Can a Quilter and Fabric Collector Be a Minimalist?

Outside of the quilting studio I am working on major decluttering - I'm not quite to minimalism, but that is my eventual goal. Bringing nothing new into the house except for those things really needed.  Decluttering room by room and donating and selling as much as I can.  I envision a space that is open, clear, comfortable. Neat and tidy and easy to care for. I see me spending time with family and friends, sewing and having fun; not spending time organizing and cleaning stuff.  You can't really organize your stuff, you just have to get rid of it. 

The Living Room is there. Family Room and Kitchen are at about 75%. Bedroom about 95%.  Office needs some work - about 40%.

Then I go down to my quilting studio. 


Most days it is in a state of minor chaos even though I have the intention of tidying up after every project change. I am lucky that I have lots of space to spread out and can still work with a little chaos.



I have fabric that I bought because it was pretty, but don't know what to do with it. I have over 100 started and asking to be started projects. I have patterns and books. I have thread. I have notions. I have buttons and ribbons. Yarn. Loom. Spinning Wheel. Stuff. And I love my studio stuff. But I don't come close to using it all.


How do I balance my desire to have a well-stocked studio and a neat and stuff-less home?  I can easily clear out my books and closet, but I'm just not there yet with my fabric, patterns, and crafting stuff.


I don't want to waste time organizing stuff I don't need or really want. I may not always have the luxury of such a large and comfortable studio space. I need to get it under control. Just because I have the room for it now, doesn't mean I should keep it all, right?

I've got lots of routines, storage bins, and lists. I also have too much stuff. So I guess I have to bite the bullet and get rid of stuff I don't use, patterns I'll never make, fabric that I don't like anymore. 






OK, so I pledge to use the "Organize" spot on my rotation to actually identify things to get rid of.  Ideally I would like to reduce my stash by about one third. It's not going to be easy, since I downsized when I moved here 4 years ago - of course I have upsized some fabric and patterns since then.


Here's my plan of battle:
1. Books
2. Patterns
3. Fabric
4. Knitting Stuff
5. Cross Stitch Stuff
6. Miscellaneous Stuff

Maybe a crafter's garage sale is in my future.
I can do this! Who wants to do it with me?

A Design Wall of My Dreams

For most of us, a design wall is a necessity, not a luxury. The size of your design wall, like the size of your fabric stash  . . .  now that's another matter.

For years I had been making do with a portable design wall that looks very much like the projector screens we used to use many years ago - a stand with a roll up screen made of a clingy batting-like material. It was great for my small space. They are made here in Kansas and are a great product. Check them out at Pals Products.

But that was then. Now I find that I have outgrown my portable design wall. I keep having to take projects down to put up new projects. Because of my wonderful rotation system, I like to work on multiple projects at the same time. I need more space. I'd love 3 or 4 design walls.

I have my studio set up in my walk out basement and therefore only have really one wall available to mount a design wall. Half of that wall is taken up with IKEA bookshelves that hold my books, embroidery designs, some projects, Accuquilt GO dies, and my yardage fabrics. 

So, here is where the genius comes in (if I do say so myself). There is a soffit (right word?) encasing heating and air ducts right in front of the wall calling out for a design wall. I had seen sliding walls on Pinterest - OK, so why not put sliding design walls in this space? Sounds feasible, but beyond my skillset.

Enter Mike McKinney. I was referred to Mike by a quilting acquaintance. I explained what I wanted and he sounded positive. Yes, he could do that.  
So we (he did the hard work, I wrapped insulation board with flannel) mounted one design wall right on the wall. Since I do a lot of quilts with black background, this wall was covered with black flannel.


Next Mike built frames for two more design walls and mounted two tracks into the bottom of the soffit.

Now I have 3 design walls - a black one mounted to the wall, a grey one on the track closest to the wall, and a huge cream one on the outside. I can slide them around to have access to the book case,on and to look at the work on all the walls. 


I am keeping all three walls in use all the time. Currently I have Eclipse on the black wall, Kaffe Fassett on the grey wall and several small blocks on the white wall.


If you want Mike to build a sliding design wall for you, let me know. 

Quilting Habits

Well, the Kaw Valley Quilt Show is over and I feel I can take a few  deep breaths and figure out what to do now. It almost feels like one of those dates like New Years, Birthdays, First Day of Spring - you know, those days when you think about resolutions and new habits.


