Well hello! I thought I’d kick off the weekend with a little studio tour! I’d also like to share a few of my thoughts on fabric and saving and sorting. Taking everything out and bringing it back in has been quite the process; I’ve done a lot of thinking about which fabrics I need and love (and why I need and love them)!
Okay…well a little more on that later. We’ll move around the the room counter-clockwise starting at the entry (the door on the right in the photo above). First, I have to say my room isn’t large–it’s about 10 feet by 11 feet. I could have moved into a bigger room, but I just really love the natural light that this room gets–and this room also has the built in bookcase and cupboard which is perfect for fabric storage.
I finally organized my pieces fat quarters and larger by color. I’ve been doing this with smaller scraps for a while now, but for some reason, separating the bigger pieces was hard for me. I was a little surprised at the piles I finished with: a smallish stack of red, two large stacks of pinks, a medium orange stack (must get more orange–ideas?), a large yellow stack (but truly not a lot of yellows I love in there…I’m officially on the lookout for bright sunny yellows to add in to the mix–any suggestions?), two stacks of greens, two stacks of blues, and one stack of purples and grays. I’m not a big purple fan, so it’s okay that the purple stack is small; I love blues and greens, so there wasn’t a surprise there, either. I do love red, though, and was surprised at the little selection I had. I certainly use red for a lot of bindings, so maybe that’s why the red stack is smaller.
Okay, moving around the room now, this area is just on the other side of the closet door (door on the left in the first picture). I love having my inspiration board right above the sewing machine. I can easily clear everything off of the board and use it as a design wall.
Here is a close-up of the worktable. Rulers are in the back along with much of my thread. I’m still going to need to do some thinking about what I really want on this table–I really want the things I use most easily accessible.
Just to the left of the machine is my ironing board. I’m hoping to leave it like this for most small pressing and then rotate it out into the center of the room when I’m pressing larger projects.
In front of the window is a table I heart–it belonged to my husband’s grandmother. I was always going to re-paint it, but I kind of like the yellow with the aqua. I’m not sure yet about what I really want to keep on this table. Again…I’m going for functional here. I do have a cutting mat on this table which I use for small cutting jobs. I do most of my big cutting projects out on my kitchen counter with my large mat–that way I can be with the family and not always be back in the studio. The quilt rack on the left has been in our family room for a couple of years. It was my husband’s idea to bring it into the studio, and I really like having it in there…it just really makes the room seem “homey” to me!
Another bookshelf…plans are to one day turn this wall into a wall of built-in white shelves. But for now, again, I’m trying to decide which things are most important to have readily available.
And the closet…basically lots of bins. You can’t see all the way to the floor in this photo, but I have several of the 3-drawer rolling carts in the closet as well. Some of the things in here haven’t been sorted yet…I basically moved them out and moved them back in “as is.” So cleaning out the closet will have to be an on-going project.
So, this is where I’m at. There are still some things on my dining room table that need to be sorted out. Sorting has been a good thing for me–I’ve thought a lot about everything in the room. I came across a copy of the first pattern I ever used…what a life-changing project that was ( Quilt in a Day Double Irish Chain by Eleanor Burns)! Yes, I love fabric, and I’ve loved it since I was a very young girl–so happy that my Mom signed me up for a Singer sewing class at the age of 10! On the day I turned 16 I got my driver’s license early in the morning. By lunch-time I had run my first errand…a trip to Cloth World to apply for a job. When in college and deciding on a major, I decided on English because of my love of literature and composition, but at the time, forgetting about the traditional college path and going to design school was also a real temptation. How happy I am that I’ve been able to travel both of these paths…(if I’d only known then that I’d really get to work with print and pattern and color and textiles one day).
When I started the sorting, I worried that I might have too much fabric. But I’ve come to realize that I don’t. I use this fabric every day as I work and play. I do need to keep care to keep my “stash” better organized. Doing this will be an on-going process, but it is a process I love.
