Welcome to the board! Thanks for jumping right in, too. I appreciate your recommendation on the two books, in fact, I own one of them - "Creating Your Perfect Quilting Space". I pull it out and look at it from time to time to see if I can glean any new ideas from it. Great book by the way! Her book has been quite helpful for ergonomics, for sure. Perhaps it's time I take another look at it for some fresh ideas.

I have not heard of the second book you mention, but will definitely look into it.

I did end up removing my 2 x 4' cutting table from my room and a few project totes and some other things that were cluttering up my area today. It's beginning to feel a little better in here, but I'm far from where I want to be.

Again, welcome, thanks and enjoy the board and the vast knowledge the friendly folks have here.

Happy sewing!

My room started out at about 9'x12' but has a protruding closet which takes up room in one corner.......My hubby made floor to ceiling shelves on part of two of the walls.....and in one corner, I have a triangular desk for computer and TV......There isn't too much space left in the center so he built me a table which is 20x42" but has two drop-leaves, each 26".

I can have a 20"x42" table or with one leaf up, it becomes 42"x46".

When I really need a larger space, I bring up the other leaf and I have a massive 42"x72" work area....not much open space remains in the room, but when needed, it works for me.

MJ in NJ

Hi MJ,

Now, that's a great idea there - the drop leaf table! Great thinking, and very versatile! :) I'm glad that set up works well for you. Sounds like your corner computer unit is a nice space saver, too. Mine is about 6' long and takes up nearly one wall.

I finally found something that I think will work for me now. :shock: It's been over a year in the coming, all good things come to those who wait, right? :D Well, I was re-watching Leah Day's video the other night regarding her Quilting tools and table set up. Now, in all honesty, I watched this video a couple of weeks ago, and for some reason it just didn't do much for me, but on Saturday when I watched it, the bells and whistles went off, BIG time! :wink:

Her set up is using two or three tables, whatever it takes to build yourself into a corner so that your quilt has the sprawl of the tables to support it. Once it hits the wall, it's not going anywhere! :) This is SO ingenious, and it's even MORE perfect for me as I've been trying to figure out how to get TWO machines set up at all times. Here's how it works out for me.

You can see this video or any other of her fabulous videos here:

http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/

Leah is making a new free motion design every day, hopefully for a full year! This is one talented young lady!! She's so easy to understand, so down to earth and makes this all seem so do-able.

Thanks again for sharing. Happy sewing,

Quiltgranny - that looks wonderful!!!! :thumbup: :D
You got me all inspired to go in and shove my half pingpong table into the corner to see how it'd look! (It's in the middle, against the back wall now) ~ Until I looked in my room. lol!!! Too much stuff. Where do you keep all your fabrics, books, WIPs, etc.?
Your room has that sense of calmness I'm needing in mine! I know your posting is on 'table sizes', so I hope I'm not hyjacking, but could you post a picture of the rest of your room?
:D

Uh oh, I was afraid I posted those two pics too early, lol. :D Now I gotta hurry up and clean up the REST of my sewing room! :shock: :D No, seriously, I am glad you replied; one, because it keeps me going knowing that something I've done (even if I learned it from someone else) will now be helpful to you and maybe others, and two, it keeps me focused to get the rest of the room in shape. :wink: Oh, and no, you are not hijacking at all.

What I will do for you now tho, is at least answer your other questions, then I better get busy and clean up my act, just in case you might wanna see pics for those areas, too! :-) Okay, my stash, okay most of my stash is on a shelving unit hidden in the small closet in here. The 'overflow' is out in my 'annex' - the attached garage. I keep the bulkier and less oft used fabrics out there: denim, home dec, flannel, fleece and batting. I do have shoe box size plastic containers on top of my 6' bookcase for Charm Packs, FQ's and Labels, etc. I have a little basket of Fat Eights, and a jelly roll on one of the shelves, too.

WIPS are in both places, too. I narrowed myself down to three WIPS in my sewing room, lest the rest of them mock me cuz they think they're sitting there too long. When they do that, I tend to feel overwhelmed. :roll: I have another tall bookcase unit with patterns and other books. I will finish up my cleaning and organizing these areas and report with pics as soon as I can. My DH can hardly believe how much happier I've been in the last couple of days since redoing the tables. Funny, the things or situations that can be stumbling blocks to our creativity and inner peace. Only trouble? Now, my family and friends are really expecting my sewing machines to be working overtime, especially since I still managed to do some sewing and quilting when things were in total disarray and it rattled me. :? Let's hope I don't disappoint them, or me. :)

Now, it's YOUR turn, Diana. Hope you'll post a pic of your new set up when you're ready. :) See what you got into? LOL :D Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with me. Best of luck on your potential changes, and may you find peace, too!

