This was my studio when I first saw it a year ago. The man who owned the house we bought used it as his woodworking shop. I have to say, it is the tidiest shop I have ever seen! It had a concrete floor and some funky cabinets and shelves on the walls. It was cool and spacious and had wonderful light. There were hummingbird feeders outside the windows that attracted as many as eight or nine birds at a time. The double doors to the outside looked out on a cool green lawn. I loved it and its possibilities.
My vision, of course, was to turn the space into a sewing studio. In my naivete, I imagined it would be all set up for me before we moved into the house. I had no idea it would be six months AFTER moving into the house before it would be even close to being finished. Never in my life have I gone so long without a designated sewing space.
The first order of business was to remove the old cabinetry and shelving that was attached to the wall. Turns out, that was a cinch, accomplished by my fabulous friend Handyman Bill, who can do anything, it turns out. Then, my husband and son in law painted the walls a dreamy soft sagey green. My son in law put in new light fixtures to replace the bare bulbs that dotted the ceiling. And then everything stopped.
My fragile father in law moved in with us after the death of his wife. Then my husband was injured in an accident and was out of commission for months. I was way too occupied with their needs to think too much about my studio-in-progress, but the dream didn't die. As soon as my husband was up to it, he and the amazing Bill laid down hardwood flooring.
Isn't that just lovely? Baseboards are being put in next, maybe even this weekend.
I found an oak table that will hopefully be turned into a sewing station for two. My daughter lost her sewing room as it got turned into a nursery when Baby E was born, and I thought it would be terrific if she could now share my space.
Do you see how the machines sit up a bit too high on the tables? I saw a video that Eleanor Burns made on turning a harvest table into a proper sewing machine table, and I hope to have the multi-talented Bill turn this oak table into my sewing station. After he cuts holes to recess the machines to a lower position, I can insert plexiglass forms to make the surface flat. Dream World Inserts is the company that makes them. Here is a link to the Eleanor Burns "Designing A Sewing Studio" video. She's got her sons hopping, making her a design wall, sewing tables and more. Wish I could borrow those guys for a weekend.
As you can see, I still have lots to do before my space is finished, but every week I am getting closer! The next big step is to have cabinetry installed. This is what I have been waiting for! I mean, please, it is impossible to work when your supplies are like this:
I have recently discovered a fabulous blog called Sew Many Ways that features one of the coolest sewing/craft rooms I have ever seen. Karen created it after a flood destroyed her sewing room in her basement. You should by all means check it out and tell Karen how incredible she is. This is certain to become one of your favorite blogs. Her space is awesome, and she hardly spent any money, except for paint! When you go to her website, just click on "Sewing/Craft Room" at the top of her banner. Her motto is "The happiest people don't have the best of everything….They just make the best of everything they have".
Now that is something to think about!
72 responses to “The Studio”
Good morning Nicole,
I think you’re making good progress with your studio and have learned more about what you want through the delays life has brought your way. I’m anxious to check out Karen’s blog.
Thanks for sharing.
Pam
Good morning Nicole,
I think you’re making good progress with your studio and have learned more about what you want through the delays life has brought your way. I’m anxious to check out Karen’s blog.
Thanks for sharing.
Pam
Your studio-to-be is so full of potential! I hope you are able to start enjoying it soon. Thanks for the links to some great sewing studio ideas. My DH is handy with tools, so I think I’ll coax him into making a sewing table for one of my “extra” machines!
Your studio-to-be is so full of potential! I hope you are able to start enjoying it soon. Thanks for the links to some great sewing studio ideas. My DH is handy with tools, so I think I’ll coax him into making a sewing table for one of my “extra” machines!
It’s going to be wonderful! Your floor looks gorgeous and I’m sure now you’ll be up and running before too long. Sometimes life just gets in the way of these things, doesn’t it? It sounds like you’re on the way back to normal thought – and I’m so glad – I’ve missed you the last few months!!
It’s going to be wonderful! Your floor looks gorgeous and I’m sure now you’ll be up and running before too long. Sometimes life just gets in the way of these things, doesn’t it? It sounds like you’re on the way back to normal thought – and I’m so glad – I’ve missed you the last few months!!
Good morning, my friend!
Cheers for the progress you’re making in the creation of your new sewing studio!! Have you seen the several books out for planning the best possible layout or have you been sewing long enough that you know what you want?
Is the large table the right height for a cutting table? I bought a 3’x6′ display table from a store that was closing to be my cutting table. The table top is higher than a dining table and it is the perfect height for cutting (I’m just 5’2″ or less!).
What a joy it will be to share a sewing space with Sara! Where is the playpen going to go? Wait, are babies corralled these days??!
Happy hugs!
Good morning, my friend!
