New Sewing Room Planning
02-20-2015, 09:05 AM
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mississauga, ON Canada
Posts: 535
New Sewing Room Planning
My family and I are moving into a house in a new town in a little over a month. My office is also going to be my sewing room, a meeting space for my work, and a guest bedroom. I've heard a lot of nay-sayers about this being possible, but I think I've finally found a solution.
I am going to build a modified version of this:
http://matroshkafurniture.com/home/galleri_film.html
I want to create a space to have my sewing machine dropped down into the desk and be able for it to lift down out of the way. I'll wall mount my computer monitor that I connect to my laptop as a second screen to improve efficentcy. And I plan on adding a drop down piece that can be folded up to be level with the desk area to allow me to more easily quilt larger items.
On the side of the room I'll put a drop down table mounted to the wall with my large cutting mat attached to it. I'll make a large ironing pad like the one I see used on Missori Quilt Company youtube videos with a cute fabric back that can be hung to disguise the cutting board when down.
I plan on putting my AccuQuilt Studio in the large closet with storage for my collection of dies and my fabric there. Although, I may put up some pretty white shelves with some of my folded fat quarters there if it won't make it too "sewing room like when I'm having meetings at home.
The wall that has the door into the room will have a large piece of flannel hung for my design wall that can be pull up and hidden by a shelf when not in use (roman blind style).
The one thing I'm stuck on though, is I'm not certain how to set up my sewing machine on some sort of a lift system. I know it can be done, but does anyone know where you can just buy the parts? So far I've only been able to find finished cabinets, but that's not going to work for my space. I really need to be able to tuck the sewing machine away when I'm doing my paid work. A) I need the space. B) I need the chance of distraction to be minimized. (I'd rather be sewing all day then finishing up a business' year-end.)
And if anyone tells you that you can't turn a 8.5' x 12' room into an office, meeting room, sewing room, spare bedroom. Tell them you know it's being done!
I am going to build a modified version of this:
http://matroshkafurniture.com/home/galleri_film.html
I want to create a space to have my sewing machine dropped down into the desk and be able for it to lift down out of the way. I'll wall mount my computer monitor that I connect to my laptop as a second screen to improve efficentcy. And I plan on adding a drop down piece that can be folded up to be level with the desk area to allow me to more easily quilt larger items.
On the side of the room I'll put a drop down table mounted to the wall with my large cutting mat attached to it. I'll make a large ironing pad like the one I see used on Missori Quilt Company youtube videos with a cute fabric back that can be hung to disguise the cutting board when down.
I plan on putting my AccuQuilt Studio in the large closet with storage for my collection of dies and my fabric there. Although, I may put up some pretty white shelves with some of my folded fat quarters there if it won't make it too "sewing room like when I'm having meetings at home.
The wall that has the door into the room will have a large piece of flannel hung for my design wall that can be pull up and hidden by a shelf when not in use (roman blind style).
The one thing I'm stuck on though, is I'm not certain how to set up my sewing machine on some sort of a lift system. I know it can be done, but does anyone know where you can just buy the parts? So far I've only been able to find finished cabinets, but that's not going to work for my space. I really need to be able to tuck the sewing machine away when I'm doing my paid work. A) I need the space. B) I need the chance of distraction to be minimized. (I'd rather be sewing all day then finishing up a business' year-end.)
And if anyone tells you that you can't turn a 8.5' x 12' room into an office, meeting room, sewing room, spare bedroom. Tell them you know it's being done!
02-20-2015, 09:09 AM
#2
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,131
I have an old Singer desk that my original Singer was attached and swung down into the cabinet. I could NOT get my Bernina to line up so my baby just sits in the well. I have never seen where those parts are sold but I bet with some digging, you will be able to find them. Good Luck.
02-20-2015, 10:31 AM
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,570
Here's one site when I googled 'sewing machine lift mechanism' http://www.rockler.com/sewing-machin...FQkkgQodXCwA7w. There were many results when I googled. Good luck. I would have a problem keeping all of that neat enough to have anyone enter!
02-20-2015, 10:59 AM
#5
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,117
I would also hide the bed in a murphy bed wall. I think it is a really good use of space. Luann http://www.cottagecraftworks.com/sew...re-p-1907.html
02-20-2015, 09:36 PM
#6
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,699
I know the lift mechanisms can be purchased here in Canada ... even somewhat locally to you, but right now I can't think of where/whom.
Perhaps call a few places and ask? Some might be very helpful.
Start with Hobby Horse as they also run a wholesale business.
Another that can be very helpful is the Brampton Sewing Centre (might have that business name wrong) on Rutherford Road.
