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!

I have a double car gargage attached to the house that we converted into my sewing room. I would think that
a shed would be just fine as long as you would have a way to deep it confortable.

If you have your own bedroom, consider a "MURPHY" bed that you can lift up out of the way during the day and turn your bedroom into a sewing room. There's a post on the quilting board somewhere about a murphy bed - I'll see if I can find it for you.

I would love to have a sewing shed, but in this part of the country you'd have to have it heated and cooled and that just isn't cost effective. So, my sewing is all upstairs and takes up 2 bedrooms. It would be nice to have those rooms back as bedrooms, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. I really, really want to put a basement under our house and have that as my sewing space, but at our age I'm thinking that it will never happen. Our oldest daughter told us last week that we really need to consider moving into a single level house.(because of health issues)(and age!) Getting old(er) sucks big time. Wish that I had started this sewing adventure earlier in life!;)

http://www.quiltingboard.com/mission...d-t223360.html Here's the murphy bed solution to sewing in your bedroom.

Thanks for your reply. We live in Arkansas so the weather does get very hot and cold. I know I couldn't leave my machine out there and I would certainly have to use and air a heater in the winter. Thanks

I do have a lap top and it is used quite a bit. I was thinking about putting my sewing machine on it and getting a small portable computer table. I do have a lot of crafts, material and scrapbooking stuff. Thanks for all your comments and I will certainly figure it out. I just have too much stuff.

My friend re-did her shed. She added better insulation, a better floor, a better window, a ceiling fan and upgraded the wiring to handle all the electricity of three or four sewers plus iron plus lighting. It's in the shady part of the yard so it only gets really hot in the really hot weather. I have sewed out there in 85 degree weather and with the ceiling fan and another desk fan, it was ok. She looked into putting heating out there, and the cost was more than she could do. But it's good for three seasons anyway. In the winter when we sew we sew at the kitchen table in her house, or she comes to my house. I think if you go the shed route you need to make sure the temperature swings are not too high and low or moisture may be a problem. Do you know anyone you can discuss your ideas with, like a contractor or builder?

Are you on pinterest? If you look up small sewing spaces or small sewing rooms you can find lots of ideas.

I heard the Murphy bed are awesome. I wish we would have thought of that prior to buying a new set for our guest room

You can buy a room air conditioner for about $100. or at least we did for a shed out back. The shed has two windows, and the air conditioner sits in one. We also bought a heater thing that we just sit in the corner. It kind of looks like an old fashioned radiator thing. We got both at Wal-Mart.

The shed isn't my sewing room though. It in inside. :) But the shed is where my husband builds model airplanes year round. I guess adding electricity would be necessary, but you would need that for light and a sewing machine anyway. He did put some insulation in the walls. It wasn't that much trouble, then just nailed wallboard up.

I am anxious to hear if anyone has done this, as it makes sense to me. I even half have a memory of someone doing just that, but the memory is years old.

Dina

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!!!! :)

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

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.

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?

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.

I think it all depends on how you feel about being out of the house for periods of time. I have a friend who took a storage unit and finished the inside complete with air-conditioning and she just loves it. Says she can do her thing without interruption. I, also, have a nook in the bedroom. For myself, I do not think it would work for me. DH has health issues and I would not be comfortable leaving him in the house where I could not hear him call. I have had a dedicated sewing room in the past but when we down-sized, it was one of the rooms that had to go. I miss it but you do what you have to do.

I found the perfect work station! I have a sewing room but I still want this. It will be perfect for you!!

Go to Walmart.com and in the search engine type: Sauder Harbor View Craft & Armoire. The top one is the one you want. It has excellent feedback. The third one down is what it looks like when it is closed. It's so nifty. I think I am going to buy it for my sewing room, even though I have a desk already. Click on it and read all about it. It folds up. It holds a few sewing machines and fabric and sewing items.

This just seems perfect-O! And I checked prices yesterday for two hours and Walmart had the best price by far.

You have to pay $50 for shipping on top of the price quoted. But it is so worth it!!