Cheers for the progress you’re making in the creation of your new sewing studio!! Have you seen the several books out for planning the best possible layout or have you been sewing long enough that you know what you want?
Is the large table the right height for a cutting table? I bought a 3’x6′ display table from a store that was closing to be my cutting table. The table top is higher than a dining table and it is the perfect height for cutting (I’m just 5’2″ or less!).
What a joy it will be to share a sewing space with Sara! Where is the playpen going to go? Wait, are babies corralled these days??!
Happy hugs!
Good luck with your sewing studio. I am lucky enough to have a studio that we redid last winter and I love it so much. It makes sewing so much easier and fun. I have a giant design wall so don’t forget one of those.
Good luck with your sewing studio. I am lucky enough to have a studio that we redid last winter and I love it so much. It makes sewing so much easier and fun. I have a giant design wall so don’t forget one of those.
Your sewing space is shaping up quite nicely! You seem to have a great deal of natural light, which I envy…my sewing space is in our finished basement. I am so thankful to have it but it would be lovely to have more natural You are so fortunate to have your daughter close enough to be able to share a sewing space with her. My daughter lives over 3000 miles away. Karen’s motto “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything….They just make the best of everything they have” is definitely a good one and I do indeed remind myself of that occasionally. speaking of Karen, you are so right about her blog, Sew Many Ways. I discovered it about 18 months ago and I am a follower. Her recycles and tutorials are awesome. Love how she thinks of such unique ways to repurpose things.
Your sewing space is shaping up quite nicely! You seem to have a great deal of natural light, which I envy…my sewing space is in our finished basement. I am so thankful to have it but it would be lovely to have more natural You are so fortunate to have your daughter close enough to be able to share a sewing space with her. My daughter lives over 3000 miles away. Karen’s motto “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything….They just make the best of everything they have” is definitely a good one and I do indeed remind myself of that occasionally. speaking of Karen, you are so right about her blog, Sew Many Ways. I discovered it about 18 months ago and I am a follower. Her recycles and tutorials are awesome. Love how she thinks of such unique ways to repurpose things.
I’m glad to see that your studio is taking shape..I so understand the need for the designated space. I was very close to having that empty nest, well my youngest still is still here but at 17 she is very busy. Then I made the decision to have my daughter and her little family live with me which brings my home back to full capacity and while I love it I still need my space which is my studio. I hope yours is completed soon!
I’m glad to see that your studio is taking shape..I so understand the need for the designated space. I was very close to having that empty nest, well my youngest still is still here but at 17 she is very busy. Then I made the decision to have my daughter and her little family live with me which brings my home back to full capacity and while I love it I still need my space which is my studio. I hope yours is completed soon!
It is so wonderful to have you back blogging. I love the blank slate you have to work with and that wonderful space. I can’t wait to see the progress.
Sue
It is so wonderful to have you back blogging. I love the blank slate you have to work with and that wonderful space. I can’t wait to see the progress.
Sue
I’m so glad you’re back, Nicole. I’ve lived through similar (parents, etc) for the past 3-4 years and there’s no question; it turns your world inside out and upside down and wears a girl down at times. I’m excited for you and your new sewing studio. I hope you’ll make it a point to retreat to your space even for short periods of time as often as possible to ‘recharge your batteries’ so to speak. Take good care!
I’m so glad you’re back, Nicole. I’ve lived through similar (parents, etc) for the past 3-4 years and there’s no question; it turns your world inside out and upside down and wears a girl down at times. I’m excited for you and your new sewing studio. I hope you’ll make it a point to retreat to your space even for short periods of time as often as possible to ‘recharge your batteries’ so to speak. Take good care!
Your sewing room is going to be great!! How wonderful to have that much space. I’ve been follower Karen’s blog for a long time. She has so many great ideaas.
Your sewing room is going to be great!! How wonderful to have that much space. I’ve been follower Karen’s blog for a long time. She has so many great ideaas.
It is coming along nicely and will be perfect!!
I have a big table that my brother fixed so my machine drops into it. It is fantastic!!
It is coming along nicely and will be perfect!!
I have a big table that my brother fixed so my machine drops into it. It is fantastic!!
Looks like your space is coming along even if slowly. Glad to hear your hubby is better too. You had way too much on your plate……..Better days are coming yeaaa. I checked in on Sew many ways. Love her site and have seen some of her projects before and I too love the “motto” as it can take you a long way. Have fun! G
Looks like your space is coming along even if slowly. Glad to hear your hubby is better too. You had way too much on your plate……..Better days are coming yeaaa. I checked in on Sew many ways. Love her site and have seen some of her projects before and I too love the “motto” as it can take you a long way. Have fun! G
I am so happy for you and your studio is already so lovely! I am so interested in this topic right now since we are moving from a 5 bedroom home to a two bedroom apt. and will live there while our new house is being built. I will have a great area too to put a sewing studio. Our lives are so aligned right now as we too will be moving moving closer to the grandchildren. So, bring on the pictures, websites and ideas because I am soaking them up! So glad to have you back blogging again!!!