A few comments about the lifts ... When I bought my cabinet, I opted to not go with a lift, as I expected I would never use it. Not the need that you have. At the time, I learned there are really good ones ... and mediocre ones. Also, be sure you get the heavier ones (for heavy weight machines), to be sure your machine is safe and that the lift will continue to work. Some of the brands just don't last unfortunately. (reasons too why I did not get a lift). Plus you will need to make sure your desk/cabinet that you are putting into is reinforced enough to allow for the hole required, and the lift to work.
It sounds like you have everything well thought out.
If you want another idea ... I have seen and have always thought that a great hide-away sewing area was one built into a closet, and then when you want it to not vanish ... just close the closet doors.
Re the Murphy Bed suggestion, some put their design wall on the underside of the bed, being that it will be flipped up most of the time.
Of course, you have me curious ... where are you moving to?
Maybe you will be closer to me!
Perhaps call a few places and ask? Some might be very helpful.
Start with Hobby Horse as they also run a wholesale business.
Another that can be very helpful is the Brampton Sewing Centre (might have that business name wrong) on Rutherford Road.
A few comments about the lifts ... When I bought my cabinet, I opted to not go with a lift, as I expected I would never use it. Not the need that you have. At the time, I learned there are really good ones ... and mediocre ones. Also, be sure you get the heavier ones (for heavy weight machines), to be sure your machine is safe and that the lift will continue to work. Some of the brands just don't last unfortunately. (reasons too why I did not get a lift). Plus you will need to make sure your desk/cabinet that you are putting into is reinforced enough to allow for the hole required, and the lift to work.
It sounds like you have everything well thought out.
If you want another idea ... I have seen and have always thought that a great hide-away sewing area was one built into a closet, and then when you want it to not vanish ... just close the closet doors.
Re the Murphy Bed suggestion, some put their design wall on the underside of the bed, being that it will be flipped up most of the time.
Of course, you have me curious ... where are you moving to?
Maybe you will be closer to me!
02-21-2015, 04:48 AM
#8
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mississauga, ON Canada
Posts: 535
Thanks everyone! I'm getting impatient waiting for the move day.
I'll definitely post pictures when it's finished.
Very good to know to consider the quality of the lift and I will start in the places you suggested Quilt E. I'm putting a Jamome Horizon on the lift, so the weight consideration is important. They built a solidly heavy machine there!
I'm moving to Georgetown, so I won't be too far from either place and probably closer to you. From some of your posts, I think you might be in the Hamilton area?
I'll definitely post pictures when it's finished.
Very good to know to consider the quality of the lift and I will start in the places you suggested Quilt E. I'm putting a Jamome Horizon on the lift, so the weight consideration is important. They built a solidly heavy machine there!
I'm moving to Georgetown, so I won't be too far from either place and probably closer to you. From some of your posts, I think you might be in the Hamilton area?
02-21-2015, 07:07 AM
#9
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,699
........... and keep in mind that if you currently have that heavy one, your next one will probably be heavier, as well as having a larger footprint! Chances are you are going to say that this is your last machine, but never say never ... size it for a bigger one!
I just thought of some more source possibilities ... Triangle Sewing in Guelph. I am sure it is not something they would have in the store, but they are very amenable and go the extra mile, so might be able to get the lift for you. Have never had anything to do with it, but have heard a lot of good stuff about Oakville Sewing Centre, for having sewing furniture. I know you said you wanted to make it yourself, but take a look at the Eddycrest furniture http://www.eddycrest.com/ ... you might decide to have one customized that meets both your sewing requirements and office desk needs. No idea, whether he would sell you the lift separately. Not so far down the 401 to check them out IRL ... plus his Mom has an LQS right there too, Country Patchworks!
Yes, you're definitely closer to me. I was guessing Ggtn, Rockwood or Guelph, as a lot of people from Mississauga seem to head that direction! Happy Planning and Moving!!!!!!!!
.............. and oh my, being in Ggtn, you can definitely frequent Hobby Horse .... so might as well start that relationship with your search for your lift.
I just thought of some more source possibilities ... Triangle Sewing in Guelph. I am sure it is not something they would have in the store, but they are very amenable and go the extra mile, so might be able to get the lift for you. Have never had anything to do with it, but have heard a lot of good stuff about Oakville Sewing Centre, for having sewing furniture. I know you said you wanted to make it yourself, but take a look at the Eddycrest furniture http://www.eddycrest.com/ ... you might decide to have one customized that meets both your sewing requirements and office desk needs. No idea, whether he would sell you the lift separately. Not so far down the 401 to check them out IRL ... plus his Mom has an LQS right there too, Country Patchworks!
Yes, you're definitely closer to me. I was guessing Ggtn, Rockwood or Guelph, as a lot of people from Mississauga seem to head that direction! Happy Planning and Moving!!!!!!!!
.............. and oh my, being in Ggtn, you can definitely frequent Hobby Horse .... so might as well start that relationship with your search for your lift.
Last edited by QuiltE; 02-21-2015 at 07:10 AM.
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