Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sewing Room Before : :

Oh gosh, I really hope I'm not jinxing myself with this post. We haven't even closed on the house yet, but that date is set, everything is signed, and we are all packing. So....  I'm dreaming!

Well, dreaming and pinning! I'll apologize now for just how much, if you follow me there. Sorry.
I just. can't. stop.

I thought it would be a good idea to share some before's today. The room that will be my studio is almost empty now, so I snapped a few photos yesterday to make my plans and to share. Here it is, just as you leave the kitchen and come into the dining room.

from the dining room

It's very open to the rest of the house, which I am not at all used to. In the last three years that I have been passionately crafting, I have always used that small awkward space, that's a little hidden from the rest of the house. That started with me using a huge closet, with a window for a little knitting room hide-away spot. Which moved to me taking claim of half of the playroom, once I began sewing. In this house we're in now, I have been lucky to have my very own room, a forth small bedroom, many steps away from the kitchen, which is where I definitely spend most of my time. It will be so nice to be able to just pop in and out of this new room.

my future sewing room

Of course there's a little negative to it's location, as well. With it being so open, I'm going to have to be extra neat. I've already asked my husband for doors, but it will be awhile before that happens. Right now I imagine my sewing table beneath this beautiful window. What do you think? The shutters will keep me from staring out into the neighbors house, but I'll have some pretty light coming in right above be.

pretty stained glass

The carpet is likely to stay for awhile, too. Hopefully, one day, we can extend these pretty Pergo floors throughout. I love the look of them! Many things about this house are just our style, these floors are one of them!

love these floors

They are in the family room, which is our very favorite room. Isn't it cozy? I can't wait to move into this room!!

love this room

And, here is my future sewing room from the outside. The first room to the right, just as you enter.

from the outside

It is so exciting, I can hardly stand it! It's going to be so fun to plan and finally get in there and all set up. I really would love your advice and suggestions!! Here come the questions, ready? --

How do you feel about leaving the walls a neutral color? What do you use for fabric storage? Scrap storage? Thread storage? I won't have a closet, which scares me! But I do have my new huge cabinet, plus my current shelf space. Do you have any favorite art prints? I will finally be able to put nails in the walls, hallelujah!! I will have a desk for my machine, but I'm not sure if I should bother with a second table for my cutting, or just use the dining room table, since it will be so close?? I'll also need to find a creative way to display my quilts and all the items I make for sale. A ladder for the quilts? A shelf dedicated to sale merchandise?

It's going to be hard to wait, but so nice to have time to plan it all out!! I can't wait to read your ideas!!  
Maureen 

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58 comments:

  1. Exciting for sure! I like the light in the space.

    I'd find it hard being so open to the rest of the house. I liked having a bedroom where I could kind of tuck myself away from everything. My room was always neat, but sometimes "a neat" sewing area still means things are out on the cutting table, pinned up on boards etc...personally I'd opt for a designated cutting table. I have the folding one from Joanne. Lots of cutting space, but folds away to almost nothing when not needed.

    I did a lot of storage in simple white "malm" dressers from Ikea - inexpensive, drawers glide super smooth and held a lot.

    Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

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    1. I completely agree Meeling! But for now, this is the only room in the house that will work. I did but a folding table recently for when I do shows, it's actually an old, wood massage table that folds up into a perfect box. I'll have to measure the width, but that might work for a cutting table? It's nice and long pretty study, since it was made to hold people. :)

      I do want to avoid buying anything new. I prefer to buy second hand, I've always been that way! If there were an Ikea around, I would definitely be breaking that rule. I think the closest is in Philadelphia, which is 4-5 hours!

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  2. I am so excited for you!!! And whatever you do, do NOT get rid of the stained glass. My next house will have stained glass in the windows. I have to admit I have a little jealousy right now. But for the time being, I will live vicariously through you.

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    1. Oh, I never would! It only adds to the charm of this house, and was on our list of hopeful things to have in our fist home. We waited a long time for this house and have lived in some doozies, I promise you. You'll get there!!

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  3. Oh a ladder! Sounds beautiful! Make sure to hang some bunting or something over that window!

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  4. I bought a fairly inexpensive armoire type cabinet from JCPenney that has doors on it with shelves inside. I wrapped my fabric around comic book boards and store it on the shelves. I also put zippers and other small things in clear plastic shoe boxes on the bottom shelf with labels on them so I know what's inside. Something like this would be perfect for your room, as you can close it up and hide what's inside!

