It has been a long time coming, but my quilting studio is up and running. I am so grateful to my husband, son in law, and Handyman Bill for making this dream come true. For so many years, I did my sewing on the dining room table, in the guest room, and in my last house, in a very nice dedicated "sewing room". I realize how fortunate I am to have this lovely large space to pursue my passion, and won't forget to be appreciative, ever.
Things are not 100% finished. We still need air conditioning, some trim, window coverings, and a few other minor details. This post is very photo heavy, but I hope you enjoy seeing some of the things we did.
We went from a former woodshop, and a very nice one at that (photos from one year ago):
Inside the door to the left, and back wall. Notice the funky cupboards, bare light bulbs and concrete floor.
Back wall and right wall. Even though the hobby wasn't mine, when I first saw this space, I could feel the creative vibe humming!
Right wall and entrance. More funky cupboards.
To this:
Inside the door to the left. Design wall is up, but needs some trim. Dresser for all my various sewing supplies. IPod dock for music or audio books while I sew.
Left wall and part of back wall. Sewing station for two! Sara's chair still needs to be ordered. She's been using a kitchen chair in the meantime. In a photo below, I will show close ups of my new sewing table, a former dining room table. Ironing table will be set up under the window.
Back wall with storage cabinetry. Marvelous cabinetry courtesy of Lowes. You can see a glimpse of the hardwood flooring my husband installed. I love my quilts on top, and hanging in the center. Believe me, those cabinets are pretty full of stash and supplies already!
Right wall with cutting table.
Right wall with reading corner and rocking chair. Sharp objects have been removed from overhead.
Here are some details.
I did get my Sister's Choice barn art hung, and a larger one is on order for the outside of the building.
Here is a close up of the cut out Bill made in the dining table to fit my Bernina. He used my acrylic insert from my old sewing table as his pattern. He dropped a little platform for the machine to sit on, at the correct height. When the template is put over the cut out, the sewing surface is smooth and uniform. I had him leave me 12 inches of space to the right, which is about 8 more than I had on my previous sewing table. He did the same procedure in the opposing corner, so I have space for Sara (or a friend) to come sew with me. We still need to sand the edges and apply a bit of stain so it looks more finished. (And yes, my friend Thelma did make the cupcake personalized mug rug for me!)
This fun little holder came from Hobby Lobby. I have a friend who uses hers to hold her rulers, but I am using mine to hold some patterns I hope to use in the near future. It also works fine to hold a magazine or book while you are reading the cutting instructions as you work.
Cabinets are 90% organized. I used plastic tubs from Target and organized my fabrics by designer, but also have things arranged by color or type (such as "Black and White" or "Civil War"). Larger cuts of fabric are folded and stacked on shallow shelves. UFOs are in smaller project boxes (and yes, I do have a shocking number of them). That super messy looking bin is full of tote bags that are going to go in a covered container out in the garage.
If you are designing a sewing space, don't forget to leave room for some treasured momentos and toys.
Goofy photos.
And a sunny spot for the dog.
Hope you enjoyed the tour!
What a stellar place to exercise your amazing creativity and have fun! Love what you've done to make the studio fit you, your interests, and the mementos you cherish. It's a special joy to have room for Sara to come so you and she can sew and play together!
Applause to all who helped make your vision a reality, too!
Now the fun can start and sheer joy can send your spirit soaring!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | March 12, 2012 at 08:58 AM
Fabulous, you all did a lovely job! enjoy your space!
Posted by: Sharon | March 12, 2012 at 09:00 AM
A lovely tour, thanks so much. Everything looks so neat and organized, and even the dog is enjoying it. I'm lucky enough to have a small sewing room, but would love to have the space for some of those fabulous cupboards you have.
Posted by: Heartsdesire | March 12, 2012 at 09:01 AM
Gorgeous and beautifully organized. Great planning to make it for two or more friends to stitch with you! Hope the air conditioning--even a window unit--goes in quickly !
Posted by: AnnieO | March 12, 2012 at 09:10 AM
Beautiful space! Problem is----now I want one too!
