Sunday Stash #104 – In the Beginning
It’s about damn time I show you my new sewing studio! Now, be forewarned, this is just the beginning of its development. I’m still feelin’ it all out, arranging, rearranging, and scratching my blonde hair extensions. It faces north, which for us southern hemispherers brings the most sunlight through those (dirty) windows, nearly all day long! I’m still figuring out what to put on the walls; maybe I will become a mini-quilt convert. I also need to make a pressing board … but I’m getting ahead of myself, small steps!
I’ll be the first to admit I can be a bit of a furniture snob, so you bet your hot pants you were not going to catch me sewing on MDF. Many of you would have seen me tease a photo of this lovely new addition on Instagram (IG: molli_sparkles). I had been looking everywhere for a desk with some unusual character, but that was also sturdy enough so that my beast of a sewing machine didn’t shake, rattle and roll. I also didn’t want a giant piece of wood furniture that over-crowded the room. I’m demanding, I know!
While walking the very last aisle of a local antique warehouse, I came across this beauty! Cast iron Singer cabinets aren’t necessarily rare, but this one was in pretty good condition. Plus, it was already configured so that there were no bars or carriages in the foot area (a much rarer site). For a very economic $150 AUD, it was mine! It came with a worn out pine table top that I quickly took off, and went to work scrubbing and polishing to get it looking nearly new.
To increase my work space, I added an over-sized Hilver table top from Ikea that was $99 AUD. It measures 25″ x 55″ (65cm x 140cm), has a beveled edge, and was easy to screw together to the Singer frame. It’s all super secure, no wobbling, and also feels modern and light-weight at the same time. For a total of $250, I’m completely lovin’ my old-but-new sewing table! Because I have a ergonomic, caster-wheel sewing chair, I picked up that Kolon floor protector from Ikea as well. For $28 AUD, it will help preserve the hard-wood floors.
Oooooh it's looking lovely! 😀 I can't wait to see the last bit of reveal. Also seriously, no shelves?!?
Hmm I have been eyeing off the Stenstorp too! Its at such a good height. . . . Happy planning Molli….keep giving us the updates . . and what do I see on the floor hiding under a cover??
How have you held your temper with the builders? You must be about to pass out from the tongue biting pain!! Looking fab though as I knew it would, can't wait to see it all finished and sparkly.Yay for handy Mr Sparkles 😉
All great progress in that sewing space, I must admit that it took a while for me to find the right solution for me in mine, working in it helps. #whatnofabric
Oh my, so jealous! How I'd love a room to myself rather than a corner in the living room. Lucky you!
Lovely! It must be so wonderful to finally be home.
Mollie, I'm so happy your new home is providing you with a windowed room. It make such a difference! My sewing room is in the lookout basement, which has 8 normal sized windows, which is where I have my sewing room setup. I just love your antique Singer stand which supports your modern sewing machine. That is awesome and a great way of repurposing this beautiful piece of furniture. I remember one of my grandmothers' having an old pedal driven Singer, but don't think she did much sewing. The juxtaposition of the behemoth Ikea purchase, next to the swirls and twirls of the Singer base, is fantastic. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the walls and rest of the room. It's kind of like the really old serial movies they made in the 40's, when we would go every week to see what came next. Have a wonderful week!
This is all looking fabulous, especially the new sewing table! So glad to hear you didn't chip a nail in any of the furniture assembly either ;o)
Darhling, you need a design wall, let's not fanny about with mini quilt wall hangings… Lovin' the Stenstorp, shame I didn't spy that beauty before we came to the isle of no Ikea… Love the sewing table, that's on my radar this week. I plan on locking myself in my new sewing room and unpacking those 30 odd boxes and setting up as I want over Christmas. I want it to be the last room I unpack and I want to savour every damn minute of it! First thing is to remove the hideous gold velour curtains from the windows and measure up for some nuce white plantation shutters… maybe… my room faces west and has dark red carpet, that will also be going when funds permit…
Your sewing table is fabulous! And I really like that piece from IKEA where you store your scraps. What a great piece!
I like your Singer table. I have a Singer treadle base I have that somebody put out for the trash. It's been sitting in my basement for years waiting for the right idea to come along.
Oozing with jealousy over your dedicated sewing space! Off to a great start getting it all decked out. Just a thought, do you need to watch that your cutting mat doesn't warp in direct sunlight? Being on a flat surface it might be okay. All you need now is a lovely big design wall (and shelves of course!) and you're all set.Congrats!