Well, I don't know about you, but I feel like 2010 just flew by. For some reason, I thought that as my kids got older and I got more gray, that things would slow down for me, but that hasn't happened yet....
Ah well. It's a new year. A new beginning. So, I'm headed back into my sewing room. Time for some serious work now that the holidays are over.
But as I sit here, I'm wondering how my room suddenly became so full and disorderly. I work in a relatively small space, and although I think it has personality I am constantly considering how I can make better use of the space I have. My husband can count on it, at least twice a year..... he'll make his way home from work, hoping that a delicious meal awaits him. But when he walks in the door, he is greeted not with a yummy smell wafting from the kitchen, but a mess of what used to be in my room now sitting out in the hallway, as I desprately try to find more space where there isn't any.
And then this morning, it hit me...... maybe I just need a different perspective.
So, I took some photos of my room as it is right now and will share them over the next several posts, in hopes that you (can you sense my finger pointing at you from your computer screen?) will give me some ideas. Or inspiration. Or maybe suggestions. Let me know what you might do. What works for you. What you have done to make your space your own. How can I make better use of what I have..... so here goes...
The first area is my sewing table.
I know, it's hard to believe, but I've never had a cabinet for my machine. It's usually the cost that stops me from buying one. But I'm thinking that it would be nice if I could find one that fit. I have only 40 inches between my fabric storage cabinet and that annoying jog in the wall. Do you see it? I had a friend make this table for me, and he cut the hole in the top so that my machine would sit down in it, as well as a little jog in the table to fit the jog in the wall. It works, but I would love to find a way to have some sort of storage underneath. I guess that's where a cabinet would be a benefit.
You can see the plastic box of thread standing on end under the table, as well as the light box (it's kinda hidden). Then, I have a thread rack nailed to the cabinet for the threads I use frequently. And more threads in a couple of the drawers in that old wooden box sitting on the bookshelf.
And many of my tools are on the shelf above the table. I don't mind the shelf, since it gets things off of the table, and although I love the cabinet that is hanging above it, it's not very practical. The shelves are not adjustable inside and I've never really found a good way to store things in it. Which is obvious in the pictures below.....
Those shoe boxes are the only things I've found so far that will fit inside, but they aren't very easy to get out. Hmmmm..... maybe I just need to put something different in here, or maybe even move it to a different room.
And then there is my table top, which holds a lot of the tools I use on a regular basis. My favorite thing is this little egg separator that my mom gave me, which now holds my seam ripper, scissors, etc. That, I won't give up because it just makes me smile!
And just in case you are wondering, the fabric box is my "beginners and enders", or little works in progress. You know.... when you begin or end a long string of piecing (what I call "string piecing"), and you just need a scrap of fabric to segway from one seam to the next? Instead of using a scrap piece of fabric, I've been sewing these little pieces for a civil war quilt together. It's taking a while, sewing them together this way, but it's my quilt-free way of working on something for myself without taking the time to do it. Hehehe!
So, that's it for that area. Now, bring it on. Give me some ideas. Please?!
Wow! thank you for sharing your 'playstation'.
What an inspiring room....I LOVE the wooden cupboard and wee suitcase on top. I wondered if you could store thread in this cupboard?Maybe dowel like the other thread stand you have or, what about having more shelves put in?
just random thoughts...I wouldn't dare share my quilting studio with you as it is NOT yummy looking like yours.
Posted by: leeanne | January 5, 2011 at 04:32 AM
Hello!
Just a little comment to tell you that i love your room with all that wood! It's an inspiring room!!! And your patchwork which is on the wall is very nice!!!
My english is not perfect...
I enjoy all what you do and have some fabrics of your lovely collection!
A bientôt, Un petit coucou de France!
Lili
Posted by: Lili et Suzon | January 5, 2011 at 05:34 AM
Wow I love your room! I really adore your spool quilt hanging on the wall, is it one of your patterns? I looked on your website but couldn't see it there.
Posted by: SoozeM | January 5, 2011 at 07:24 AM
Ah yes, that spool quilt..... I love that one too! It is in a book that I did with Kansas City Star called Reminiscing. I don't have any of the books left, except my copy, but the last time I checked, it was still available through them at http://pickledish.kcstar.com/
Posted by: Terri Degenkolb | January 5, 2011 at 08:20 AM
Cute sewing room! Is there a different wall where your sewing machine (maybe in a storage cabinet)would fit so you aren't restricted by the 40" space limit? Maybe completely moving everything around will open new possibilities?
