Instagram vs. Reality

We've all seen those beautifully arranged and decorated craft spaces on Instagram or Pinterest or blogs, and we've all probably sighed as we looked around our own (probably) messy space with mismatched furniture and (probably) thought "someday".

My own situation is that of a down-sizing multi-crafter who once took over a bedroom, a second floor landing and a garage apartment for all her "stuff". It was heaven -- not particularly 'gram worthy as far as decor, but soooo much space! And then we moved. It was a very good move in terms of our older adult lifestyle, but now I have one room to do the work of three+. It's a nice sized room, and I know I am very fortunate to have a space totally dedicated to crafting, but at times I feel like if one more thing comes into this room it will simply explode. So here's a little look at a space that (sort of) works for me for sewing, machine knitting, yarn storage, fabric storage and beading.

Here's a view of the room from the doorway:  

 It's approximately 12 feet wide by 20 feet long. It was designed by the previous owner as an office, with cupboards, shelves and a desk all designed for paperwork and not craft work, so it isn't very ergonomic for sewing.

If all I used the room for was sewing it would be a fairly comfortable work space in terms of square footage. It would still be awkward in terms of desk and counter height though. 

I have several machines for sewing set up permanently -- two sewing machines, a serger and a coverstitch machine. Also a cutting table (on the left of the photo) is kept with both drop leaves open and ready to go.  

In addition to sewing, there are three machines for knitting in the room -- a circular sock knitting machine, a plastic bed mid-gauge LK-150 and a standard gauge SK 280. 

Along the back wall the counter holds my Janome coverstitch and a BabyLock serger. As you can see, there is an open space (for my legs) under the serger, but not the coverstitch -- awkward! Cupboard space is used for (some) fabric and various bits and bobs. The two file drawers hold most frequently used patterns. 

The two sewing machines sit at right angles to one another -- the larger one sits on the desk, and the smaller one sits on the side counter. Thankfully there is space for one's legs under each machine. 

Shelves above the smaller machine hold serger thread cones, plastic containers of buttons and other closures, and various boxes of craft materials (felt, paint, etc)

The desk is kept (relatively) clear, with the exception of a vintage thread box and whatever I happen to be working on.

A small fabric box next to the machine holds various small tools -- thread clips, seam ripper, seam gauge, etc. 

The cutting table takes up a good portion of the room -- it's about 3 feet x 6 feet when fully open, and as I mentioned it is kept open.  It is worth the space it takes up though -- there is no way I could manage cutting anywhere else. My days of cutting out on the floor are long gone!  A wooden yarn swift is usually attached to one corner, although it is removeable.

Also visible to the right of the pic are boxes of patterns stacked on the floor. Not ideal, but I manage not to trip over them (much).

Barely visible to the left of the pattern boxes is a small, shallow drawered cabinet. This holds a lot of my beading and jewelry making supplies.

The other side of the cutting table:

You can see a stool tucked under the edge of the table. That's where I'm sitting now typing this up, and my laptop is kept underneath the table when not in use. (yes, it sits on the floor). Those white rolls of paper are copy shop PDF patterns. My usual MO is to trace the patterns I want to sew and keep the printed patterns intact. To the left of the pattern rolls is a full length mirror. 

There's a small bookcase between the desk and the Ikea table (adjustable height) which holds two knitting machines. I keep knitting patterns and fitting books there, plus some of my coned yarn.

And, might as well show the Ikea table with the knitting machines:

I keep a lightweight wicker chair in the space between the desk and the Ikea table, which can easily be moved to the other side of the knitting table when needed there.  When it's on the other side of the table it also serves for my chair when using the sock machine. 

The sock machine is mounted on a small worktable -- on the floor underneath are two cones of waste yarn and the small red circular object is a rather heavy weight.

So, there we have it -- a craft room crammed to the rafters. It will elicit no feelings of desire among anyone who sees it -- although it does get comments from workmen who happen to look in when doing their plumbing or electrical business in nearby areas. Mostly on the order of "Whoa, your wife sure packs a lot in there, what is all that stuff?".

So don't despair if your space isn't Instagram worthy either. I'm willing to bet that there are probably more rooms like this than the drool worthy ones! But whatever space you have, may it bring you satisfaction as you fashion your creations. 😀

Topping Up

 Time to assess my sewing this past (almost) winter season. Most of the garments made were tops, simply because that was what I considered most useful in our current pandemic situation. I had planned to work on a fitting block for slacks, but put that aside because I found I didn't need any additional winter slacks. So, tops.

I made two versions of the Toasters  Sweater: version 1 was sewn from a microfleece from fabric.com that is light weight and drapey - although firm enough to hold the collar shape. 

The color worked well for me, and this was in constant wardrobe rotation. 

The second version was made from a much heavier fabric - a Liberty sweatshirting that I found at The Fabric Store Online. Not sure if the sweatshirting is still available, but they carry a wide range of lovely Liberty fabrics. It's also where I shop for merino jersey which makes an appearance later.

I made this later in the season, so it has had limited wear, but it's great on those days that you need an extra bit of cozy!  It's been my experience that the Liberty sweatshirt fabric holds up nicely in terms of color retention and lack of pilling, so I expect it will still be looking good next cold season.

When I saw some double-faced all wool sweater yardage at Fabric Mart (no longer available) I was smitten even though I really didn't need another grey sweater. When I saw it go on sale - well, need I say more?

This was sewn up in a hooded cardigan from StyleArc. I used the reverse side of the fabric for the cuffs and front band. I thought about doing the lower band in contrast also, but decided I didn't need extra attention to the hips. The pockets were also done in the darker color. I figured the inside of the hood would show contrast so that would be enough to look intentional.

It warmed up right after I sewed this, so it hasn't been worn yet. It will see lots of wear in the future though.

I needed some new turtleneck tops, so I made a few from the merino jersey I mentioned previously. This fabric is the absolute perfect base layer for someone (like me) who is constantly cold in winter months. It isn't inexpensive, and it isn't always easy to find in the US (which is why I order from NZ) but this is one of my all-time favorite fabrics. 

So, 3 tops, all made from Burda 6990, which is my TNT pattern for raglan sleeved tee tops.

Colors are vintage cerise, graphite and black and all have been worn constantly. I launder them by soaking in a wool wash and spinning in my washer, then hanging to dry (on a sloped shoulder hanger). Don't look so shocked - they are practically dry after their spin and are light enough not to stretch out when hung - of course your mileage may vary. When dry I do store them folded.

And lastly, I made up a sweatshirt type top from an OOP Burda (pattern 8569). I used a wool/poly blend, which I'm guessing is more poly than wool by how hard it was to press. I love Fabric Mart, but I do wish they would label fiber proportions on the blends they sell. At any rate, I top stitched the garment into submission and it has seen a bit of wear this past season. So, not a favorite that i reach for constantly, but a nice serviceable layer nonetheless.

And that was how my winter sewing went. I'm happy with all of it, even the less liked Burda 8569, so I'm going to call it a successful season.

And now, bring on the warmer weather!