If you’re still here, thanks so much for reading this quite “wordy” post. There just seemed to be so much to say about the whole “event.” And thanks for being such terrific readers…I truly appreciate every comment! Have a wonderful weekend!
Finally, congratulations to Cindy who is the winner of the Pearl Bracelets giveaway! I wish I had a bundle to send to everyone who entered–there were so many entries and so many wonderful comments and suggestions!
Maggie says
Seeing this makes me realize that I need to do something about my stash and how it is organized. I could use it more effectively I think if it was more accessible.
Mommarock says
No such thing as too much fabric! It is so nice to have it all organized and once in a while to go thru it to see just what you have and of course it is so beautiful so just to play with it is lovely. I don't have that much that I loose track of it, but just to oogle it is a joy!
Michele says
It looks wonderful Sherri! Congrats on getting all that organizing done!
JoAnne says
Sherri,
Your studio came out beautiful! I agree with ongoing organization and " maintenance." My closet looks similar to yours and I try to tackle it every 6 months or so. How coincidental that we are both English majors! Anyway, congrats on a lovely room.
Mary on Lake Pulaski says
Nice to see your studio Sherri! Your space is the same exact size as mine EXCEPT I have no closet! Sorting is on my to do list.
Rita says
Sherri, Your studio looks wonderful! I have been cleaning out my studio as well and have been thinking a lot about what I truly love. My room is also on the small side and I like it that way…very cozy.
gailss says
The studio looks really nice and what a great place to sew in. Gives me hope that I can get to mine soon……great job!
Cindy says
Sherri, I truly enjoyed the tour of your creative space. I think that's one room each and every seamstress/quilter enjoys: seeing other creative, inspiring spaces. Thank you.
Darlene says
My room is approx the same size as yours and I love my cozy nest.
Your hard work is very evident -thank you for sharing.
CJ says
What a lovely space. I always thought you must have a huge studio, good to see that you can use that size space and still turn out such wonderful creations!
Kathy says
I enjoyed the tour of your studio! I so need to do some work in mine!!! Thanks for the inspiration.
Nedra says
Congratulations Sherri on such a neat and organized room. And knowing you, it will stay that way! Thanks for the tour, love the paint color, and keep grandma's table just the way it is!
Bari Jo says
Your new room looks great! I've crammed so much fabric in a little bitty closet the last few years – I should take your idea and take it all out so I can see what I have – I'm sure there are some treasures I've forgotten! I like how bright and organized your room is!
Bloggymom says
Love your new space. Great colors.
Cardygirl says
Love your creative space! Funny, a double Irish chain from that same pattern was one of my first quilts!
Heather says
What a perfect little sewing space! I ,over the colors and the built in cabinet, that's so nice. I have to sew in my bedroom, but I love the light in there, my fabric is in bins under the bed and in the closet, I love organizing it all too!
Cecilia says
I enjoyed seeing your studio. I just recently organized my fabric too and I love the way my room looks when everything has a place. Thanks for sharing.
Kristen King says
I should really go to my sewing room and start organizing, but I'm really wanting to sew so it will have to wait for another day. Yours looks great!
ModernMaterialGirl says
Thanks for the tour, Sherri! I loved seeing your sewing space. And guess what … The Quilt In A Day double Irish chain was my first pattern project, too! I think everyone in my family ended up with one of those quilts — they were my speciality for those first few years of quilting when I was only brave enough to choose three fabrics to go together!
Karen says
Thanks for sharing – your ideas, your studio and your journey… how lovely it is to seeall the pieces in your life tie up together so nicely…
Jan Marie says
Sherri I don't think you can have too much fabric, if you love it. If it is not loved, well then too much.
trish says
Your room looks fabulous. I love how youve been able to incorporate dear pieces. Your table is precious! :0) I really enjoyed reading your thoughts and persectives. What a full circle you have lived. :0) You are truly blessed. :0)
Joyce Carter says
Sherri, your studio looks wonderful! And everything looks so neat.Makes me want to straighten up mine a bit-NOT!LOL. If mine isn't messy, I can't find anything.
