chair. Of course I have stuff stashed there. I've signed up to follow you! Carol
ReplyDeleteFun seeing where you sew (and also running into you in KC)! Take care!
ReplyDeleteIkea makes an adjustable table in their Galant series that you might take a look at. Your room is to die for. I spent 20 minutes yesterday looking for a piece of fabric that I had put God knows where. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your studio! I love looking at other spaces and how quilters have decided to arrange them. Every idea helps me, whether I use it or not. Your space is calming and well organized. Very very nice!
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing your sewing space.
ReplyDeleteYou are making me wish that a) I had your stash of fabric and b) that I would keep it as neatly as you do.
Your blog is one of my all time faves.
xxxx
I love your sewing space! I am drooling right now.....sorry I digress! My sewing space is the dining room table when I bring everything out to sew. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou've got a beautiful sewing space, Elizabeth! I love how you've organized your fabric. I was surprised to read that you only started quilting two years ago, you've definitely taken to it quickly!
ReplyDeleteWow - is it always this organized? What a fabulous space to create.
ReplyDeleteI am so in awe of your stash! Beautiful and organized! I dream of one day having a space as nice as this! Thanks or sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteMight I make a suggestion that will save your lower back and your money? Buy some of the risers that they advertise for increasing the space under beds (you know, sort shaped like pyramids with the top triangle cut off?). Put those under the legs of your father's desk and the height will be so much better for you when cutting. That way, you have that big table area for when you're quilting, but a really easy solution for cutting.
ReplyDeleteI can't take credit for this idea myself -- I belong to a quilting group that does this with a plain old ugly folding table. It becomes a thing of beauty in my eyes when it has those risers under the legs. :)
Oooh, I'd love that space!
ReplyDeleteLovely! so organized!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great sewing space! You stash looks amazing all organised like that! I'm sure it's nice to have somewhere to escape to!
ReplyDeleteI know the importance of having a proper cutting area, I have to go out and use the ironing board as it's a better height =D
That's some stash! Mine fits into 2 plastic tubs! You are indeed a fabric-a-holic!
ReplyDeleteThat sewing space would be like heaven to me. My room is so small, but I am thankful to have the space I have. No where really to store my stash, so it is in totes or clear tubs. It always seems to be in a mess. Love your space!
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful sewing room. Right now I have tools and fabric stored all over the house and I sew at the kitchen table, but I'm thinking of making a corner of my living room into a sewing space for me. That's a great idea--finding a sewing cabinet on Craig's List! I'm going to take a look there, too. What do you use for your design board? It's not a Fons and Porter one, is it? I'm debating over that versus tacking a flannel-backed table cloth to the wall verus making one with pink insulation boards and flannel or batting.
ReplyDeleteLooks great, I love your organization (and all of the colors in your fabric stash!)
ReplyDeleteAmanda
I have that cutting table from Joann's. Its the greatest thing since sliced bread. I used to have to cut everything on the kitchen table and my back would kill me. This cutting table is the perfect height. I usually have one half open & the other down. I bought a kitchen/bar stool so I can sit & work on stuff and then put it under the open part when not in use. When I'm in a cleaning mood, I fold the table down so it is only 12" wide (looks so neat) and wheel it out & open it fully when is want to measure, pin binding, etc. One of the better purchases I have made.
ReplyDeleteThe Viking Sapphires are terrific, aren't they? I've got the 865, I think it is, and I just love how it quilts. I've never had tensions problems at all with it. And, yeah! I adore its needle functions while piecing! You have a fantastically gorgeous sewing room. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's an official design well thing, isn't it? Love the grid - what brand is it? (totally love all your space, but I have major design wall envy, as I don't have one at all)
ReplyDeleteI guess my favorite Christmas decoration, if I had to pick, would be a pink snowman fabric, quilted table topper that I made years ago. It makes me happy whenever I pull it out for the year.
ReplyDeleteI have a Husqvarna Viking Sapphire, too and I adore it! I really need to organize my stash and my sewing space.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to my table. I currently have my sewing machine on it, but I'm thinking about getting a second one for cutting. I've been pleased with it (and with the seller) in all ways! I got it for scrapbooking, but that craft has gone on hold since I've begun quilting!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Berkeley-4-Pce-White-Art-Table-Set-Drafting-Chair-Lamp-/280597260971?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4154e66aab
Lovely, lovely and lovely!! Please tell me how you fold your fabric? I am visiting my family this summer and have one more month and some serious shopping to do! I can get these comic book thingy's still??? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely and lovely!! Please tell me how you fold your fabric? I am visiting my family this summer and have one more month and some serious shopping to do! I can get these comic book thingy's still??? Thanks!!
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