Welcome to my happy place...aka my quilt studio. This is where I happily create fiber art, plan new projects and play with fabric! Many of the furnishings were sourced from one of my other happy places: IKEA!!! Let me show you around...
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| Command Central |
I like to refer to this hub as Command Central. There are a few features that make this space so special:
- To the left is my office space where I keep my computer, printer & quilt-related files (ie. Sketchbooks, Upcoming Quilt Challenge Info, Teaching Engagements, Upcoming Quilt Shows, Sewing Machine Manuals, etc). This is where I oftentimes respond to emails, write blog and/or facebook posts and research new quilting ideas. We do not have cable, but I have a second monitor that connects to my laptop, so I can stream tv shows, movies, music, quilting classes as I sew. It not only helps to pass the time as I work, but also to keep track of time worked (ie. It took me 1 episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to piece 3 blocks and 2 Project Runway episodes to quilt half of my quilt top!)
- In the very center is my Juki TL-2010Q Sewing Machine, which sits into an IKEA table top that Doug converted into a sewing table. A second table extends the flat surface, provides support for larger quilts and is available for when friends come over to sew and/or I need to use my back up Brother Sewing Machine. A small IKEA drawer unit slides underneath and contains many of my sewing machine accessories as well as some of my piecing and/or specialty threads (ie. metallics, monofilament, etc).
- An IKEA Kitchen Cart was converted into a fabulous Ironing Station. The drawers contain items that I regularly use for fusing and/or binding, and the shelves below store my various project bins (WIPs, UFOs and/or upcoming Quilt Challenge Fabrics) Two rolling utility carts nestle underneath and stowe all my spray starch, irons, threads, pins, etc.
- Some of my favorite quilts, including my Leah Day Free Motion Fillers Sampler hangs nearby providing quilting inspiration. If I am ever stuck for quilting ideas, I will glance over at the 65+ designs that are stitched into each of those blocks.
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| Fabric, Cutting & Design Station |
Next up is another hub of activity related to fabric pulls, preparation and quilt design:
- This is where I store my curated collection of fabric.
- My cutting station is converted from an IKEA Entertainment Center found at a thrift store. Doug added casters underneath which add some height as well as make it easy for me to move around as needed. A large cutting mat sits atop. In the shelves and cabinets below, I store my large rulers, scraps, lightbox, fusible products, freezer paper, contact paper and more.
- Hanging on the wall is an amazing wall unit with sliding doors that Doug and I built to store notions: smaller rulers, templates, rotary rulers, blue painter's tape, etc. Shelving on either side is available to store small jars containing pins, marking pens, small artwork and some fun little knickknacks. Task lighting is mounted underneath to illuminate my cutting table.
- My design wall hangs nearby (and is actually made out of an exterior rolling shade that is covered with a large flannel sheet)
- More quilting inspiration is found above as there are several miniature fiber art displayed above the cabinet and hanging from an IKEA curtain wire using small clips.
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| Reading Nook/Resource Center |
The last stop on this virtual tour is my Reading Nook/Resource Center.
- A large IKEA bookshelf contains my collection of quilt-related books/magazines, patterns, pre-cuts, kits and threads. Above it is my new quilt/sampler storage sytem.
- Two stacked drawer units are perfect for storing larger quilt projects: quilt tops awaiting basting, pieced blocks, workshop supplies, fused fabrics along with a few UFOs.
- A large IKEA gateleg table with drawers sits in the corner. Doug built two large wooden chests to provide storage for larger items (ie. batting & travel supplies) and are upholstered to double as seating. Once in a while I will sit there and sketch or read. But usually the left bench is occupied by Susie Q, who loves to stare out the window (aka Doggie TV) and patrol the neighborhood for our postal woman! Of course, I make sure to include a large plush dog bed for both Susie Q and Panda, as they tend to get bored of watching me sew for hours on end.
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| Space For My Studio Assistants On and Off Duty |
My current studio set up and layout is the result of a lot of finetuning and experimentation. I credit my productivity to an efficient layout and set up--as it allows me to spend more time creating!! And I am always on the look out for new studio set up and organization ideas (feel free to check out my
Studio Set Up Pinterest Board).
The Give Away:
I absolutely love, love, love looking through
Carolyn Woods' book: Organizing Solutions for Every Quilter, as it is packed with pictures and ideas to create the sewing space of your dreams. I recently picked up a spare (and very gently used) copy of this amazing book and I want to share the love by giving it away. To be eligible, simply leave me a comment below and share what you love about your current creative space? It can be anything that makes your sewing space special or inspiration for you.
Would you like to double your chances of winning this fabulous book?!? Be sure to read my upcoming October Newsletter that will focus on Organization and learn how you can also enter for a second chance of winning. Not a subscriber? Here is the
link to sign up!
Book drawing is eligible to US residents (my sincere apologies to my friends abroad) and will take place on Sunday, October 15th (and will include some other fun goodies!!!)
I absolutely love, love, love looking through Carolyn Woods' book: Organizing Solutions for Every Quilter, as it is packed with pictures and ideas to create the sewing space of your dreams. I recently picked up a spare (and very gently used) copy of this amazing book and I want to share the love by giving it away. To be eligible, simply leave me a comment below and share what you love about your current creative space? It can be anything that makes your sewing space special or inspiration for you. 
