I love seeing the reaction of people when they first come into my studio. I always say that the theme for my space is cute but functional. The space is about 320 sq feet so I have to be very intentional with organization. My studio serves several purposes—more than just sewing. In the beginning, I would teach small classes, host private one-on-ones, and provide client fittings which could include larger groups.
Just as I was celebrating my first full year in my space, COVID hit. Prom fittings ceased as proms were abruptly canceled and I was no longer able to hold in-person sewing classes. In order to pivot with the times, I had to change my business module to stay afloat. Many sewists started making masks at the beginning of the pandemic but there was an issue—there was a shortage of elastic. I took the charge and started selling elastic to those who needed it to make masks which led me to open my Etsy store. Soon my little space became part mini warehouse and part shipping facility— sending out elastic orders.
I also had to pivot from conducting in-person classes to going virtual which allowed me to reach more people. I was hosting virtual classes with individuals all across the country and internationally! While in the midst of that, I transformed my space into a recording set-up to stream and teach virtually for both my business classes and then for the college where I teach. The college had become remote as well so now I was teaching all day from my studio. It was an adjustment, but I truly appreciated having my studio. It definitely keeps me motivated and provides a sense of normalcy. I enjoyed heading out each morning to a physical place to come and “work”.
As I readjusted, I also had to modify my studio to fit my current needs. Quarantine gave me more time to reorganize and set-up my sewing space in order to cater to all of the functions I was now serving. I love walking into my space. It inspires me to be creative. At the center of it all is my cutting table. Before my current table, I had an old foldable table that was literally starting to lean over from its many years of use. My boyfriend and I custom-built a new table following instructions from Closet Core Patterns blog. I readjusted the dimensions to fit my needs by making it higher for my height and wider to hold wide fabric. Its dimensions are 48″ wide and 72″ long. Before deciding to make this table and during my research, I was quoted $1200 to have a cutting table custom-built. But it only cost me under $300 dollars for all of the supplies and materials. I use the bottom portion to store my scraps of extra fabric, patterns, and other miscellaneous items. And, the best part, it has wheels so that if I can move it around and rearrange my space as needed.
In the summer of 2020, I started working on my next business venture of creating PDF patterns which I then launched February 2021. My tabletop has proven to be very helpful, providing extra space for pattern drafting.
My other favorite storage/organization system is in my fabric area. I actually got this idea from another sewing blogger. I use foam core boards that I purchased from the Dollar Tree and cut them into three equal parts. I then wrap my fabric around them and secure with either pins or a clip if the fabric is thick. Before I wrap them, I make note of the width and amount of yardage and add a sticker with that information to that bolt. That way as I’m “shopping” my stash, I know exactly if I have enough fabric for a particular project. All my bolts are then stored on the IVAR storage system from IKEA. I love the fabric shop feeling I get seeing all my fabrics on display, and it adds to the décor.
I also purchased another machine and added it to the space, so I had to accommodate it and that is what inspired my latest rearrangement. I wanted it to be cute but fit the aesthetic for the room. I bought this LINNMON desk system from IKEA and customized it. I purchased wallpaper from Amazon and added it to the tabletop and drawers. I spray painted the legs of the table gold to match my desk legs which are the same color. I added gold drawer pulls, found on Amazon, which I feel really brought the table together. I also lined every drawer with a marble wallpaper for a peek of surprise. I love this little corner, especially with my inspiration board right above it.
For additional storage, I got a closed bookcase to store and hide all my office and shipping supplies. This really helps keep the room clean. I also purchased a metal peg board on which I can hang my thread and sewing supplies. It makes it easy for me to view and grab everything. The threads hanging on the wall also help bring additional color and vibrance to the space.
Finally, my desk, I honestly feel like it’s Pinterest worthy. Seriously I love it. Nothing is staged but everything has an actual purpose. My brand colors have a rose gold accent, so I have rose gold accessories around my desk. I also love to keep a candle burning as I work. I love sitting at my desk and taking out my iPad to sketch out new concepts or custom looks for clients. I also do my daily admin work for both school and my business, so it really helps to have a desk I love to sit behind.
I’m very proud of my studio space. It gives me new inspiration every time I enter it. It serves multiple purposes, but still all blends together well. I am happy to share a little piece of my world.