Wishing you many happy hours in this lovely space.
Posted by: Peggy | March 12, 2012 at 09:22 AM
How lovely!! I think we get what we deserve in life, so you've obviously been very good!
Posted by: L | March 12, 2012 at 09:34 AM
It is beautiful! Congratulations to you and everyone involved. Thank you for the tour!
Posted by: Kathy R | March 12, 2012 at 09:35 AM
Your studio is just gorgeous! Thanks for the tour. Wishing you many, many hours of sewing fun!
Posted by: Laura | March 12, 2012 at 09:44 AM
What a wonderful space you've created! I wish you many happy hours of sewing-wish I could come sew there myself.
Posted by: kern | March 12, 2012 at 10:09 AM
Well I am totally jealous now! It is wonderful.
Posted by: Carmen | March 12, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Big SIGH! Thank you for sharing your lovely sewing space with us! I have a very small shed behind my house...I wonder if my Koala Cub would fit in there......
Posted by: Julie in WA | March 12, 2012 at 10:18 AM
How fun to see your studio - it is fabulous! Love the white cabinets, and the quilts on top & the quilt hanging in the bare space. Love it all - I would sew all day and night :)
When I set up my cabinets, I had display space, too. The cute stuff quickly gave way to books, or fabric.
Posted by: Jan S. | March 12, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Your room is just beautiful, a wonderful space to create in. It's so funny when you described the sewing table reconstruction. About six or seven years ago, my husband and son did just that with a six foot utility table I have. It works perfectly, nice and level surface to sew those big quilts!!!!! Love it.
Posted by: Connie | March 12, 2012 at 10:30 AM
What a lovely sewing studio you have. I bet you never want to leave it. It is so nice to have your own space to sew & to be able to leave everything out & not have to put it away all the time.
Posted by: Kay Mc | March 12, 2012 at 10:42 AM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Ailsa | March 12, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Perfectly wonderful space! I have taken over my daughter's old bedroom and it is huge. I need to get it more 'user friendly'. Do you have any tips for where things should go? It seems like I am always taking the long way to the ironing board and so on...
Posted by: Audrey | March 12, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Beautiful space and so nicely organized, lucky you! Now you'll be major productive and we'll get to see all these wonderful projects just flying out the door!
Posted by: Deb A | March 12, 2012 at 10:57 AM
It looks fabulous! I foresee you spending many happy hours in there!!
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | March 12, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Fab-u-lo-so! It is gorgeous and just perfect.
Posted by: Christine Thomas | March 12, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Wow - your new studio could be in the pages of a magazine, Nicole! Your hubby, son-in-law and Handyman bill are to be commended for a wonderful job of construction and you for your incredible organization skills! I can see you spending many happy years in there creating gorgeous quilts! Maybe someday a little granddaughter will be sewing by your side as well ;>)
Cheers!
Posted by: Candace | March 12, 2012 at 11:20 AM
I've been eagerly awaiting the tour and when I saw it was up, I settled in with my beverage to enjoy. What a gorgeous space! I'm sure I will return to it again and again for inspiration. My sewing room is adequate but not special like your studio. So happy for you and will look forward to the wonderful creations to come.
Posted by: Sue | March 12, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Wow. It is so beautiful. What a lovely treat for you.
Posted by: Diane | March 12, 2012 at 11:42 AM
Absolutely spectacular! Happy for you!
Posted by: Elaine S. | March 12, 2012 at 11:49 AM
This looks like a little bit of heaven!!! I love it! Thank you for the guided tour! It looks like a wonderful creative space and I am sure you will put it to great use!!! What a great room! Congrats on the new space!!!!! I think my favorite (one of them) part of your new room is the table for two! :O)
Posted by: Bari Jo | March 12, 2012 at 12:32 PM
Oh my Nicole, what an incredible sewing studio. I know you will enjoy having such a nice bright spot to sew.
Posted by: Jocelyn | March 12, 2012 at 12:44 PM