Creating a Small Space to Sew
“What society needs more than anything else is a glimpse through a window into the family life of people who are becoming creative in amazingly diverse ways and who haven’t time to be bored.”
Edith Schaeffer
Certain types of work need designated spaces, and this is true of sewing. Sewing has the potential to take up a lot of space when you consider the sewing machine, sewing table, ironing board and cutting table that are needed. However, if you have the basic tools in your sewing basket and a well lit table space for your machine, you are ready to sew! The unique possibilities within your home and family will be different from others. With imagination, shared ideas and the priority of building an atmosphere of encouragement you can make space to sew.
Like many, for me sewing began at my dining room table before repurposing a vintage desk to use in a spare basement bedroom. Then, we moved cross country to a small apartment where a portable, compact table served me well. However, I found I enjoyed sewing less if I had to reset my sewing space each time. It wasn’t sustainable for me to compete with mealtimes at the dinner table and continually tidy. I prefer to keep the sewing machine in stationary place if possible, where there is no tear down and tools are easily accessible. This may not always be possible and in that case have fun being creative with your unique space!
Our current studio served many purposes throughout the years among previous home owners, more recently being a multipurpose space. It lacked overhead lighting during my first sewing classes which had to be quickly resolved. Lighting is very important for safety and in the details of sewing like threading the machine needle. For my own daughter, I bought a vintage sewing stool that serves as storage for all her fabrics and notions. This way she has a place of her own, when our priority for the studio is to have it be accessible and shared. Her hand sewing supply box is the only thing that travels and is often found in her bedroom.
A thoughtfully designed sewing space would also allow for a cutting table and ironing board. However, cutting patterns is more flexible and can be done at the kitchen table or even on the floor. Especially if you thoughtfully work to manage your time, the patterns or projects can be cut in advance and stored. This organizes them to be prepared for sewing which eliminates time at a cutting table and repetitive clean up. For ironing, there are boards or mats that can be easily stored behind doors or in small spaces.
As parents we have an opportunity to inspire an atmosphere in our home that fosters creativity. To design a space that encourages sewing, or a shared involvement in sewing will bring togetherness and become a creative birthplace. Begin with a table space, a comfortable chair, basic sewing tools and a machine. Sewing requires many tools which can be acquired over time. How nice to invest while the child is young in their interest but sewing can be discovered at any age. Children, however, can take sewing with them into adulthood along with their memory of inspired surroundings and family involvement.
A sewing space of their own encourages the thought that children can make things. Everyone is capable creatively when given the time, space and encouragement!
