New Sewing Room Planning
 

My family and I are moving into a house in a new town in a little over a month. My office is also going to be my sewing room, a meeting space for my work, and a guest bedroom. I've heard a lot of nay-sayers about this being possible, but I think I've finally found a solution.

I am going to build a modified version of this:
http://matroshkafurniture.com/home/galleri_film.html
I want to create a space to have my sewing machine dropped down into the desk and be able for it to lift down out of the way. I'll wall mount my computer monitor that I connect to my laptop as a second screen to improve efficentcy. And I plan on adding a drop down piece that can be folded up to be level with the desk area to allow me to more easily quilt larger items.

On the side of the room I'll put a drop down table mounted to the wall with my large cutting mat attached to it. I'll make a large ironing pad like the one I see used on Missori Quilt Company youtube videos with a cute fabric back that can be hung to disguise the cutting board when down.

I plan on putting my AccuQuilt Studio in the large closet with storage for my collection of dies and my fabric there. Although, I may put up some pretty white shelves with some of my folded fat quarters there if it won't make it too "sewing room like when I'm having meetings at home.

The wall that has the door into the room will have a large piece of flannel hung for my design wall that can be pull up and hidden by a shelf when not in use (roman blind style).

The one thing I'm stuck on though, is I'm not certain how to set up my sewing machine on some sort of a lift system. I know it can be done, but does anyone know where you can just buy the parts? So far I've only been able to find finished cabinets, but that's not going to work for my space. I really need to be able to tuck the sewing machine away when I'm doing my paid work. A) I need the space. B) I need the chance of distraction to be minimized. (I'd rather be sewing all day then finishing up a business' year-end.)

And if anyone tells you that you can't turn a 8.5' x 12' room into an office, meeting room, sewing room, spare bedroom. Tell them you know it's being done!

I have an old Singer desk that my original Singer was attached and swung down into the cabinet. I could NOT get my Bernina to line up so my baby just sits in the well. I have never seen where those parts are sold but I bet with some digging, you will be able to find them. Good Luck.

Here's one site when I googled 'sewing machine lift mechanism' http://www.rockler.com/sewing-machin...FQkkgQodXCwA7w. There were many results when I googled. Good luck. I would have a problem keeping all of that neat enough to have anyone enter!

I would also hide the bed in a murphy bed wall. I think it is a really good use of space. Luann http://www.cottagecraftworks.com/sew...re-p-1907.html

I know the lift mechanisms can be purchased here in Canada ... even somewhat locally to you, but right now I can't think of where/whom.

Perhaps call a few places and ask? Some might be very helpful.

Start with Hobby Horse as they also run a wholesale business.
Another that can be very helpful is the Brampton Sewing Centre (might have that business name wrong) on Rutherford Road.

A few comments about the lifts ... When I bought my cabinet, I opted to not go with a lift, as I expected I would never use it. Not the need that you have. At the time, I learned there are really good ones ... and mediocre ones. Also, be sure you get the heavier ones (for heavy weight machines), to be sure your machine is safe and that the lift will continue to work. Some of the brands just don't last unfortunately. (reasons too why I did not get a lift). Plus you will need to make sure your desk/cabinet that you are putting into is reinforced enough to allow for the hole required, and the lift to work.

It sounds like you have everything well thought out.
If you want another idea ... I have seen and have always thought that a great hide-away sewing area was one built into a closet, and then when you want it to not vanish ... just close the closet doors.

Re the Murphy Bed suggestion, some put their design wall on the underside of the bed, being that it will be flipped up most of the time.

Of course, you have me curious ... where are you moving to?
Maybe you will be closer to me! :)

That is an ingenious use of space, and wood! Love it! absolutely LOVE it!

Thanks everyone! I'm getting impatient waiting for the move day.
I'll definitely post pictures when it's finished.

Very good to know to consider the quality of the lift and I will start in the places you suggested Quilt E. I'm putting a Jamome Horizon on the lift, so the weight consideration is important. They built a solidly heavy machine there!
I'm moving to Georgetown, so I won't be too far from either place and probably closer to you. From some of your posts, I think you might be in the Hamilton area?

........... and keep in mind that if you currently have that heavy one, your next one will probably be heavier, as well as having a larger footprint! Chances are you are going to say that this is your last machine, but never say never ... size it for a bigger one!

I just thought of some more source possibilities ... Triangle Sewing in Guelph. I am sure it is not something they would have in the store, but they are very amenable and go the extra mile, so might be able to get the lift for you. Have never had anything to do with it, but have heard a lot of good stuff about Oakville Sewing Centre, for having sewing furniture. I know you said you wanted to make it yourself, but take a look at the Eddycrest furniture http://www.eddycrest.com/ ... you might decide to have one customized that meets both your sewing requirements and office desk needs. No idea, whether he would sell you the lift separately. Not so far down the 401 to check them out IRL ... plus his Mom has an LQS right there too, Country Patchworks!

Yes, you're definitely closer to me. I was guessing Ggtn, Rockwood or Guelph, as a lot of people from Mississauga seem to head that direction! Happy Planning and Moving!!!!!!!!

.............. and oh my, being in Ggtn, you can definitely frequent Hobby Horse .... so might as well start that relationship with your search for your lift.

You sound very well organized in your vision.

Keep us posted with pictures of your new space.

I just saw a blog yesterday where they did this..or a modification. Here is the link. there are good pictures of the progress to see how they put it together. I thought it was very creative! Can't wait to see what you come up with..

http://babyalmosthome.com/need-an-extra-room/

I don't know if it would work for you, but when we remodled our Kitchen in 2002, our cabinet man suggested and so I have a lift in the cabinet that lifts my kitchen aid up and locks it into place. Check with some cabinet makers.

I've seen one of Eleanor burns tutorial, and she had a system where her machine went down via remote in hand.. Maybe check with QIAD =Quilt in a day.. Administrators, or call the 1-888- toll free number. Just my 2 bits, sewing threads will get between your keys on laptop keyboard if your are close to sewing. As happened here.

if you do a murphy bed check Costco on line. we just put one in and it was less than half the price and is exactly what we saw in the show rooms.

Horn- maker of sewing machine cabinet . Sells the lift part that they use in their cabinets. A QB members DH made her sewing cabinet, buying the lift from Horn. Tinker

[ATTACH=CONFIG]512299[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]512300[/ATTACH] You can do it! My husband just finished making this cabinet for me. The drawers are standard desk sized. The sewing machine lift mechanism is from Rockler, and cost 179.00 plus shipping. It raises my Brother Quatro from parked (fully down) to the recessed position ( where the throat deck is level with the desk, and all the way up ( where I can add embroidery unit or use small free arm feature.) The lift will handle about 30 lbs weight. The only consideration for a desk is if you position it close to the edge for sewing, it's not comfortable to pull a chair up to for office work. ( maybe use the "flip up" side for office work use?). Mine measures 66" by 24" and the back portion adds another 66 x 24 which works well for quilting. It's on casters so it can be moved out into the center of the room as well. There is also a Murphy bed in this 13x13 room and wall space for a design wall that I cover by hanging a finished quilt. The tv/ monitor on the back edge of the cabinet will eventually be wall mounted where the picture is. The cabinet height is 29". I just put a large cutting mat on the closed up cabinet in order to use it as a cutting table. If you build something like this, remember not to center the machine in the kneehole space. You'll want to factor in where your needle is in relation to that area so that you sew straight on. I can post additional pictures if it would be helpful. Good luck with your project!