As some of you know, I've been sharing progress about making the larger of our two guest bedrooms into a sewing room. We've been in our house seven weeks now and progress seems slow to me. However, this past week I made great headway when, in about 45 minutes, the closet was customized. I spent the better part of Thursday re-re-organizing my sewing supplies. I think pictures will give you a good idea of the transformation.
Three before pictures.
Three, after installation pictures.
Three, fully loaded pictures.
As you can see, I have made pretty good use of all the space, but I still have a few problem areas.
1) In the closet... see those big bins in the middle, on the floor? Though I can close the closet doors in front of them, I can't pull out any small bins on the left side because the big bins are in the way. And, the big bins can't be turned sideways because they're 23" and the opening is 21-1/2" wide! I need to invest in some smaller bins.
2) Those lagoon blue canvas bins stacked on the floor are full of fabric scraps. I'd like to sit them on shelves.
3) None of my fabric is in the closet. It's still on wire racks, exposed to dust and UV rays. I would much prefer to have it in cabinets behind doors, even glass ones if it comes to that.
So this is what's left to organize. I've been seriously looking at Ikea's Billy series, bookcases with glass/panel doors, and extension shelves at the top. If I put a combination of units on the left wall, where the design wall is now, the big back wall will easily accommodate our 26" wall-mounted TV, and a larger design wall. Though the flannel wall is working okay, I discovered I cannot put a finished quilt on it for photo-taking without the whole thing pulling down - those magnets aren't that strong. It's likely I'll be recreating a flannel design wall with an insulation backing so I can pin to it.
Thus far, organizing this room has cost $865 of my $2,000 budget. A purchase of Ikea cabinets will be the biggest investment.
Too much indecision surrounds putting this room together - and the rest of the house too, for that matter. As much fun as it sounds to be able to shop for everything new, doing so requires much more time and effort than I would ever have imagined. Linda
It's getting there! I absolutely love those lagoon blue bins and have had plans to buy a bunch when we're in our new house and I know how many I have space for.
ReplyDeleteIt's looking so much better already. Keep going, you'll get there. It's worth to do it right from the beginning as it's not very likely that you move again soon, is it???
ReplyDeleteYou will be happy when you are done but I agree, who wants to shop when you could be sewing?
ReplyDeleteYou're using every inch of your closet! It may take a bit of time getting everything set up like you want but it will be worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteComing along. Maybe you could get different doors?
ReplyDeleteI see some pretty granny blocks.
Great progress. You have the ideas, and when you find the right pieces you will be close to completion.
ReplyDeleteLinda It seems to me that re-doing anything takes twice as much as money and three times as much time as I thought it would! blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI would agree - it sounds like fun at first but then it just sounds like a lot of work. But the closet does look great! I know you'll figure the rest out.
ReplyDeleteWhat you've achieved so far is wonderful, Linda. I can completely understand how overwhelming it must be to start from scratch, but take your time cos it will be worth it in the end. Then we'll all have "sewing room envy" LOL. I want to come and sew in your room!
ReplyDeleteYou've done so much already. Sometimes it just takes time to get to know your room, how it works, and what else is needed.
ReplyDeleteI never thought I'd be a proponent of the ubiquitious Ikea, but I love my Bergsbo glass-fronted cupboards. They're sadly discontinued, but are a slightly deeper version of Billy. Easy access, dust-free, and I can see my pretty fabrics as well!
ReplyDeleteThis is similar to the issue I had with bi-fold doors on my laundry area. I had them replace the doors with French doors that fully open - and I can open one or both at a time. But I like what you're doing in your room.
ReplyDeleteLooking great so far Linda...love your storage cupboard, your nearly there.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the Ikea storage is the way to go.
My stuff is all in those big plastic tubs too,
Julia ♥
It might be a pain right now, but how lucky are you to have 3 closets to use. I have about as much 'stuff' as you, with 1 closet space. LOL!
ReplyDeleteAs they say 'Rome wasn't built in a Day!'and you'll get there soon.:-)
I find all your house posts exciting to read!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHaving just visited IKEA in Denver, I can imagine how great the cupboards would be, Linda. The suggestions about different doors might be great ideas to think about. It's fun to see your room coming along.
ReplyDeleteI understand you would be eager to have everything just right, but it may take many weeks until you get everything together and it may take trial and error until you get the feel you're looking for, enjoy the journey!
ReplyDelete