First, heres a big hug........Over the past few years we have had my stepson move-in twice. After he moved the first time I set up everything in a spare bedroom in the basement. Then my step-daughter, her babies father and new born moved in. Moved everything out of the room for them, after they had been gone a few weeks, my stepson was back. Last Jan. I turned my spare bedroom on the main floor into my sewing space. My stepson moved out in Aug and my BIL moved in in Sept. My wonderful hubby said the sewing room stays, its my spot and if we are helping out family they will have to make due with the basement. We also have a camper and I would try to set that up for your sewing space. You aren't the only one sharing your home with family, it's not always easy, try to think of the positive things that can come because of these changes. My BIL has been wonderful in helping us around the house, which gives me more "me" time. God bless.

Hope it works out okay.

((hugs))

It can be stressful - and if you had been waiting a long time to have your OWN space - I think it's okay to feel a bit sad/resentful/angry for a while about having to give it up.

We moved to a smaller home a year ago and only have two bedrooms. So, I am cramped into one half of the second bedroom and sometimes on my dining room table depending on the project..but it works. I just have to climb up and down the stairs which is sometimes painful,,so I plan accordingly

There's just as many feelings as there are persons who have had to make these big adjustments and no side is right or wrong. It all falls in the 'normal' category. Your son and his family are going thru emotions too, just like you. It's wonderful that you all have that type of relationship and want to be there to help each other. Many families are not that way.

You've shown yourself to be loving and self-sacrificing for the well being of your family and not put your interests first. There's absolutely nothing wrong with feeling sad either and no one should make you feel guilty in any way because that's how YOU feel, IMHO.

Would it be something maybe you could get your DDIL interested in?

I have given up my sewing room twice. The first time to my newborn twin DD's. I made myself a sewing place in the dining room. We moved to NC in 2006. I took over the formal dining room as my sewing room. In 2009 our DS moved in with us. I set up his bed and desk in my sewing room. We've been sharing it ever since. It's a royal pain, but we manage. He works a lot of nights, and I let him sleep even though he tells me to go ahead and sew while he sleeps. My fabric is scattered all over the house. It's a treasure hunt to find what I what sometimes. I have down sized my stash somewhat, and will be cleaning out more soon.

Well, after we bought this house we realized there is absolutly no storage space anywhere! (we bought it for the irrigated land for our horses) Maybe set up a small table or area that can be left out and set your machine up so it is part of the decor for now and think outside the box for creative storage areas for your works in progress and extra supplies. Kitchen counters can be used for cutting mats and press boards and then put away when you are done. small cabinets can hold alot if you are creative. Maybe a smaller but tall cabinet to hold lots of material. Maybe something cheap from a thrift store or garage sale and paint it to match your decor. If the camper is big enough you could keep your stash out there and organize it so you know where everything is.

Mention was made of a camper - is there one available? If so, make that YOUR room. For sewing, reading, your get-away spot. You will need time and space for yourself, no matter how helpful your family is. And put a sign on the door "Knock before even thinking of entering." My son and his fiance lived with us for 6 months. They worked nights, slept days - so different from hubby's and my schedule. I couldn't get away from them, even when they were sleeping!! No vacuuming till they woke up, stuff like that. Feel free to come and vent to us, that's for sure!!

You could also look into those greenhouse/storage building that they have with the windows and stuff. Some of them have porches and are really cute. Put a window unit with air and heat and have a quiet get away for yourself :D Then when the kids get back on their feet, it could be a wonderful playhouse for the grandkids :D

I don't see your post as complaining at all... just a request for advice on how to handle the changes being made. Blessings on you for being willing to move your sewing area while helping out family. In these harsh economical times it's important that family come first - many of us may find ourselves in this situation in the near future. It'd be great if you could find a small area to set up your machine - even if you have to clean it up each time you are done... hope your family gets back on their feet soon.

I did that. Our house is older and they had built on another Master Room. I got the original as my sewing "Suite". It was originally one big room but there has been a wall put up so its two rooms. One with a bathroom and the sink and two nice closets. My daughter moved back home to go to college and I was glad to make room for her ~ she got the bathroom side ~ and now I have everything in the one room. Its been a mess...I usually end up on the dining table so I can spread out. I recently got tubs to store the things that I NEED but don't use all the time. The chore for me has been how to decide whats absolutely necessary to keep out.