What happens when you decide to remodel the room that contains all of your stash? (In my case, it's the basement.) Well, you get face to face with everything you have purchased over the last 6 or so years... and I think the fabric might be multiplying once it enters the cabinets. 'Cause there's no way I bought that much, is there?!?!? Usually it's folded neatly, and the doors are shut in these. Excuse the missing knob, those are being replaced too. (Oh, and there is a third cabinet you can't see here.)
Anyway, I HAVE to stop shopping. I go to stores, and buy. I look online at my favorites places, I buy. Etsy? Yup, I buy there too! Whew. I'm getting tired just thinking about reorganizing and putting it all away once the room is done. Since I'm coming clean, I'll show you. But keep in mind, my Christmas decorations are behind the pile. As if that makes it any better. HA! I also never store my fabric in trash bags, (yikes), but I ran out of storage containers*, and we are moving all the cabinets to replace the carpet. Ready, here goes:
Crazy, I know. I know! My husband can't begin to understand, but I know you all do. Right? I can't be the only one... Okay, back on track. Here's my question: Does anyone else sew in a room that has no windows? I'll need better lighting, maybe an ott light too? But I'm contemplating setting up my machine in the basement, rather than the dining room, where I have to keep packing up shop and putting my stuff away, dragging it all back, and so on. It's making me much less productive, and I have to get some things completed, or I can't call myself a quilter anymore, or even a crafter, just a fabric collector!
*This doesn't include my yarn, which I have hiding, I mean stored away, in space bags in my bedroom closet. It's a sickness, I know.
Just got finished straightening up the stash...we have it bad, don't we?? Good luck and hope your new sewing space turns out just like you want it.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI had my husband hang one of those long Florescent lights with two bulbs over my machine. I work in an unfinished basement so it was just a matter of hanging a few hooks. I have problems with my eyes, and that light along with a regular ceiling light with a 100 watt bulb works just fine.
Hope that helps
Of course we all have stash that shocks us to some extent. I'm going through a "what was I going to do with this fabric" stage. Also purchased fabric for projects in mind only to find that I didn't get enough yardage and now two years down the road I am short on options. I use swing arm, table top and floor Ott lights and daylight bulbs in track lighting that I can position to direct the light where I need it. I would think that sewing in a windowless room is the same as sewing at night when it's dark. Does your nighttime dining room lighting work well for you, is it focused on your task? I use a swing arm drafters lamp on my cutting table. I would recommend that you do fabric and thread selection in natural daylight so colors are true. Hope your new sewing space comes to life soon. Don't forget to keep the space dry this summer to avoid possible mildew and the dreaded silverfish problems. PS: Never show your stash to hubby, lol.
ReplyDeleteI say do everything you can to get your machine where you can leave it in place and USE it even for a few minutes here and there. I have been in sewing situations where I had to close the machine and move it each time I was done sewing and it is NOT fun...much better to invest in the lighting you will need and get yourself a dedicated sewing space. And....tell hubby I see nothing wrong with that amount of fabric at all!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteOh yes indeed you'll have to get creative with some lighting....I'm not a night time quilter so always have my two windows in addition to lighting...I can't help much. But do know about stash and collecting it....once your organized you'll know EXACTLY what you have to work with .... makes a big difference.
ReplyDeleteOh Danielle you make us all feel so much better by showing your stash. Some of us smile because we don't have THAT much and some of us smile because we have MUCH more LOL. I'm no help with the lighting but with my old eyes, more is better than not enough.
ReplyDeleteCrispy
Oh, yes, I think we all go through that. I think you got lots of great suggestions for your lighting. Now you will just have to pick what works best for you.Have fun with the redo.
ReplyDeleteWe are in the same boat with our stash Danielle! lol! I think it does multiply!!! Really!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a window in my sewing room which is great for daytime, but a lot of times I find myself sewing more during the evening when it is dark. My hubby put up a 4 florescent bulb fixture (a used one he bought somewhere) which gives lots of light...Doesn't look so great, but then I am the only one that really sits in here...
Good luck with the rest of your remodeling and organizing! 8-)
My sewing room seems to be in a permanent mess. What won't fit in anywhere just gets left in piles. I often find fabrics and I wonder what on earth I bought that for! Yarn is an issue because it's so bulky to store. But, it does make all the difference when you don't have to pack up your machine every time. It saves a lot of time and means you are more likely to start sewing. Good luck with the reorganisation, it will be great when everything's done!
ReplyDeleteI am just off to give my studio a " good going over" too. Just as I get it sorted it gets out of control again! I need a stash fairy to keep me on track.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being Quilt Homes blog of the week btw too. enjoy spending your $20 ... you can add more fabric to your stash! (Just remember to put it away .. lol)
Tracey
I have outgrown my house and we have added a studio. The organizing, packing, unpacking and sorting has been a nightmare but I know it will pay off. The only time I am getting any sewing done is when I go to sit-n-sews or retreats so I will be so glad when everything gets a place and is in order. Lighting is a must however you obtain it. Happy sewing ;)
ReplyDelete