Taking over the Garage
 

I recently moved to a new place (going through a divorce) and get the garage ALL TO MYSELF (and two kids... but they don't need much space). So, I decided since my new little house doesn't have a place for all my sewing equipment, I would make a space for my sewing in the garage. I figure I will have to spend a little more in the winter to heat it when I am out there (or else grab a sewing machine and take it in to the house for a few months).

Right now, my garage is still full of moving boxes and work-related "stuff". In a couple of weeks, most of that will be gone, as I am an English teacher and have over 3000 books in boxes out there and will be moving them to the school where I soon will start teaching.

Anyway, I figured I would still need space to park my vehicle in the winter so I don't have to scrape off ice, so I have at least started by defining my space. I will update photos as I go along. The counters were put in by my dad and me a few weeks ago. They came out of my old house's laundry room. Same with the shelves. So, now I have the arduous task of unpacking all my fabrics and sewing equipment so I can start sewing again! I am actually looking forward to it. This will be the first time in my life that I have had my OWN space to sew in.

I will add updates as I continue to work on the space. This will be motivating, as I tend to get sidetracked easily! The first picture is what I got done last week. I will take another one today after I spend a few more hours on it. The second picture is the rest of the mess in the garage that I have to get through! Somewhere in that mess is a quilting frame that I can FINALLY use!

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You've gotten a lot done already! Keep up the good work! You'll be happy to have your own space.

Is it a 2 car garage? If so, can you put up a wall down the center? That way you sewing room can be closed off from your car. Less space to heat in the winter time too.

The garage can actually park four cars, as it is an oversized two car garage. The corner of the garage already has built-in shelving/counters, but they are too high for sitting at and sewing. (They clearly were put in for a guy who was working standing up). I figure my fabrics and such will be just fine out there during the winter, but I do agree that my embroidery machines and main sewing machine will need to come in. I have a sewing desk in my bedroom. Next summer, I will start looking into putting a garage heater out there. It is unattached to the house, so I would have to set another propane tank out there to get anything but electric heat (which is too expensive). For now, I will use a space heater until late October, and then again in late March or early April.

Wow, have fun getting your garage set up for your sewing space, lots of work ahead of you, but will be worth it in the long run

WOW - so much work yet to do????? FYI - my niece built on a room on to her house and could not figure out how to heat and cool it - but, like your room, would not be used full time - she wound up getting one of those units like they have in motel/hotel rooms - it vents to the outside and has heating and cooling all in one unit. Don't really know how it is powered though - but probably it is electric.

The shelves look good. Take your time and get stuff the way you want it to be, and then sew your heart out.

ITA with the earlier suggestion to put a wall up to contain your room.
Also, consider the exhaust from the car ... and the moisture from melted snow which would also mean salt/calcium. NOt exactly a good mix with fabric, sewing machines etc.

There are some good heater units you can get that would work perfectly for your garage. Your room could be insulated easy enough, and without a lot of work ... and become more like a regular room in your home. A little extra work done, will make it more enjoyable ... and you'll be more likely to use it.

BTW ... those higher counters you mentioned ... perhaps they'd be the perfect height for cutting fabric? or an ironing centre? If they are too high for chairs, what about getting an adjustable drafting chair? Their lowest level is usually the highest level of a regular office chair. If that works, it might be able to use them your sewing machines.

ENJOY making your plans for YOUR space! :)

It looks like so muh fun! LOL you'll enjoy once it's done