I have started reading a book Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin; it's all about starting (good) or stopping (bad) habits. So, being the quilty person I am, I thought about quilting habits. 


I have gotten into some pretty bad habits over the last few years. Habits are bad if they cause problems and I have several bad habits in my studio. I also have found there are things I don't do (like quilt documentation - the Quilt Show really pointed that out to me when I couldn't remember who had quilted some of my earlier quilts) that would really make quilt life better if I did them.

So here is my list of Starts and Stops. Most of them are obvious to quilters.
Start . . .                                                Stop . . .
Securing starts and stops                       Snacking while quilting
Trimming threads as I go                      Buying "unallocated" fabric
Tidying at the end of each session        Leaving scraps all over         
Prepping for next session                      
Documenting my quilts
Blogging more consistently
Reading more blogs

What good habits do you have in the studio? I'd love to hear them!
Curious about habits,

New Studio Step 3 - Cutting Table

The third major component of my new quilt studio is a new, larger cutting table. I like my current table but I always seem to be moving stacks of fabric around - I just don't have enough horizontal space. My current table has 2 cupboards and 4 very small drawers. I ordered it from Nebraska Furniture Mart and I really do love it, I've just outgrown it.



So I started looking around for a new one. Koala has a nice one, but I really didn't want to spend that much. I also looked at cubes from Michaels and Target, but they were a little too small.  I saw this one on Pinterest that sort of peaked my interest. It was made from IKEA Expedite bookcases. As shown, the surface was 31 inches wide - a bit smaller than I'd like.  So, I thought about adding another piece and putting them together so that I would have a 47 x 74 inch work surface. I'm thinking of putting my pressing mat on one side and cutting mat on the other.



Fast Forward 2 months. I ordered 2 2x2 and 2 2x4 Expedite bookcases (OK so they call them Kallax now) and asked the son of a quilting friend of mine to put them together into a super-dooper cutting table. He is building a platform with casters to set them on  - that way I can move it around my studio. It also adds a few inches to the height - I'd like it at least 36 inches high. So with the wheels and a top it will be the perfect height.  Here is a picture of the work in progress - the bookcases sitting on top of the base. Notice that I am using it even before it's finished!


Fast forward another week . . . This afternoon Darren delivered the final piece - the top - and it is spectacular!  He stained the oak plywood top the same color as my soon-to-be-ordered sewing table.  I can roll it to wherever I need it - it's not a lightweight, but I can still push it around! The Next step is getting just the right tubs and baskets for the cubbies and getting everything organized. I'll use my current cutting mat for now, but I might decide I need a larger one. So for a moderate investment (Ikea - 200, Home Depot for wood and hardware - 200, and Darren's hard work - I'll let him tell you how much he charged me, he may want to raise his price!), but not nearly as much as a Koala, I have a gorgeous, functional 47 inches wide x 74 inches long x 37 inches tall cutting table to die for!
Later I'll post some pictures of how I organize the cubbies. Now, I want to go cut out some fabric!

New Studio Step 2 - Sewing Table

I made a wishlist for my new sewing table. I want:

1. Enough space to use my BR 830 with the embroidery module and my BR 440 at the same time.

2. Surrounds for each machine so that I have a smooth, even surface for sewing.

3. Space to support a large quilt while I'm quilting.

4. Some storage space for hoops, needles, bobbins, etc.

5. A table and chair that are the right height for me.

6. Something pretty!

The shop where I work, Mea Bernina, is a dealer for Koala cabinets and tables. We have several in the shop and they are gorgeous! They really fit the bill for everything on my wishlist. There are so many options, that I've spent several weeks going over all the possibilities and I am narrowing in on the table for me.

I thought about getting 2 tables so that I can work on the embroidery machine and sewing machine at the same time. But due to both space and money issues, I've decided against 2 tables. Koala has a large table with 2 lifts. So, the first decision is made - the Koala Dual Mate will hold both machines.

Second item on my list -  I can order a surround to fit each of my machines.

Item #3 - space. The Dual Mate has both left and right side extensions with tops that provide extra space - up to a total of 123 inches! But I can also get an outback extension that nearly doubles the workspace. This outback extension can be raised or lowered depending on what I'm working on and what else I have going on in my studio.