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  5. Oh the house is adorable! I just love it! You are very deserving and lucky! What a beautiful place to make a home for your family. Your sewing room will be adorable with all the cute stuff you have and I am sure you will probably find other things you already have and can repurpose them for your sewing needs ! I am using some cute vintage wire baskets that Home Goods has been carrying- maybe you could find an old pie safe that you could transform. Look forward to seeing what you do !

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  6. That will be great! Congrats. I like the bead board. :)

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  7. I'm so excited for you and can't wait to see what you do with your new space. The floor are awesome!! =D

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  8. Congrats! I can't wait to see what you end up doing with. I sew in my dining room which is the middle room of our downstairs. All 3 other rooms on that floor go off of it. So, yeah, it doesn't look so nice when I am not neat about my sewing. But the benefit is that I can put in 5 or 10 minutes here and there throughout my day when I get the chance, while still near to wherever the kids are or to hear the kitchen timer or whatever. So there is a definitely benefit to being in the center of things!

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  9. My husband and I put together a sewing room for me just this past weekend. I went to Ikea and bought an "L" shape table which is sturdy to sew on. I then have a wooden cart with 5 drawers that fits under the table for all my sewing supplies. I then hung a black rod with small and large hooks for my scissors and rotary cutters behind my table. I have to say that I have a separate cutting table which I love love...finally the right height. I put a File cabinet under the table that I got a long time ago from pottery barn outlet. II hang all my fabric on pendaflex files of a yard or more in the file cabinet. I am so excited for you.

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  10. I'm excited for you and your new house!
    I often use old sewing machine needles to hang pictures on walls. (I don't know if your house is old enough to be lathe and plaster or if it's wallboard/sheet rock. That could make a difference for hanging stuff.)

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    1. They are lathe and plaster, except for where they added the addition and remodeled the kitchen area. This house was built in the late 1800's. So, the entire upstairs is, and are really best for wallpaper, which I won't be doing. Have a tips for hanging pictures??

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  11. Yay!!!! I'm so excited for you, how wonderful. I always love, love, love the planning stage. I'm sure yours will be one amazing sewing room, you have such a wonderful style!

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  12. awesome room! can't wait to see the after pics.
    I have a bonus room as my studio, hubby built little cubbies which I have filled already. the room has slanted ceilings so no cabinets. I have neutral walls, well a light green, but the slanted walls have the kids drawings taped up.... I have pics on my blog, i'd have to find the post.

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    1. here's the link
      http://www.beaquilter.com/2012/01/got-little-more-sewing-done-today-and.html

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    2. Wow, your wall of cubbies is amazing and inspiring!! My best friend actually built a Pottery Barn knock of cubby shelf, that turned out awesome! Maybe she'll help me! Cynthia??

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    3. Just saw this...LOL! Would love to help you but you will have to make me a pillow. :)

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  13. I would definitely recommend a designated cutting table. I have a big table with metal legs that is really heavy. My husband put chunky wooden blocks under it to raise it up to about waist height (it's as tall as my kitchen counters). I have rolling storage drawers full of fabric that slide right under the table. The fronts are clear so you can see what's inside.
    I am going to make a table skirt to go around the table and hide the contents. Also, the fabric plays into my color scheme. I have the fabric, I just need to make the time to finish it.
    I've also picked out some colorful prints from jellybeans on etsy that I'm going to hang on one wall.

    Your room is a great size and has beautiful light. I know you'll make it great. Also, to kind of block the door, have you thought of making sort of a shoji screen?

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    1. I was thinking maybe curtains? But honestly, I really want to make a real effort to keep it open and clean! We'll see.... :)

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  14. what a beautiful house and your room will be so wonderful...filled with light and part of the pulse of the house....lucky lucky you

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  15. Your house looks so cozy! That is a beautiful room to sew in!
    I am all for leaving the walls a neutral color. The first thing I did to my sewing room when we moved into this house was paint the walls a nice neutral, I think it makes the fabrics pop! I use a small pantry type cupboard for my yardage. My fat quarters are folded up in small see-thru bins and my scraps... well, they are in a big bin under my cutting table (I am thinking of changing that someday!). I would also definitely recommend a designated cutting table. I thought I wouldn't need one when we moved into this house 2 years ago but my mom gave me a cutting table she wasn't using anymore and I can't believe I ever went without!! It sounds like you are having so much fun dreaming about this wonderful space! I can't wait to see it all done!

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    1. I think a neutral wall is a good idea, too. I love color, but it really would make everything else pop. I could make some colorful patchwork curtains!

      How funny that I immediately thought, "Well neutral walls would work best for picture taking..." I found it a bit hilarious that I would consider any design ideas based on my need to blog everything! ha ha

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  16. How fun to be able to create a whole sewing space just for you. Know it will be beautiful ~ looking forward to seeing the transformation.

