Betz Sewing Room

We head to Maryland to explore the beautiful sewing room of textile designer Betz White.

"My 2 favorite things about the space are 1) the closets for storage and 2) the windows to the park behind our house."

Tell us about your space?

My studio space occupies a spare bedroom in my home. We live in central Maryland outside of Washington, DC. My studio is on the second floor and measures about 12' x 15'. The space doubles as a guest room and I have a pull-out couch for when we have company. Most times the couch is full of pillows and books. I don't share the space but it is very open and inviting for my kids to come in, flop on the couch and hang out with me. It's also my work space where I sew and design patterns for my sewing pattern line.

What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?

The couch/pillows/coffee table makes a cozy place to sketch and day dream. Or nap! One wall is covered with my inspiration board for pinning up magazine swipes, swatches, print outs, etc. It hangs over my antique drawing table that was originally my husband's grandfather's drafting table.

How do you keep organized?

My closets are full of shelves with see-through fabric bins. I also have an antique armoire that I stash books and other stuff in.

Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?

I'm not the most organized person. I try to clean up after each big project and put things away so I can start fresh. About once a year I have a big purge and dig out the closet to get rid of things that are just taking up space.

Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?

I have shelving over my computer area that displays things my kids made, some of my childhood toys and small felted objects that I've made. I have also started to collect vintage needlework so that will be filling my walls as well.

How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?

For current projects, I pin ideas up onto my inspiration board. I also sketch in a spiral bound sketchbook when I am brainstorming a new project.

Where do you look for inspiration?

The internet, the bookstore, the thrift store and just going on long walks to let the mind wander!

If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream space?

I'd love to have a wood floor, a large cutting table for fabric and more windows!

Make sure to check out the Betz White website to see her gorgeous textiles »