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Flicker
Finding a dedicated area for quilting can be challenging when the only space available might just be a laundry room.
But, with a little creativity and thinking outside of the box, you too can have an area dedicated to your passion.
LazySeamstress, who juggles a busy family that includes six children, takes time for her own creative projects in a sewing space in the corner of her Edwardian home bedroom. She shares these tips for others that might be in the same situation.
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You don't need a huge sewing space, but if you have one, lucky you, there is lots of inspiration out there on the web, especially on Pinterest, to help you create that perfect space.
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Look around your home, can you squeeze in a desk somewhere, an alcove in the dining room or your bedroom? Or even a cupboard? I've seen photos of sewing spaces fitted into old pantries and even large wardrobes, that way everything shuts away when not in use. I have used furniture designed for housing home office equipment very successfully in the past.
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Ideally choose somewhere with good light, but also consider artificial light for duller days or evenings. A good angle poise lamp, possibly fitted with a daylight bulb, is essential.
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Make sure your chair is comfortable and a good height to work at. You'll be spending lots of time at your machine, you need to be comfortable.
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Can you fit shelving or pegboard above your machine to store essential tools and threads? I use an old printer's tray to store my threads above the larger desk I share with (my husband) Woody.
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Think about fabric storage. Sometimes a blanket box will work well and double up as a window seat. I've often found under bed storage crates work well for fabric storage too. (They hold a surprising amount!)
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If you can, having your iron and ironing board set up in the same room is best. But if there is no space then a table top ironing board is an adequate compromise, especially for smaller craft items and children's clothing.
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A full length mirror is essential if you are making clothes for yourself. I'm sure most people reading own one. It doesn't have to be in the same room, but it is helpful if it is. I have a full length mirror in my en suite bathroom.
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Finally, I know I've said here that I prefer to be away from the hub bub of family life when I work. I realize that for some people that is not an option. In which case, consider setting up your sewing space in a corner of your children's play room, if you are lucky enough to have one. Otherwise look for a space nearby, so you can work and interact with your children at the same time. For several years I sewed while Sid played quietly at my feet, Ernest though is a whole other kettle of fish, he doesn't do anything quietly ever!
Need some inspiration? Look at the variety of creative ideas we found for eeking out a sewing space where one might not expect it:
Hide your workspace behind a decorative fabric screen. Pinterest
Custom built sewing space in a bedroom closet that features wraparound
shelving, a sewing table, and pull out ironing surface. Houzz
Sewing space under the eaves in a master bedroom. LazySeamstress
Utilize a corner of a bedroom. Indigorchid
A bedroom wall serves as a divider for a well organized and functioning sewing room. Mayamade
Ikea's Norden gateleg table folds down to minimal size when not in use. Foter
Sewing room in a closet. TintheBurg
A well functioning sewing room under a staircase with only a 7' x 7' footprint. Velvetaubergine
A balcony enclosure sewing space. Pinterest
Turn an area of your living/dining room into your creative space. MyCreativeSpace
Take a free standing wardrobe and turn it into a sewing space.
Close the doors and no one is the wiser. BetterHomes&Gardens
A minimalist garden shed studio. Junkaholique
Utilize a laundry room space. Decoist
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