CSC Sewing Spaces: Andie

Welcome to the next sewing space tour in our ongoing series. Today, we’re visiting Andie’s sewing space!

Tell us a little about your sewing space.

My sewing space is in our Master bedroom and shared with my husband. I sew directly in front of a large window that looks out into our city street at the other town houses like ours. My space takes up around half of the room. I have two machines and I named them Jane Eyre and Rochester. Jane Eyre is a Brother SQ9050 sewing machine. Rochester is a Janome MyLock 204D serger. Rochester is second hand and about ten years old, can be incredibly loud, and gets very dirty very quickly. Jane is only about 4 years old and is quiet unless I neglect her and forget to clean her then she snaps needles and eats thread. Very similar to the book characters.

I have a folding table for cutting out patterns with two large cutting mats on it. I also have a small ironing board to iron on the table. In the future, I’d like to upgrade the table to an adjustable height sewing table with a wooden top since I’ve had some warping in the plastic from ironing there.

I have a large wardrobe with my fabric and notions in it and my patterns on top. There is some spill over of fabric, cut patterns, and UFOs on to my dresser for my clothes next to the wardrobe. My non-sewing supplies are in the plastic containers on the dresser.

I have two plastic containers filled with larger scraps in my closet and one with stashed yarn for my neglected knitting.

What is your favorite part/feature of your sewing space?
I love my wardrobe with all the fabric and notions in it. It’s easy to choose fabrics and “shop” my stash before I consider going to the fabric store.

How do you organize your fabrics, patterns and notions?
Fabric is rolled up in the wardrobe for me to see. In the drawers, I have notions, bra making supplies, and delicate fabrics. In my desk drawers, I have my needles, scissors, machine feet, thread, etc. All my measuring tapes are on hooks on the side of the wardrobe. In the cart next to my desk, I have rulers, tape, paper, and sketchbooks for making pattern alterations, notes, and dreaming up future projects. My pdf patterns are all organized in large envelopes and labeled with the pattern company and pattern name.  Everything is easy to find and accessible while I am in the middle of projects. It makes projects go more quickly and reduces any frustration from “misplacing” things in a mess. I’ve had craft spaces all over and this one is definitely the best. I even like having it in our master bedroom, because I can lay down after sewing far too late into the night.

What is your favorite thing to sew?
My favorite things to sew are skirts and dresses. I also love sewing bras as well. My favorite fabric to work with is knit, because I can use my serger and create something quickly. It’s also easier to fit. I do like a slow project, as well. This year, I plan to sew up blazers and pants as a goal. I’ve started with StyleArc’s Misty Jeans and Decades Everyday’s Three’s a Charm Jacket. I am also making a Waffle Pattern Pepernoot coat.

Check out Andie’s blog, Sew Pretty in Pink, to see what she creates in her lovely sewing space!