Moving on, I'm getting a custom made sewing room! Now as some of you know I already have a sewing room, which I have in my house, however we have being planning for a while to knock down our absestos filled garage/shed, rebuild with a better garage/shed/ workshop area, carport and sewing room! I figure while we are spending thousands to build it, it won't cost that much more to add a sewing room. My reasoning is so intelligent eh?
We're doing the most of the work ourselves unless we don't have the skills of course, but with my husband's work and knowledge and the help of qualified friends we should be able to have it up in a 3-4 month or by December timeframe. Slow and steady wins the races in our household.
Now onto the best bit, designing the sewing room! In the photo below, this was our first working plan, ignore the dimensions and the window length. To get it through council, it was suggested that we call it a workshop so that the council doesn't think it will become a bedroom, as that requires different regulations.
My room will be 5550 long by 3500 wide.
Along one wall I'm having built in cupboards (600m) with doors. Not sure if they will be sliding or not. If they are sliding, 1-2 doors will be mirrored.
I'm keeping my current desk, she's a massive beast. We will have to take her apart to be able to fit her through the door!
I'm having a small bathroom complete with a shower, 1000l by 3500w this gives us room for change in the later teenage year or if want to sell, it will help with marketing.
What I want:
Permanent wall spot for ironing board,
ideally one that slides down into position but I haven't seen this in Australia. It's important to me that my board has a permanent spot to live and won't take up a lot of space.
Lots of power points.
Bright lights.
The cutting biggest table I can get or make.
A space for friends to sew.
A couch to sit & relax.
Do you have any advice on sewing room setups or building your own?
Feel free to link to anyone's that you may have read about.
Ideally I want it be able to put all my plans down on paper, even my desk layout, so when the time comes to build, there won't be any miscommunication.
I'll try to blog the experience but its been noted that I'm a terrible blogger. :)
Oooh how exciting!
ReplyDeleteHere's a few things I've learned while doing my sewing room;
Lighting is really important, we went for 2 double fluros (which is great at night) and a couple of windows for natural light (they're not huge windows but make a lot of difference). Powerpoints where you'll have the sewing machines and iron.
I've changed the layout a couple of times and have ended up with the triangle that I have now - a bit like a kitchen layout but instead of the fridge, oven and sink its the iron, sewing machine and cutting table.
I have a plain bench next to my machine as well as a waist height cutting table which really saves my back.
I went for wooden floors, easy to sweep up loose threads. I did put tiles at the door though, mostly for in winter to stop walking water in on the floors.
A screen door is great for in summer (I want to put one in this year).
Don't forget heating and cooling - we went for a wall/window 4kw reverse cycle unit that we set into the wall, its fantastic - it was well priced and heats and cools my room within minutes. For that matter, we over-insulated my room too, wool batts in the walls and ceiling and it makes a massive difference. Not sure how you'll be externally cladding your room but mine is colourbond and heats up really fast.
I have my main sewing desk under a window so its nice to look out (except don't put a rotary cutting mat under a window because it warps, ask me how I know!)
I have a few posts on building my room and now how I have it set out here;
http://suzybeesews.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Sewing%20room
Keep us updated - I love renovating (especially when I'm not doing the work!) and feel free to email me if I can help in any way at all.
Wow how exciting! I can only offer advice about sewing on te dining room table then rushing around like a mad woman shoving all my stuff in the scond bathroom when we have visitors...enjoy!
ReplyDeleteMaybe we should build you a bunker then! Hehe
DeleteThis is so exciting and way cool! Can't wait to see it happen for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your lovely comment!
DeleteExciting!!
ReplyDeleteI think you forgot to make room for bunk beds for us all to come visiting!!
Nope I didn't! Couch has a fold out bed! You'll have to sleep together but it should be great!
DeleteOh capital WOW! What an exciting prospect!! I can't wait to see it in action. Did someone say... sewing date? ;) I have zero recommendations, but I think between your list and Suzy's recommendations, you've pretty much covered all the important things!
ReplyDeleteOh yes to the sewing dates, I hope we will be able do one early 2015!
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about your room Suzy, but I read the post when you put them up. I too plan on over insulating the room r6.0 in the roof and 4.5 in the walls. Am hoping to get the windows double glazed and I'm getting a small split system installed. I'll reread your post nd if I have any questions, I'll let you know.
ReplyDelete