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  17. I'm surprised you can still speak! I'd be hyperventilating. Your new home is so beautiful. Congratulations.

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    1. :) Speaking isn't the problem! It's stopping myself from crying whenever I think about it! The day we move in is going to be so emotional for both my husband and I! It is such a dream come true!!

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  18. What fun to finally have such a great space. I would use the dining table for cutting for now and see how you feel down the line a bit. You may not want to give up more floor space. I bought a drop down table that attaches to the wall. It is hinged and has a swing out support piece. I got it at IKEA. I also have a wall mounted shelving unit with 3 shelves for my scraps which I keep in clear plastic bins, sorted by color. The res of my fabric is folded on shelves or in those wire basket drawer units you can also get at IKEA. Make it your own and furnish as you go and as you define your needs for the space. Happy planning!!

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  19. Ah! Girl, I am so happy for you! I remember when Brent and I moved into our first house. I think I cried. Just a little. As for my room, I have cube shelves where I store my large pieces of fabric, and labeled bins with lids where I store my scraps, each separated by color. I have flat bins with lids that hold my whole collections I don't want to break up, like my Lorax FQB, my Mendocino and my Good Folks. I have two tables, one for cutting and one for sewing, and I do most of my work in that room, which is hidden away in the back of the house. Some days, though, I get sick of being cooped up and I cut on the kitchen island, so I'm not sure whether you should do two tables or not. If you don't, it might afford you more room to have seating in there, which I'm sure your kids will love when they get home from school! My tools are all hung on the walls. I have nails holding my rulers behind the door and peg board above my tables to hold my scissors and things. My room is also a scrapbook room as I started out as a scrapbooker, so lots of my space is taken up with those things. I also have paint for Clara and little things she can play with when she's in the room, so I have two bookshelves to hold all those types of things. I have a second cube shelf in the closet (the doors have been removed so I can see) that actually has the bins in it and that one is full of scrapbooking, glue guns, ribbons, patterns, and the odd and ends of crafting. The downside to my room is there is no room for inspiration. I have two big shelves on the walls and all my tools and bookshelves taking the space, and the only open space has become a design wall, which I use CONSTANTLY. I should take some pictures and show them off so you can see what I'm talking about. I'm really organized. It's the only way I can keep everything in that tiny room!

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  20. What a nice house! I'm jealous. I love the mouldings and the colors. The window is gorgeous. However, I think I would maybe put the machine on the wall with the picture on it (then you could have a cork board and/or thread board above it) and have a work table of some sort in front of the window. It would be less distracting to me. Maybe an armoire on the wall where the dining room is, if there's room, or next to the work table by the window. Then the shelf could be on the wall by the dining room. Yes, being in such an open area makes it difficult when working on projects. Perhaps putting up a screen between the dining area and sewing room for the time being would help. Perhaps the large glass cabinet could store scraps in baskets or bins with color labels. I would use the dining table for cutting for now until you acquaint yourself with the space, like another reader mentioned. So happy for you!

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  21. I love having the ladder so that I can see what I am working on , having my space central in the house is great because we have to multi-task alot being moms. I have pretty wicker baskets for scraps and wire baskets pick up for the to little trimmings that I use for stuffing, the birds and etc. I dont like all the plastic, I really liked your space before so I know you want have a problem fixing this one, Get rid of that neutral yellow tone...... put some color up, thats what MC is all about.

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  22. I'm so excited for you, M! So, here goes:
    The first thing I did when I moved into this, my first house, was paint the walls all kinds of crazy colors. Paint is cheap and makes such an impact. If you're worried that a bold color would be too much (especially since it's close to public space, you could just paint one wall. But it's inspiring and happy-making to have some color on the walls!
    My fabric storage isn't perfect, but I have some cubes from Target, for yardage, as well as a smaller unit for the half yards. I keep my FQs in fabric bins (that fit into the yardage unit.
    I have a gigantic bin for scraps, but I'm currently working on sorting those into more manageable piles. That's a WIP.

    I know you'll figure out the best solutions for yourself in that room. It will be fabulous! And you can keep perfecting it as you work, and see what will make your space most efficient!

