Now that I've retired, I decided to upgrade the ceiling lighting fixtures and ceiling tiles in our lower level family room. We rarely use the room, but after seeing how wonderful the space is lit with natural and overhead lighting, I'd be crazy to not use this as my sewing room.

I could take two bookcases downstairs to hold all of my 3-ring notebooks and quilting books/ magazines.

The antique pie safe could hold misc. items and my two portable rolling chests provide plenty of storage for tools and offer counter height cutting surfaces.

My sewing table is portable. I could use a rectangular folding table as a surface for my Big Board.

My fabric stash will remain upstairs in a hallway closet - clean and away from sunlight. I can easily "shop" upstairs and keep clutter to a minimum.

I would have access to radio, tv and phone. My husband and I could also visit by using two rocking chairs.

I would just love to leave my projects in one area and not have the clutter on our main level......not to mention the spillovers from my cramped sewing quarters in our laundry room.

What haven't I considered? Your input will be treasured!!

Thank you, in advance :-)

Wow! I think you have thought of everything! It sounds ideal!

Lots of plug-ins? Maybe room for a design wall? Easily cleaned floor? A good closing door so any little ones that come around can be banished?

Sounds like a perfect place to me! The lighting, available space, radio/tv, (the phone I could do without), what more do you need?

mini fridge

Tv and/or stereo :D:D:D

Plenty of electrical outlets, beautiful view of the lake, just a short trip upstairs to the microwave oven and fridge,don't have many kiddies visiting, wall-to-wall light carpeting (off-white)--- could buy another floor vac for this level.

Yes, there is room for the dish of chocolate candies :-)

Dog hasn't been a problem: shih tzu is non-shedding and he would be happy to camp out on a comfy chair where he could look outside. Hehe

computer so when you take a break you can come read the board

A LARGE ironing surface, not a regular board. If floor space is tight and hubby is handy maybe he could create a wall-mounted drop-down board that could be folded up when not needed. I only have a standard ironing board...would love to have a bigger suface.

Small coffee maker ?

Sounds wonderful already :mrgreen: Carpeting might make getting the threads swept up a bit harder , but other than that can't think of any reason you haven't already moved everything down there .

Are you done yet ? LOL

Sounds like heaven to me!

Craft table or cutting area? Design wall? Telephone?

Well, I've been wide awake thinking. My thoughts are going 100 miles/hour.

I will put my homemade Big Board on top of the regular ironing board and leave it downstairs.

Yours truly just measured the inside depth of the pie safe and checked out the contents. I can consolidate special toys for the grandkids to one shelf and have the rest of the space for WIP projects and misc. items.

Desktop computor with printer is upstairs, but I have access to a wireless laptop :-) I should go and spend some time with hubby....

If I want a space without clutter, I'll really have to cull my notebooks, books, and magazines. That would be advantageous(sp) as I tend to warehouse too many things. I am trying to lighten the load.

I often cut fabrics on two large mats placed on the Big Board surface. An old computer table or narrow rectangular table might be adequate as a craft table.

My parents graduated from high school in 1933 so many things were kept -- just in case of need. Having gone through most items in the archeological dig - think clean hoarders - I am trying to live in less clutter with fewer things. The key word here was trying. :-)

If at all possible, get your material where you are!! I'm doing the 2 level thing and honestly it gets annoying!! Go downstairs and pick out fabric, take it to sunroom (lots of light) try to decide, then think oh I can use this color, back downstairs!! It does get frustrating. I should have a very skinny butt, I can say that's definitely not the case!!!! :lol: :lol:

Wow, it sounds like its going to be a great room. I would agree with the coffee pot, LOL, if ya could!

In some areas, humidity could be a factor. The other posts already brought up the power. If you are going for a coffeepot and fridge, it would be nice to have potty on that level, too.

We have a bedroom, 3/4 bath and family room on the lower level of the house. The walk out basement is on a hillside overlooking a lake in the distance.

I am having second thoughts about the whole thing because I won't be able to have all of my fabric downstairs unless we really keep that room warm. (gritting my teeth)

Hubby and I were talking this morning and he has no problem with me upstairs, but suggested I change my style of work.

Instead of having three or more things in process at one time, I should perhaps settle down to finishing things or only have one big project at a time out for construction.

I will start today to unclutter "the room" off of the kitchen where I currently sew. I'll purge stuff from drawers, move out a couple of tubs containing WIPS, and find other places for a number of houseplants.....

My current room is just off of the deck and summer is coming according to the calendar.

My second option is to move my sewing table and machine downstairs soon to see if I like working down there :-o

I've got cold feet!

Do you ever hesitate to do something because you are a perfectist type organizer????????????????

Lucky You! Sounds like the perfect space and I love that you have a chair for hubby.

Ok, first of all I agree, get the fabric down there too. You can buy shelving units that you put together yourself--and while they do not have doors, I just went to the thrift store and bought flat sheets for $1.00 each and fixed them to the top of the units with velcro to cover them and protect the fabric from dust and sun. Light colors work best and I can take them down and wash them if they get dirty.
As far as your magazines---I just did this. I got all my magazines in the living room and at night when I watch tv with DH I went through them and used the post it note strips to mark the patterns I liked the most and thought I would use. Then I took those that had something in them and scanned them on my printer/computer and printed them out in color with a picture of the finished quilt. They then went into plastic sleeves and into notebooks with tab dividers for baby, throw, etc. I cut down shelf size being used by half. Then I took the magazines to work and let a couple of my quilting buddies look through and take what they wanted and just donated the rest. Or you could put them up for sale on this sight. Now I just have to do the same with my fabric. You are going to love having a space all your own.

