Studio Improvements!
I am so happy with my new studio! It’s so much more comfortable to work on my computer, and with everything well organized, finding things is a snap. When I get weary of computer work I amble to the next room and work on Yvonne’s quilt for awhile. I go back and forth between the two rooms, keeping my productivity much higher than it was before. Did I mention how much I love my new space?
And there are some new additions this week that I adore:
My new “short girl” chair is uber comfy and my feet are now flat on the floor. I no longer feel like a little girl in Daddy’s chair. The arms swing into the center of the chair, making it so much more comfortable to use the computer. And that baby soft green fabric covers a memory foam seat. And I LOVE that color.
NOTE: I have different lighting in my studio and I have not yet figured out why my photos are all fuzzy.
This silly little thing is actually a “Kindergarten step” from an antique store. It was used to raise little ones up high enough to drink from the water fountain. I’m really not that short-5′ 4″, but there are all kinds of things for which I’m just a wee bit too short. I keep this in front of my cabinets because that’s just the boost I need to peer into all but the highest shelves.
I ordered this awhile ago and it just came in. It’s perfect! It is made to be just the height of my bent elbow. It has macho wheels so that I can push it around the room to wherever I need it. And each end has a 12″ flip up shelf for when I need even more space.
I had to do the unthinkable though-I had to cut my (expensive) Martelli mat! It hung over the side, as you can see above. Since most of the time the flippy guys will not be up, I knew it would be in the way. I had to get the saw out to cut that sucker!
And the last major furniture piece came in-my table from tablelegs.com. I needed a table that was 60″ x 24″ and Jenny height. I am so happy to get this table that “fits” me! It is the perfect size for my space and I enjoy the luxury of being able to spread out my papers when doing a project.
This was no Ikea table and assembly was via mortise and tenon. That sounds really easy but it was not! The fit was so tight that I didn’t have the strength to smash the pieces into each other once glue was applied to the joint. I had a very scary few seconds when the tenon was not inserted all the way and the glue began to set. Fortunately I was able to remove it and start again. Hubby was out of town and I thought it would be a snap but it was not!
I know this doesn’t look like much but this is one of my favorite discoveries. I bought a ton of storage containers that were just the right size to utilize every cubic inch of my studio. I purged so well that I actually had unoccupied space! I left the empty containers in their space because then I wouldn’t have to go looking for a container when I decided to fill that space.
As I began to work on Yvonne’s quilt, I realized that I could use that space to store fabric for my project in between uses. I simply stacked the empty containers in the adjacent closet and that opened up 2 empty shelves. That allowed me to work on my project, have dozens of fabric pieces at the ready, yet out of my way. It worked beautifully and makes working on my project all the more pleasant.
I haven’t finished my tribute quilt to Yvonne Porcella even though I hoped I would be done by today. This is the back of the quilt. As I read her autobiography, I somewhat absentmindedly jotted down phrases that were meaningful. I gathered those phrases and wrote them out on the back of the quilt with a Fabrico pen. I had stiffened the backing with Terial Magic so that it would take the writing well. Once I rinsed out the Terial Magic, I noticed the writing had faded. The Terial Magic created a barrier to the fabric and once I removed it, it took away some of the Fabrico with it. I had to go back a second time to renew the lettering. I am really enjoying the process but not really thrilled with my quilt. Something’s amiss….
I’ll link up tomorrow with Nina Marie’s Off the Wall Friday.
Love your studio results. So glad it came out right for you. I have a two (sort of three) room studio now myself and amble around between work stations. It’s really a great way to work.
Thank you! And who knew that it would actually be good to have more than one room. Before, I was all over the house in 4 1/2 rooms. Now, 2 rooms next to each other and that works so beautifully.
Where did you get your cutting table and chair? Love them both!
I had a local cabinet maker build the table. Figure out your ideal table and have a local craftsman build it-make sure the height is right for you and that they build it in 2 pieces so that it can get through the door! I wanted open shelving so that I could shove stuff in. The chair I got at the Ultimate Back Store-I ordered it in that fabric so I waited a few months for it. But you might like a different chair! The things I like about this one:the arms swing in (incredible how much difference this makes), the memory foam and worked for my short legs. Brand is Lifeform. I’ve been on a cheap chair with ripped upholstery that hurt my body so this is heaven. Good chairs are unfortunately expensive.
I always think it would be wonderful to make my perfect studio, but then I freeze when it comes to the important details, like table height, etc. Did that come easily for you? Any advice for making good practical decisions?
Oh I’ll bet you actually do know what you want to do to your studio. I did have a designer help me and it was worth it. She could take my vision and add both practical and creative elements to make it all work together. I may write and article or blog post on the process of designing the studio. One surprising element was having two rooms, next to each other. Because I travel to teach and lecture, I really did need an office. If you don’t need an office it sure makes things easier…and cheaper. If you are thinking about a redesign, just start jotting things down that appeal to you or things you want to avoid. On a separate sheet write all the functions you need to consider. Piece by piece a picture will emerge for you. Good luck! It’s a lot of pain and work and it’s brutal, but worth it in the end.
What kind of camera are you using? There should be an easy setting for incandescent/flourescent/daylight. You could also check white balance. If you have the settings, play with them. Then I can tell you one of my DUH moments when all my pics were fuzzy. I had accidentally touched the lense and that was my fat fingerprint clouding things up!
I’m using my Samsung phone. I just haven’t taken the time to see what I can do yet. I giggle over your fingerprint issue!
Short?! I stopped growing at age 12 — and 5′ 2″. As of my last bone density test, I’m 5′ 1.5″. You don’t know from short! ;-)
All kidding aside, I covet your new sewdio. May the Good Lord forgive me! :-D
Oh Margaret you have a lovely studio and a second summer studio to boot! Just sayin’ that 5’4″ is short enough to need “help” a lot and for people to “not see” me.
Your new studio is fabulous and I love that lime green chair. Happy creating in your sumptuous new pad!
Thank you for the good wishes- I am really enjoying my new studio.
Jenny, how did you adhere your cutting mat to the flipped down table pieces? I did the same thing with my cheaper JoAnn’s craft table and white, large cutting mat using carpet tape, but the tape isn’t sticking to the melamine table surface.
Oh Jacki I didn’t reattach them! I figured I didn’t need the “extra” mat. I kept it but don’t think I’ll need it.
Glad you are enjoying your new digs! Your photos don’t look blurry to me so much as hazy. Are you sure that it’s the new lighting in your studio, and not some inadvertent change to your camera settings?
It’s my phone and I did figure out some settings that help (after I read your comment!).
You sound so very happy. How wonderful. Keep enjoying.
Thank you Regina! It really is wonderful.
When my husband made me my sewing table to fit exactly my 5 ft frame – it was heaven. I couldn’t believe what a difference it made! I’m ridiculously jealous of your wall of cabinents! Maybe in my next studio – sighhhhhh
Oh wow Nina-Marie-5 feet! It made a lot of difference for me so I’ll bet it was a big deal for you. So many things are made for bigger people. And yes, that wall of cabinets is heaven.