Hello and happy Monday! Today I’m sharing A Quilting Life at Home | Part 1: my new sewing room. I’ve mentioned our recent move here and there, but now that we’re beginning work on our new home I’ll start sharing some of the details here as they relate to quilting and sewing.
Last spring we decided to list our home of fourteen years. We truly loved that home, and it has special memories for me as a quilter because it was in that home that I began my blog and also decided to make my quilting hobby and passion a business as well. Our home sold rather quickly, and we were blessed to find a rental just a couple of miles away that worked for us during the house-hunting process. We first looked at the new home in November, made an offer shortly before Christmas, and closed the sale last week.
A Quilting Life at Home | Sewing Room
My sewing room in our previous home was truly one of my favorite rooms in the house. It was my older daughter’s room when we first moved in, but when she went to college I was able to take it over and have a sewing studio. I loved this room primarily for the beautiful natural lighting. The room was small but very functional for me over the years. All of the quilts from our first fabric collection through our Summer Sweet group were sewn in this room.
More on the Studio
I also loved the beautiful built-in that was made for my older daughter’s book collection but which functioned perfectly for fabric storage. Over the years I was able to also add some very functional storage pieces which really helped me make the space work really well. You can see more pictures of my previous sewing studio here and also find tips on setting up a new sewing space here.
The Temporary Sewing Room
When we moved into our rental I was able to use the dining room area for my sewing room. The temporary sewing room also has great natural light, a hard surface floor, and had room for my sewing machine and cutting table. The one downfall to this room was that there wasn’t a closet. But five Billy Bookcases from Ikea solved most of my storage problems (although I also have sewing room things stored in closets in two other rooms temporarily).
The New Sewing Room…Before
Last week we were finally able to get the keys and start making plans for the new sewing room. First up is a fresh coat of paint, new flooring, and white wood shutters for the windows. My goal is to really lighten things up; while I love the mahogany in our new home, I don’t love all of the dark paint colors throughout. Right now I’m planning on an ironing station under the window on the left with my sewing machine in front of the window on the right.
More about the New Sewing Room
The photo above shows the other corner of the sewing room to the right of where I’ll put my machine. We will be adding a built-in cabinet in the little niche to the right. I’m super excited about it as it will be a base cabinet with doors for storage and three shelves sized perfectly to fit bolts of fabric above. This room has a nice closet, and I’m still trying to figure out how best to organize that space. We’ve actually nearly completed the painting in this room and will be removing the carpet very soon to prep for the new flooring.
Master Bedroom
Painting in the master bedroom is underway now as well. We are thinking if we can finish the sewing room and the master we can move in while all of the other work is taking place. So I’m really grateful that one of my son-in-laws is helping with the painting!
New Family Room and Kitchen
Probably the number one selling feature of this home for me, though, was the beautiful family room and kitchen area. I know we will love having such a nice open space to gather as a family and extended family. We have a lot of painting to do down here as well…the dark brown wall along the staircase is definitely not our style, and we are looking forward to getting it painted. On the landing above the kitchen we envision a library someday…but for now it will be a terrific place to hang quilts!
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this A Quilting Life at Home post. I’ll do an update after painting and flooring in the sewing room are completed. I can also share some of the other updates if anyone is interested. (We’re working on my office space right now as well).
Happy quilting, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Joanne says
How exciting…I can see why you love the family room and kitchen. What a fun space to decorate. Congratulations on your new home and sewing space.
Jan Weicksel says
Congratulations on your new home! Enjoy making it your own!! It is beautiful!
Anne says
So very happy for you. There is nothing like getting a fresh start!
Carol says
Thank you for sharing. Would love to see all your updates as you continue to make this house your own home.
Carolyn Sands says
Congratulations and what a beautiful home!
gailss1 says
Congratulations Sherri and how exciting for you and your family. Can’t wait to see what you do and love that you already have great plans for not only your sewing room but other rooms and with your schedule can only imagine how busy you will be. How fun is this going to be…..beautiful space and love that balcony / kitchen picture too!
Linda NF says
I’m envious of your new railing. What a grand spot to display quilts. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished space!
Annette says
Your new home has great bones to it as what I can see. Congratulations to and your family on your new adventures in your new home.
Debra Stallings says
So happy for you. Your new home is gorgeous. Will be fun creating a new sewing space. Luv all the natural light.
Michele says
What a gorgeous new home! You must be so excited! Thanks for sharing your transformation and organization process.
