Sunday, January 13, 2013

Sewing Room Organization

I’ve been meaning to get my sewing room organized  for a while now…..   My sewing room is a 9x7 walk-in closet off a room that is technically a bedroom on our main floor.   When we built the house I had extra outlets and a window put into this closet because I knew I would use the room for sewing.   I like being able to close the door if I am in the middle of a project so my chaos is hidden.   The attached bedroom has always been used as a library or office. 

In late 2011,  my husband’s uncle, Bob, came to live with us during his final months.    For the first time since we built this house in 2001, the main floor room was used as bedroom and we cleared out my sewing supplies so Bob could use it as an art studio and office.    Bob was an artist and spent many days in the room drawing and painting,  he enjoyed having a spot for his art right off of his bedroom.   After Bob passed away,  I left most of my sewing supplies in the basement, occasionally bringing up something when I wanted to work on a project.

This month, I finally got my sewing room back together.    I wish I had before pictures!  Prior to moving my sewing supplies out of this room for Bob, the only storage I had was an ugly  metal cabinet and huge plastic bins with fabric piled in them.  

I painted the walls a light cheery blue.   I think I hum every time I walk into this room….. blue skies smiling at me nothing but blue skies do I see…. 

My  husband and I built a wall of shelves along the entire back wall.  Everything I have fits on these shelves, there is even room to spare.   The area where the cutting mats and rulers are hanging is behind the door when it is open.

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Seeing these mini bolts of fabric make me happy.   All of my yardages of cotton are wrapped around comic book backer boards so I can see them easily.   My upholstery fabric and flannel are stacked on the shelves.  Fat quarters and smaller pieces are rolled or folded and stored in plastic bins.    The big wicker container holds small scraps which I may or may not organize someday.   I sort of like dumping out the basket and having inspiration hit me.   Batting and projects in progress are stacked where I can see them too.

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This consignment store dresser  is on the wall that you see when you walk into the room.    I made the star on the wall out of yard sticks -  I wasn’t planning on putting it there but we put a gash in the sheetrock getting the shelves in.   The star is there until it’s fixed.  Maybe longer.  I like it.

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I wrapped a board with heat resistant batting and covered it with cloth for the top of the dresser.  It’s my ironing board. It works so perfectly. The drawers hold sewing supplies.

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I don’t like things cluttering my sewing area.  The only thing I have on the countertop with my machine  is my “bouquet” of thread.    The fabric on the window is the same as the fabric on the attached office window so it looks nice if I leave the door open. 

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I’ve been having fun making things…. finishing projects and starting new.    I’ve made some pretty potholders and pillows,  worked on a quilt my son started a few years ago, made a couple beautiful scarves (that orange fabric  on the dresser in one of the pictures above was some that my mom picked up for $1.50 for 1 1/2 yards – from it my mom, my sister and I  each got enough to make an infinity scarf.  So cute for 50 cents!) 

Today I made a mug rug from bright scraps.    A mug rug is a cross between a coaster and a placemat – big enough for a mug of coffee or tea and a snack.   I’m taking this mug rug to my office to brighten up my winter days.  

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I’m so happy to have my sewing room back together and organized.    There are many photos on the internet of sewing and craft rooms that are much larger and  more beautiful but I’m completely content with my small sewing closet.   It fits my needs perfectly.