Sunday, April 18, 2010

Sewing Area.

I'm not sure if you remember, but back in the fall, I mentioned setting up a small sewing area in our finished basement. It doesn't get any natural light and there is no overhead lighting. Just lamps throughout this huge boxy room. With my old camera, I could never get a proper picture, so I haven't shared the space, until now, that is...I took the plunge and broke my sewing machine out of the box, nearly 2 years after I received it as a Christmas present from my Mom. The sewing machine intimidated me. Sewing intimidated me. I had sewed a bit back in middle school home ec. class, but I didn't really remember any of it and hadn't tried it since. I figured if I didn't take the machine out of the box, I would never, ever try to learn how to sew. Of course, with it being out and with having a somewhat cute space to sew in, I have somewhat learned how to use my machine and have sewed on some things here and there. Nothing big yet, but the machine is being utilized and I'm still learning.Originally, I had a card table set up, but that didn't work out so well, as the whole table would shake when I would try to sew. Then, my grandmother moved in December and she gave me this sewing table that had a new top put on it years back. She had used it as a microwave stand, but didn't want it anymore. It works perfectly!The space is still a work in progress. I'd like to get some sort of shelving unit or bookcase or visible storage for all of my fabric (mostly thrifted) that now sits in purple plastic storage bins to the left of the small shelving unit next to the table that hold my sewing box, a lamp, my small collection of miniature and toy sewing machines, books, yarn, crochet thread, etc. If anyone has any ideas, please share!Most everything in this space was thrifted or given to me. The table, as I mentioned, the shelving unit, the bulletin board were all given to me, the small wood rocker was thrifted from Goodwill. I'd like to get or make a cute pillow or plushie to sit on it. The lamps and plastic folding chair were purchased at Target. The rack with the ribbons, the ribbons themselves, thread, sewing box, knick knacks, yarn and crochet thread were all thrifted. The owls were the find from the antique shop that I blogged about yesterday (they found a home!).
And yes, Edward is now down here. I had to move him from the bedroom, as he kept creeping guests out. He fits down here better anyway and has company in the form of Spike from Buffy/Angel (on the other side of the room, not pictured)...I apparently have a thing for cardboard cutout vampires. Strange, I know!And because I was taking pictures down in the basement, I figured I'd also take a picture of our wood stove area. The garland was handmade from recycled toilet paper rolls. The pictures are actually framed vintage sheet music covers and the giant Dala Horse and Rooster (love these!) are on loan from my Grandmother and belonged to my Great-Grandmother.

Once again, if you have any cute ideas for visible (and inexpensive) fabric storage, please do share! :)
-Lindsay

11 comments:

Jenny Holiday & Aaron said...

Super Duper CUTE!!! I too received a sewing machine as a gift about 5 yrs ago...tried it once...and nearly threw it.or myself out the window!! I sewed a bit in high school...a tote bag..and even a pretty cool hat...but now..oh man... totally terrified of it. I WISH WISH WISH I could sew!! I have so many ideas!!

Anyhoo...GOOD luck!!! Can't wait to see what you make!!

xoxo Jenny

Lindsay said...

Thank you, Jenny! I think you should go for it and try it again! I'm sure you could create soooo many cute things! I hear ya though...I'm still scared to sew anything more than a piece of lace on felt or paper, haha. I have tons of ideas, but my skill set doesn't support execution of those ideas yet, haha...

bethchien said...

that looks amazing! it is so colorful and inspiring! and I love the deco around the fireplace! so charming and cool!

Lindsay said...

Thanks, Beth! :)

cupcake studio said...

What a sweet space...I love that you have Edward there with you :)

Lindsay said...

Thank you, Tami! Gotta have Edward there to make sure no one tries to mess with sewing machine! :)

Traci Keriazakos said...

Wow! Looks great!

Lindsay said...

Thanks, Traci!!!

Mrs.Kwitty said...

What a cute and inspiring little studio you've got there!! Love the pretty colors and fun decorations! I'm glad you took your sewing machine out of the box (and that your Grandma gave you such a cute table to put it on!) Don't be afraid of it, they are so much fun! As far as fabric storage, I saw one gal who used cd storage shelves for holding her fabrics...she got them at thrift shops, thought it was a cute and thrifty idea!
Smiles, Karen

Lindsay said...

Thank you, Karen! That's a fantastic idea! Thrift season is upon me here in Maine, so I'll have to keep my eyes open! I've actually got 2 cute shelving units that I thrifted last year and had thought that maybe I'd use them, but they're both in my bedroom and I love them both where they are, so I'll keep looking!

Unknown said...

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