New Sewing Studio!
4:00 PM
It was only a year ago that I was posting a sewing studio update. A lot changes in a year! Three weeks ago, we moved into a new home and that meant a new studio. I had a love/hate relationship with the thought. I hate packing and unpacking. But there is no one, not even our professional movers that I would entrust with packing my sewing things. I needed to know where every single bobbin was going to be.
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| Happy Place Wall Art from Hobby Lobby |
In the last 12 years, I have sewn in so many nooks and crannies of my home. I literally got in wherever I fit in. I started out in a corner of my bedroom. That became an issue quick when Michael was ready for bed and wanted the lights off... but I just had to get in a few more stitches! Plus, that wasn't exactly a situation where I could leave things and spread out. And then I took over the dining room. Again, not ideal. So a few years after that, I decided that since we had a huge family room to simple create a living room/dining room combo and just keep the dining room to myself. That was better for space. But still, it was always near the front door. I still had to keep things in order.
So as soon as my children started leaving the nest, that's when I finally got to have a true designated sewing area that was all mine. No family traffic flowing through. Just mine! I fell head over heels in love with bedroom converted sewing studio. But I packed so much stuff into that room that I almost immediately grew out of it. We had toyed around with looking to move because we were no longer bound to the area because of the school district. For the first time in over 20 years, we could finally live anywhere that we wanted to! Joy! My new set up is pretty similar to the previous. The differences this time is obviously a lot more space. I'm in the basement and there are no windows. I'll take the space over the windows any day! And I'm back to ecru walls. I'd changed my wall color last year to a very cool pale gray. I may go back to that one of these days. No promises... That move wore me out and I can't even think about moving things around right now.
I added a basic shelf from Home Depot. The rails, s-hooks and basket are from Ikea. And I found the wire baskets on the shelf at the thrift store.
My machines are BERNINA Activa 130, BERNINA 350 PE...
BERNINA 1300 MDC and my Brother embroidery machine.
Having my thread at arm's reach is a must!
I like having patterns that I want to sew for the season nearby.
I replaced my iron a few months ago with the Sapporo SA-SP527 Gravity Feed Iron from Amazon. I also use a Wide Top Ironing Board.
I'm still using my cutting table, it's the Home Hobby Table with Drawers. We removed the casters and put it on risers. I'm pretty tall, so my table needed to be raised from the "average" height. Mine stands at 37" high.
But now that I have a lot more space, I'll be upgrading this one soon. It's just out of proportion with this large space. I'll be creating something custom for my needs.
I'm not a fan of blank spaces on my wall. I wanted something reflective of my style. I'm completely obsessed with Oliver Gal's fashion prints. And maybe one day I'll splurge. But today, they're completely out of my price range, especially for the amount of space I wanted to cover.
So I decided to find similar, inspired prints on Etsy that are printable. And I framed them in 11"x17" frames.
I don't know if any of you longtime Vogue Magazine readers remember back in the day, when they would publish these Manolo Blahnik illustrations in the back of the March and September issues. Well, I collected them for years! I framed them and I had them around the top of my closet. But I thought I'd put them out in plain view since I have the wall space.
Since this basement was meant to be a den, there's a fireplace down here. I think it adds a bit of glamour and drama to the room. Am I the only one that hates a naked dress form? Since I haven't had time to sew anything, I decided to dress my girl in something fabulous! This is Vogue 1288 made in gorgeous sequin pailettes. She really dresses up the room.
I have my favorite sewing books out on display. You can check out my sewing library here.
Mirrors are so freaking expensive! I was so lucky to find a great deal on this one from Home Goods!
And the full pattern collection lives here!
I love this cute little shoe! It's a daily reminder: "For we walk by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7.
And even though I don't have windows, I can always just stick my head around the corner!
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92 comments
Congrats !! on your new space.. nothing beats having a space where one can dream & create.
ReplyDeleteSo true!Thanks Sheila!
DeleteCongrats! To my friend in my head! I love how you make it do what it do! I've been quietly following you for some time. I'm so happy for you and all you contribute to the sewing world. I love that you " keep it real".
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sassy Sewer!
DeleteOh I love the shoe!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful space.
Such a cute find at Hobby Lobby! Thanks Nylse!