Marsha
I am so happy for you and your studio is already so lovely! I am so interested in this topic right now since we are moving from a 5 bedroom home to a two bedroom apt. and will live there while our new house is being built. I will have a great area too to put a sewing studio. Our lives are so aligned right now as we too will be moving moving closer to the grandchildren. So, bring on the pictures, websites and ideas because I am soaking them up! So glad to have you back blogging again!!!
Marsha
You are making great progress with your studio. I followed your suggestion and visited Sew Many Ways and was astonished at her studio. What organization and so many thrifty ideas. Thanks for the link, will mark it as a favorite.
So great to read your blog again
Michelle
You are making great progress with your studio. I followed your suggestion and visited Sew Many Ways and was astonished at her studio. What organization and so many thrifty ideas. Thanks for the link, will mark it as a favorite.
So great to read your blog again
Michelle
Welcome back and looking forward to more wonderful quilts and tips. The Dream World inserts are terrific and will lower the position of your sewing machines to a comfortable height and no more stress on the neck and back. Love my inserts.
Welcome back and looking forward to more wonderful quilts and tips. The Dream World inserts are terrific and will lower the position of your sewing machines to a comfortable height and no more stress on the neck and back. Love my inserts.
Looking beautiful! I love my Dream World inserts! I have three, for different machines. Same sewing table, three inserts, three changes in a minute or less.
Looking beautiful! I love my Dream World inserts! I have three, for different machines. Same sewing table, three inserts, three changes in a minute or less.
your space is coming along nicely. Karen’s blog is amazing. I can’t believe all the things she comes up with, I am in awe.
your space is coming along nicely. Karen’s blog is amazing. I can’t believe all the things she comes up with, I am in awe.
It’s going to look great, Nicole! So glad you are back to blogging; I’ve missed you! Glad, too, that your DH is better. Life’s little (and big!) curveballs can really be challenging, can’t they?
It’s going to look great, Nicole! So glad you are back to blogging; I’ve missed you! Glad, too, that your DH is better. Life’s little (and big!) curveballs can really be challenging, can’t they?
Here you are! Back to blogging like the “olden” days…what a wonderful post for us, I bet it felt good to do something “normal” like write a long, chatty post. Your space is going to be awesome. I love how you are getting to work from a blank slate. Will you be purging as you go along emptying out boxes and bins? There is so much potential for you now. Yay!!!
Here you are! Back to blogging like the “olden” days…what a wonderful post for us, I bet it felt good to do something “normal” like write a long, chatty post. Your space is going to be awesome. I love how you are getting to work from a blank slate. Will you be purging as you go along emptying out boxes and bins? There is so much potential for you now. Yay!!!
So glad to have you back. I love the “sewing station for 2” – the table is great and will be so versatile. Your sewing space is turning out lovely, thank you for sharing.
So glad to have you back. I love the “sewing station for 2” – the table is great and will be so versatile. Your sewing space is turning out lovely, thank you for sharing.
I can’t wait till you get up and running again so I can see all of your fabulous quilt projects. I guess I should stop complaining about my sewing room. I just need to paint and clean a little.
So glad hubs is better!!!
I can’t wait till you get up and running again so I can see all of your fabulous quilt projects. I guess I should stop complaining about my sewing room. I just need to paint and clean a little.
So glad hubs is better!!!
My goodness – I think your new space will totally be worth the wait, Nicole! Just picturing the double doors opening to the yard in my mind gives me goosebumps! I can’t wait to see how it progresses! I found Karen’s blog a while back, too! You’re so right – she is a whiz at turning nothing into something for so little!
Cheers!
My goodness – I think your new space will totally be worth the wait, Nicole! Just picturing the double doors opening to the yard in my mind gives me goosebumps! I can’t wait to see how it progresses! I found Karen’s blog a while back, too! You’re so right – she is a whiz at turning nothing into something for so little!
Cheers!
So nice to see the progress on your studio. Although it is slow, it will be worth it in the end, especially if you can blend it with more time with Sara and Baby E !! Cannot believe the craft/sewing room from “Sew many Ways” and how she cleverly re-used and re-purposed practically everything in there! What an inspiration. If only…..
So nice to see the progress on your studio. Although it is slow, it will be worth it in the end, especially if you can blend it with more time with Sara and Baby E !! Cannot believe the craft/sewing room from “Sew many Ways” and how she cleverly re-used and re-purposed practically everything in there! What an inspiration. If only…..
