Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Sewing Room Update - Babysteps

Wow, my last post struck a nerve. Too many people thought I was wrong to throw out DD1's stinky, filty, worn-out toe shoes. I did think about keeping them - for all of several seconds. Then I thought, heck, I have the pictures. Let them go. :)

Besides, who needs the toe shoes when I have pictures like this?

Several folks have asked me to please show the sewing room as it is now.

OK. Though I warn you. I am not a decorator. I am not that well organized. I have already lost interest in spending a lot of time on the room. I'd rather sew. It may be a long time before I make any major modifications.

I hope I haven't disappointed you.

The ironing board had to go in front of the windows. For two reasons. One, the view. Two, when it rains, it can leak, and I don't want any power cords or machines in the area until I get it fixed. And that's why you see the towel - because we did have rain this week.

DD1 left her desk behind. I removed the hutch (it was not attached) and am using it to store my serger, felting machine, and my Janome Gem. When I want to work in here, I also use the desk. All I need is my laptop and my iPhone and I can work anywhere. :)

My sewing corner. My friend Heather gave me her Bernina table when she upgraded to a more modern machine. I finally set it up and love it. It is so great to be able to use the knee lift again! I gave up using it during the years that I was sewing on the kitchen table.

A word on having TV in the sewing room. There were some comments about the idea of having a TV in the sewing room. I do understand that it is not for everyone. For example, my ex-husband hates TV. Early in our marriage, I realized why. If he walked into a room that had a TV on, he was unable to resist it. It commanded his attention. His face, turned to the TV, would go slack, and it was hard to pull his attention away, even if all he was watching was an ad. I am not like this. I love to have TV on for company and I multi-task. In fact, I have a hard time actually watching a show to the end. Some folks prefer music. Or quiet. It's a personality thing. :)

DD1 left her armoire behind. It is now full of fabric, patterns, and notions. She also left the stack of yellow boxes behind. I have filled them. One holds lingerie elastic. One holds purse parts. One holds snaps and hooks/eyes. The last one holds fusible tape. The photo is one of the only pictures I have of my mother. She was an amazing sewist. This is her class picture, taken at the age of 13. It feels right to have her watching over the sewing room.

When my kids were 6 and 8, I let each of them choose a kitten at the pound. Later, I found these painted rocks on ebay. Each one strongly resembles their respective cats. Both girls left the cat rocks behind, but I am happy to have the whimsical kittuses. :)

DD1 left her tree of toe shoe keyrings behind. This is one thing I am keeping in the room. Oh, the clock is hers too, but I hope she doesn't remember to come collect it, because it amuses me. :)

Several of you told me that you were not happy with the track lighting in your sewing rooms. So, for now, I'm going to leave this fixture here. I have several area lights and Ott lights, so I don't have a current need for new overhead lighting.


I really thought I would have my coat finished today. All that remains is to hem the sleeves and the snap closures. I still have some evening left, so maybe I can get it done. :)

18 comments:

  1. I love the ironing board in front of the windows. I totally understand about the toe shoes. I'm so glad that you got professional dance pictures of your daughter--they are a nicer keep sake than grotty old shoes.

    Rose in SV

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  2. I'm not a keeper of stuff, so I would have thrown out the shoes too. But I do have a single gold plastic jelly sandal of miniscule dimensions in my keeping box. Beautiful shot of your daughter in action.

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  3. The photo is fantastic, so much movement. I am totally with you on TV (with Tivo of course) in the sewing room. 1 hour of PBS drama + no commercials to zap through = lots of sewing accomplished :)

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  4. Great space. I love all the little bits that have memories :-) I have no TV in the sewing room and am a music person when sewing. P.S. I think you were right to throw out the old shoes!

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  5. I had to laugh at the tv explanation. It's exactly like that at my house! And my ironing board is always in front of a window. Your room will evolve as you need it to.

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  6. Thanks for sharing your new space. I do the TV also, albeit in the background. Coming from a boisterous family of eight kids sort of makes noise in the background a requirement to function. I don't watch it but "listen" as it is in the family room outside my doors. Half the time it is music also, no tv.

    That photo is a stunning treasure, definitely better than the shoes. And as far as the IB, always, if possible, in front of a window!

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  7. Great room! I use my kindle to read to me
    while I sew.

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  8. Your sewing cave looks very inviting. i'd love to have a TV in my sewing room. I do enjoy listening to MSNBC from my iPad in my sewing room and also streaming music. I wish I was a Bernina person when the 930 came out. That is the most wonderful machine!

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  9. My treat to myself was to buy a wall mount bracket for the new (small) flat panel TV for my sewing room. Frees up the footage on my work table (where a cage of finches reside, but you get the idea). I do love your windows.

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  10. I guess I have a similar reaction to the TV your ex husband does (though maybe not quite as bad), so I prefer radio. I listen to a lot of talk radio, but have noticed that sometimes I'll be so shocked at what is said that I make a goof that I have to fix on my sewing project. LOL!

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  11. Love the beautiful shot of your daughter and the sewing room! We must be twins separated at birth and by decades probably. I have the same 930 and table set up in the machine herd that lives here. Funny thing is I have a desk and hutch stored in a shop building and I never thought about using it without its hutch so thanks for that idea. If I ever take the larger guest room for sewing I might be able to use it. That is a really great window and perfect spot to iron until the leak gets taken care of. mssewcrazy

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  12. I would feel right at home in your sewing room. I love the momentos, tv, incredible window. The picture of your daughter is incredible. I see a lot of wonderful creations in your future. Congratulations on becoming an empty nester. Carolyn

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  13. Your sewing room looks great! Very inspiring.

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  14. Very inviting sewing room, especially the amazing windows. And I love the little details, especially your mother's photo and the kitty rocks -- I'm sure they make the room feel cozy and comfortable. Funny TV anecdote! I like to sew with music (heavy on the 80s tunes), but I set up my ironing board in front of the TV (different room).

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  15. Thanks for sharing - your have a lovely sewing space - lots of special treasures. Beautiful photo of your daughter dancing (I presume it's your daughter??).

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  16. That's a beautiful photo of your daughter in action. Wow, what a pose!

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  17. This picture of your daughter is so beautiful as well as the many others that you have of her. You are fortunate to have her and the lovely pics. Thanks for sharing your sewing room revise. Lots of creativity is sure to come from that room.

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  18. A great sewing room for a great sewer! Love that pic of your daughter. Love all those windows. I only have 1 but lucky it's on the south side of the house (plus we get allot more sunny days than you do). I'm stealing your idea and putting a photo of my mom in my sewing room, she also taught me how to sew. Haven't made up those Linda pants yet - not sure what kind of fabric to use.

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