Karamat says
Your studio looks great! I too worked at Cloth World in high school… fun job!
Johanna says
Thanks for the tour! My studio is in works right now. I will finally be able to move my sewing table out of the living room. I've been taking notes on everyone's spaces. What a beautiful room you have!
Kris says
What a wonderful place to create!! I love how you have everything set up – everything in it's own perfect place!! And my first quilt was Eleanor Burn's Quilt in a Day Log Cabin!! Oh, I love that quilt!!
Cath says
Thanks for the tour. I absolutely love looking at other peoples sewing spots. I am in the process of re-organising my creation station atm. I am getting ready to make space for my new quilting machine which should arrive in March.
Cath @ Bits 'n Bobs
Kristy says
I so appreciate your studio tour. It is amazing what you create in this space. Very inspriational.
Carol says
I enjoyed the tour of your sewing room. No such thng as too much fabric but there is a thing as too many BOM kits. I've been getting rid of stuff in my sewing room that I know I'll never use.
CathyK says
What a wonderful tour. My husband just said I can have some room in his office for my fabric. I think we are both tired of the "Hoarder" look of the corner where I have clear bins and such. I don't even know what I have anymore! I just don't know what to look for as far as shelves. I want to be able to see the fabric and such. Your room looks fantastic! Great job!
Kate says
Looking good! Can't wait till I have my own sewing room one day…
Kinga Izabella says
Thank you for the wonderful tour through your sewing room! You have a beautiful room to be creative!And a well organised, of course 🙂
Have a nice day!
Fran says
Loved the tour!
Diane Kelsey says
How lovely to have a tour of your room, I just loved it. I recently organised all my threads by colour, it seems to work so much better and definitely helps you with future purchases. Have fun being creative in there now.
Karen M says
Thank you so much for sharing your sewing room with us. I especially enjoyed reading about your process of sorting. Very helpful. You have me thinking. Hmmm.
Margaret says
My first quilt was also Eleanor Burns' Double Irish Chain! Congratulations on finishing your room and best wishes for many, many happy hours of sewing in there.
Archie the wonder dog says
Your sewing room looks wonderful – thanks for the tour!
Magnolia Bay Quilts says
You room looks very functional, but also very pretty and inviting. You've inspired me to clean my room. 🙂
Leslie says
your room is BEAUTIFUL! I couldn't decide on what new color to do my craft room, but I think you helped me decide!
love your little yellow table and thank you for the push to redo my room…it needs it bad!
Cindy says
It's great to see how other people organize their craft/sewing rooms. Lots of good ideas. I think I need a quilt rack, never had one before and it makes a pretty display.
Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts says
I'm actually amazed at how LITTLE fabric you have! You do a great job of using up your stash in my opinion. Your room looks fabulous!
NMSue says
Love love love the room-its HAPPY! Great place for inspiration. And, if you need happy yellow fabrics, just go to the local quilt store.
mascanlon says
I have been thinking about these very things. I want a wall of white shelves/ cabinets too! I have lots of things in the closet in multiple plastic containers and bins. I can never find the things I want or need so am trying to figure out the best way to go through it and use! For yellow…oh my I just bought yards and yards of the citron Pearl Bracelet!
Angie Burrett says
The tour is a great inspiration – and tomorrow I too will try and have a tidy up – you have put me to shame! You have done a brilliant job!
Tammy says
Love your sewing studio. And love all the fabric…"sew" much eyecandy in that room. I reallyneeed t go through all mine and reorganize it too….But it just seems like too much work to tackle right now.
conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com
Natali says
Sherry, great work room! Lots of light! I like the color of the wall. Stocks of fabrics – just super! I wish you success in your creative magic room!
