Sunday, January 25, 2015

Quilt Room expansion plans!

I feel as if I've been living one of those "Love it or List it" episodes!  My husband and I agree I need more room for my sewing studio but couldn't quite figure out how to make that happen.
Brownie on a house quilt-top - shows need for a full size design wall!

We spent weeks looking at houses.  There always seemed to be something not right - a flooded yard, too many stairs, not enough windows, too close to the main road...the list seems endless!  What finally got us to change tracks was when we entered a house and we both agreed it could work (the bonus room was already a quilting room so no imagination needed to think how it would work for me!)  Then as we stood in the kitchen it hit us...it was the exact same layout as our current house but with an additional sewing room!

So we had a contractor come by last week and he did some rough estimates.  It will be easier and less expensive to move.  Plus we get to keep our nice neighbors and private backyard (and my daylillies!)

Today we took step one...wrote to our Home Owners association to get approval to build the addition.  I sure hope they give it the ok as I've already started looking through pintrest at how other quilters set up their sewing spaces!
Have to include storage space for my antique quilts of course...

So those of you with quilting spaces of your own...what is the one thing you would say I have to include?

14 comments:

GeeMa said...

My studio is detached from my house, so I put in a wine cooler. It's a must have! But if yours is an addition to your house, then the key thing is a good cutting table.

Millie said...

1. A Design wall. Make it big enough. At least five feet wide (six is better) by about eight feet tall ought to be big enough. It should be out of direct sunlight.

2. Good lighting. You want natural light bulbs, and lots of them. You don't want to be working in a shadow.

3. Make sure there are a lot of electrical outlets.

4. Open shelving for your fabric stash. Make it big enough so you can see everything.

5. Dump your ironing board for an ironing table. Mine is 24" deep x 48" wide, but if I were to do it again I'd make it at least 54" wide. Big enough for a full width of fabric, AND a place to set your iron. Make it the right height, too.

6. An inspiration wall. It's nice to have photos of loved ones, and a place to put up things that make you smile.

OK, that's more than one. The rest you can figure out.

Actually, one more thing. It's useful to measure your sewing machine table, ironing table, cutting table, etc, and work out the layout of the room on graph paper.

good luck!

Vic in NH said...

If you are likely to have any girlfriends that will join you to sew, I'd say consider a powder room,too.

Chantal said...

Oh that sounds like such a fun project. I'm all excited for you! Most important thing? I'd say the layout. I mean where will the windows be? Does it leave you enough wall for a design wall or should you push the window a few inches, feet off one side? Same thing for the door. Does it open into the sewing room? Will it be bothersome? Where will your sewing machine, ironing board, etc. be located? Make sure your ceiling lightings are well situated to accommodate the layout of your room. Oh so much to think but what a beautiful challenge it is. Good luck with the approval.

AnnieO said...

Big plans, very exciting. I remember looking at a house for sale that immediately felt familiar to me. It took a while before I realized it as the same layout as my grandmother's house:). In consideration of your plans, having a way to close off the room is a plus! My sewing area is completely open to the house and isn't neat. It's a lot of visual clutter, though I'm certainly glad to have the space!

carol fun said...

Keeping my fingers crossed for you! Millie had great suggestions... I agree with all of them and did these things in my sewing room last year. I'm very happy with my space except for the flooring. I put in laminate which is nice for seeing the pins and sliding my chair around, but since my room in in the basement the floor is cold in the winter. I think I'm going to have it carpeted instead. I will step on pins I'm sure, but at least my toes will be toasty. Good luck!

Karen said...

How exciting. I need more space for sewing also but that isn't in the cards for me.

Cathy said...

Good for you. I'm hoping to get something set up in our basement. Can't wait to see the finished room. Hugs

Tammy said...

Good luck with the addition. I would say be sure to include lots of storage, design wall space, large cutting table, large ironing station and a little sitting area with a couple chairs. Something cozy where you can put your feet up and do some hand work while watching a bit of tellie! :-)

Gypsy Quilter said...

Oh how wonderful! Definitely good lighting and a storage system that works for you, whether it be closets, shelving, etc. We're looking forward to hearing about your plans.

ytsmom said...

I am sooo envious! Good luck, and I hope it all turns out for you.

Janet O. said...

How nice to be able to design your own space. I am excited for you!
I love having a large design wall (8'x8'), having my machine by a window where I get great natural light for a good part of the day, and having lots of drawers, shelves, and closet space.
Also, I have been careful in selecting the storage units, choosing wood, wicker, and wire for my containers, shelves and storage drawers. It is a look I love, as opposed to plastic and laminate stuff. I feel very "at home" in my sewing room.

Tonya Ricucci said...

fun. how much square footage are you planning on adding?

cityquilter grace said...

well i'd say definitely seamless tile floor....i have carpet in my space and it is simply awful for my chair with wheels, finding pins that get dropped, etc. what a fun project!