I love seeing the reaction of people when they first come into my studio. I always say that the theme for my space is cute but functional. The space is about 320 sq feet so I have to be very intentional with organization. My studio serves several purposes—more than just sewing. In the beginning, I would teach small classes, host private one-on-ones, and provide client fittings which could include larger groups.
Just as I was celebrating my first full year in my space, COVID hit. Prom fittings ceased as proms were abruptly canceled and I was no longer able to hold in-person sewing classes. In order to pivot with the times, I had to change my business module to stay afloat. Many sewists started making masks at the beginning of the pandemic but there was an issue—there was a shortage of elastic. I took the charge and started selling elastic to those who needed it to make masks which led me to open my Etsy store. Soon my little space became part mini warehouse and part shipping facility— sending out elastic orders.
I also had to pivot from conducting in-person classes to going virtual which allowed me to reach more people. I was hosting virtual classes with individuals all across the country and internationally! While in the midst of that, I transformed my space into a recording set-up to stream and teach virtually for both my business classes and then for the college where I teach. The college had become remote as well so now I was teaching all day from my studio. It was an adjustment, but I truly appreciated having my studio. It definitely keeps me motivated and provides a sense of normalcy. I enjoyed heading out each morning to a physical place to come and “work”.
As I readjusted, I also had to modify my studio to fit my current needs. Quarantine gave me more time to reorganize and set-up my sewing space in order to cater to all of the functions I was now serving. I love walking into my space. It inspires me to be creative. At the center of it all is my cutting table. Before my current table, I had an old foldable table that was literally starting to lean over from its many years of use. My boyfriend and I custom-built a new table following instructions from Closet Core Patterns blog. I readjusted the dimensions to fit my needs by making it higher for my height and wider to hold wide fabric. Its dimensions are 48″ wide and 72″ long. Before deciding to make this table and during my research, I was quoted $1200 to have a cutting table custom-built. But it only cost me under $300 dollars for all of the supplies and materials. I use the bottom portion to store my scraps of extra fabric, patterns, and other miscellaneous items. And, the best part, it has wheels so that if I can move it around and rearrange my space as needed.
In the summer of 2020, I started working on my next business venture of creating PDF patterns which I then launched February 2021. My tabletop has proven to be very helpful, providing extra space for pattern drafting.
My other favorite storage/organization system is in my fabric area. I actually got this idea from another sewing blogger. I use foam core boards that I purchased from the Dollar Tree and cut them into three equal parts. I then wrap my fabric around them and secure with either pins or a clip if the fabric is thick. Before I wrap them, I make note of the width and amount of yardage and add a sticker with that information to that bolt. That way as I’m “shopping” my stash, I know exactly if I have enough fabric for a particular project. All my bolts are then stored on the IVAR storage system from IKEA. I love the fabric shop feeling I get seeing all my fabrics on display, and it adds to the décor.
I also purchased another machine and added it to the space, so I had to accommodate it and that is what inspired my latest rearrangement. I wanted it to be cute but fit the aesthetic for the room. I bought this LINNMON desk system from IKEA and customized it. I purchased wallpaper from Amazon and added it to the tabletop and drawers. I spray painted the legs of the table gold to match my desk legs which are the same color. I added gold drawer pulls, found on Amazon, which I feel really brought the table together. I also lined every drawer with a marble wallpaper for a peek of surprise. I love this little corner, especially with my inspiration board right above it.
For additional storage, I got a closed bookcase to store and hide all my office and shipping supplies. This really helps keep the room clean. I also purchased a metal peg board on which I can hang my thread and sewing supplies. It makes it easy for me to view and grab everything. The threads hanging on the wall also help bring additional color and vibrance to the space.
Finally, my desk, I honestly feel like it’s Pinterest worthy. Seriously I love it. Nothing is staged but everything has an actual purpose. My brand colors have a rose gold accent, so I have rose gold accessories around my desk. I also love to keep a candle burning as I work. I love sitting at my desk and taking out my iPad to sketch out new concepts or custom looks for clients. I also do my daily admin work for both school and my business, so it really helps to have a desk I love to sit behind.
I’m very proud of my studio space. It gives me new inspiration every time I enter it. It serves multiple purposes, but still all blends together well. I am happy to share a little piece of my world.
