Sunday, February 6, 2011

Organizing My Office/Sewing Room - Before

This project all began because my son gave me a wonderful lamp to use when I do my needlework. DH felt it didn't fit well with our Victorian living room furniture and decided I should work in our office. Well, the office was upstairs and happened to be a bit of a catch-all, if you know what I mean. I didn't enjoy being in that room nearly as much as our living room but had to agree my lamp looked a bit shall we say awkward in the living room.



I have a lot of books and, well, a lot of stuff! I really can't blame DH for the clutter since 99% of it is mine. He has given in to the fact that it is all part of who I am and never - hardly ever - complains. These photos were taken after I finally got rid of our ugly 4-drawer filing cabinet. I basically am 'nesting' now. I have a ways to go, but thought I would share some photos of the 'before' and what I am working with. Trust me, it will get worse before it gets better.



One major problem was the location of my sewing machine cabinet. I had a small area on the south wall that was just big enough for the cabinet...when it was closed. I had convinced myself I would use it and then close it up before starting another project (right! giggle, giggle).


Above is the closest I get to putting the sewing machine away. You can see in the photos that the bi-fold doors that hides my avalanche of supplies and equipment get blocked when I sew. Murphy's law was written for me I think. As soon as I get into my sewing I need something out of the closet!


And, don't forget all this lovely thread I came home with after visiting mom the last time. I didn't even have enough room in that closet to 'tuck' it. I had to figure out what to do with it.




The sewing room needs to be shared with the computer and furniture which I currently don't have the budget to replace. It will remain an office/sewing room. This photo is looking toward the west.



I had the table (above, on right) set up for projects, but it blocked my books. Again, as soon as the table was being used for a project of major importance (OK, I exaggerate a bit), I needed one of my books for reference and had to crawl under the table and reach for the book, if I could even find it.



This is the (northeast) corner which housed the four-drawer file cabinet which is now at my daughters. Now I have room to set up my iron...temporarily. Before this I had to stand on my head and hold my tongue out the side of my mouth in order to plug in and unplug the iron. (Did I mention I exaggerate?) None of this is so easy for someone over 30, let alone me at over twice that age!
I was excited to rework this room and make it not only a more functional office, but a cozy, convenient and comfortable sewing room. Did I also mention the office is only 10' by 10' and that my budget for the project is maybe $50.00? You will have to follow along if you are even slightly curious how this all comes out. I will share more photos and some of my solutions on following posts.

Now for some links...




LINKS: It seems most of the organizing links I have found this week are for sewing room re-dos. How ironic since I am in the midst of reorganizing my own office/sewing room!

April has reorganized her sewing room (with hubby’s help) and shares photos through the process on her post.
http://sewhappysewcrafty.blogspot.com/2011/02/organization-begins-and-ends-studio.html

Here is a link to Gussy’s sewing room makeover along with some wonderful tips.
http://www.gussysews.com/2011/01/organizing-the-studio-workspace-tips/

Karen has organized her sewing room and has shared some fun and clever storage ideas on Chris’ post as the guest blogger.
http://pickupsomecreativity.blogspot.com/2011/02/sewing-101-with-karen-organizing-your.html
Karen’s blog is at http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/

Gloria has been doing some organizing in her scrap room and gives a bit of a tour on her blog post (see the link):
http://happyscrapinnstampin.blogspot.com/2011/02/studio-tour-organization-snow.html

Sophie shares a storage unit she purchased at Michaels and has photos posted showing how it looks full of her supplies.
http://sophiegallo.blogspot.com/2011/01/organizing-fool.html

If you pop in to see them please let them know I sent you. I hope you all had a great weekend and those of you with the snow cover, like myself, are staying warm and healthy...well, I hope you are all staying healthy.

4 comments:

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Can't wait to see what you do!! I'm constantly on the search for ideas I will be able to use when we move into an apartment and my 'studio' has to serve multi purposes (a spare bedroom, a computer room AND a craft room).

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

What an undertaking! I can relate as my room serves as my creative space and where I transcribe!

I will have to try a background for my french marke sign!

"See" you Sunday!!

xxoo

Unknown said...

Well it’s good. Some suggestions from my side, you can place your sewing machine at the place of iron and you already have storage of computer table that you can use as well.

Crafty Mom said...

I want to say thank you for linking up to my blog, I hope you were able to use some hints or organizing to get your studio started. Seems like its a forever process.