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.