I found the photo today of the time I recorded a super low temperature in my sewing room. It was 54 degrees, not 57 degrees as I said in the video. BRRRR! But today, I'm happy to report that hanging fabric on the walls DID make it warmer in there! I haven't seen it drop below 62 degrees so far this winter. That's much more comfortable, and it's easier for the space heater to do its job. I'll call it a success!
Ah, okay. These old bulbs have been prohibited for years here in Europe, but I didn't know whether they still existed in the US. Can you check whether your house has insulation on the outside of the building? Because if not, I would recommend using one of these air de-moisturizers. It is best to keep the moisture under 50% to avoid mold to form on the inside of the cold walls. Mold is a powerful nerve poison and very hard to get out of walls, once it has formed. And this is why you should never insulate a basement from the inside. Good luck with the heating mat! Also, you can use electrical blankets to wrap yourself a bit into.
@@ElinT13 Good tips - we do have insulation and no problems with moisture. The humidity will rise if it rains a few days in a row, but it never stays high enough to create moisture issues. There is a lot of ventilation in the area.
100% agree! My friends used to say, "You make the best meals in a small, 1945 kitchen." I graduated to a new homewith a more efficient kitchen and a sewing room. The room is 10 x 10, but it is mine.
Excellent video tour....I appreciate how you recycled, reused, thrifted, etc. You made it clear that budget issues do not have to block creative pursuits. Thank you!
You described my moms’s life when I was a kid in a small NYC apartment . After dinner clean up, was sewing time then, sewing clean up, repeat! I ironed open seams and hems. I’m very fortunate to have a small niche my husband carved out for me. Folding tables from Costco are great. The organization struggles are real! Greetings from New York City.❤
Thanks for sharing about your childhood! My two boys sat with me so many times while I sewed in the kitchen. They'd hand me pins, push the foot pedal, and even sew some straight seams. Sweet memories.
Thanks! The couch has moved along with my college kid to his fraternity, so of course it will never be the same. LOL! I'm actually glad for the extra space in my sewing room, but I miss having a place for my cute little pillows. :-) And I've come to love my pegboard.
I love your organization. You have inspired me. I moved 3 years ago and just recently retired and want to get back into sewing but so much is still in storage in a shed behind the house and my sewing room is still piled with boxes. I love your practical plan for your sewing room. I am so motivated to get organized. Thank you, Thank you!
Kudos for re-creating your space almost entirely with what you have and without an IKEA binge! I am in the process of a similar adventure but with white paint and, like you, plenty of family treasures. Happy stitching, Miss Colleen!
Thank you! I've been enjoying the new layout. It's so easy to pop in there and make something now that I know exactly where everything is. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for showing how a space doesn't have to cost tens of thousands of dollars to become a great and workable craft and sewing room... It allows the rest of us to remember that there ARE ways to make unfinished spaces work well!
You are very welcome! I was frustrated because it seems every makeover you see on RU-vid has cost 1000s of dollars. I prefer to do things inexpensively, especially when it's just for my own use like this. Maybe someday I'll have a different space and will be willing to invest something more into it, but for now I love my room, bare joists and all!
It’s a great space. Mine, is what I call my multi room, sewing/quilting, office, studio, gallery, timeout. Like you, I have many crafty things that I like to do; from sewing to painting to paper crafting of all kinds. I’m addicted
Yes - I love to be creative and that can take many forms. My main passion is sewing but I have other projects that I really love to do. I hope to share all of them on my channel eventually.
I am 61 years old and I have a lot of the things you call antique (LOL), I am in the process of making a new sewing room, craft room. I also made a floor chart for mine (don't have to move stuff around too much) You have given me a lot of ideas to make my room better. I do, however, have a sewing table that holds my sewing machine and baby lock machine. I bought the table when I was 22 and still have it. Thanks for the ideas!
Really good video. Thorough without getting mired in details. Clever use of on-hand materials. It’s so much nicer to work in a pleasant environment. I re-did my entire sewing room last year. It was my lockdown project to keep from going crazy. Luckily IKEA remained open so I was able to bring home pieces as needed (with a two week interruption when I was exposed to COVID-19). I’ve been sewing a lot for 68 years and decided it was time for a REAL sewing desk, cutting table, and good storage. Using graph paper with measurements available on line, I was able to plan the entire room (former basement bedroom) and assemble pieces in stages without help. I now have a place to display a large needle dispensing case from my paternal grandfather’s hardware store and 100+ year old patterns from my maternal grandmother! I finished it just in time to focus on gardening so haven’t used it much yet but winter is close and I’m anxious to spend many hours in my inside happy place!
Your space sounds lovely! I plan to use IKEA for any changes in the future. They have a desk with drawers that is exactly the dimensions of my current sewing table, but it should be more sturdy, and it has more drawers, so I am putting it on my Christmas wish list! Eventually I do want to replace a couple other things, but you're right - it's so nice to work in a pleasant environment, and this makeover really made better use of what I already had. I love the change!
