Three Creative Things | no. 4
My move this month was a success! I landed in a cute apartment tucked into a charming, walkable town on Lake Michigan. It required downsizing and getting reacquainted with living small. I don’t mind one bit. It’s the perfect spot for starting my new adventure. More about that later 🙂
Here are my Three Creative Things for August: setting up a small sewing space, bringing back an old pressing tool, and a book I couldn’t leave behind. Enjoy!
What I’m Working On
The first thing I did when I arrived at my new place was set up my sewing room. I’m no stranger to arranging a small workroom but my tiny 9-foot square footprint is a challenge!
If you sew or craft in a small bedroom, dining room, or studio apartment you know how tricky it can be to configure a layout that is not only efficient and organized but also feels good.
Here’s a peak at my first attempt at setting up. I like it, It’s pretty. However, after a few days of using the space, I realized pretty isn’t cutting it. I need better function!
I’m going to try a couple more layouts this week. Stay tuned….
What I Found
I was excited to find two pressing tools at my favorite resale shop: a tailor’s ham and a double-sided seam roll (or sausage ham). They are in perfect condition.
I haven’t used hams since I took a tailoring class in college but I remember enjoying working with them. These basic, versatile tools make it so easy to press curved shapes without flattening them; sleeve caps, blazer and suit coat lapels, darts, as well as hard-to-reach pant and sleeve seams.
The tailor’s ham will come in handy, especially for slipcovers that are not trimmed with welt cord. Cordless seams can always use a quick press to look their best.
Before I closed my slipcover sewing service, I had a chance to use the pressing ham on a client’s project: two armchairs with big, rounded arms.
I matched the back arm curve to the curve on the ham, and viola! I was able to press the seam smoothly without flattening the round shape. Check out the photo below.
What I’m Inspired By
When I was planning my move, I knew I could only take a handful of books with me. So, I narrowed them down to the ones that have consistantly inspired creativity and influenced my design choices over the years.
One of those books is Nora Murphy’s Country House Style.
Even though it was published in 2018, I still resonate with the cozy-comfortable living spaces filled with natural beauty, from the soothing color palettes to the classic textiles and homey mix of new and old furnishings.
This is a feel-good book, all 200+ pages. It has inspired countless ideas for slipcover designs, decorating, fabric combinations and so much more. I happily soak up new inspiration everytime I open it.
Do you have a favorite book that inspired your creativity recently?