Maja says
Love the way you´r studio looks!
I cleaned mine the other week, but it doesn´t look half the good as your´s.
Unknown says
Thanks for the tour of your sewing space. Right now I have a huge sewing/scrapbooking space, but we are in the process of finding a house in another state. Whatever we buy will have to have some kind of sewing space. It is good to see how you have organized your space. That closet makes your small space possible. I also love fabric, and your display is very pretty as well as useful. Nancy: rangerer@sbcglobal.net
Cindy says
Such a pretty studio. I just got done organizing my studio too but it doesn't look near that pretty. I love those Dresden blocks on the bulletin board!
Oh and thanks for the bundle win. So excited about that. 🙂
lisagillies says
Thank you for sharing your room, looks lovely. Very envious.
Vicki lOU says
Thank you for the lovely tour of your tidy quilting room! It absolutely thrills me to look at your colors and arrangements. I have of goal of setting up my own room in an empty bedroom and adding pre-made cabinets to at least one wall. It may take awhile….but I want it to look organized like your room. What do you call it? Your "project room"???
Stitched With Prayer says
Oh Sherri, like everyone else, I don't think you can have too much fabric! It's kind of like I tell my hubby about my gigantic purse…i never know when I might need that screwdriver of flashlight, and those scissors I carry are sure to come in handy one day. I think our stash is the same way, unless we run onto a piece of fabric that we really dislike, I think we need all we can get. I'm still trying to build mine up, I've only been quilting a little over 4 years and I'm hoping one of these days, I'll have a stash just like yours, or maybe even bigger, LOL. Big Hugs…
Stitched With Prayer says
Oh Sherri, like everyone else, I don't think you can have too much fabric! It's kind of like I tell my hubby about my gigantic purse…i never know when I might need that screwdriver of flashlight, and those scissors I carry are sure to come in handy one day. I think our stash is the same way, unless we run onto a piece of fabric that we really dislike, I think we need all we can get. I'm still trying to build mine up, I've only been quilting a little over 4 years and I'm hoping one of these days, I'll have a stash just like yours, or maybe even bigger, LOL. Big Hugs…
Deb@asimplelifequilts says
I love seeing your studio… thanks so much for sharing it and your thoughts as you created it! The inspiration wall over the the machine is a wonderful idea. I dream of a wall of built ins some day too!
Angela @ Cottage Magpie says
What a beautiful space! So bright and cheery and inspiring. I love it! I hope my studio can be as cheerful someday! 🙂 ~Angela~
Kaynik says
WOW what a lovely space. It is so warm and cozy.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
Michelle Jensen says
Wonderful tour. I loved it. I was actually seeing all of your fabric and was a teensy bit jealous so I think the fact that you have quite a collection an accomplishment 🙂 It looks like a fantastic room and the light seems just right. Good job on the makeover.
renaissanceSandi says
I love it! All your fabrics are such bright and fun colors. This is an inspiring post!
Mama Pea says
Thanks for the tour! That's fun! I love your room. So neat and tidy. Mine is hopeless.
Nanna says
your sewing room is beautiful, after fighting with mine to get that wantta stay in here feeling I decided the only way was to take it all out & start all over lol!
Helen
Beginners Luck Quilter says
I have 2 sewing rooms – the one in my permanent residence in British Columbia is 6' x 15' and it also does double duty as my office for our business (seasonal restaurant). It has a tiny window, no closet and 3 steps down into the space and a sloped floor. I recently bought 2 large open cube shelving/room divider units in white from Ikea, put them on top of my lateral filing cabinets & now I can see all my fabric easily.
My other sewing room is in our winter home in San Tan Valley, AZ so each year I have to pack all my supplies & fabric up and haul it down to AZ where I set up a 3 month sewing room in the family room & living room & even use the garage lol. It's a challenge but so far it works not too badly.
I love your colours & your quilts.