    <3

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  23. I love your room. I am not a neat sewer, but having that natural light will be awesome. I just bought some shelves at Lowes, metal ones and store my thread and some fabric on them. Other fabric is in an old dresser and still other fabric and yarn is in my basement warehouse..... I am sure we all know about the Stash. AS for art work, I have a series of 3 (4 x6) photos of old sewing machines, and thread spools and put them in an old rustic frame with matting so it is a long rectangular shape. it is so neat looking. Also, recently I have seen some resin buttons, and scissors that are wall plaques. Now being the miser that I am, I took plywood, cut the circle and did some creative drilling for button holes and sanding and made my own and antiqued them. They look cute. My other favorite storage bin is a little wall bin (like the ones you can put file folders in that are magnetic) Anyway, found a smaller one,not as deep as a regular one that attached with those removeable sticky tabs. stuck it on the side of my sewing table and put my seam ripper and snipping scissors in it. Handy,,,,Have fun...

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  24. Im so stinkin excited FOR YOU!!!! And coming from a fellow old-home owner who also has her sewing room right inside the front door, it'll motivate you to keep it tidy. If not, just hunt for old cabinetry that can serve as storage.(I just saw the cabinet you scored...lovely!)
    I have a white cabinet with glass doors on top where I store fabric and the bottom doors are solid so I can hide stuff there. A cutting area is going to be key for you with all the work and quilting you'll be doing. If I were you, Id make a specific area for that(or come up with something that can house a huge cutting mat plus your sewing machine if you need to condense).
    Ive been fluffing my room again recently. Regardless of what you do it'll be beautiful, it'll be a place to create and it'll be YOURS. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!

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  25. PS. A ladder for your quilts is a great idea.But have you seen what AMHorner just built in her living room for her quilts? GORG-E-MOUS!!!

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  26. Your house is just as charming inside as it is outside! The sewing room is awesome and you will love your sewing table under the window. Mine is under the window and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have a cutting table from Joann's that I couldn't live without but I wouldn't hesitate to use the dining room table if I had to. My walls are white but I'll be painting them a pale pink and using more color in the accessories. With your creativity, the room will be fabulous no matter what you do!

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  27. Love your new room, and the floors are gorgeous!

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  28. How exciting!! We are waiting for our new house to close as well!!! I am looking for a wood flooring for my living room and one for my sewing room and I LOVE the wood floor (Pergo) that you are showing. Can you tell me what it is exactly??
    Have fun with the move!

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  29. What great light and a wonderful space, yes, definitely put your sewing machine under the window, that is where I love to sew too :)

    My feeling is you can NEVER have too many tables, partly because of what Meeling said; ....."but sometimes "a neat" sewing area still means things are out on the cutting table......"

    but also it allows you to work on different projects when you feel like it without having to put everything away and feel you can't start another inspired project :)

    I hope the move goes well, cheers, T. :)

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  30. What a lovely before space. It will be amazing to see the after!

    Anna

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  31. I just redid my "sweatshop" and added a dedicated cutting table and I would never give it up now. I used a laminate top from my kids' old craft table and replaced the short legs with 36 inch square stock from Home Depot (under $5 per leg) and it's the perfect height for cutting (counter height) and planning and even for using my laptop at times. I have a set of mesh drawers underneath which hold fabric and I even added a curtain around the sides to keep the fabric from fading from the sun. It probably cost me about $30.00 to make and I added a 36X24 inch rotary cutting mat on top and it's perfect!!

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  32. Congratulations! Hopefully it closes without issues and you will have thsoe keys in your hands in no time!

    I haven't read a lot of the other comments. But I love the ladder idea for quilts! Even those half ladder things that lean against the wall is a nice way to display!

    I have a table for my machine and a long one for cutting. My husband made me a 'craft' table which spans 8ft by 3ft and is the height for a bar stool (because those were the chairs we had). I use the table for cutting on one end, but then also have the space for other stuff... When we get our house (it's a short sale, sellers accepted the offer... so we are waiting on the bank!) I want to put some of those plastic drawers under the table so the stuff I do not use often are somewhat out of the way.

    I am sure that however you decide to use the space will be awesome!

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  33. congrats on your new space!
    I, myself, am tackling all the storage/space questions you have as my 'crafting area' doubles as a guest bedroom. Double hard to keep things tidy and clean yet functional for both facets of living....
    Good luck/have fun on your adventure here! :)

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  34. Oh, I can just feel your excitement! What a great space you will have. I think I'd try and find a space for a cutting table, but sometimes it's all about compromise! Do you have an empty wall for a design board? I love having all my fabric in a cupboard with glass doors so I can see all my lovelies and keep the cats out of it! Have fun putting together your new space. I'm sure you will figure it out as you go.

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  35. Oh I'm so excited for you. I have moved my space around several times. It was in a corner of my bedroom, in a bonus room, and now is in a room tucked away. My problem is that my husband and I tend to hang out in the same room even if we are doing separate things and I feel bad going up to sew. So now I think that being in the middle of things would probably be my preference. Have fun.

