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

It looks doable with some hard work you should be up and running real soon.

Work steady at it and you will be done before you know it. You are so lucky to be able to have such a great space. With a propane heater you should be able to heat it so you can use it in the winter. I would consider insulation and a dividing wall and good strong locks. Good luck with the work and enjoy.

Fortunately, I live in the country, so I don't have to worry too much about anyone stealing my things. Here is an updated picture of where I am at right now with the garage. My daughter was "helping". This was taken after 9PM, so she was a wee bit tired of helping her momma.

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As I was unpacking, I came across a tote that I had asked my son to write on so I would know it contained my quilting things. This is what I found. I had a pretty good laugh... considering he wrote "guilt" instead of "quilt" on the side of the container. (He is dyslexic.)

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Awe, what fun! Like being a kid again, and building your own playhouse!

Great drawing - very insightful stick drawing. I'd keep that lid for a really long time, it would be something sentimental later.

Wow! A lot of good progress in a short time. Good luck with your new start!

I think I would have finished the garage before doing the rest. Some insulation between the 2x4's and then some wall board. would make a big difference in the heating problem. Of course that would mean not quilting for a while, smile.

So Happy for you to have your own space and place. I really like your cabinets and bookshelves. Looks like your off to a running start. I hope all goes well!.... Can't wait to see more pics.

The Japanese make a wonderfully effecient heat/air unit that will fit most anywhere; my friends have theirs up near the ceiling in their family room. Check this out. Congrats on a space of your own.

We use a couple of edenpure heaters in our house. We have inefficient wall heaters and our edenpure heaters work better and are much more efficient. They arent hot to the touch and no exposed elements of any kind so they are safe too.

oh my what a place that will be.

so excited for you!....don't forget to keep us posted with pics.....I'm looking forward to them!

It will be great to have that big space!! Out with the old and in with the "new".

Congrats on the new space. It will be very nice when its done. I can't wait for the next update.

debra

It's nice to see you back MistyMarie. Good luck with your new job and new home and a fresh start. I hope you find moments of pure joy in your new quilting space. It looks like it's coming along perfectly. :)

I am getting sidetracked right now with working on another master's degree. Each week I have a major paper due by Friday at noon. It is almst 3:30 in the morning and I still have another hour to go on this paper. Blech.

wow-that is gonna be a huge studio.It will be awesome to have a large space to your self.keep us posted as it progresses.

Good job so far. Keep up the good work. I know exactly what you mean about having a place to yourself.

that is what I did too with the help of my husband and son. We closed in the backside of the garage so I have a room (no windows to distract me) but it has central air(woohoo) not the space I had in the other house but it works. So keep going a little at a time and you'll be sewing before you know it.

Look like you will have lots of fun out there. Just check for moisture when the temps change drasticly. And don't forget about mice and squirrels finding there way into your cozy garage. You might want to hide some poisin for them.

I did the same with our garage. I got one of them inferred heathers the amish make, and it keeps it warm. I stared out with baseboard heathing...my bill went over $300 in one month! The amish heater, I dont even notice a price change.

OK laughed out loud with this one. I love it - guilt. I can see you have lots of great fabric and supplies. Be sure to post the "finished" picture.

When you start checking for heaters, check out Lowes if there is one near you. I have a shed for my quilting that is separate from the house. I bought two small heaters for my 14' X 24' space and they work great. Of course, the shed is insulated and it doesn't stay cold for as long in Oklahoma as it does in Illinois. I do strongly suggest you wall off your space and insulate. It will be warmer and also help keep the varmits (sp?) out!

I'm Sienna's GG and I approve of the use of this space for quilting and whatnot.

I realized as I dug further into my boxes that I would definitely need to expand my original space. It looks like I will be taking up much more of the garage. I also figure I will only need to heat the garage one or two days a week, as I will be working Monday - Thursday during the winter, so I won't be out there until the weekends. I will probably bring in my sewing to the dining room or bedroom during the really cold months. I have summers off, so I will be needing an air-conditioner more than a heater!

I did get side-tracked from organizing because my mom went into the hospital and had to have major surgery. She was in there for five days before transferring her to Denver for the surgery, so I spent quite a bit of time there instead of getting work done here. With the school year starting next week, I really have to get my rear in gear and get everything done this week.

Congratulations on all your changes....especially your new home and dedicated sewing space. I agree, a wall would help so much, but take your time. This is a fun process. You're lucky to have your dad helping. Enjoy!

Lucky you!!!! That's a nice space to have all to yourself. Looks like you've got a lot done so far. Keep it up and you'll be up and running in now time flat.

I would insulate and sheet rock where your sewing room will be. You might want to look at the "for sales" in the paper and see if you can't find a pellet stove for heating. We have one upstairs and one in the basement where I quilt. It keeps things nice and toasty. Just a thought, if you want to quilt out there in the cooler months.

Amy

Wow. This looks like a great place to sew. So far it looks really great!

Love that you're going to have a place of your own to quilt. I too am lucky enough to have a space to call my own. Figure that space and quilting might keep me sane!

We put insulation in the shop/building, then 1/4" plywood. Painted it and called it good. Hope you can figure a way to keep sewing year around.

Hi Misty marie,
I've been off the board for most of the summer but it was nice to see your post, today. I'm happy for you that you're making your new space your own!
Best wishes,
lots2do