Category: Making Space

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Cleaned the studio, had to document.

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I haven’t done a full studio tour in a while, I think the last one was shortly after finishing the gentleman’s cabinet. Not a lot has changed, but I did feel inspired to do a deep clean after taking photos of my recent knitted FOs. As you can see, I had an unsightly cord mess, which is what inspired the cleaning.

As I’ve mentioned before, I am super lucky to have the whole upstairs. Managing the climate up here has been a struggle until we installed this ceiling mini split. I need to paint over the failed heating/cooling attempt in the sloped ceiling, but I’m not quite ready for how much of a pain that will be as I also need to paint all of the window trim. It’s essentially painting the whole space again and I just can’t.

Fabric storage is still in the built-in shelves, but now my stash is fully contained here (I used to have a stack of fabric underneath one of the sewing tables). Over the past year, I’ve really been trying to use up some oldies and only purchase fabric when I have a project in mind and the desire to make it immediately.

My birthday gift from my husband was this long coveted piece by Sarah Sullivan Sherrod. I rearranged this whole section of artworks so that I could see it from my work computer.

And the work from home space. Not an exciting view, but I did work on the cord management here too. I’m thinking about knitting a fun and colorful sleeve for the cords since they’re still so visible.

Tidying up the sewing machine cords feels so great! I also realized that my table depth is shallow enough to allow the foot pedal cords to run through the back.

I recently bought this vintage medical stool for sewing and definitely prefer it to the old green chair I’d been using. It can be pushed right under the table and there’s no longer a risk of bashing a seat back into my machines’ free arm systems. The top of the stool is torn, so I signed up for a local upholstery class – very excited to learn from a professional.

And now we’re over by the cutting table.

Slowly replacing IKEA furniture and fixtures (usually from my former classroom) with old, solid, and well-made pieces has really transformed the space. Both of these cabinets were refinished and restored by me and I am still very, very proud of how they came out. Not having all my thread and notions on display frees up the space for artwork, which I definitely prefer.

I am keeping my eye out for a low bookcase to sit underneath the window since these IKEA benches aren’t great for storing books. My husband and I might design and build something ourselves though. I have some ideas percolating.

And here are some some vignettes from around the room.

And back over to other side of the space, I have my somewhat neglected art table and the knitting nook. This art practice is one of my greatest achievements and I’m really trying to get back into the habit. It’s such a challenge to make time for all my creative hobbies.

My husband built this incredible daybed last year. This little nook is about 2″ shorter than a standard bed or couch so I wasn’t going to find anything secondhand. It’s so cozy over here now.

Since this space also doubles as a guest room, I want to create a curtain a la Adam Pogue for some privacy. It’ll cut the window off at weird place, but I think it’ll be okay. Other plans for this area are to:

  • Paint it a cozy color to further differentiate it from the rest of room. Ugh more painting.
  • Build some under bed storage for guests.
  • Maybe find another rug to better match the space.
  • Add more art.
  • Make a little shelf with hooks. Possibly a ceramic and wood collab.
  • Sew a wall quilt for the big white wall.

I so enjoy seeing other people’s creative spaces. It’s also fun for me to look back on the iterations of this space.

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Finally found a light for the knitting nook!

I have been on the hunt for fun lighting for, honestly, years. I wanted something that could be mounted to the wall, was semi adjustable, and looked cool.

Vintage lighting is so hard to find. If it’s already been rewired, it’s a million dollars. If it’s cool looking, it’s a million dollars. If it’s close to garbage, it’s a million dollars.

I finally found this vintage Hansa darkroom safe light at an antique shop for not a million dollars ($46), but still kinda too much money. The tag said it worked, but the the cord was only 3′ long/gross, and it was missing the glass.

I took it home, removed the wiring, cleaned it with WD-40 and then began searching for a new wire ($22.10). Since it was going to be exposed, I figured a cloth covered wire would look the best. I also wanted to use a dimmable bulb. Next, I went to TAP Plastics and bought some mystery scrap for the screen ($2.50).

Rewiring this was HARD. The twisted cloth wire was much stiffer than the original, so I really had to muscle it into the housing. I wish the dimmer switch was closer to the light instead of the plug, but it’s fine. I am so pleased with this $70-ish light! It’s a good reminder to wait to find cool old things. I think it’s suits the knitting nook perfectly.

