From accommodating small spaces to your favourite organizational tips, we chat all about your sewing spaces and what makes them special! We highlight your tips and tricks for a great sewing space, and also share the details on our sewing spaces too!
Photo credit: @lastsewnsurvivor
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Love to Sew episode mentioned:
Follow Caroline and Helen on Instagram to see their sewing spaces this week:
Helen’s sewing space at her soon-to-be old office:
Sewing spaces mentioned:
Hazel’s DIY ironing table set-up:
Emily’s small space set-up with crates of fabric holding up her desk!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- For custom cutting mats, go to cutting-mats.net! – Unfortunately, this website has permanently closed.
- Free sewing machine and serger cover tutorial by Closet Case Patterns
- Comic book boards
- How to fold fabric using comic book boards:
Ikea items mentioned in this episode:
- HEMNES desk
- PAX wardrobes
- SVALNAS wall-hanging series
- SVALNAS wall-hanging workspace (this is the one Caroline has!)
Hashtags mentioned in this episode:
Books mentioned in this episode:
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For fabric yardage storage, did you know that you can get the cardboard bolts for free from the cutting counter at Joann? Otherwise, they simply throw them away (hopefully they recycle them, but I’m not sure). I have a long shelf in my craft studio closet where I can store my bolted fabric. I write the relevant info (width, length, prewashed, etc.) on washi tape on the bolt end. This way I can “shop my stash” when I’m working on a new project!
Love this! Thanks so much for sharing this tip, Natalie!
P.S. I should have mentioned that I loved listening to this episode. My craft studio is a MESS right now, and since I have some big projects in progress (I sew and I scrapbook, and I have both going at the same time!), I’ve been lax about tidying up. The episode and your Instagram roundups have been super-inspiring to me. I’ve gotta get this place sorted out, and all these ideas are really helping! 🙂
Yes! We are happy to hear you found some inspo on IG too! We loved putting those posts together 😍 We wish you all the best with organizing your sewing space, Natalie!
Thank you for the shout out x
Corrie @ceramic67
😍😍😍
I was just reading yesterday about slow fashion trends and how much they’re growing but is it enough to save the fabric manufacturers here in the states (and Canada?). It piqued my interest as I’ve been mentally preparing for some time to tackle some of my ethical interests (ethically made ‘stuff’, etc. and I also just finished reading ‘The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry’ – highly recommend!) and your podcast was mentioned! I immediately subscribed (yay!) and listened to this episode first. My husband has also suggested and we’re moving forward on it, that we get me a ‘she shed’ for my sewing and convert my in-house studio room back into a bedroom for our visiting family. This has been so helpful in thinking out what I want to implement and may do differently from what I’ve had. So excited to find you ladies!!!
Wow! Terry, thanks so much for stopping by and listening to the podcast! It’s exciting to hear that you are making some changes in your life that align with your values. The ‘she shed’ idea sounds amazing – we love the idea 😍! We hope you continue to listen and enjoy the podcast! Happy sewing!
I love your podcast and have listened for quite a while. I love the interaction between the two of you! I recently overhauled my sewing room-can we say IKEA? I struggled to even go in it before but now I love it! I even have a chair with a overhanging light above it just for sitting and reading or watching TV. Thanks for your podcast and keep up the good work.
Barbara, thanks so much for your message and positive feedback! As you know, we totally love IKEA furniture for our sewing spaces. We are happy to hear that you have found some pieces that work well for you too 🙂 Happy sewing!
Great episode. I don’t do Instagram, so thought I’d comment here. Loved this episode. I live alone and sew on my dining room table that I got at a thrift store. I can make it long, or fold it back into a small desk. I really struggle with keeping my space neat as I also have chronic fatigue syndrome. You make it sound so easy, but if I put everything away, I know I would NEVER sew, but I might have gleaned a few tricks. Looking forward to listening again.
I noticed in the Aldi flyer for next week they have make up storage containers that would be great for storing thread and other notions. (Love the jewelry hanger idea 💕)
They also have a small $40 twelve stitch machine.
Thank You for always bringing it!
Suzanne, thank you so much for leaving us a message here! We are happy to hear you enjoyed this episode and that you have a process that works for you – that’s key! Those storage containers from Aldi sound great! We always feel like we could use more storage😂
Honestly…I actually find myself getting giddy at anticipating your next podcast 🙂 I’m old… almost 75…and I’ve been sewing for ages. I’ve commented before on a podcast or two. But I loved this podcast!! I have a small sewing room downstairs in our basement. We’ve lived in this ancient 90 year old home for 50 years now. I feel very privileged to have my own sewing space. My husband bought me a new Janome Skyline 9 sewing/embroidery machine last year. Told him I’d better live to be 100 to get full worth out of it!!! I also have my serger set up in my room. I’m also a card maker/scrapbooker and have my studio in what used to be our boys’ bedroom upstairs. I’m so doggone fortunate! I have to say… I clicked on the link of the YT video above for info on using comic book boards for folding fabric. My oh my! This girl has a new fan (and subscriber) in me. SewSweetness has some absolutely wonderful videos on her channel. I sew everything…from coats, jeans, PJ’s, doll clothes, to quilts and home decor. So this all excites me so. Thanks so much…to your entire staff…for this podcast. I am still trying to play catch up with past podcasts. You two are delightful and inspire and encourage me to be my best. Even this old lady appreciates that and is learning new things!
Sherrie, thank you so much for this sweet message! 💕 We are so happy to hear you are enjoying the podcast! And thank you for sharing your sewing space set-up with us – it sounds great! Happy sewing!
A forum member sent me here when inquiring about working in small spaces. Well, turns out compared to some of these, I have a bigger space, however, for my third project I am sewing draperies and valances, then the two card tables feel small. Ha. There was other points I enjoyed, including the trolley for ironing supplies, have it on the wish list.
My question is: how does one overcome feeling hemmed in (bad pun intended ;P ), no room to move or set stuff?
Just the other day the only space for a box of pins was on the shear I was sewing, ended up all over the floor.
By the way, SVALNÄS is no longer available.
Thank you for your help, appreciated.
Hello Adriel!
Thanks for listening and for your thoughtful comment! Feeling hemmed in is so frustrating. We suggest looking for creative solutions to each problem you have in your sewing space. For example, maybe a magnetic pin holder or a wrist pincushion would help with the pins problem. Or maybe there is a fold-away table (like a TV tray) you could set up and then take back down when you’re done sewing. It can also make a big difference to reduce the amount of stuff in a space to a minimum, maybe using the Konmari method and donating fabrics and supplies you won’t end up using. I hope these suggestions help a bit! Sending you sewing love!
FYI, the site cutting-mats.net has permanently closed.
Hi Matt! Thank you for letting us know. So sad! It was a great site. I’ll make a note in the show notes here.