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  36. Lovely place to look forward to and dream on! I, too have windows in my sewing room/dining room (!Ha!) and I can tell you, that having the shutters may be just perfect. The windows by my machine are high up, kind of like the space left open by your shutters, and it makes me a) feel less like I am in a fish bowl when I create, and b) keeps me from getting to distracted! So happy for you! (Crossing fingers!)

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  37. How exciting to have a new space to plan! I keep (most) of my fabric in the armoire my husband built for my daughter when she was young. The moveable shelves work great (I think I saw a sewing machine in there last week!) I store all my fabrics on Comic Book Backer Boards (still in the process of wrapping it all--ssshhh my stash isn't THAT big, sweetie). It makes it so easy to see exactly what I have. I know Ikea has armoires inexpensively that work really well too...or thrift stores,,,or flea markets. Have fun Maureen!

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  38. Definitely s nice to have a new space to make your own. I have a koala system and my son in law jokes that I can record a quilting show in my sewing room. Also, I found a wonderful country blue chest of drawers at ikea and I love it. Thank you sew much for the chance to win that beautiful fabric.

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  39. Oh Maureen it's just gorgeous!! I think neutral colours are totally best. That way you can change all the furnishings and art to whatever colours suit. I know I always get bored very quickly if I go for too much colour on the walls.
    A small plug if you don't mind, my husband sells modern prints at www.beemorris.com - some are very street art but the confettis one is utterly beautiful. It's a small shop at the moment but he's hoping to grow more and has more artists lined up.
    Those floors are just stunning!!

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  40. What fun! Sounds like you will have lots of fun thinking about the new space and what it will be like. Congratulations to you and your family!

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  41. Gosh, I am excited just reading you! In my new sewing room I won't have a closet either but if you go to thrift furniture stores you may find an old big tv cabinet that you could use for a closet. You could paint it any color you like and it will hold a lot of stuff. Do you have an Ikea nearby? the one I go to is a state away, but worth the drive. They have great storage items... amoung other things. :) I have a ladder in my livingroom for quilts and I LOVE it. And I think you should have your own table in your sewing room. Then you won't have to drag items out and put them away, they can always be ready to go in your new room. Your new house is going to be the perfect home!

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  42. I just love your new house. Your excitement is contagious. Keep having fun! Remember that if a room is messy, it means something is happening in it. So a messy sewing studio is OKAY! It is supposed to be that way!! Best wishes!

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  43. Definitely jealous;P And, a big yes to an old vintage ladder for quilts. I saw a tutorial on pinterest the other day where someone used embroidery hoops with pegs glued in place for thread and bobbins. If you have a minute to come check out and link up to my I Am Project for Women to help me empower women around the world I'd appreciate it! http://dazedandcreative.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-am-project-link-up-for-women.html

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  44. congrats on you new space to come. It will be nice. I think having the big cabinet will help and I am sure you will create a very nice space for your self.
    The dining room table might be a little low to do much cutting without getting a backache but you could try it for a while. Just a thought.

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  45. i am so so so so so excited for you! xo

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  46. I, too, have my sewing space just inside the front door. Literally, just inside the door. So it does help to encourage me to keep things tidy, but I'm not a neat freak so some bits and pieces here and there don't bother me.

    It is in my dinning room, so space is limited (unlike your fabulous new room!!). My sewing desk is right in front of our bay windows, which have a built in bench. I use that bench as a shelf to store things behind my desk. I do have a table just for cutting (it is actually one of those butcher block islands that you can find at Sams Club or the Home Depot. It is about 2' wide x 34" long, and 3' high on wheels. Perfect!) and I really do enjoy having it instead of my dinning room table. It's higher and I don't have to clean things off of it when it's meal time.

    One good aspect of having it just as you come in is to use your fabrics, notions, and other items as colorful decor. Yes, you can do this in a separate room, but now you can share those beautiful items with everyone who come into your home! Not to mention it greets YOU every time you come home, too!

    Enjoy!
    (I, too, enjoy thrift finds! Here is what I did for my sewing desk:
    http://www.dewings.us/blog/2012/08/12/restoration-weekend/ if you are interested.)

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  47. Maureen, this space looks amazing!! Plus, a good stack of fabric (or a few, ahem) will definitely make it feel more like home once you get in there. Having recently moved myself, I definitely think the challenge of arranging a new space is part of the fun, and lends itself to more creative thinking (and trips to find new furniture)! I so want to see your space in person, it looks so lovely. Maybe one of these times I head to central PA to visit family we could try to get together!

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