Scraps

Maybe sew in the basement room for a week and see how it "feels". Any space can be cozied up. I sew on an over sized card table in our guest bedroom - do all my cutting on my large 'bar' style kitchen counter top.

kateyb

Spend a little time in the basement doing some kind of hand project or just move the sewing machine and do some sewing to see if you like it before you spend time or money changing it. Some people get very depressed in places without very much natural light. You may discover you don't like sewing in the basement for any number of reasons.

Jadie

I may be a bit late on this post but here it goes..........I bought my grand sons a foam flouring for their basement play area. They inter lock and keep your feet warm. You can get them in bright colors or black most home stores have them....they can be picked up cleaned or moved with no problem.........

Dawn227

I also just moved, into a ranch My sewing room is in basement. I have 3-5 ft bookshelves (one is for g kids crafts and books)
4-6ft cabinets for fabric folded onto acid free boards
2 metal shelving racks. One I have several small clear totes for color co-ordinated scaps for applique and fq's IE blacks and browns yellows & gold, reds to pinks, blues to purples and so on. Another tote for tims lace bias tape zippers other mis. things
Other shelving is yarn
PC desk with wall shelves above.
DH made me a revolving pegboard 6' tall. Holds my threads, stabilizers, rulers, and asst notions
3 sewing areas cutting area. Make light curtains for windows added extra ceiling lights loads of electric. Put in 2 ceiling outlets Placed over cutting area, and ironing area.
When I get it cleaned up and finished I will post pictures.
dawn227

Jory

My quilt cave is in the basement, and I love it! I had a friend install "vinyl resilient flooring" ("Allure," at Home Depot), and it's even better than I expected. It is a "floating floor," so you don't have to worry about the underlayer: also waterproof, with lots of different wood and tile finishes. The wood grain is very realistic, it's easy to sweep, easy to install (but it takes some strength to cut the planks): my friend Jay did the entire basement in less than a day. I think I could have done it, but it would have taken me much longer. Relatively cheap, also.

Check it out: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...atalogId=10053

Jory

onaemtnest

OMGoodness Jeannie this is exactly my set-up....the only thing different is that I don't have the island but everything else, large window~doorbell alert~space heater for extra cold days~barefoot~tons of storage units~ is almost an identical mirror a to mine!

DH had builders create my sewing room as our home was being built....the only thing is, I thought it was plenty large enough five years ago...NOW it's to small :0)

onaemtnest

Lighting is so important, ask your local big box electrical department about natural lighting bulbs. Some light bulbs including florescent bulbs distort true colors. You need to ask for the GE Full Spectrum Reveal light bulbs. They come in frosted and clear.

My husband works PT in the electrical dept @ Home Depot (isn't that where all retired guys go to work when they spend to much time evaluating their wives fabric stashes?) When these light bulbs hit the market he replaced all the lighting in the sewing room and it was AMAZING the difference those bulbs made, at least for me!

DeniseP

I have my industrial serger in my basement and have recently started cutting fabric there. It's not as cheerful as the upstairs in my house, but I don't have the hassle of cleaning up every time I am interrupted (which seems to happen often) and can pick up where I left off when I get back. My washer and dryer are down there as well and since I bought an Accuquilt, I have never been so caught up on laundry. Our basement is damp and cold, but we have a pellet stove down there that my husband starts early in the morning or sometimes we leave it on all night so it really cuts the chill and dampness. I have had people tell me it's depressing to be in the cellar all day, but I find it relaxing to cut my fabric and listen to music and am always amazed at the amount of work I can accomplish.

I would go for the basement if I were you and make it your space. Maybe a carpet under your feet would be good to keep away the chill and better for your knees standing on a cement floor. Whatever you decide, I hope it's the best for you. Welcome to the quilting board, it's addicting!

Barbshobbies

You said you moved in last Winter, so that should give you an idea of the moister & warmth on your feet. A good rule to
remember is "See how it goes for all 4 seasons." Then if all goes well, I`d take the larger room.

jbj137

Go for it.
Wish I had to option.
J J