DeleteGreat space and not so many steps to civilization! Make sure that new cutting table is slammin! They really can make a space fun!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as we both rest up, we'll tackle a table! Thanks Carol!
DeleteSo happy that your move is done and you now have a beautiful dedicated sewing space. I know that there will be some gorgeous garments created.
ReplyDeleteSo happy it's done too! Now back to work! Thanks Tanya!
DeleteCongratulations on your new space - it's really pretty.
ReplyDeleteThanks you Faye!
DeleteCongratulations on your new sewing room; so much better than a bedroom.
ReplyDeleteSo much better! Thanks Nancy!
DeleteErica,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the tour of your new sewing space. I love to see where others create. I took moved the beginning of January. I'm still not totally unpacked. Seeing your new room is inspiring me to empty of some more boxes!
The boxes would've completely paralyzed me. I had to get rid of them! I'm tired behind it, but it's done. Thanks Sheri!
DeleteCongratulations on your new home and sewing space Erica! I too love the fireplace and the glamour that it gives the space.
ReplyDeleteThank you Candice!
DeleteLOVE the new space! In the beginning of the tour, I was thinking, "Where are all of her patterns? When you showed us, I said, "Oh, okay." LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL! Thanks Babgirl!
DeleteCongrats on your new sewing space. It is beautiful and I know will foster many hours of creativity.
ReplyDeleteCheers to that! Thanks Tomasa!
DeleteCongrats on the move. That fireplace set up in your sewing room is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mz Neti!
DeleteCongratulations on your new sewing space,it's sew...beautiful����
ReplyDeleteThank you Trudy!
DeleteCongratulations, Erica! I envy you all that glorious space!!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best parts of living in The South -- square footage! Thanks Peter!
DeleteCongratulations on your new home and new studio. Love the prints on the wall and that space you have is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteWow, what a great space! I would say this will take your sewing up a notch, but it is already at the top!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely inspiring! Thanks Vicki!
DeleteAwesome new space...ENJOY!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Ruqayyah!
DeleteThank you for the tour, I love how you displayed the Manolo Blahnik illustrations. Not to !Ention the "Walk by faith" reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheseams!
DeleteWhat an inspiring and well organized space. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteLove the space
ReplyDeleteThank you Thandolwethu!
Deletewow - so much space - some great storage ideas, jealous of that shelf with your ironing board, I am forever moving the tailors ham around to find space! best of luck
ReplyDeleteThanks Eimear!
DeleteYour studio is fantastic!! Love the color and the fireplace.
ReplyDeleteThank you Renee!
DeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I am moving in a few days and my husband packed my sewing stuff! This looks amazing, home sweet home.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet!
DeleteLucky you - what a great space. You did a great job of organizing everything and still have enough room to move around. So jealous. For me - I think I'd paint it a nice yellow. Not having any windows - yellow would simulate sunlight, and to me I feel yellow is a happy color. Looking forward to your blogs showing us all the great things your sewing in your awesome space. Happy sewing!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteYour new room looks wonderful! I love seeing other people's sewing spaces. Did you repair your pattern cabinet? I want to repaint mine but the thought of emptying and lugging outside stops me every time. I also really like that Tiffany / Cambpell's soup can illustration. My last job there was a wall of 12 of the Warhol prints. Out of curiosity, did you move close to the city or further away? Just straight being nosy, lol!
ReplyDeleteNo repairs. It needs a new coat of paint and some hardware though. We left the suburbs and moved into the city limits. You can find amazing houses for the cost of a mediocre suburban apartment with those suburban school district premiums. Thanks Renee!
DeleteWhoops! I meant repaint. Autocorrect strikes again. Thanks for taking the time to respond!
DeleteWelcome!
DeleteYour new room is gorgeous, congratulations! I can't wait to hear about the new cutting table. I'm sure it's going to be fabulous! Finally congrats on surviving the move - I hate packing and unpacking too!
ReplyDeleteYes, we survived! I'm dog tired, but very excited. Thanks Carolyn!
DeleteI am so envious of your beautiful space and it is so organized. I'll bet when you are in the throes of making it doesn't look quite like that.
ReplyDeleteThanks Connie!
