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a place of my own

wordygirl | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

I’m returning to sewing after several years hiatus and can only do so much with the desktop I’ve been using.  I’d like to keep my projects contained to one area. I don’t have a spare room but I do have a big empty corner of the living room that would be perfect. I’d like to have my own work station or cabinet or whatever you call it but don’t want to pay what the sewing centers are asking. I’m willing to convert an armoir, a couple of desks, a cabinet, anything along those lines.  Anyone have ideas?

Replies

  1. katina | | #1

    This book is excellent; perhaps you can buy a copy or check your library

    http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Sewing-Spaces-Design-Organization/dp/0935278419/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254370589&sr=1-1

    Search the Gatherings discussions as we've talked about sewing spaces in the past.

    I don't know if 'hiding' your space applies to you, but I've seen screens used to great advantage to conceal a sewing or hobby area in a room. One friend uses hers as a display area for a collection of unusual handbags.

    Good luck!

    1. wordygirl | | #8

      I'm grateful I asked for ideas.  I had run out of them myself.

       

      1. katina | | #10

        No, you hadn't - sometimes we just need another perspective. I'm sure you'll do a great job.

        Katina

  2. MaryinColorado | | #2

    Now that so many have switched to those big flat screen TV's, you should be able to find a really good deal one of those big TV cabinets they no longer need for tvs.  I thin you could refashion it into a great sewing cabinet.  Some of their doors swin open all the way to the sides so would be out of the way too.  They hold alot. 

    The main issue for your machine, is the stability so you don't get vibration which is hard on machines.  I've gone through alot of various makeshift surfaces.  Two nightstands (or low file cabinets)and a prefab countertop work well for instance.  Dressers with nice deep drawers are great.  Lowes and Home Depot and Target sometimes have large inexpensive cabinets you can assemble at home without too much work involved.  You can also use your ironing board or a folding table for extra surfaces when sewing larger items.  The bathroom departments often have interesting possibilities for hanging your tools on and such too.  Office supply stores might give you some ideas for storage too.

    Don't ignore the possibilities in the tool departments either.  I have a big green toolbox that is lightweight plastic that is great for all my beading and jewelrymaking. 

    I got a great clamp on adjustable arm lamp with magnifying glass for about $20.00 and a cheap pole lamp that I like better than my track lighting for sewing.  Get bulbs that aren't hot to sit under.

    Good luck and have fun creating your sewing sanctuary!  Mary 

    1. katina | | #3

      Hey Mary, that TV cabinet's a wonderful idea - for all sorts of uses. Thanks!

      Katina

    2. wordygirl | | #6

      MaryinColorado,

      Thanks for the suggestions.  I'll start exploring with your suggestions.

      marta

  3. alotofstitches | | #4

    My county Home extension agent was able to send me pamphlets re: small space storage that helped a lot.A hint I used was enclosing an old chest of drawers behnd doors to save construction costs.  A TV show yrs. back showed using a door atop filing cabinets with a curtain hung from the door to conceal the files & other storage bins.  I used a rolling drawer section pulled from a closet when I sewed then returned for clean-up--great for storing all those little but needed supplies. I also set my serger on a rolling typewriter table for easy moving to the sewing area. Boot boxes are sturdy storage bins & can be wrapped in paper or hidden.

    1. wordygirl | | #9

      Home Extension. Another place I didn't think of. Wow!

  4. gailete | | #5

    I've found that picking up old machines still in their cases are a good way of getting a sewing machine table for cheap. I usually have bought them for $5. All the seller sees is a machine that doesn't work and not a beautiful wooden stand. I have a secondary sewing area in the living room consisting of a sewing table opened up, a piano bench, all this backed up to a kitchen island. I only keep my ongoing Project Linus project there and the rest of my sewing things are upstairs in my sewing room.

    1. wordygirl | | #7

      thanks. So many good ideas.

  5. Cityoflostsouls | | #11

    Try Sewing.org and look at the photos od sewing rooms-one is an end of a living room.

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