Three Creative Things | no. 4
This month has been all about moving and getting settled.
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, rediscovering 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 lapels, as well as hard-to-reach pant and sleeve seams.
They will come in handy in my sewing room, especially for slipcovers that are not trimmed with welt cord. Cordless seams can always use a quick press to look their best.
I recently had a chance to use the tailor’s 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 from the right side without crushing or wrinkling 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 many 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?
Hi Karen,
Can’t wait to see how you finally arrange your sewing space. It really does look cute and stylish right now. One book I’ve held onto is, Laura Ashley Complete Guide to Home Decorating, 1989. I’m always happy to receive your newsletter. Thank you!
Beth — I love that book! It’s a keeper. Laura Ashley’s English country inspired fabric prints from that era and earlier were fantastic. So happy you enjoy the newsletter!
I am looking forward to seeing your sewing room progress. I have a tiny bit more space than you, but am still struggling.
Vicki – I will definitely keep you posted on my progress. I have a feeling the layout will change often depending on my projects. Good luck with your space, too!
Hello, Karen!
Just wishing you a gentle and lovely settling in your charming new place.
Downsizing is a process and, as a 57 yer old architect, I do believe is rejuvenating.
Makes you choose and stay close to the real important things in life and feel the freedom of that.
Enjoy and thank you for sharing with us something so private.
Best wishes of another cozy home to you!
Lidia Senatore
Hello Lidia! Thank you for your kind wishes. I agree, downsizing creates a feeling of freedom….and it also sparks creativity. I’m excited about my new adventure! My best to you.
I love the brick wall and window in your new sewing room! I look forward to the next iteration that offers you the function you need. I’ve been admiring Nora Murphy’s spaces from afar (mostly Pinterest) and the images you shared are very appealing.
I do not sew, but have strong admiration for those like yourself who create beautiful things, which is why I enjoy your posts so much! My husband and I just relocated to a whole new environment, so I relate to the settling in. Best of luck in your new abode!
Thank you, Pamela! I love that you join us slipcover makers/sewists even though you don’t sew. There are so many things I appreciate about Nora Murphy’s style. Nice to know others love it, too. Stay tuned for what’s next for my sewing room. And, all the best with your new place!
I love your style and appreciate how generous you are in sharing tips and tricks as well as resources. I inherited a large tailor’s ham and a tiny ironing board for sleeves from my mother but I’d not seen a sauge ham; now I’ll be searching. I recently moved to a new place and will be making slipcovers for several pieces of furniture. I look forward to see how you set up your new workroom because my space will be small as well though I still have my dining table setup for curtain fabric and other large pieces.
Chris – I love that you have multiple slipcover projects planned! No wonder you want to get your new workroom set up asap! I will definitely share what I end up doing in my space. Stay tuned!
Interested in seeing how you reconfigure your new space. Love the brick wall! And I’d love to have a window in my workroom!
Hi Ramona – I got lucky with that beautiful window. Nothing beats natural light in a sewing space. I’m percolating layouts for my new space. Fingers crossed!
Karen, your new sewing space does look cozy. It is nice to have a dedicated space instead of using an extra bedroom. The wooden horses to set your chairs on are a great idea. it has given me some ideas for my own.
I always look forward to reading your newsletter.
Hello Judy! I’m a big fan of furniture risers. I modifed a pair of sawhorses to create my own. See my reply to Sandra here in the comments. I provided a couple of links. Thanks so much for reading my posts!
Hi Karen,
I enjoy your articles. You utilized your sewing room space so well. I noticed the saw horses for chairs, etc. Did you purchase them or are they custom made.? If they are custom made do you have the pattern. Thanks so much for your help. I hope you enjoy your new home!
Sandra
Hi Sandra — I bought two Burro Brand 18″ tall sawhorses https://www.burrobrand.com/product-page/18-burro-sawhorse and then modified them to create risers that suit my needs. I will try to pull together instructions and post them on my blog. Risers saved my back and knees! Also, the Workroom Channel sells an instruction sheet for building your own — much more fancy than mine. https://workroommarketplace.com/collections/digital-downloads/products/chair-riser-plans
Hi Karen,
Looking forward to hearing about your next adventure and settling into your new space. Change is good and often welcomed. I am curious about the wood risers under the chair in your workspace. Did you have someone build these for you? I have been looking for something similar because my work desk is getting rickety and unstable.
Karen
Karen, hello! I bought two Burro Brand 18″ tall sawhorses https://www.burrobrand.com/product-page/18-burro-sawhorse and then modified them to create risers that suit my needs. I screwed a long board on top of each sawhorse to extend the length and then added a wood strip on the outer side of each board to keep the furniture from falling off. I also added narrow stick on sliders on the bottom of each sawhorse leg, which makes it easy to slide the entire piece around. I will try to pull together instructions and post them on my blog.
Looks like your sewing machine is a Bearnia. Is that so. What model is it and how long have you been sewing with that machine ?
Jan – My home sewing machine is a Bernina 831. I purchased it in 1972. Still works great. I also use two vintage Singer models I restored: 15-91 model and 99K. For my slipcover business, I used Juki industrial machines.