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Updated Sewing Machine Covers

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I decided to remake my sewing machine covers (here and here) for a couple of reasons. First, my serger didn’t have its own cover. Second, the current covers don’t fit well when the tables are on, meaning they either look silly or the tables are off and in the way. Third, I wanted them to all kind of coodinate, so I planned on using the same leftover bias tape for the piping for a through-line. And fourth, I had so much leftover canvas in my stash that needed to be used.

Serger Cover

Screen printing
Constructing

The first cover I made was for my serger since the plastic one it came with was just sad. I hadn’t played with surface design in years but inspiration hit and I pulled out this old screen and just went for it. I used the free Closet Core patterns so I wouldn’t need to draft anything. I like how they have rounded edges, piping for some structure, and the sewing machine pattern has pockets, which would solve the issue of where to store the tables. I followed the instructions for the first cover, but the piping running all the way down the hem makes it really bulky so on all the others I ended the piping right before the hem line. I also added a pocket to the back since my serger has a detachable table.

B 530 Cover

Old cover

After the successful serger cover, I decided to work on the one for my secondary sewing machine. Since the images in the CC tutorial showed the same machine as mine, I wrongly assumed I wouldn’t need to make any pattern adjustments. So without testing, I block printed the same design as the original cover and started assembling. I omitted the second pocket thinking that the free arm and table could just fit in the front pocket.

It came together quickly but the table did not fit in the pocket. Thankfully, it’s stretched out over the past couple weeks and now is just a very snug fit. But this didn’t happen before I made three frustrating mock-ups trying to find the right size before re-printing new fabric. A second pocket was added to balance out the weight of stored items.

Coverstitch Cover

After making the serger cover, I was able to check the fit of it on my coverstitch machine. The L-220 is a little smaller than the L-460, but the cover seemed to fit just fine. At this point, assembly was super fast, even with block printing, and there was no need for a pocket on this one.

Old cover.

This design is one of my favorites. It’s made up of four blocks and is really fun to print.

B 770 Cover

Then I hit a wall. I had used all the surface designs I’d already made into blocks (or screens), plus I’d need to adjust the pattern to fit the 770’s honker size. I made a few mockups and then decided that it would be easy enough to just shave off some length and re-attach a side if necessary. After flipping through an old sketchbook, I decided on a very simple square design. I opted to not print the main pattern piece since there wasn’t an easy way to ensure the surface design would line up neatly.

Old cover.

This one isn’t fully finished yet. The canvas seems like it’s growing, so I’m going to wait to finish the seam allowances and hem.

I’m really happy I decided to tackle this project. The covers look great, they coordinate well with the room, and I used up a lot of materials.

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Are vintage sewing tools better?

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I’ve had this set of Dritz pressing tools for close to a decade now. They’re fine – they make pressing things easier for sure, but they aren’t pretty, they’ve developed some hollows, and I’m pretty sure the plaid side is a pilling polyester blend (just looked it up and, yes it is).

After perusing Etsy and Ebay for vintage hams and sleeve rolls, I finally bought one of each and was pretty surprised when they showed up.

Firstly, the shape and size are different. These old things are significantly larger and rounder than their newer versions.

Secondly, they weigh more. They are super packed with filling and even at their age, show no hollows.

Thirdly, the materials seem to be of higher quality. The woolen side especially, feels like it’s made of all natural materials. There’s no pilling either.

And lastly, they just look nicer. I think if the newer versions were heftier and made from better materials, the appearance wouldn’t irk me as much, but now that I’ve seen what Dritz used to offer, they just look cheap.

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Vertical Storage & Display

I just finished turning these plywood shelves into these smaller wall shelves. Since selling my big IKEA mega desk, the plywood’s just been sitting around, waiting to be useful again.

Initially, I planned to have three shelves above this table, but the sloped ceiling had other plans. But two shelves is better than none, especially since they now prominently display some of my favorite ceramics I made last year. Prior to shelf life, they were all kinda cluttered together and invisible.