Ruth says
Congratulations beautiful new home to make new memories in. Thanks for sharing.
Penny says
I am so happy for you! It is just beautiful and will be even more so with your changes. I can’t wait to see the “after” photos.☺
Robin Blair says
Thanks for sharing Sherri and for the type of shelves from Ikea. I’ve need shelving ideas in my sewing room. I’m absolutly interested in seeing what you do with the rest of the house.
Jane Eilderts says
Beautiful new home! I would love if you would share the rest of your home and what you are doing. Have fun-and can’t wait to see your sewing room!
Sandra B says
How exciting! Yes…please share the rest of your new home as well…looking forward to seeing the progress and final look of the sewing room…
Thanks for sharing!
Jane says
I love watching your new house become your new home. Keep the pictures coming!!
Nelda Shumway says
How exciting to have a new home and especially with all the plans for making it just as you want it. Congratulations!
Diane W says
Yes, please share the changes you do to your house. i love to see before and after pics. Congratulations on your new house!
Gwen says
Love seeing your new home and the changes you’re making- please keep us posted on the updates you’re making to your sewing room and love seeing the other room updates as well – wondering what kind of floor you’re putting in the sewing room?
Abby Copper says
Would love to see all and any photos of your new home and your transformations that you are willing to share!
Melanie R Magnusson says
Wow! I can so see the potential. What great spaces. Can’t wait to see it all done. (and pictures alone the way!).
Judy Blinkenberg says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful new home. Love your grey colors. I can hardly wait to see it all done. It sure is big!
Jay x says
Bring on the reno posts! I love seeing before & after posts. So many good ideas come from these. Happy redecorating, Sherri!
Hildy says
I can’t wait to see this all coming together!
Vicki Kashon says
Congratulations on your beautiful new home! I’m looking forward to seeing your updates. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Dolores Vinson says
Great post Sherri, love the old house and I am sure you will do a great job on the new. I received my fabric and can’t wait to make a quilt. It has to be a star pattern because I love stars. Any ideas ? Have a good evening.
Dianne Mann says
What lovely spaces to work with. I’m sure with your taste in color and decorating it will be fabulous.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Barbara Hester says
Congrats on your new home. It is lovely. Can’t wait to see final outcome! I know it will be fabulous. Thanks for sharing.
Susan the Farm Quilter says
Lovely new home and I can’t wait for you to make your sewing room yours!!! Hanging quilts over the banister for their indoor photo-ops will be fabulous!! Oh to have room to hang quilts on walls!!! Congratulations on your new home!!!
Patty Boyd says
Congratulations on your new home! We moved in September. It’s a lot of work but I’m loving having a sewing room with lots of natural light! I’m enjoying my new Sunday Best Quilts book. Can’t wait to start my first project from it! Looking forward to seeing how you set up your new sewing room. Blessings, Patty Boyd
Araceli says
Congratulations your house is beautiful
Lesley Gilbert says
I love seeing ‘before’ and ‘after’ photo’s so keep on sharing them. Your house looks great and once all your renovations are finished to your taste then it will finally be your ‘home’. Wishing you all many happy years of fun and laughter together and of course creating more gorgeous quilts 🙂
Kim says
Love your kitchen and family room! Will your sewing room be painted aqua? Your sewing room in the other house was perfect! Lighting, color and organization! Looking forward to seeing your new sewing room when completed.
bobbie rumler says
I am really intersted about the shelves, we just bought two shelves for my sewing room I have lots of tubs with fabric and a new sewing machine to buy a desk for. I’m excited but overwhelmed too. looking at your old sewing room helped but look forward to the new one too. thanks
Bear Creek Quilting Company says
Oh my, how beautiful! Congratulations Sherri!
ChristieB says
So happy for you (and oh, so jealous)! Love the railing, Will look forward to see all the quilts you will be hanging on there. My question is: How did you hang all of your small quilts on your old sewing room wall? Congrats on the new digs! HUGS… and stitches
Sheryl says
Love your space and the colors you are choosing. I am curious to know the brand and color of paint you used in your sewing room. I need to paint mine and want something that will be comfortable and offer little reflection on the colors of my fabric.
Di Gross says
Keep those updates coming! I have loved all your prior home posts and look forward to your New transformation!
Elizabeth Beese says
Looking awesome, Sherri!!
Helen L says
The family room and kitchen are just beautiful!! And I can’t wait to see you sewing room when it is all set up: I’m sure it will be beautiful! Congrats on the new home!! Hugs, H