When Heather asked if I would share my sewing studio I for sure hopped onto that wagon! I mean, who doesn’t love to show off their creative space? Mine has been a journey- from digging all the carpet out, to redoing the ceiling, painting walls, adding plugs {ok, fine- the honey did most of that} I love my space. Ready to take a look? Let’s go!
*Disclaimer- cleanliness in photos does not represent the current state and can not be guaranteed if you visit my sewing space. To give you a back history- a couple of years ago, we purchased this home {which smelled like tinkle}. Knowing that we aren’t the quickest on updating and redoing things I convinced the honey that the best spot for my sewing studio was in the backyard. There wouldn’t be any dust, paint drips or constant shifting around because of construction out there. After a bit of looking over, re-thinking he came to see the light. The sewing cottage was mine! This is what it’s humble beginnings were. It was piled high in there of over 40 feet of carpet {yes, enough to recarpet almost one side of our duplex yippee!} 
Inside there was a bunch of goodies to be found- not really. yuck! But as the contractors say- ‘it has good bones’ so we continued on. It was stripped of everything, pretty bare, but so ready for its new look and life. With the walls painted with concrete water blocker paint, new wood trim around the top of the ceiling {to really hold it up}, all the shelves loaded and filled- my sewing studio looks like this~ I have a big quilt machine {the screaming banche as I have so lovingly named her} on the back wall. The room measures 15″ X 13″ so she fits right snug. I have her pushed up against the wall, no space in here for using groovy boards or templates….everything I quilt is by free hand or rulers from the front side. I recently rearranged the room to include a large table I was given by the honey. It juts out from the wall, but it uses a lot of space in the middle of the room that wasn’t being used. I love it.
I have a kind of hoarding problem when it comes to my sewing space. It’s full. To the brim. There are a few things that save me though- My roller cart ironing board. {with my wonderful trusty Oliso iron}. I recently updated the covered iron board too. This thing gets moved back and forth depending on what I’m doing. Whether I am quilting or sewing…I can move it around for more space. I L O V E it.
I am also a collector of dolls. Some I have made, some bought at yard sales, some have been swaps….they are a mix of style. They are all kind of stuffed into the shelf- but it’s right front and center and I love that I get to work right next to them.
Across from my sewing area is the wall of drawers! I cram all of my fabric scraps into the drawers and books/magazines/patterns on the shelf. The drawers are color coded, and totally full. There is also a drawer dedicated just for buttons, and another one for ric rac. Yes, I am fully aware that I have a problem.
I am not the cleanest sewer on the block I am sure, but I love my space. It has everything I need right in front of me– and there is a spot for everything. Even for Miss Daisy…..
Need help with your sewing studio or space? How about an organizing series– all about storing thread, fabric , notions, and a round up of some super sewing studios and sewing room ideas.
For more fantastic sewing studios– check out the whole week that The Sewing Loft and Ellison Lane are putting on- and there is a giveaway at the end!
Additional Sewing Studio Resources
- Spring Clean your Sewing Studio
- Keeping Your Sewing Studio Organized
- How To Effectively Organize Your Sewing Room
- 20+ Sewing Studio Projects to Keep you Organized
FAQ’S
How did you organize your fabric stash?
I use clear bins and shelves to keep fabrics visible and easy to grab. Sorting by color or project also helps keep everything in order!
What’s your go-to storage solution for small tools?
Drawer organizers, pegboards, and magnetic strips are lifesavers for storing scissors, rotary cutters, and small notions right where I need them.
Do you have tips for lighting a sewing studio?
Natural light is best, but I also use daylight bulbs and task lamps to keep things bright without straining my eyes during late-night projects.
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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I think your studio should get the prize for best view. Love those mountains in the backround. What an awesome little studio you have, so lucky.
Thanks SO much for being part of our studio tour~ your cottage is great and the view from your back yard is stunning! 🙂
I so love that you didn’t straighten up your sewing space! It’s really refreshing to know that other quilters are messy like me.
Love your little cottage too ~ perfect view!
Wonderful space! And just like a kitchen, if it were too tidy, you’d know it wasn’t really being used (or like a thread-bear teddy bear, loved!). Not sure I could live with just that tiny window, though, especially with those wonderful mountains outside. Lucky you!
I do my best work and get things done with my sewing room is in Action. Love your dolls.
I love seeing the transformation of your space from start to finish! Thanks so much for sharing your space with us.
~H
A clean sewing room is a sign of a sick mind or someone who doesn’t spend time sewing and creating! Nice space!
Thanks everyone for the kind words- i have three small windows- two work the other in the back is boarded up. there is just enough natural light and when I am out there I usually keep the door open to watch the kids, or let in more natural light. And, yes….it is usually a chaotic organized area. 🙂
I love it! Inspired me! I have a great Mt.view too that gives me the chance to walk around every now and then to regroup!
Is there heat in there? Springtime would be wonderful but I’m not sure I could find my way out there in the winter.
Your own building!! Awesome!!!!
I love your cottage, very reaslistic! So glad to see that I’m not the only hoarder. Organized chaos is the way I would describe my space too. Thank you for sharing.
You have so much stuff! (In a good way.) I love that you have an actual working room and aren’t afraid to show it as it is, not exactly a Pinterest-style sewing room. Thank goodness – I was beginning to think I was the only one that sewed like that – in real life. Not in perfect-pinterest-world. Thanks for sharing Becky – I’m envious of all that space and all that you have in it.
Oh, you make me feel like I am not alone. I have a room above the two car garage. 10 years ago I had a fire in my studio. (kitten knocked over an Ott Lite which flipped open and started a fire). I lost my fabrics, rulers, furniture etc. I did Not LOSE MY 700 quilt books which were right by the door – the insurance company took them away and ‘ozoned’ them and they are fine except for a few have darkened spines – amazing. (I am a librarian and have a love of books) That is when I realized that owned 29 rulers!!! The rest of the house was fine. So I started again from scratch. Now I am embarrassed to say I cannot get into parts of my room the stuff is piled high so I have migrated down to the kitchen – hubby doesn’t like that.
So I have a view of the beach and you have the mountains – we are lucky. And I make quilts. I have made 12 Linus quilts this summer.
I love your studio the best!!!
Carol- sad for the fire, but holy cow girl 700 quilt books! phew! I love that you have recovered and all is well. lucky to have the beach view too.
I am not ocd or a clean sewer. lol i stuff things where ever! thanks for stopping by.
I do have a stand along heater, but this winter there was like 2 weeks of 10 degrees and it was way too cold. I brought my machine inside for a bit. otherwise it works just fine.
thanks ronda. I love using the grass for laying out quilts and the mountain view is a bonus.
Now thats a sewing room! creativity is not a neat process!!
haha ann. It isn’t, and I am not the tidiest either. 🙂