Wednesday, March 11, 2015

WIP Wednesday - The Sewing Room

I have a number of sewing projects at various stages of progress but without a doubt my most important WIP right now is the design of my new sewing room.  As I shared in this post, we are renovating our New Hampshire house on the lake to make it work as our primary, full-time home.   One of the "must haves" was a room for sewing.

The room is approximately 13 feet by 11.5 feet.  Not huge but more than I have now.
This is my current sewing room (and a post with more pictures).
My goals for the new room include:

  • Space for a design wall.  
  • Excellent lighting
  • Space for my sit-down quilting machine
  • Bookcases for storage
  • A counter height cutting area on wheels

I have created a Pinterest board and am inspired by so many beautiful sewing rooms.

Lighting for the room is a near term decision.  Full spectrum light bulbs seem to be the recommendation for simulating natural light.  There is a perpendicular set of windows that will allow for a view of the lake from the sewing machine.

I am looking at cork flooring.  It should be good for the legs, soft and sound absorbing.  Although I understand I may need protectors under the machines and chair to prevent permanent indentations.
My current room sewing room has a lot of Ikea furniture that works well.  I think this Ikea hack will work well for a cutting space, perhaps with wheels to be able to move it from the center of the room to up against the design wall.
I feel so fortunate to be able to design my sewing room.  I'd appreciate any advice you have!
Thanks!
Kathy

16 comments:

  1. How exciting hope to be designing in the fall as week a new room after the baby leaves for colleg. Can't wait to see what you so.

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  2. Now that is a serious WIP! Visiting from Lee's linky.

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  3. Good luck with the Reno. I sew in my living room so no help here.

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  4. I have a room dedicated to sewing, and if I had to do it all over again....my biggest problem is lack of natural light. I have one window in the room on the west side - not great for pictures. I was smart enough to build in a countertop at cutting height - so glad I did! I wish my room was a little big bigger - but all in all, it's a great space.

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  5. How exciting to be able to create your sewing space! I have lots of ideas for my next sewing room too!

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  6. How exciting, and with a view of the lake! I like Lori Holt's, Bee In My Bonnet, ironing table/cutting table idea. http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com/2013/08/from-my-quilty-studioironingcutting.html Good luck!

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  7. Check about the outlets.....all my outlets were tied to one breaker in our new house. When the iron was in use the lights would dim! So we had to add a new outlet from another breaker for the iron. The bedroom was not intended for all the electrical items so it is wise to have multiple lines for power. Love the idea of cork flooring. Using the glides under the feet is a great idea for your table too.

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  8. I made a cutting/pressing table very similar to the one you have linked. I only used 2 of the Kallax units in an L shape so there is a gap that goes against the wall and I have batting, fabric on bolts, and other large things stuffed there. Also, since I made mine a combined pressing/cutting table I covered it - batting, ironing board cover material and then nice fabric. That was a bad idea because it can be hard to cut on it because I have to press really hard - if/when I redo it I'll get rid of the batting. I also used this tutorial: http://frommartawithlove.com/diy-ikea-sewing-table-tutorial/ to make a custom sewing table for my machine.

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  9. Also, I'm a bad blogger and wrote posts up months and months ago and never published them but I just did it so if you want to see some photos of my space and a little more detail about what I did feel free to visit (and if you have questions feel free to email me)!

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  10. I like having my sit down machine by my ikea tables for extra quilting space. And I love a BIG design wall. Mine is a flannel queen size flat sheet.

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  11. The cork floor is a great idea but do get a protector. I just reorganized my sewing room you could check out my blog to see what I did, not perfect but making the best I think with what I have. Lots of light is always nice. Patrica dogwoodlanerambles.blogspot.com

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  12. How fun, I can't wait to see what you come up with!!! Getting built in shelving to store my fabric last year changed my life... it's so amazing to be able to shop your own fabric stash:-)

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  13. I checked out your previous sewing room make-over...amazing what a change in color can do! Isn't it fun actually "planning" a sewing room into the house plans!!! Bet you are having fun....cork floor! How cool. Thanks for sharing your process....

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  14. My husband made the cutting table you have pictured above made from Ikea bookcases. He followed the same blog site for instruction. I was able to have wheels on mine and it is wonderful to move it around my sewing. You'll love it!

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  15. I think you've seen my cutting table on the blog - I highly recommend putting yours on casters as it is so nice to move it out for access to all sides or push it against the wall. Go as big as you can! I look forward to seeing your room in "action" - have fun with the planning!

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  16. My sewing room is about the same size. I think the biggest space savings item I chose to include is a 60x30 piece of wood turned into an ironing board. I can easily set the board off to the side when not using it, but lay it upon the cutting table when I am using it. Fits fat quarters, wide fabric and quilts really well. I just lean it against a wall out of the way when I'm not ironing. I love it! The space for the designated ironing spot is cleared up so I can use it for something I need all the time. You might want to consider this option too!

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How nice of you to take the time to comment!

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