Feb 20 2010
Asking the tough questions
I’ve been thinking a bit lately about my sewing space. It’s suppose to be a creative place but most of the time when I’m in the room, it doesn’t inspire creativity. For my birthday last year, my sweet DIL got me this wall decal.
The problem is that my soul doesn’t feel very “mended” when I’m in there sewing. The room is not bringing me much joy… most of the time I don’t even feel like going in there.
Hmm. Could this be part of the problem?
I think it’s time to start asking the tough questions. Why & What questions. Why don’t I feel like going in there? What is bugging me about it? What can I do to change it so that I feel creative when I walk in to that space? I’m even avoiding the computer in here and I used to spend a lot of time on that computer.
Hmm. Could this be part of the problem?
While I was away, I spent some time thinking about why and what… mostly what I don’t like about my space and what I want to do about it.
One last shot of the room in its current state.
Oh my goodness! Look at that disgusting ironing board cover! I know that’s what you’re thinking. It’s okay. I’m thinking the same thing… Here is some more of what I want to change:
When I’m sewing, my main light source is behind me and I have my back to my design wall. I don’t like all the furniture around the edges of the room. It gives me lots of floor space but I don’t need it. I need more table space for cutting and sewing. I want to be able to machine quilt and I can’t very well with the sewing table I’m using now. I don’t like using my grandmother’s dry sink for the mini ironing board. I don’t like how I have my computer desk set up and want more space to work and spread papers out. I don’t like the curtains. There’s a mess in the closet that has little to do with sewing and/or quilting. My fabric stash (what little there is of it) is in another room. My rulers, scissors and other tools are a jumble in drawers in a rolling cart in the closet. I think that about covers it. Oh, and I think I need some more stuff on the walls. They are pretty bare.
I have my work cut out for me.
Erin, its a difficult thing to work out a sewing room…it took me many years..and I still have not got it right! I look forward to seeing what you come up with, and look forward to more photos. …its nice to see you back.
I think sometimes having the dedicated space seems sooo good in theory, but can put pressure (self imposed) to perform.
Good lighting is a must for good mental approach, I think. Then start little by little . . . can you swap some stuff in your closet for your fabric stash so all your bits are at least in the same room?
Surround yourself with what makes your heart sing – is it colour, is it something sentimental – maybe pictures, photos. And maybe some music (either to calm you or motivate you).
Good luck – I’ve been on a similar journey myself recently, so know that you’re not alone.
Regards, Sue
Hi Erin! It can be very frustrating when you can’t find inspiration in the one place that is supposed to spark inspiration, isn’t it?! Sometimes it’s something as easy as changing the layout of the room, cleaning out a drawer, or even a new coat of paint that can motivate. Other times you just need to close the door on the room for a bit and let the creativity bug bite you again. Trust me, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with closing that door. You just need to get those creative juices flowing again!. You’re in good company though – it’s happened to all of us at one time or another, so please don’t feel like your in this alone. We’ll help you through it! Can’t wait to hear what you’ve decided to do.
By the way, love, love, LOVE the decal – where did your DIL get it?? I’d love one of those on my wall!!
I felt the same way last yer Erin. I finally figured out that I needed to redo the room to get my creative energy back and what a difference it made. Even if you don’t buy any new furniture, take everything out of the room and then slowly put it back organizing along the way. I bought some furniture at Ikea (very inexpensive). I can send pics if you like. Redo your room and you will feel totally reenergized. Daria
Good morning, Erin! I turned my children’s playroom into a quilt studio. Unfortunately, the ping pong table doesn’t fit anywhere else and my high school senior doesn’t like that he can’t play….oh, well! Even with all this space, I didn’t feel comfortable in my room…..my “chi” was off. My bff did setup differently (sometimes others can see what you cannot). It turned out that the way she set up the tables and ironing board and faced the chairs put it all together. Since quilting can be a solitary hobby, invite a quilting friend over to see if she can give you any tips or ideas. The only thing different that I would do if I were going to change things is paint the walls a different color and put up different curtains. When we did the painting, the room wasn’t destined to be a quilt studio. The best thing in the room besides the flat screen to watch TV when I’m alone? The design board that I hung up on a wall. Everyone loves to put their projects on that board! What I could do differently? Move my fabrics and tools into that room, but there wouldn’t be any room to quilt so it’s one project at a time….or two….or three…until Mondays when my Creaky Knee Quilters come and really light up the room! Have a great day!
I wanted storage and a large cutting table. I bought 4 30″long x 30″h bookcases, put them back to back, put them on a piece of 1″ plywood with casters to move around, put a nice piece of plywood on top 34″ x 64″, voila! storage & cutting and it moves! The total height is 34 1/2″, good for me to not have to bend over too much. Staples & Lowes!