Item #4 - storage. I can order optional shelves that go under both the back and side extensions. I thought about waiting and ordering the shelves later, but I'll save shipping costs if I have them delivered with the main table.

Wishlist item #5 - height. Koala cabinets come in a standard size but each can be ordered either 3 or 6 inches higher. The chairs are very comfortable and really support my back. I haven't had any lower back or shoulder pain while sewing on the tables at the shop. I've sewn on both the 29 inch and 32 inch tables and both feel pretty good. I may need a lift for the foot pedal with the higher table and the extra height costs extra so I think I'll go with the standard 29 inch height. 

Item #6 - these tables are gorgeous! I could go either with the white or the golden teak (third from right in the pic). Hubby's choice is the teak. I'm still thinking about this one. My bookshelves and beading table/cubes are white and my cutting table in progress is white. I have some antique pieces that are oak and sort of golden cherry that actually are really close to the golden teak. Which would you choose?

So, I'm almost at a final decision. Here is what I imagine it will look like. I still need to decide on color. I plan on ordering my very own Koala table next week.  It will be delivered to my home and placed right in my studio. No assembly required!

If you're curious about Koala, check 'em out.

I can hardly wait!

New Studio - Step 1 - Bookcases

The first step in outfitting my new studio was to get some bookshelves. After doing some surfing, I finally settled on the Hemnes line from IKEA. They had other models I liked, but I had to find something to fit under the duct-work. In my old studio I had two bookcases that were able to hold most of my quilting, knitting and weaving books. I wanted to add some storage and display space for fabric. I also wanted the fabric protected from dust so I thought a cabinet with glass doors would be just the thing.

I ordered 2 Hemnes regular bookcases and 1 with glass doors.   They arrived last week and I spent an hour putting each one together. The directions (pictures only) were pretty good, but after assembling 3 bookcases, my hand and arm are really sore - lots of screws and no power drill/screwdriver. 

As soon as I get them bolted to the wall (the one with doors is a bit top heavy), I'll unpack my books and start filling the middle one up with beautiful fabric.

After the snow melts I'm going to put my old mismatched bookcases out on the street for someone to take and give them a good home.

On to Step 2 - Koala sewing table!

Happy Sewing!

New Home - New Quilting Studio

Wow, what a crazy 6 months. We moved! I won't go into all the boring details. It's enough to say we downsized most of our home, but I upsized my quilting studio. So, I thought I would write a series of posts as I get my new studio set up and organized. 

In our new home, I appropriated the basement family room for my quilting studio. It's a large backwards 'L' shaped room with a window and a walk out glass door. Here are the before pics.

Here are my plans:
1. A set of new bookcases for books, nicnacs, and storage. One of the bookcases will have glass doors and that one will house some pretty fabric. 
2. A new Koala sewing table that will hold 2 machines and has plenty of space to work on larger quilts.
3. A new cutting table with more room than I had before.
4. A storage area to store works in progress, fabric, and other stuff (including my knitting, cross stitch and other crafty things).
5. A beading area including a table/desk for beading as well as the admin/business/paperwork side of my quilting.
6. A permanent design wall.
7. A large table that can be used when my quilting friends come over to work together.
8. Good lighting.
9. Organization and routines to keep things tidy so I spend more time playing and less time organizing.

My friend Bobbie is coming in April so I want to have all the furniture in place before she gets here so we can get everything organized. I;m so excited!
Happy Sewing!

A Studio That Works - Plastic or Personality?

When I think about my studio, the first word that comes to mind is organization. That's always been a favorite word as well as concept - I like things organized. I tend to evaluate things based on how well organized they are - events, people, rooms, patterns, etc.  
Yesterday and Monday I was lucky to have presented (with Jerry V. and Becky M - Thanks!) the program for the Kaw Valley Quilters' Guild - a program on Studio Organization - or more precisely - Studios: Where Women Create.  Based on some comments from guild members, I think it went over well.  I was so inspired by the women and their spaces we visited to prepare for the program. 