The third shelf found a home above one of my sewing tables and is providing much needed storage space for my ball winder and new (but very old) swift. The art display is still being figured out over here.

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Last week in making.

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In an attempt to be productive while dissociating, I am prioritizing daily creative acts. And I’m going to try to document some of it too. Last week felt especially creative, so here’s what I did.

Fine Things Community Pottery Studio

I joined a brand new studio and successfully threw two pots! I feel really nervous not having the traditional support of a class, but I’m excited to explore some ideas outside of the scope of local classes. Here are the things I’m planning to work on:

  • Nerikomi patterned pieces (this technique excites me so much)
  • Tiles for my fireplace renovation
  • Chess set for my husband
  • Hand-built plates using MDF forms I eventually make
  • A tabletop lamp?

Painting Workshop

I attended a really lovely painting workshop taught by Allie Yacina at Happy Anyway. I am obsessed with sketchbook artwork and Allie has an incredible practice, some of which is currently on display at the shop. The morning consisted of creating color swatches using a primary palette, thumbnail sketches of a still life, and then a final painting. I left so inspired, I spent way too much money at the art store. Acrylic gouache is a fun medium and I learned just how creamy Caran d’Ache pencils are.

Cast on a New Sweater

Portuguese practice.

In additional to just starting the Port Jacket, I learned the Portuguese knitting style. I wanted to try this method out because I read it can reduce hand pain and give you better purling tension. I’m not getting amazing results doing German short rows with this knitting style, but I’m hopeful it’ll get better with practice.

Shirt Sewing + A Weird New Shelf

And lastly, I made a lot of progress on this button up. All that’s left are the cuffs and buttonholes. I also bought and installed this so-hideous-it’s-kinda-cute towel rack that I’ve had my eyes on for months. I wanted something on the wall here where I could hang works in progress and in-use patterns. I also moved my small “design board” over to this wall too. It’s way easier to access now that it’s not behind a table. You can see I have quite a few outerwear projects planned!

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Feeling ALIVE!

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I had no idea how much health issues had slowed down my desire to play around with materials and make stuff. But now that my thyroid medication seems to be at the right dose and I no longer have a uterus (thanks to fibroids), I’m BACK BABY.

It’s really exciting to feel like I’m actually awake during the day now. And I want to celebrate my newfound productivity by cataloging my recent makes. First up, I just added the binding to this wall hanging I made years ago.

I refinished this “gentleman’s cabinet” which you can read more about here and here.

This thrifted stool got a much comfier seat. The rope basket turned cushion cover was already made, but I added the fabric and drawstring bit to keep everything in place. There’s now 2″ of foam too since the plywood was much too hard of a seat. I finished this project by splattering some acrylic paint on it because why not?

I’ve actually been finishing some sewing projects outside of work! I made a dress out of fabric that’s been in my stash for YEARS, a quilt coat with fun yarn ties, several new machine covers (also using old stash fabric), these amazing mellow yellow Cloud Sweatpants, some basic tees, and I batch cut out like ten more projects. I’m planning to share more about some of these makes in upcoming posts.

I finished two sweaters in December and started playing around with duplicate stitch.

I got out my tufting gun and was a total beginner again. This process is so challenging and I hate not being in control, but I’m willing to keep going! The ultimate goal is to make little rugs for all the steps leading upstairs for Otis.

And I’m trying super hard to reestablish my logbook practice. In 2018, I captured a trip in one of these sketchbooks and I’ve missed so many travel adventures since. This practice is one of my proudest accomplishments and I’m determined to pick it back up.

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Making Supplies Cabinet | Part 2

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Before
After

The gentleman’s cabinet is done! It still needs a coat of wax, but it’s upstairs and looking so much better. This thing is solid wood, so I was able to sand out a lot of the deep scuffs and scratches. It’s still sporting some imperfections, but I’m calling it *character*

I am okay with the stain color. It’s a bit more orange than I thought it would be and it kinda makes my eyes vibrate. There’s absolutely no way I’m going to re-sand it though!

I’ve still gotta figure out what goes in each drawer, but I know it’s for sure going to be a home for interfacing and bulkier sewing supplies. I think the big divided drawer is going to be perfect for yarn and knitting WIPs too.