Thank you for sharing the quote! Love it! And the site-will go check it now! Your spot looks like it is going to be lovely and how special for your daughter to come sew with you! That sounds heavenly! And some day your sweet little granddaughter will be right there with you both, the next generation of quilters! :o)
Thank you for sharing the quote! Love it! And the site-will go check it now! Your spot looks like it is going to be lovely and how special for your daughter to come sew with you! That sounds heavenly! And some day your sweet little granddaughter will be right there with you both, the next generation of quilters! :o)
Your space is beautiful! You know what they say, good things come to those who wait! Glad to hear that things are better for you, you’ve been missed.
I visited Karen’s blog and the workspace section, she’s amazing! I’m going to borrow some of her ideas!
Your space is beautiful! You know what they say, good things come to those who wait! Glad to hear that things are better for you, you’ve been missed.
I visited Karen’s blog and the workspace section, she’s amazing! I’m going to borrow some of her ideas!
You sewing space is going to be amazing 🙂 I’m glad you are back to blogging and I hope your family is doing better. Happy New Year!
You sewing space is going to be amazing 🙂 I’m glad you are back to blogging and I hope your family is doing better. Happy New Year!
Welcome back!!!
I had a bar height table that was totally not practical so I hacked the legs off a bit with a saw and now I have a great, dining height table. Maybe you could do the same with your sewing table?
Welcome back!!!
I had a bar height table that was totally not practical so I hacked the legs off a bit with a saw and now I have a great, dining height table. Maybe you could do the same with your sewing table?
I have more info on the inserts for you. Please contact me again.
I have more info on the inserts for you. Please contact me again.
I love the floor!! And putting inserts in the table is a wonderful idea…must check out the link! Oh, it’s so lovely to have you back!
I love the floor!! And putting inserts in the table is a wonderful idea…must check out the link! Oh, it’s so lovely to have you back!
My sewing table is a farmhouse style that I had customized to fit my machine. You will love having yours level with the table top! It will also be nice to share the space with your daughter.
My sewing table is a farmhouse style that I had customized to fit my machine. You will love having yours level with the table top! It will also be nice to share the space with your daughter.
Nicole: I’m just visiting my favourite blogs after a break over Christmas, and am so happy to see that you’re blogging again. So good to hear your voice! Your sewing studio is coming along, and I can’t wait to see what starts to come out of it. Surely all that pent-up sewing energy is going to turn into many good things. I’m glad to hear that you’ve come through 2011 and all the challenges and sadness and difficulties it brought, and are ready to stride positively into 2012. May it be a happy, healthy, blessed year for you and your family.
Nicole: I’m just visiting my favourite blogs after a break over Christmas, and am so happy to see that you’re blogging again. So good to hear your voice! Your sewing studio is coming along, and I can’t wait to see what starts to come out of it. Surely all that pent-up sewing energy is going to turn into many good things. I’m glad to hear that you’ve come through 2011 and all the challenges and sadness and difficulties it brought, and are ready to stride positively into 2012. May it be a happy, healthy, blessed year for you and your family.
What a beautiful, bright cheery space! I love the floor. I can’t wait to see what you make first!
What a beautiful, bright cheery space! I love the floor. I can’t wait to see what you make first!
What an awesome space!!! Isn’t it fun to plan a new sewing area? Keep the photos coming!
What an awesome space!!! Isn’t it fun to plan a new sewing area? Keep the photos coming!
I love Marshall’s and TJ Maxx for dishes. Our everyday dishes are blue and white and mixed patterns. I love using the different patterns. Love your blue and white quilt!
I love Marshall’s and TJ Maxx for dishes. Our everyday dishes are blue and white and mixed patterns. I love using the different patterns. Love your blue and white quilt!
Sew Many Ways is fun blog to visit. I’m glad you shared it here.
I especially like her “Tool time Tuesday”.
Sew Many Ways is fun blog to visit. I’m glad you shared it here.
I especially like her “Tool time Tuesday”.
I’ve wondered about your studio and wished I could drop by and see it. Thanks for the update. I know caring for our older dear ones changes life – we’re doing a bit of that ourselves! You’ve really inspired me to get my sewing room organized and make it more useable – it’s really small but not laid out the way I need it. I loved watching Eleanor Burns’ video. It answered some questions I have for some things I want to change. I’ll be by to visit again soon.
~Adrienne~
I’ve wondered about your studio and wished I could drop by and see it. Thanks for the update. I know caring for our older dear ones changes life – we’re doing a bit of that ourselves! You’ve really inspired me to get my sewing room organized and make it more useable – it’s really small but not laid out the way I need it. I loved watching Eleanor Burns’ video. It answered some questions I have for some things I want to change. I’ll be by to visit again soon.
~Adrienne~