Empty nesters now. I have a 20 x 20 empty bedroom that will be my sewing room. I haven't sewn in many years so the only things I have are 2 sewing machines. My husband is a handy kind of guy and will do what I ask. So I need ideas as to what an efficient sewing room should have. e.g. cutting table.....

You need a large surface to iron on, your machine set into a "desk top" Lighting, shelves, cabinets, a dog, a tv or radio....

I like the "dog" idea. My 4 year-old GS who has been living with us for 3 years is moving out soon and he recently said, "Nana, you're gonna miss me a lot. You need a dog." thanks for the suggestions!

Design wall, maybe a chair and stand where you or DH can sit and read.

Excellent Lighting
Is there any opportunity to bring in an extra electrical circuit, an iron hogs an entire circuit (up to 1,500 watts)

Large Stable Surface for Cutting (I love that mine has drawers)
Large Surface for Ironing
Design Wall (or two)
Lots of Storage

Wow, that's a good-size room. Can I have it?? LOLOLOL :D

Make sure you cutting table is the right height and get a large, really large mat to cover top. I find an adjustable drafting table works great and is a wide surface. I have my DH wooden drafting table he had in college. I redesigned my sewing room and tried a lot of things, but went right back to it. He had to buy himself a new one. LOL.

My sewing area is an L shape. That way I can swivel my chair to a workspace that can hold my laptop, small cutting area or pressing area. It is great.

Also this type of acrylic ruler rack. It can hang on the wall. I was always looking for my rulers before I got this. It holds your odd shaped and large square rulers in a slot in the back. Love it...


http://brighthopesquilting.blogspot....uler-rack.html

I like the idea of an L-shaped work area. Sounds efficient.

Here is some links to my sewing room. Hope it's an inspiration. :)

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-45001-1.htm

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43359-1.htm

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-34860-1.htm

I have seen your pix before and love the color and cheerfulness of your room!

I love it in there. It's roomy, functional and bright.

This is a great book and I used a lot of the ideas.

http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Your-.../dp/1564775690

I have mine configured into a U shape. pressing station on one side, sewing machine in the middle and cutting station on the other side. I have a swivel chair so I just turn my chair back and forth and don't have to get up! Yes, I know it is lazy but it is very efficient.

Oh yes. and a pegboard hung above the cutting station with all the rulers, scissors, etc. I am currently trying to find a space for a design wall.

Your very best bet for a winning sewing room is a dog!! Gotta have one! May I suggest one Like Spud Muffin, or his Mom Sweet Tater! Name them to accodominate a theme, or you will be cursed with a yorkie named King for nearly 20 years!

wow, you will have fun designing your sewing room, I would also have a comfortable chair and good lighting!

love to see photos of your sewing rooms quilters from around the world

And an ott light is a must! I went to our local Michaels today and they had some of theirs on clearance. I bought a table top one regularly $99.99 and it was marked down to $19.99!! So I bought one for me and one for my mom!

Wow, they were on clearance?? I probably have every type they make and also got my Mom one. They are great ! Don't you just love a bargain!!!!!!!!!!!:D

You really don't want to see mine. It will give you an instant headache :mrgreen: