After 40 years of sewing at the kitchen table or the bedroom,
I am so blessed to have a sewing room in our Empty Nest at long last! How did I get along without it? Before moving the furniture
around, I asked several of my quilting friends what features they especially enjoy and appreciate in their own sewing
environment. I took their ideas into consideration and proceded to set things up in the smaller bedroom. About a month later, it
was clear I needed to move into the larger bedroom! This time I carefully planned where all the furniture would go using graph paper
and little furniture cutouts. It's important to do this on paper (or computer program) before moving things, because a good room arrangement depends on electric outlets and windows. Here are
the ideas and considerations I worked through to make my own precious space the best it could be on my budget. --Marti
1) Window placement: My sewing room has 2 large windows, one facing east and one facing south. I wanted to put the sewing machines in
front of the window for light and so I could look out on a flower bed I created in the front yard. I made opaque vinyl covers for the sewing
machine and serger so the direct sun would not shine on them. Unfortunately, this spot between the sewing machine and the window is occupied
by a the large and heat-absorbing cat, Captain Bubble. The window treatment is just mini blinds, so as not to block any light
that curtains would do. When preparing to plant a Christmas tree in my front yard, I first sat at my sewing machine and looked out
the window to make sure I could see the tree with its lights at Christmas time!
2) Electricity: I planned out my electrical needs- my sewing room also houses the computer and all its paraphernalia, and a TV / VCR
on just 2 electrical outlets. The sewing machines, TV / VCR and computer are all plugged directly into good quality power strips which in turn
are plugged into the outlets. Some of the computer periferals use extension cords and 1 other outlet, but in case of a storm (I live
in Tornado Alley on a hilltop) all I have
to do is unplug 2 power strips from 2 other power strips, (plus the phone connectors) rendering all the electronics completely safe.
In addition to the expensive components that are plugged in, I also have an answering machine, 4 intensity lamps, a zip drive,
an iron, printer, digital camera and tiny vacuum cleaner, so the placement of cords and wires had to be planned out. Labelling cords
and cables is a must.
5) Storage: Large clear plastic bins and half-size bins for fabric, big clear plastic boxes for everything from craft beads to
serger thread; smaller clear boxes for embroidery floppy disks, tatting thread, etc. Containers come in many, many shapes. Baskets,
hat boxes, make-up cases, even fishing tackle boxes, are all great for keeping your sewing stuff neat and
interesting-looking. After trying out every thread storage method I could think of, I settled on having all my regular sewing thread in a drawer next to my machines,
taking advantage of the 'point of use' idea. I preferred them on racks on the wall, but they got too dusty.
6) Excitement: I spend a good amount of time in my sewing room. I sew almost every day, and I use the computer every day. I want to
really enjoy my surroundings, you know, like feng shui. If I could afford it, I would put built-in cabinetry, floor to ceiling, in
beautiful black walnut wood, on all four walls. Everything utilitarian would be hidden behind cabinet doors. Since I don't have that luxury, I can still
try for a certain degree of order. The walls are white, but I am surrounded by lots of color. I don't want there to be a specific 'decor',
because I don't want a theme to distract me from all the different projects that are going on in many different themes. Everywhere I look
I am re-inspired. The projects let me know they're there, waiting until I have I found some other sewing rooms online:
Well, now you've seen my sewing room. It's a haven while also being a serious workroom. Every day I look forward to spending a few hours in here.
Thanks for visiting! Whether you have a little corner of the basement closet or a 3000 sq ft studio, I hope you enjoy the re-fueling,
relaxation, productivity and creativity of sewing as often as you like.
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