I went into this process leaning mostly toward organization - tidiness, a place for everything, functionality. I still think that stuff is important. In the presentation I acknowledged the importance of inspiration, creativity, the soul-full aspect of a creative space. I mean I understand these elements, but I'm not sure MY studio has these elements.  Have I sacrificed inspiration for organization? Has plastic triumphed over passion? Or do I need simplicity, empty walls, containerized and covered storage so that I don't get overwhelmed? 

I've really tried in the last few years to get rid of extraneous "stuff" so that the space I have can be home to the things I really love.  In my studio I need tools and  room to design, plan, cut, sew, and press my work in progress. And I need space to store my fabric, notions, and patterns.

I feel I have done that - OK, but not spectacularly.  Part of me thinks I would like to have jars of threads arranged by color - oh so beautiful. Instead I have plastic stack-ables keeping thread together by thread weight and purpose. Not so pretty but it works better for me. 

So I guess I am having some Studio Angst. Do I want a studio out of the pages of a magazine, or do I want a studio that works for ME? 
Both? OK, if I have to choose, I will choose one that works for me. At this point, it mostly works for me.

 There is a desk to sit and think/work at; an adequate cutting table with drawers for storage.


My over-sized pressing table allows ample room for pressing as well as fabric lay-out.  The book shelf and large filing cabinet in the closet hold patterns, instructions, inspiration and ideas.

Thankfully, I have an extra closet where my fabric lives in plastic stack-ables and tubs to protect them from light and dust.  

I have a portable and adequate design wall that works, but is not exactly what I want. The traffic flow (and possibly even feng shui) is not great. I would like new paint and carpet. The lighting could be better too.  I have a lot of beading supplies that I am not ready to part with, but that is taking up prime real estate in my studio - I should probably find a better home for them.  I also have a beautiful chest that my Dad (who passed away 5 years ago today) made to hold my cross stitch supplies and patterns.

    So, my studio is functional with room for improvement. Goals for this year: (1) make the improvements needed for functionality, (2) add a few personal, inspirational touches that proclaim my personality, (3) and remember it's not so much the space that's as important as what happens there!
Curious in my studio,
Denise

Ruth Powers - Fantastic Quilter / Artist in a Terrific Studio Space

    In preparation for the KVQG January program, Jerrye and I made a trip south of Topeka near Burlingame to visit the quilting studio of Ruth Powers, one of our guild members.

    My first thought was WOW . . . as well as my second thought and my third thought. Wow, Wow, Wow! Ruth is what I call an art quilter - pardon me Ruth if I have too narrowly or incorrectly characterized your work. Ruth pieces quilts that look so realistic that they could be photos - but they are better than photos with her subtle use of pattern and color in the fabrics she chooses. This quilt (above) is on her website - isn't it fantastic? She also creates and sells her patterns - check it out here. Ruth teaches classes at Stitching Traditions in Topeka - I'm definitely going to sign up. 

  Ruth's studio is both calm and vibrant. She uses antique pieces to store patterns, books, thread and other necessities in. The antiques give the room a wonderful softness.
     I love how she uses colorful threads in a typesetters tray as wall art. Right outside the window are bird feeders and while we were there an oriel treated us to a show.
    What a treat! Thanks so much Ruth. I can't wait to take one of your classes.
Always your curious quilter,
Denise

Visiting a Quilter's Studio

It is sooooo hot, all I want to do is stay inside and suck up the AC. But today I went to another quilter's studio to check out her space. It was sooooo cool - literally and creatively speaking. Jerrye and I are doing the program for the January 2013 KVQG meeting - its all about studio spaces, organizing stash and projects, and the cool places we create. Carol's studio was once a detached garage and is now a 23x14 foot cool, calm yet colorful creative destination. We took some pics and will talk about all her great ideas in the January program. Here are some hints: She describes her studio as a repurposed or "Craig's List kind of place". Lots of her storage, sewing and cutting tables as well as her design wall are made from repurposed materials. Her lighting is fantastic and it should be because in addition to all the windows, she has lots of special overhead lights that provide full spectrum natural lighting.


So I get back home and walk into my studio . . .


 












Carol and her studio inspired me. I gotta go to work on my somewhat cramped, dark, only partially functional, uninspiring and sad little (ok not so little) bedroom that I use as a studio. Did I mention messy? Scraps and thread all over the floor? Ah well, everyone has to start somewhere.
~D~