I’ve had a room I call “The Studio” for years now – but somehow it has never felt especially complete until yesterday. Why? I bought a sewing table. For the last 30 years I have had to clear off the drafting table or take over the dining table to sew. It’s a nuisance for someone who really enjoys sewing but hates clutter. Take things out. Put things away. Hate the mess of clutter. Hate the urgency to put things away. Thus, on a whim, when I saw this table, I bought it. Because it was a floor model, it was marked down, but even better, it was already assembled! At last, my sewing urges can be allowed to stay out in the open, at my whim and will.
Sewing has its corner.
Painting has its own corner.
Computer has its own corner.
Cameras and supplies are on the shelves, as are books and paper and paint and thread.
All is right with the world.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
2 computer screens??
What kind of machine do you have? And do you use it for craft projects, or for clothing construction?
Having lost nearly thirty pounds (on purpose!), I am now once again interested in trying to make some things which properly fit my long body.
Hey, Katherine! Well . . . I have more than one machine. Seriously. On the table is a Kenmore 158.19802, which has cams and is rather elegant. I also have a Janome 6500, Bernina 930, Kenmore 158.1030 (from college days), Singer Featherweight 222K (in the shop at the mo), Singer 66 handcrank with back clamping attachments, Singer 99 handcrank (3/4 size of the 66), and a The Free treadle with a long bobbin.
I don’t tend to be a craft person – more a clothing person. I like things I can use, so crafts usually don’t make it for me. Quilting makes me crazy.
Right now I am making an unlined jacket, and it’s going okay. The patch pockets are not perfect, but okay – may pick out one. Shoulders together, collar basted on. It’s the green thing under the machine.
I did make the sewing machine cover!
I like different machines for different reasons. The handcranks are great for just a low-key life and fun using attachments. The 158.1030 is sentimental – it’s highly portable and actually quite good. The Bernina is just a beast – works perfectly and has that smell of machine oil I love. Same with the 158.19802 Kenmore and the other older ones, like the Singer and The Free. The Janome is computerized and is a wonderful machine – but somehow, those older ones are just a bit more satisfying – maybe because I learned on my mother’s, which come to think of, I still have – it’s a Viking Husqvarna 19 – straight stitch, zig zag, open arm, two speeds.
Definitely get out your machine and look at the online Buttericks and McCalls. You can get patterns on sale for about 4.00. I also like looking at the Indie designers, like Tilly and the Buttons, Grainline Studio, and Colette. I am going to start the Felix dress from Grainline when I finish the jacket. Or maybe make a blouse or two. But now I can come and go to do it – what freedom that is!
What is your machine / machines?
I love your studio! ♥ I am very much excited to have a similar setup like this too one day. Have a blessed day.
Hey, Fraggy! You betcha – 27″ and a birthday present from my darling Josh! And, you know, they really make life easy. Crummy eyesight and wide open spaces . . . B-)
Hi, Myrtle Glo! Thanks! I finally feel like everything is there. It’s so nice to have a room to just do what you want, leave it neat or messy. I was so darned excited I dreamed about it all night long. Now how is that for happiness?!?
That is so nice, I am happy for you. Have fun and cheers to more creations! 🙂
Nothing worse than using creative time looking for things – shouldn’t happen to you
Hi, N! I have a Viking #1, probably 22 years old, and a Bernina serger, older than that! I haven’t sewn clothes much in recent years because of my dissatisfaction with the body the clothes were going on. Even now, with the worst of the weight off, I am comparing my measurements to the patterns and finding their idea of body shape and my reality are quite different. This was always true, though. I’ll have to make separates and give up the idea of ever making dresses, or even things which are more than semi-fitted.
My younger daughter, at 6’1/2″, needs to sew as well. I gave her a little Brother machine which works fine on wovens, but she wants to sew knits, so that probably calls for a better machine. I don’t know what the good machines for clothing construction are these days. Do you?
Congratulations! I hate clutter too. Even though I don’t sew much any longer, my old Singer sits in its table ready for the next repair job.