When space is tight - go up. Using vertical space helps me with my sewing area that is in a corner in my bedroom. When I sandwich quilts I use my dining room table using the extensions. I miss my sewing room in our house, where I could just close the door and leave my projects on the sewing table, but I'm doing my best to adapt.

I use our dining room table as a cutting table. I leave the board there permanently and cover it with a plastic table cloth and then a real table cloth and no one knows it is there. This helps a lot.

Have you measured your room so you might be able to redesign your room. Or possibly set youe computer to the side on a smaller table and use the desk for sewing. There are clear under bed storage containers. Another idea.how wide is your bed? You could get a folding table that might fit to slide over the end of your bed.they do come in various lenghts. Check those against the width and height of your bed.

I haven't read the whole thread yet, but I've "gotta say what I gotta say before I forget what I wanna say." On the shed idea. I think it's a great solution IF -- and I say IF- because it needs to be insulated and some sort of climate control needs to be addressed. Humidity will ruin your fabric as well as your machine. My DH bought a little metal shed type building and his friend helped him to insulate it and put inexpensive paneling on the walls. He's got a TV and a fridge with an icemaker in there. It's where we keep our various electric skillets, etc. The little 110 AC unit keeps it cool int he warm/hot months and a little electric heater with a thermostat prevents it from getting too cold on those very few cold days that we have down here near the gulf.

I must say that as our family was growing, my sewing space moved from place to place (a tiny corner in our bedroom, a space in the utility room, the dining area and finally in a vacated girls' bedroom. That is the room that is so full that I need to move out to do my quilting. So I move back to the dining area again.:D Have machine will travel.

Edit: Oops forgot to say why he bought the shed (which he calls "my building."). He likes to tinker on repairing all sorts of things. It's a place to store our large kitchen things like gumbo pots, pots with burners, etc. plus he keeps all of his tools and guyu things like the weedeaters, blowers, etc. And of course -- the TV. When all of the grandkids are here, he can watch his ballgames in peace out there.

I have a small area 12'7 x 7'6 that i turned into my sewing area. It only has 3 walls to it as it is part of the front entrance to my house. The 4th wall has my hutch on it and have no other place for it.. In this small area I have 1 cardtable set up with my new machine, an antique table i use for cutting, my computor desk, ironing board and another old table with my older sewing machine set on it in front of my hutch. I also have an old metal filing cabinet which I will be storing fabrics and supplies. Im new at this also and it will take time to see what is best for me. Its a matter of what will work for you in the space you do have. Im not sure yet how to load up pics yet as im new to forums and this wonderful site. Im taking baby steps all the way.

I am sorry if this is to long,
15 years ago we bought our house, it was a very small 3bedroom house the real estate sales lady said it had a beep of the see, in actual pact it had a nice sea view, until
One day my husband was up on the roof and said you should see the view from here!!!
What happened. Next was the house removers came it and after disconnecting all the power etc they jacked our house upwards building
temporary supports as they went once it got to the height we wanted, the builder then built a concrete block basement once that was done the house was let down onto its new foundations, and what did we get. Two large sewing rooms for me A man cave for the man of the house, a double garage, a bathroom/laundry with a WC now we have a 5 bedroom house with the most fantastic view of the sea, the only down note to this story is that we are getting on in years and the stairs are a bit of a problem. BUT. DH has worked out how he can in stall a elevator

Maybe invest in a Murphy bed, and then u would have a lot of room when u wanted to quilt. When it's up make it your design wall. I've seen tat on this sight before. I was very envious! Congrats on your upcoming retirement.

I think you could use a storage shed--with these add ons. 1. I would want it insulated. 2. I live in Houston so I would want it air conditioned. 3. Make sure you can walk in without bending over, that it has the head room. 4. You would have to have electricity run to the unit. For you sewing machine and lighting (and air conditioning) 5. I might also want a window or 2 in there too! 6. My little storage shed has a sliding metal door, you don't want those--ours has buckled and it is never shut! You could get one of those little barn looking sheds, and perhaps have a regular door, or a barn door sliding kind like the guy Vern had in his own barn/work area, in his own home. By getting a shed, you could have it made like you wanted it. If it was insulated you may be able to keep fabric and such if you can keep the humidity out.