I’m excited to find some art n’ things to style the top of it. The extra surface has already proven super handy and adding a light to this dark corner has lengthened my nighttime making sessions.

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Dental Cabinet | more adventures in furniture restoration

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I bought this old, heavy, and apparently very dirty dental cabinet two years ago with the intention of cleaning it up and storing sewing supplies in it. I knew at the time that it was going to be a big job, but damn, I really underestimated it.

In addition to 75+ years of muck, and a little bit of mildew, there were a few forgotten treasures inside. The diagram of “The Teeth of a Seven Year Old Child” was my favorite find.

I cleaned the whole thing and stripped the drawer fronts of paint, but then simply couldn’t pick a color. Then winter hit and I didn’t have to choose a paint color… and then it was two years later…

Well I think working through my sewing WIPs made me want to wrap up this furniture WIP. So I went back to the paint store and picked up even more color chips.

It came down to these two colors and since I already have a lot of green in my space, I went for clay. The basement lighting made it look like a Halloween cabinet and I did briefly question everything. But once the back was dry, I brought it upstairs and in natural light, it looked just as I’d imagined.

In the stripping process, I accidentally removed spots of the enamel on the insides of the drawers, which added MORE things I needed to paint. But ultimately the insides needed to be repainted because they were truly gross, even without my paint stripping damage.

I used spray enamel for just the drawer interiors and left the original paint on the outside because of the locking mechanisms. There’s also writing on the bottoms of the drawers. This cabinet appears to have been built by a couple of people (they all initialed a little sticker) and the process included numbering the cabinet itself and each of its parts. So each drawer and each drawer pull has a hand written number, which is pretty cool, and I didn’t want to cover that up.

The cabinet probably weighs around 200 lbs and needed to be maneuvered up two flights of stairs. It was awkward and a little scary but we did it! Due to space restrictions, I had to work on the drawers in two batches. Getting the first batch done and in the cabinet was really exciting.

My paint job isn’t perfect, but I wasn’t starting with a perfect surface either. I did my best and think it looks a whole heck of a lot better. I added this photo to show how much time has passed – my hair is quite a bit longer than in the first picture.

This cabinet holds a lot and I’m really enjoying that every drawer has a certain supply in it.

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Rearranged, more tables.

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I’m a rearranger. I get a boost of creativity from rearranging a space. You can see several iterations of my space (and past spaces) here.

Everything started with wanting to downsize my cutting table. The big IKEA table was fine but it really dominated the room and wasn’t super sturdy.

These Husky tables had been my sewing tables (they were lined up along the back wall) and I’d taken off the drawers because I kept bashing my knees on them while sewing. I knew with the drawers attached, they’d make a much better (adjustable height) cutting table and would allow me to have all my cutting tools at my fingertips.

I really, really love this new cutting set up. The wall mounted system I’d been using to store all this was starting to annoy me since I’d have to carefully grab each item in order to not make the hooks fly off the pegboard. It was also a dust magnet.

Once my sewing tables transformed into the cutting table, I splurged and bought three more Husky workbenches without drawers and wheels (the wheels made them too tall before).

I knew I wanted to flip the space too so that the table length could increase. I’m able to fit all my personal machines and the machines I use for work all together without having to move stuff around as often. The little swivel corner where I can stitch a seam and then spin to my serger is my favorite part.

I’m planning on replacing these IKEA cabinets too with this old dental cabinet I’ve been trying to restore for a while.

Rearranging kinda helped me de-prioritize my work-from-home set up too. My computer desk had always been in a major corner of the room and now it’s in between the two sides, which has made it take up less mental space. It’s across from the built in fabric storage pictured on the right.

Moving my computer table freed up this corner for art! I lost my practice during the past 5+ chaotic years and I’m desperate to find it again. It’s not routine yet, but at least I’ve started.

And finally, after working in this space for several years, I realized it was missing something crucial to any creative practice – a comfy spot. It’s not complete yet (this is an air mattress) and the coffee table is much too large, but it does the job. My husband is building me a custom daybed and I’m going to learn some upholstery skills too. This spot will double as a guest space, but will mostly be my Knitting (and seam ripping) Nook.