If you’re the creative type, then chances are you’ve been longing for your own special creative space. You want your own studio. I know I did!
So when my husband and I finally bought a house with a basement, I didn’t let the fact that it wasn’t finished (or dry) deter me. I was seriously in desperate need of a dedicated sewing studio where I could spread out and, more importantly, LEAVE all my stuff out for the next day. If you don’t yet have your own studio space, then you will know the aggravation and irritation of having to unpack and then re-pack all your tools, notions, supplies, etc. every time you feel the urge to create! My chosen spot was the dining room table, which is pretty common I find, and of course my family actually wanted to EAT there occasionally… so “unpack – create – re-pack” became my habit a couple of times a week. It got old fast 🙂
Fortunately, as mentioned, I had this unfinished basement! So step one is deciding what exactly I would need for my sewing space. Each craft or hobby has it’s own “need” I am sure. But this is what my list looked like for a proper working sewing studio:
- large cutting table
- large sewing table (with room for 3 machines)
- sufficient lighting for my old eyes
- bookshelves for all of my patterns
- metal racks to hold my bulk fabric stash
- ironing board and iron
- a dehumidifier to keep everything DRY
- outlets for all the machines etc.
- a TV for entertainment and a hot plate for tea time!
Then I examined the list to see what I absolutely needed a professional for, and this is what I decided I should not (notice I didn’t say could not… I was convinced I could… but sanity prevailed) tackle myself. My pro list:
- plenty of outlets for machines
- wiring for lighting/overheads etc.
I called a few electricians and finally got all the wiring and plugs done and installed for about $400.00. It was a price I didn’t want to pay, but like I mentioned before – sanity prevailed. I have no experience in that genre!
So after the wiring was done next step was to white wash everything. You can do it a few ways, but I used spray paint meant to spray UP into joists it was the coolest thing. Just make sure you use a mask and goggles. It was messy. Or, you can go all out. This family did the job for REAL!
Next I painted the concrete floor… this was a big job, but the satisfaction payout was extreme! Also, if your basement is like mine, and does get the occasional “stream” during heavy storms, this painted floor makes for easy clean up.
Now onto my other studio needs. Habitat for Humanity is hands down the BEST place for stocking your space with homey touches. I found a lot of my chairs there – most for $5-10 dollars each. I painted all the chairs so that the color scheme was a bit more cohesive. Also I got some cozy chairs for curling up to read Threads Magazine … even their upholstered chairs are usually only $25. You can splurge on two!
And we can’t forget the most important parts of a sewing studio space! The sewing and cutting tables! I ended up using two very large industrial doors that I got for free from my brother-in-laws construction site, and I painted them matte white with some older paint I had on hand (free). Then I mounted them both on IKEA trestle legs. As a bonus, the hole where the door handle would normally go, works great to hold scissors!
Last little touches included a “rug” made from fabric I had on hand. Some books on sewing and some books just for fun. A small tv that works perfectly when mounted on the wall, for watching movies while working on a long sewing project. Some extra hanging lights (also from IKEA) because I am blind as a bat and sewing is so visual. I also did get a tiny hot plate for endless pots of tea.
And of course I can’t leave out my fabric stash! Keeping it organized is really important for knowing what you have so you dont re-order something needlessly. I choose white bins for air circulation and for their calming look. Let the fabric be loud!
Maybe someday I actually get a heater down here, because it does get chilly in winter! But even still, there is nothing like the freedom of having your OWN space that you can work uninterrupted in… well mostly uninterrupted. 🙂 You can’t have everything! And I wouldn’t trade my family for the world!
What kind of studio space do you have to work in? I would love to see!
Till we chat again,
Femia~
Porshes Place Dressmaking & Luxury Sewing Retreats 