Dina

Cybrarian

To make a shed usable you will probably have to invest a decent amount of money. I would decide what I have to spend and see how I could make it work in the house. A foldable 6 ft table (Sam's and similar stores have them) can be used for significant cutting, ironing, sandwiching etc. and stored when your're done. There are great sewing cabinets with storage (start looking on Craigs List etc and post what you're looking for also. Some great storage options and Ikea is a great spot to shop or for inspiration. There are many good idea books and lots of help in the organizational area here. Maybe start by listing your needs to help you focus as you're gathering ideas. Excited to see what you come up with!

cricket_iscute

I have a sewing shed. I use it for storing fabrics here in New England, where summers can be hot and winters very snowy and cold. My husband custom built it; it is 10x12 --the maximum my city will allow -- and has two lofts. It has a good floor, walls, roof. It sits about 18 inches off the ground on sturdy concrete blocks. No windows. No electricity. He built it for yard stuff but I took it over when a storage space got too expensive. It was not ideal, but was the best I could do. I was quite concerned about the fabrics getting ruined but it's been several years and they are just fine. I have them in banker's boxes and those boxes are each in a big trash bag that is closed with a fabric tie or self ties. Everything is well labeled and each box is in it's place on the shelves, and those spots are also labeled. The deep shelves on the left are for homeless and charity fabrics. That's a 10 foot space, multiple shelves, 8 feet tall. It works well except that there is too much stuff in the middle of the room and that makes it hard to get to the very organized shelves on three sides. Else, I would like to have a cutting table out there. I'd like to clean it out but have had significant issues with a herniated disk and have been in physical therapy for the past three months. I'm in no condition to tackle it for a while. There has been no problem with mice or other critters except the occasional spider.

I do NOT think the shed would be good for a sewing room and I would not put a sewing machine I cared about out there. There is no heat, but it's kept at least warmer by the fabric insulation. Light comes only from the door. One reason it would not work as a sewing room is that trudging out there in rain, snow, or ice is very difficult for me; I am disabled in addition to the disk problem. So I keep extra projects at the ready in my sewing room and go out there maybe a couple times a month.

You might check your city's zoning and see it they would allow a shed, what size, with or without electricity, etc.

Golfergal

I use our bedroom to sew in when we are in texas for winter. Set machine on small drop leaf table, store supplies in stackable plastic boxes, store fabric in long totes under the bed, store cutting mats under dresser. My ironing board is my work table & pressing board. It is compact but it works!

petpainter

I have a large shed I put in 4 years ago, and it's a great size for sewing. I had the option for electricity, but had no need. The inside walls are wood, so insulation could be put in and portable heat/air units these days are great. There would maybe some times that the weather is too extreme, but only for your comfort. I'd plan on a good $3500.00, but ut would be worth it to have a good to keep always set up and room for stash!
BTW, I have windows that open and double doors- vinyl siding that matches my house. It's very nice looking.

gmacindy

Since I am a full time RVer, my sewing area is small. But it is doable. I just have to be organized and put things away when I am finished for the day. I have made many quilts, table runners, doll clothes and mug rugs
. And yes, I do have a "stash". My "shed" would have to be on wheels!!!!

cpcarolyn

I do not think a shed would work. I could easly be to hot or cold to want to be there to sew.

cdwatson

I have a 10x20 building out back and I love it. we put a air conditioner and tile flooring and it is my home away from home. I go out there when my husband leaves for work and come back in when it is time to get ready for his return. It is my place to be me.

justflyingin

I probably wouldn't if you had your own bedroom...I'd sew in my bedroom if I lived with other people. The shed could be expensive. If money isn't an object, then go ahead, but unless your bedroom is tiny, I'd think there would be room. How big is your bedroom?

MaryMo

My space is limited and my house is very small. My sewing machine shares space with computer on a desk with a sidetable. It took some time to adjust but it seems natural now. My bed doubles as a layout/design board and cutting board for dressmaking when a folded hardboard is placed on top of it. I do most of my quilt cutting at my ironing board in my dressing room (very small second bedroom) or at desk with sewing machine set aside. It's all works out, just not spacious. It's not what you don't have, but how you use what you do have that makes for successful sewing and quilting.