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kedougou 08-13-2011 07:39 AM

I know that the board has had the sewing room set up discussions before, but I was mostly wondering about the $$ side of things. Ok, here's my story...
I am moving to campus housing and just found out that I will not have a roommate! this means that I am moving from a studio to a two bedroom that I will have all to myself. Yippeee! Each semester will bring with it a chance to gain a roomie and loose the extra room. so everthing thing I do needs to be moveable. The extra room should be for, oh I don't know... studying... but a sewing room is much more fun. :D
Anyone have any ideas? I was thinking about a card table or two, and some sort of design wall.
Long story short, how do you put together a sewing room on a tight budget?

amyjo 08-13-2011 07:48 AM

design wall-- old flannel backed tablecloth, stackable drawers with wheels to stash fabric & thread, or under bed storage totes with wheels, or book case to put fabric in on cardboard from Joanns (they give it away if you want it other wise goes to trash), got some yesterday, going to cut into 4 pieces to wrap fabric around and stand up on shelf, keep away from bright sunlight, computer hutch for sewing machine and also computer, good computer chair. should be able to find all at goodwill, salvation army or thrift shop.

leatheflea 08-13-2011 07:51 AM

I think your off to a great start in your thinking. A flannel sheet could be tacked to the wall for your design wall or to a roller blind. Your "study" desk could double as your sewing machine table. The price of new card table is high, I would opt for a used desk, it will be much sturdier and you wont get the vibration from you machine. If you can find a decent, usable one cheaper than a card table. Local thrift shop is a good idea. For quite along time my sewing machine sat on a peice of plywood between two old small filing cabinets(free) It worked, I covered it with a plastic table cloth from the dollar tree for you guessed it a dollar. Anything is possible just use your imagination and watch the trash in your neighborhood, one mans junk is anothers treasure!

Good luck with your room, and your studies!

bluteddi 08-13-2011 07:53 AM

I'd go with a portable disign wall ( use a roller up shade covered in flannel?) At one time I had picked up a old movie projector screen... I covered it in light wt flannel and I coudl stand it up and pull out the screen and tada.. instant design board..... and it was protable too, and free standing... Use caution in ur pick of cardtables.. some are to lt wt for a machine... ( been there and done that.. the card table if too lt will shake and shimmy when operating the machine)Maybe some rolling plastic drawer systems to store tools and ur stash......
think out side of the box. u can make this happen!!

oksewglad 08-13-2011 07:53 AM

My first thought was not to get a "card" table, but get a longer folding table or two. They can always be repurposed for "formal" dining. (LOL) Card tables legs are thinner and vibrate quite a bit (I've sewn on them before). The bigger tables offer a bit more stability. Check the available undertable storage and buy a couple of plastic drawer units that fit underneath. They can be one piece or a series of stackables. If they are a series they can be shoved under your bed if you get a roomie.
Easy design wall-thumb tack a vinyl flannel backed table cloth to the wall. I like a small one (cut the vinyl) behind my sewing machine to place my blocks in progress. Good luck! And great that sewing is a creative outlet for you while in school.

greensleeves 08-13-2011 09:19 AM

If you have a Big Lots store available, I got a 2'X4' folding table and it is very sturdy and not too expensive that I use as a sewing machine table.

greensleeves 08-13-2011 09:19 AM

Oops, double post.

annthreecats 08-13-2011 09:31 AM

Walmart carries smallish folding tables as well. I think that's a better idea for the sewing machine instead of a card table. Someone here also used a wooden t.v. tray/table for her sewing table at one time. They are pretty sturdy.

amyjo 08-13-2011 09:46 AM

I plan on getting two 4x8 tables that fold in half and can be hidden behind my loveseat, for when I need to sandwich the quiot before I put it on the quilting frame to tie. I use aqueeze clamps from Menards to hold the edges tight so I can pin it together. My hands can't use the real big ones--gave them to DH. I use the medium and small ones tho. Works like several extra pairs of hands.

Barb44 08-13-2011 10:16 AM

This is what I have - all very inexpensive:
a wooden desk for sewing machine purchased at HFH Restore $15,
ironing board is 18"x48" osb covered with cotton batting and fabric laid on top of old dresser, a 2x4 folding table bought at Sams for $30 for a cutting table, shelves in the closet for storage, shelves on every available wall space. The shelves are those metal strips you put metal supports into and lay pieces of MDF on so they are adjustable.

I sewed on a card table for years but it was an old one and very heavy. New ones are expensive and lightweight.

fraydknot12326 08-13-2011 10:32 AM

Two drawer file cabinets (maybe find used ones) --4 drawers of storage also-- with a solid core door for table top would be easily moved/disassembled (I think they come in different widths..not sure on that one) might find a slightly dented/damaged one reasonable ... anyway, just a thought ~

HTH ~ :D


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