Another suggestion about a cutting surface; make sure you can get around the surface so you can cut from different directions. I have my table up against a wall and it can be difficult to cut without having to turn the fabric.

Hi April,
I posted this on another forum page, but it fits here, too:

"For anyone interested, I want to share the nice note that Ricky sent me about this issue.

Hi Margo,

I realize that there are some who can embed a photo into the forum. I
will say that right now we are on the fence about it. Each photo
posted goes on our server - eating more server space. We have
allocated each members profile to 6 quilt photos. There are some who
also have their photos posted on WebShots or some other online photo
storage location. Then you can just direct others to that link. For
now that would be my preference. However, in time that may change. We
want to serve you the best we can.

Also, photos slow down loading pages and eat precious space in the
forum. We do have members who don't have high speed so having to
upload a photo when all they want to do is read can be frustrating
for them.

Hope all this makes sense and that you'll be patient while we tweek
things. Right now our sole concern is posting the show for April 2
and other things will have to wait until we can fry that fish.

Thanks

Ricky"

I agree wholeheartedly with the recommendation for a SideKick from Creative Memories. I made my own little fabric bag and sewed it onto the frame. That way the little bag coordinates with my table skirts and curtains. I don't put anything wet in there, so it really acts as a thread catcher. It has been the perfect solution for me (and my drink). You might check ebay for them.

Is there a way to post photos?

April

I just wish we could post photos...I would love to see what you all have described.

I actually prefer a kitchen table height for most of my cutting...I'm 5'7" and can lean over and support myself on my ruler hand..... also helps with that bifocal thing.

when I worked at the lqs. our cutting area was counter high. I found myself up on my toes for most of the day trying to get "over" the work.

I second Margo!! One of the best things I did in my sewing room was to put a 3' x 6' folding table on bed risers. I can use it for cutting or ironing large pieces of fabric. Plus I have roll-out plastic drawer units stored underneath it. Bed risers rock - or empty paint cans.

Mandy, I don't know about the fold out table, but if you want to raise the height of your dining table to make it more comfortable for cutting, try a set of bed risers! They will raise the height by about 5-6" (about $20 at Linens and Things or Bed,Bath & Beyond) and the indentation will help keep the table from sliding off! You will be amazed at how much that will help your back!!
SEW LONG!
Margo

Hmmm, cutting table. Now that is something I didn't consider because up till now I just did my cutting on an old dining table. It kills my back Maybe I can make where my fold out table attaches to the wall adjustable to raise the height of the table for cutting. See all the wonderful ideas you get when you can read what other people are doing!!!! Now I just need to figure out how to do it. Any suggestions?

Thanks all for your many great ideas! I'm still working on my room. It has two closets with bifold doors. I took the doors off of one closet and put shelves in the closet with baskets to hold my fabric. I placed my sewing maching cabinet in front of the closet facing out so that my back is to the closet. My chair is on wheels and I can roll around to reach anything I need. I have a large cutting table on wheels with a drop leaf on each side. I have a three drawer dresser that I keep in the room for fabric storage etc. but also I plan to create an ironing station on the top. I also have a small arm chair so hubby can visit me when I'm working. Usually the cat sits in the chair! I need to keep the lint roller handy.

Two of the things I can't imagine working without any more are a large work surface for ironing fabric and another one for cutting.
I made an ironing board 48"x30" so I can iron a full width of fabric. It just sits on top of my old ironing board and can be easily moved if necessary to iron clothes (it could happen!) or for storage. (I used a professional 3/8" thick, dense BLOCKING BOARD PAD which retains heat but not moisture and can give details and source if anyone is interested.)
I also got a large cutting mat (60"x28") to fit the top of my main work table. The table is on casters so I can easily move it when I layer and pin baste my large quilts on the floor.
Getting a FUNctional place to sew is cheaper than a shrink or lawyer!!

ok, I get it now That does sound like it would work... and I DO find that when I have to "disassemble" for a MIL visit, it makes me organized all over again... everything in its place Go for it! Florence

I should have explaned the folding table idea better. It is going to be as long as the height of the closet will allow and hinged to the wall on the narrow end, so when it is lowered it will stick out into the room with room on both long sides free. I am even considering a design that would put a second hinge in the table allowing me to double the length. The opening for this closet is actually wider than a standard double door as well, so there is PLENTY of room to move.

I also needed to explain something else. This is a multipurpose space. I already have a fold up computer cabinet that keeps most of that kind of stuff contained to one corner, but my dh is a mechanical engineer by trade who is also into model trains, wood working, we both play instruments in the local community band, and he writes marching band drill for local high school. We also have three young children So this space we are creating is a workroom/playroom/musicroom/ quilt studio/computer room/ office lol. All in a room that is only 14' x 10'!!! The idea for the quilt studio/closet is that everything can be condensed down into the closet when the room is being used for other things, but can be expanded out into the room when needed. Hopefully it will work better than the room we are using now anyway, which is actually smaller and so crammed with stuff you can hardly walk through it.

Mandy, see my post on p1 of this topic. It'll work for piecing (be sure you have good light) but if you're going to be doing machine quilting or even putting the binding on by machine you need space behind the machine for the quilt to go!
(but, I still have MY office in what was the hall linen closet... DH put in a shelf-desk, with a curved cut-out at center so the chair fits when the door is closed. Shelves above, 2-drawer files below (at a slight angle so the stuff in the top drawer is accessible) so I'm w/ SewBug, put the office in the closet & quilt out in the room...)
Besides, seeing all your fabric is so much nicer than all your bills!
Florence

Why make the closet area your sewing space? Why can't it be the work/office space? I think the closet space would be a good choice for an office area. It would be too limited for a quilting space.

Don't let your family sell your joy of quiting short. Their computer/office space is probably never questioned that it is needed why should your quilting space be short changed? I say use the whole room for your sewing room and put the computer in the corner of any room.