Your idea of "trying out" working downstairs is an excellent one. It sounds like you might get a little lonesome down there by yourself.

Otherwise, your proposed space sounds WONDERFUL - :hunf:

If you are in good health and going up and down stairs is not a problem for you - the upstairs stash and downstairs work areas would create "automatic exercise"

If stairs are difficult, the stash on one level and the work area on another would be bothersome.

If you do this, it might be a nice idea to take before and after pictures. Show yourself how much work you did.

It sounds like the perfect place. Go for it.

sounds good to me

I love what you are doing. too bad we don't generally have basements down here in Arizona. Darn.

Don't make everything too accessible. Make it so that you do have to get up and walk around to do some things. Otherwise you might get stiff and sore. We all need the exercise.

Besides the electrical outlets I would include a place where a quilting buddy or two could join you and have mini-retreats. It would inspire all of you and strengthen friendships.

Way to go!

One of my quilting buddies came over this afternoon and was in awe with the light and view in the family.

I have a moderate stash so I could get another two sets of 24" deep modular shelving units from Home Depot. My fabric is in plastic containers now and I like the idea of covering the shelves to protect the cloth from light.

Twice monthly friends get together to visit, sew and have a light lunch. I definitely need to consider a table for a friend to use. That's a terrific idea!

Do you have the impression that I am leaning toward the larger area?

Costs would involve an additional hot air vent cut in existing venting, moderately priced vacuum and 100 bucks for shelving. We use the modular shelving in the storage areas/workshop and it works out nicely.

I need to get a good night of sleep and get something done tomorrow. Yes, I will take before and after pictures :-)
This doesn't have to be done in a snap, but is a good reason to finish off the downsizing project.

Thanks for your support. I wasn't getting much feedback from talking to myself!!! Hehe

For reasons I won't bore you with, I have to have 2 areas ... one upstairs and one down. Among other things, all my fabric, design wall, large table for cutting, etc., magazines, books, battings, a couple of sewing machines & serger are downstairs. Upstairs is my biggest, newest sewing/embroidery machine, computer, ironing equipt. and most of my thread. I do my fabric choosing/auditioning/cutting downstairs, put the pieces in a box or boxes and bring them upstairs to sew & press. I also use the cutting table downstairs for large construction issues, putting the quilt layers together and dozens of other things. While that might appear to be inconvenient, it works perfect for me. Perhaps you could split your work area into two as well.

IKEA has some nice affordable shelving systems. The wire baskets will not rust and let you see what is in there. You can order online.

Lifetime makes some nice tables. I have 2 - 4 ft x 2 ft tables with legs that fold and are adjustable to 3 different heights. Perfect for cutting or friends over to sew, due to the height adjustible legs. I found some on locally at Sam's Club but you can also find them online at Overstock.com.

Home building stores and such have seconds on wall cabinets or bases that might be slightly scratched or without enough of a matching set to sell for full price.

I'm envious - sounds like a great space for a sewing room.

It all sounds great, I agree with the several who have suggested it would be helpful to have your fabric on the same level. It must be wonderful having this space to consider. I always think the dreaming and planning is as enjoyable as the finished project!

Sounds perfect to me. Enjoy!

[quote=sewcrafty]If at all possible, get your material where you are!! I'm doing the 2 level thing and honestly it gets annoying!! Go downstairs and pick out fabric, take it to sunroom (lots of light) try to decide, then think oh I can use this color, back downstairs!!

I'm with sewcrafty. If you'd be too cramped taking all your fabric down, at least take down everything you'll use for a couple of projects. If you're worried about light exposure put them in dark coloured plastic boxes. Stacked, they don't take up much room. I bought some 3x4 stick-on labels at Staples so I can tell at a glance what's in each box.

sounds like a terrific idea - can we come play in your new space?

I think we are going to "have to have" a party!!

Alikat, I went to the Overstock.com site and viewed the Lifetime 4x2 fold in half table #12514621. With three adjustable heights (22, 29, and 36 in.) this should be ideal. The table should also be easy to store/relocate.
I was completely unaware of the adjustable features and had even wondered about using an existing table with PVC for risers....:-(

I've placed my order for one table. :-( I'm on my way courtesy of all of the Board Members who have graciously shared ideas. Yes, I probably will keep the majority of my items in the family room and have room for friends to sew, too.

Anything I purchase at this stage of my life has to have more than one use. If and when we downsize to an apartment, I will be limited as to what we can bring along.

We have an unbelievable amount of storage built-ins in this home ranging from cabinets, closets, bookcases, etc. It is amazing how quickly one can fill up the space....ugh :-(

Thank you, each and everyone who has viewed/replied for giving me the motivation to create a space which is beautiful, useful and welcoming. I treasure you!!!

You don't have to have a whole big vacuum cleaner. Get one of those battery powered rolling sweepers (like the ones we used to have without batteries.) They work quite well and should be less than $50 from Wal-Mart or similar place. I've found mine to be perfect for neatening up after I've been sewing.
Elizabeth

My thoughts too. I'm getting one for my studio.

Ironing space?

Surprisingly, one thing I'm glad to have in my craft room is a small sink! (Granted, I do more than quilt, but it still is nice to have for filling an iron, or handwashing a small scrap of fabric, etc.)

This sound great, please share picture when your done

My sewing room is in the basement. In addition to everything you mentioned, I would suggest a large cutting table. Mine is 9ft by 9ft. Great for laying out and squaring quilts. If you only make smaller items maybe a 6ft by 6ft would be good. ENJOY...ENJOY!!!

It sounds great already, but I agree with outlets, outlets, outlets. That and the lights are what I woul change in my room.