Posted by: Darlene B | January 5, 2011 at 09:27 AM
Funny that I was struck by the wonder clear space on the floor... sure you can pack more stuff under the table or the table replacement, but why? That clear space is more soothing that you realize.
Your wood cabinet is very well organized in that you can take a box out and see/get what is in it. My only thought is that there might be stuff in this space that is just taking space and might begotten rid of.
I am queen of getting stuff organized but much of it is self defeating as I have too much stuff and just because I can organize it better does not mean I have gained anything. It is often better to get rid of stuff....
Posted by: Mimi | January 5, 2011 at 09:33 AM
I love your sewing room. I can understand about the need for more space. I sew in a 13x11 bedroom and I am tight. But thankful also for a space to sew.
Your room certainly does have some wonderful personality in it! I love the cupboards and the wooden spools.
Can't wait to see more:)
Posted by: Sue | January 5, 2011 at 10:37 AM
So I undertand your problems but your room is just awesome to me! Love all of the little personality touches! My room is just a blob of things that I can never ever find enough room for! I have even expanded into a closet in another room! ha
Posted by: Leisha Roberts | January 5, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Just wanted to thank you for sharing your space. I am sure we have all wondered where the "magic of your creativity" happens. I have often wondered what your sewing area would look like. I think the idea above about maybe putting the thread in the wood cabinet might be fun. I am going to wait to give too many thoughts though til I see more posts and see more of the room. Can't wait.
Posted by: Lisa | January 5, 2011 at 12:17 PM
I would get a larger tabel and have it jet out from where your table is now - even if you could add to the wood table - turn it so it jets out into the room - unless that really cuts down on space. I love all your spools - I have some in my room. Good luck
Posted by: Jeanne | January 5, 2011 at 01:58 PM
hi there, I only have one question ,in you great space you have now, how do you work on big quilts that you are putting togetter?
I love your books and have a few of them, keep blogging ,I keep reading. I do love antiques. Suit cases do make great storage places that you can pick up and move around. Your friend Paula
Posted by: Paula Johnson | January 5, 2011 at 04:03 PM
I love your room, it is a nice space for creating. For a table I have a big oak desk, so more room. Plus it has nice drawers where I can keep my supplies in it and always at reach. You can go to a consignment store and look for desks, you can find a nice old one that will give you more space and storage.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie St.Germain | January 5, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Hi Terri. My question to you is are you really going to gain more storage with a machine cabinet.....I have one and apart from 2 small shelves and some thread storage they're not all that great...take up much more room when opened too. Think I would rather have a table. Your lovely cupboard....pop another shelf inside would be my suggestion or maybe some hooks on the inside of the door. Bit hard to come up with ideas without seeing the whole room....virtual tour perhaps? Love your fabrics and how cool is it to offer someone with your gift suggestions? :)
Posted by: Anne | January 5, 2011 at 11:02 PM
How about adding some shelves that you can buy, bookcase style or ones attatched to the wall for more use of your top wall space. In such a small space I am guessing your fabric like mine is stored in another area. Love your tour and great books. Awesome new fabric line and I know it is available at the fatquartershop for anyone interested.
Posted by: Gale Lavers | January 6, 2011 at 10:54 AM
I like the sewing table, can you get your friend to make a fold out arm that will give you more space, then you can fold down again.
I have a craft table where the sides fold down. a storage cabinet w/4 shelves, and a four rack shelf. that keeps my small space organized....K
Posted by: Kareng | January 6, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Your creative juices are flowing Terri and that is the important thing. Plus taking photos sometimes gives you a new perspective...sort of like a design wall. I can't give you any suggestions though, as I'm not qualified!! If you could see my "stitching area" you would either run screaming, or fall apart laughing. I am in the progress of cleaning [read scouring] my house and have earmarked a room that will become my play area. Roll on the day..I say. Rainbow smiles..Gloria
Posted by: Gloria J Wellington | January 13, 2011 at 10:12 PM