Features
Come behind the scenes at The Magnificent Thread for a #CraftRoomTour and see Shauni's sewing space in Leeds.
It's the biggest sewing space I've ever had! I've been gradually increasing the size of space I dedicate to sewing with each flat move (I rent so move house quite often) and coincidentally, my fabric stash has rapidly grown to match...
Tell us about your space
My boyfriend lived here alone before I moved in with him, so I'm lucky that he let me take over a sizeable amount of the living room with my ever-growing sewing supplies! I work across two square tables (you have to work with the furniture you've got when you rent!) with my sewing machine set up on one, and my recently purchased overlocker on the other. I make all my clothes in this space, and transform the living room floor into my cutting room when needed! My boyfriend is a musician, so it's only fair that the rest of the room is dedicated guitars, amps and musical equipment. And we only fight over the space now and again!
What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?
I display my favourite patterns and sewing books on the shelves above for regular inspiration. I also took advantage of American Apparel's closing down sale and snapped up one of their old hanging fixtures to use as a grid-style notice board. Being able to pin up some of my favourite things makes my sewing backdrop that little bit more exciting, and I can use it to keep my (usually long) sewing lists in check too.
How do you keep organized?
I'm quite bad at keeping my sewing space organised - I definitely had to tidy before taking these pictures - but I try my best! I have an IKEA RÅSKOG trolley which I used to tidy some of my essentials, and the rest sit in my little table top shelving unit behind my sewing machine. There's a set of drawers under one of the tables, which I always forget about, and it's bursting with fabric! I really need to have things in sight to remind me to use them, so all of my 'to-sew' patterns and fabrics are kept in two open boxes on the floor next to my desk.
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
You're probably asking the wrong person, but I'd definitely recommend keeping supplies out and hanging/displaying them in a way that reminds you to use them! And definitely keep your fabric scissors separate from your regular pair - especially if you share your space with someone else!
Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?
I like to see the patterns I have queued up ready to make - that way I can always look at them for a bit of inspiration. I have a lovely print on display by my talented friend Emma Dragovic, and a weaving that I made with Stitch Up, a social enterprise that I volunteer at. I'd love to say that I dressed my mannequin in my latest makes, but I don't really use it much - it tends to collect the less-loved finished projects.
How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?
I keep my inspiration all over! I have loads of notes written to my self as reminders on my phone, a bunch of handwritten lists hanging around my sewing space, and all the rest of my inspiration is collected on Pinterest. I bought the Maker's Workbook from Creative Industry to try and keep me focused too. It's a sewing planner and space to log the details about each project you complete and I'm really enjoying using it!
Where do you look for inspiration?
My creativity is usually driven by the high street garments that aren’t quite good enough, and the desire to make my own versions that I can wear and love - COS and &OtherStories are my favourite window shopping haunts. I've definitely tried items on, taken photos, and then gone home to make my own version before! I love Instagram and Pinterest too, and spend a good number of my lunch breaks at work browsing my favourite blogs for cool ideas!
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream space?
I think I'd probably have to wish for a new house to make it my dream craft space! So... 1. To own a house 2. To have a dedicated sewing room in that house 3. Have a HUGE cutting table (or plenty of floor space).
Whose craft room would you love to explore? Send us a message!
Share
Follow
