Sewing Space
 

Currently I only have my bedroom to sew in. I live with my son and two grandsons, so we don't have any extra rooms or space to use as a sewing/craft room. I am planning on retiring next year and I really want to get into quilting. How many of you have sheds out in your back yard or close to the house? How convenient is it and do you like? I think I would rather be inside the house. I really don't have an option now. I was wondering about a shed out back if that would work. Please give me your suggestions. Thanks. I love to look at all your sewing rooms and I am green with envy. I bought me a new sewing machine and right now the only place I have to put it is at my computer desk.

I agree the Tartan, a shed would not work here - first it would have to be air conditioned and heated. I think it would be hard to keep moisture from building up in any season. Are you sure you need a computer? Maybe a little lap top for the price of a shed and then the sewing machine will get the "prime spot". Also - don't forget to think about storing up, you know, use the walls not just the floor. Now don't think that moving you sewing machine out to a little table and chair outside on nice days isn't an option.

I used to sew in my family room. I had a great tall cabinet that held the machine and supplies. I put it kiddy corner in the room and closed it up at night when I was finished. You might be able to find something similar at IKEA.

I would love to have a separate building for my sewing, and other crafts. Someplace where if I wanted I could just leave everything out, shut the door and know no one would be dropping something off on my sewing table, or my cutting area until they were going up stairs. They always seam to forget they were stock piling there smaller items where I'm working when they do eventually head up stairs. If you do this make sure you have good heating and air conditioning, It gets really hot and dry in the summer here and really cold here during the winter (not unusual for us to have minus temps for weeks on end).

Hope you can find a space to work, but it doesn't have to be a whole room. I have my sewing things in my living room and clean it up for important company. Sometimes I use the kitchen table and cut on a countertop or a folding table. Where there is a will, there is a way. Is there a closet you could use for your stuff? Most of us are creative about how we work in our hobby, and not everyone has a special room for it. Just keep quilting and you'll figure something out.

I agree with the posters who mentioned A/C and Heating. Without conditioned air, your fabrics and machines would be ruined if you stored them in there. Having said that, I have a nice table in my screened porch. I often take my machine and just sew out there. So you might want to consider storing your fabric and machines indoors and just make a work area in the shed. Take your projects out for the day, then bring them back in when you are done working. Oh, and make sure the electrical service is good.

I'm in a one bedroom apartment, and I have my stash in sweater boxes up to the ceiling. I share my desk with a lap top, and ironing board. I have my machine in a cabinet. I cut at a small table. It's doable.

In a small space with shared housing I would think the most versatile thing would be a sewing machine cabinet with the lift. That way you can roll it to where you want it and yet hide the machine when you want to. I have slept in my 'studio' but slept better when the machine was put away for the night.

If the weather, electrical capacity, and the air temp/quality is OK maybe the shed could be used for cutting on a larger surface.

My first sewing room was an unfinished bathroom in the basement. Had a chest of drawers to hold fabric and notions, peg board above the machine to hold items. Did a lot of sewing in that little space. If you have an option get a single bed so you have a little more space for your machine. It really isn't necessary to have a huge amount of fabric to store - just purchase what you need for a specific project; that will save a lot of space. At least when it is in your bedroom you can close the door when you are finished for the day!