I went to the Thrift Store on Thursday and found a great bargin. I found an L shape computer desk for $50 and along with it I bought 3 filing cabinets with drawrs and 1 comfortable chair. In all I paid $120.00. My friends hubby is going to add a extension to one side. I am going to use that as a large ironing board. He is making the extension 26x46 and even adding a cubby so I can store my rulers there. I think I got a bargain. The total for my new sewing area is going to be around $200.
It is going to work out well. Check your local thrift store it does not need to be a cabinet for a machine but a desk will work out :wink: :wink:

MollieSue

I know that you asked Quiltgranny but I must tell you what I use to store fabric. When I am a "snow bird" in Florida during the Jersey winters, I do not have a sewing room, so for one of the closets, I purchased a couple of the hanging sweater shelves. They work wonders. They have 6 shelves and are about 12"x12". You can also purchase canvas drawers for them and they hold patterns, books and whatever other smaller items you might need to store.

You wouldn't believe how much fabric you can fit into them.

I also purchased one for shoes, which has 10 shelves and they are 6"x12". That one is great for FQs and smaller pieces of cotton.

My hubby cut plexiglass to fit for more stability.

Liked them so much, that when I returned home in the spring, I went and bought more for the closet here. What is so nice about them, when the closet door is closed...it's out of sight but the best is that there is no sunlight on them.

Will try to insert picture, if possible....don't have too much luck with that !!!!!

Just a thought.....works well for me.
MJ in NJ

TO: MollieSue and Quiltgranny.......and anyone else who is looking for storage for thread.....

I have about 75 spools in there now but there is room for maybe another 20-25 more.

Top shelf is machine quilting and bottom is hand quilting...
(don't use that too often...fingers get stiff!!!!)

In between are all the regular threads that I have..

Hubby made this also...he's a keeper !!!!!

MJ in NJ

You most certainly did get a great deal at the thrift store, hooray! At one time, I had my eyes open for those L shaped desks too, as they seemed like a great idea. I passed on that idea only because my friend comes over to sew and I wanted a place for her to be comfortable to sew, too. Now that I've watched Leah Day's video on table placement and hear the importance of having that area available behind and to the left of my sewing machine, I like my new set up. A lot of folks have made quilts without that space available, but as long as I can have it, I'm gonna use it! :D Would love to hear back on how your set up is working and see pics, too! Anything we can do for our sewing havens on the cheap is even better! Happy sewing!

Hi MJ,

Oh, what a wonderful and talented hubby! Your spool chest is beautiful!! I especially like that it has glass to keep the dust out. You can see just what you have at a glance, how nice is that! I keep my spools in my rolly bins, so I must pull out my drawers to see what I have. Yep, what a keeper you have there! Me too! :) Thanks so much for posting your pics and telling us about these neat ideas. Happy sewing!

I took some of how it is now (disaster zone!)with my camera phone, but can't get them to load in the computer! I used to have a nice, calm, room, until I got this half of a pingpong table! I have two of my little grandkids for a few more hours today, then I'll see what I can do in there!
But here is a picture of what I used to have.....

Mjsyvstr, I love your thread cabinet!!! I'm using an old small curio cabinet my son bought me years ago, for my thread. Although I'm needing something bigger now. And I'm still kicking myself for passing up one of those closet sweater holder thingys at a garage sale for 50 cents!! I have no idea why I didn't buy it!
This is such a neat thread you started, Quiltgranny!!! I'm guessing this is helping lots of people get ideas!!!! :D :D

here's another goodie that hubby made for me.

The last machine I had, had a extended plexiglas table, which I thought was most wonderful....loved it.

I bought a new Kenmore (more $$$ than the last machine) and this did not come with an ext. table..

Here is what hubby made for me.........can you just imagine what he could do if he had more power tools ??????

Maybe Santa will leave some for Christmas. !!!!!!!