DeleteLove it! You're making me even more eager to get my own place!!
ReplyDeleteNothing like being able to spread out! Thanks Tasha!
DeleteWonderful! I got a vicarious thrill viewing your beautiful sewing room; so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you JH!
DeleteCongratulations on your new home and sewing studio! It truly is a great inspiring and creative space! I laughed when you mentioned if you were the only one who had a problem with a "naked dressform"! I do too and never leave her undressed! Have fun in your new space and I look forward to more creative inspirations!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Myra!
DeleteThanks Michelle!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Color me jealous! We moved from a big house in Florida where I had a bedroom as my sewing room to a New York City apartment where I am lucky to have a room smaller than my old walk in closet as my office/sewing-room/purse storage. It does suck the joy out of sewing when I have to pick everything at the end of the day and put it away.
ReplyDeleteBut you live in NYC! That's a pretty good sacrifice!
DeleteTrue!
DeleteI agree with everyone else - great sewing space! But did I miss something? Where's the fabric? Are you one of those people who with exceptional self-control who ONLY buys fabric for the next project?
ReplyDeleteI keep a moderate stash, but I'm not a fabric stasher -- at all! I decide on the garment and locate fabric. Thanks!
DeleteFIESTA Erica!!! Lovely space!!! And I love that "Faith" Shoe :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Monica! It was such a cute find at Hobby Lobby!
DeleteLove the space. I especially love the way you keep your scissors. So brave to have them out in the open. Or maybe its because the chief scissor abusers have moved out of the home!? Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI've never had a problem with that. They all knew better! Thanks Ruth!
DeleteHi Erica, this is my first time seeing your blog but what a wonderful introductory post! Your sewing space is the stuff of my dreams. Maybe one day...:-) Enjoy a new level of creativity!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elizabeth!
DeleteWhat a beautiful sewing space Erica! I am happy for you. Do you have a flat screen tv in your sewing space? Have a wonderful time in your new home!
ReplyDeleteYes! A tv is a must have for me! Thanks BPatricia!
DeleteWow, all that and sorting your home out as well I am really impressed, what a fabulous space to work.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gernella!
DeleteWhat a GORGEOUS space! I'm definitely eyeing some of your storage solutions, particularly the scissor storage, that's amazing. Congratulations on your new digs! May you have many years of joy in them! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Schmoomom!
DeleteWow!!! Congrats on your new space and new home. I went and checked out those fashion prints by Oliver Gal and they are breath taking! You have inspired me to put something up on my sewing room walls which have been bare for a while. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen!
DeleteHi Erica...your room looks great! How do you store your fabric?
ReplyDeleteI don't collect fabric. Thanks!
DeleteWow! What a gorgeous space! I am also tall (6') and I am inspired by your sewing table risers!
ReplyDeleteThank you JTKnitter!
DeleteI am always impressed with whatever you do. I met you several years ago at Hoover Library where you did a fashion presentation and have been following you ever since. You are always an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Lisa!
DeleteHi Erica It has been a while since I am reading sewing blogs again I have been following you for a while but congrats on the new sewing studio and the great things you have been doing I saw you on you tube glad things are going well. The old saying is certainly true father time waits for no one I remember you were sewing for your small children. Well congrats again
ReplyDeleteThank you Barb!
DeleteThere is nothing better than dedicated sewing space you want to spend time in. I love what you've done with your walls. I was using the same gate leg cutting table, minus the drawer you've got. For Christmas my hubby promised me a new table. It had been on his list to make one, but I was tired of waiting - so I found the bones for one in a Harbor Freight catalogue. We bought two workbenches, and my hubby spent a bit of time plugging the holes meant to hold power tools, and sanding and finishing the top to a nice smooth work area, then attaching them together to create one table. I have 8 drawers and a shelf underneath with about the same cutting area on top as before. I kept the gate leg, and when I need extra length I just abut it to the end. Also, he added industrial grade rubber casters which brought the table up to 37", which works for me. I have much less back pain. https://www.harborfreight.com/60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-69054.html
ReplyDeleteThat’s a great table and a great price. If only it was tall enough for me. I need something about 38” high. I’m seriously thinking of using Heather’s (Closet Case Patterns) Tutorial for building a custom table.
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