Polly says
OHHHHH, Sherri!! It really turned out beautiful!! And that lovely wall color is just the perfect background for all your lovely quilts on the rack and wall!! Soooo pretty!! Thank you for sharing it!! My current sewing room is that size, too!
vintagemodernquilts | Lisa says
Your space is dreamy! My fabric stash is similar – few purples since I'm not a fan and never enough yellows. Since I became a boy mom, I've also decided I have way too much pink! 😉
Sarah says
Love your sewing room. Wish I had a walk in wardrobe to fill as well! Pam Kitty Morning has some lovely sunny yellows.
Chris says
Thanks fo the tour,the room looks functional, "homey" 🙂 and FUN!! What a great assortment of fabrics and so well organized. Nicely done!! BTW, I love the paint on the walls and the yellow table, I think I would leave the table just the way it is. 🙂
Thimbleanna says
It looks fabulous Sherri! I Love the new wall color. It's wonderful that you have a closet too — my room is just all open shelving, so I have to look at all ugly storage boxes all the time too. Seeing your pretty room tempts me to move into one of our extra bedrooms!
Melia Mae Quilting says
Your studio is just gorgeous! You showed some wonderful ideas:)
Happy Cottage Quilter says
My stash is so unorganized. Even after I bought the IKEA bins. Yours looks great!
Terrie says
Wow love your studio !!!! My "area" is SUCH a mess currently
that yours is such an inspiration
esspecially since I spent my weekend sorting toys and kids clothes. Enjoy !!!!
Kay says
Kive what you've done with your room. My sewing room is about that size & I like it because it's so cozy. You've inspired me to dig deep & clean out. Painting is a good way to empty the room & start over which I really need to do.
Sandy says
Thanks for the tour of your sewing room…I just love the aqua color. I enjoyed learning about your early years also!
Nanette Merrill says
Aw loved love the tour. What a beautiful room. And i'm so happy your dress quilt is hanging in style! That made me so happy to see that. After all. That is how we met, really.
Dana says
Your studio looks so cozy and inviting! I really need to start the sorting and straightening process in my own room. Thanks for the tour and the thoughts!
Rene' says
Your studio is so pretty! I love the wall paint color you chose and glad you kept your husband's grandmother's table the original yellow. Thanks for sharing all the pictures and ideas for fabric sorting/storage.
Kim says
Your studio is beautiful! I am glad I got to see the entire room. I have been debating that wall color for a bathroom redo–but the room doesn't get much natural light and it always reads green in there. However, your room looks beautiful with it!
Phyllis says
You can never have enough fabric!!
I am going thru the same kind of thing at the moment (sorting & destashing), only smaller, I don't have as many fabrics as you do, your studio looks like a shop, wonderful!! Where's your sewing machine? Is it hiding underneath a cover in the 3rd picture?
Anna Veit says
I have a question – how do you fold your fabric? I am new to quilting and need to start organizing my fabric before it becomes too out of control. Is it a tri-fold? PS – your room is beautiful.
Anne says
You have a lovely studio. Well organized. I must admit I'd be tempted for the bigger space myself but then lighting and location are awfully important and can be inspiring too.
Quilting mom says
Beautiful sewing space! Love the colors of the projects. Thanks for the tour.
jeanne e. says
i like how clean and colorful your space is. and all of your projects displayed really make it feel so comfortable. 🙂
freecalkid says
I have been overwhelmed after a move across country, a year ago. I now occupy a bedroom instead of a huge downstairs space I had before. I was sorting through fabrics recently to get rid of a third of my fabrics because I couldnt find anything. I love my fabrics and hated that it had come to this.
I read your blogs and realized I needed to sort better. My scraps are everywhere and in disarray. The large pieces are mixed up, mostly by color which makes them hard to use effectively. Now I know what needs to be done. It will take a while but will prevent me from making a terrible mistake of getting rid of my beautiful fabrics!
Thanks for the rescue.