Love seeing how other creators organize their work spaces! Great post. One of the things I love about my space is that it feels open and looks very nice. Unfortunately, I need some more pieces of furniture to house my ever growing collection! I don't currently have a good way to organize fabric scraps and specialty items like interfacing, heat-n-bond, etc.
ReplyDeleteThanks Emmaline...I love a nice open space to sew. Good luck with your furniture hunt for your growing collection and to wrangle those specialty items!!
DeleteCongratulations Emmaline!! Your response was randomly drawn to win a copy of Organizing Solutions for Every Quilter!!!! I'll be in touch to get your mailing address.
DeleteI have a large picture window where my sewing machine table is so I can have a lot of sunshine and watch the neighborhood squirrels playing on my back yard fence, it makes for a fun day.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracy-Having a large picture window near your sewing area sounds lovely--especially with the natural light and watching squirrels frolicking!! Sounds like a fun and creative space!!
DeleteYou have so many good ideas. I wish my machine fit inside my table. Some day.
ReplyDeleteI like having a large window to look out and bring in natural light and clear storage boxes. It's too easy to forget what is in each box.
Thanks Ann! Having a large window nearby is lovely and I totally agree on the clear storage boxes so you can admire & remember to use all your fun fabrics. Lowering my sewing machine into a converted sewing machine was a total game changer for me!! And since you are so local--perhaps you can come over for the 5-cent tour some day and get some more ideas!!
DeleteI have my sewing machine set up under a southern exposure window that gives me sunlight and fresh air. I love to sit at my machine and listen to the birds while I sew.
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outook(dot)com
Thanks Minibea...the bird song soundtrack for sewing sounds absolutely lovely, as does the natural sunlight and fresh air. Thank you for sharing!!
DeleteOnce I went to a quilter's home to sew. Her sewing room was a bedroom with mirrored closet doors. Her design wall was opposite them. You could stand by the design wall and look in the mirrors to double the distance from which you could view your quilt. Brilliant! Your sewing space is delectable, Mel.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joni--mirrored walls to get some distance is a great idea. Quilters are so resourceful and clever! Thanks for sharing!!
DeleteI like IKEA too. I purchased a tabletop and adjustable legs. It sits behind my sewing machine and help immensely when working with larger pieces of fabric. IKEA bookcases are in my room too. What I especially like is a design wall attached to the wall above my closet. It works like a shade and can be pulled down when needed.
ReplyDeleteYour space looks lovely.
anndunn24(at)gmail.com
Happy to know a fellow IKEA fan. Having extra surface area behind our sewing machines is sooo incredibly helpful when working on larger quilts. The retractable design wall is genius!! Thank you for sharing!!
DeleteI'm in! Organizing (quilting supplies or anything else) is kinda a guilty pleasure of mine.
ReplyDeleteYou are in Cat! And I too love organizing supplies and have so much fun shopping in The Container Store, Bed Bath & Beyond and IKEA!! Pure bliss!!
DeleteThanks for the tips I am currently organizing my fabric stash. Learning alot about how I like to work!!
ReplyDeleteThanks CAquilter! I love organizing my fabric stash and rediscovering some of my fun fabric purchases!! Everyone creates differently--so it is helpful to be aware of what inspires you to create!!
DeleteHi, Mel! I came here from your newsletter link. I was in the class you taught to MPQG last weekend. My sewing space is currently the kitchen table, so I am quite envious of you and your studio. The part I like the most is that all your books are together in one spot! I have a decent collection, but it is scattered about in various places... Thanks for inspiring me to gather them up. :) kitty4984(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks Becky!! I very much enjoyed my MPQG visit and so glad you signed up for my newsletter!! When I first began sewing, I had a small table (2' in diameter) and a small closet to store my supplies. And yes, I love my growing collection of books-that fuel my creativity!
DeleteYou are the inspiration I need. Want to quilt not fight the disorganization.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Awesome! I am delighted to hear you were inspired by my blog post!! A little organization goes a long way to not only creating but enjoying the process!! Hope you enjoy more quilting bliss as a result of organization!!
DeleteI inherited an old buffet table that conveniently holds a large cutting mat and has lots of storage underneath. It stores a lot of fabric bins. It used to sit in the hall, but with a child moving out, I have my own space to create.
ReplyDeleteI love your studio!
Thanks Vickie--sounds like you inherited a fabulous piece that multitasks for cutting and storage!! Have fun creating in your own space!!
DeleteThanks for the ideas and inspiration to tidy up my workspace. /Sharon T
ReplyDeleteHappy to share tips & tricks for organization--can't wait to see how you incorporate them into your creative space and processes Sharon!!
DeleteWhat great natural lighting. I envy your large space. I have a small bedroom with a Murphy bed. Fortunately, it's designed as a sewing table and I only have to clear the floor underneath to bring the bed down. I use the floor as a design wall. My closet has a shelving system so I have to be creative with my containers.
ReplyDeleteThanks Betsie...yes, lighting is critical so I can work day or night and actually see what I am creating. Great idea of using a murphy bed as a sewing table and maximizing the organization of your closet space!!
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