MaryJane

I'm SO glad you're changing your sewing table, Diana. From the looks of this picture, you could have the weight of your quilt flowing out your open window! :shock: :D "Rapunzle, Rapunzle, let down your quilt, er hair." LOL Can't wait to see your new and improved set up pics when you get a chance. :) I'm a little under the weather today so haven't done anything else in my room, but will soon. I'll keep everyone posted.

Happy peace finding!

P.S. Have you been able to download your camera phone pics before? I can take them on my phone, but don't pay the extra $ to be able to share them by computer or email. :( Maybe someone else here in the know can help you. Sure hope so.

Absolutely beautiful!! What a blessing your talented hubby is!! Yep, I think Santa ought to think hard about his gift this year, lol! :wink: With your extension table being clear, you can use it as a light box, too!!

Happy sewing! :)

It looks great! Way to go, Quiltgranny! Thanks for sharing those great pix!
Regards,
MaryAnna

Thanks so much Maryana for your positive feedback. Now, if I could just figure out what might be a "peaceful" yet somewhat "fun" fabric for new curtains in here. Any thoughts?

Happy sewing,

Well it all depends on your view from your window....hmmm...I've got the 2" faux wood blinds, and dark chocolate thin drapes that are always tied back and blinds open. I find alot of inspiration from nature! And my sewing room/guest room is on the 2nd floor over looking my gardens & woods. I bought my curtains from Walmart for $9.99 and they look really 'high end', but they are thin; however they are there more for 'looks' than purpose.
Here's a great idea....if you've got a few too many quilts, how about using them- they would serve 2 purposes: design inspiration and wonderful decor AND they will keep the cold out and in summer keep the heat out!
I love the quilt blocks on your desgin wall, how about making a few more of them- they are really tres chic, and very warm and inviting....they would be fabulous as curtains!
Regards,
MaryAnna

Well some news...first I'll have to take pictures of my sewing room/guest room quickly, I'll post them tomorrow....a wonderful rememberance....
My son will be moving back in to attend college and finish his degree (finally), he's giving notice to his employer.....so that means the guest room/sewing room will be his room.
I'll be moving my sewing room into my bedroom, should be interesting to say the least, but worth it.
I'll need a good, but not pricey, compact sewing table-perhaps one that folds out. Any recommendations from anyone?
I have 2 closets in my bedroom, so I will clear one out and it will house the fabric stash, which is already in plastic drawers stacked.
Just when we think we've got our sewing rooms perfect, zap life happens!
oh well, it's for the best...
I'll post pictures of my sewing room tomorrow.
Regards,
MaryAnna

Hi Maryanna,

Oh, I've got an awesome view from my windows if you like wildlife; bears, deer, squirrels, raccoon, and of course the neighborhood cats and dog on the loose! This coming snowstorm should put the bears to bed for the winter, YAY!! :thumbup: It DOES tend to get pretty cold here in the winter, so your idea of using a quilt for the window is awesome!! I wish I had some extras, but so far I've given them all away. :) I'll be checking our local thrift store, occasionally I'll see a quilt in there. Don't really have time to make them for two windows, it'll be down to 16° by tomorrow night! BRR!

As for the blocks on my design wall, thanks so much for your compliments. The top row has 6 blocks of 12 of the current BOM "Heartland Heritage" that I'm working on. The lower rows are rows 4 and 5 of 7 of a rather large BOM from a while back called "Scrappy Treasures" and as you can see isn't done yet. That one will be for our bedroom. Both projects are made with a variety of Kansas Troubles fabrics. Yes I agree, they are quite inviting and down to earth, as we are.

Thanks for your great ideas, they'll be used soon. :)

Happy sewing!

Hi Maryanna,

Well, at least you're moving your sewing things for a great cause! :thumbup: It's tough these days for young and older alike. Bless his heart and yours.

I do have one idea for you on your table request. A ways back in this thread, a drop leaf table was suggested to me. The poster said it gave her a lot of room when needed, but folded up rather compactly when not in use. Might that be a workable option for you? Most of those tables are taller than I would like, but you could use a taller chair I suppose and build up your feet with a box if needed. Something like this can be found used for not too much these days. Best of luck to you!

Happy sewing,

I made a table with a 4x8 1/2 sheet of ply wood and four three shelf bookcases from walmart. I love it and it didn't cost much. I would add a pick but I'm not sure how.