I loved your transformation and felt quite at home because you have many of the exact same items that I also own: Babylock serger circa 1990, antique sewing machine cabinet & bench, love seat from a hotel liquidator, and the little wooden stool. ❤
I'm so glad you enjoyed my video! We do have a lot in common - although I sent the loveseat to college with my son and replaced it with a chest of drawers for more storage. :-)
It's so much more pleasant to be there than it was before. I'm really happy with the results! Even several months later, I still just love walking in there to work.
You did a phenomenal job on this. I was just upstairs looking at our attic for something similar, a space for my crafting to be in one spot, and cringing at how it looks. Your video gives me hope that I can turn my pig’s behind of an option into something as welcoming as you have with your basement.
Oh, you absolutely can turn it into something wonderful! I'd love an attic space, especially if it has a window. That's the one thing I'm still missing and would love to have. Otherwise, I've thoroughly enjoyed my redone room and it still makes me happy after all this time. It certainly was a 'pig's behind' before, but I love it now. You can do it!
I love how personal your space is to you. And your organization is *chef's kiss*! I reuse the same patterns (and often more than one size per pattern) over and over (school plays) and I use freezer paper to back the tissue paper patterns for durability. Just iron the tissue paper onto the freezer paper, cut it out. I've seen the pcs then stored rolled up into cardboard tube, but really, I use them so often that I hang them up on a skirt hanger with clips. I just punch a hole in the littlest pattern pcs and thread them on the hanger hook or they get lost. Thank you for sharing your space with us. It gave me a lot of things to try.
Thanks! I'm not spending nearly as much time in there as I would like. Life has gotten a little hectic. But I'm hoping to get back on track soon. I miss my little sewing oasis.
Thank you for the tour! Love your sewing room. It’s probably the most homey room I’ve seen. All your antiques add to that along with everyday stuff you used. You are very inspiring and did a great job showing us we really don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars. I’m moving soon to a basement apartment and this video has given me lots of ideas. Love everything you did here and I hope you get much enjoyment being is your new space.
Thanks! I appreciate your comment, and I really do love using my space now that I've redone it. It's been two years and I don't regret a thing. Sorry for my delayed response, by the way. I had an unexpected absence from this channel, but I'm back now!
Just came across this video. Oh this is such a beautifully creative space! Looks so vintage and almost what you find in a older European building. I love it! almost didn’t watch! I didn’t want to see another sewing /craft reveal that was all new and costly! Please no haters please! I just feel many viewers then feel the need to splurge and get the latest and updates on these projects rooms. But also this video was just so me! Love how you use the fabrics to hang almost upholstered walls. I also have bought hotel items like lamps and chairs, TV. But thank you for sharing such a creative space and the thrift way you made it your own. I have similar items as you, the Martha W., table, sewing caddie, etc….
Thanks to you both for watching and commenting! I'm such a practical person, and as much as I can appreciate the pretty coordinated sewing spaces, I can't see spending the money on all that stuff, especially when the older vintage items bring me such joy!
I'll have to try the command strips. I haven't used them on bare concrete walls. Yes, it's funny how different types of sewing require different setups. One day, I'd love to really do it up right. :-)
What a wonderful REAL LIFE room makeover! It really shows what most of us have to work with! I really appreciate how you used what you have, upcycled, recycled and especially the rainbow poop. I have 3 sons. I relate.
Yes, the rainbow poop is such a boy thing! LOL! Thanks for the comment. Sometimes I wish I had one of those pretty sewing rooms with all the matching furniture, but everything in my space has a story, and I think I like than better than if everything came from Ikea. Plus the upcycling/recycling is fun!
I have always placed my sewing machine in front of a window. Love lots of light. I could never be in a windowless room but I'm claustrophobic. Love the light with the outlets, great idea. You did a nice job. Very cosy.
The struggle IS real! LOL! I'm so happy to have a spot, and I don't know what I'll have in the future since we are planning to downsize in the next year or two. So I'll enjoy this while I can!
I use to use the kitchen table also, then had to clear up for meal times. Then I found a free small wooden desk! Was perfect that I tucked in a kitchen corner, thought wow! I’ve have a sewing corner. 😂
Nice space, it is a great thing to have a space for sewing/crafting that is away from the rest of the house. I suggest you take the antique ironing board and make it into a shelf, then you keep it and reuse it for something useful. I also had a problem w/lighting, until we found a great light at one of the big box hardware stores. It screws into a regular light fixture, but has 3 adjustable, LED lights. It lights up everything!! I love it and we have these in several places, including our garage where we do a lot of work. A bit spendy, ~25ish $ but not over the top and it would create light where you didn't have any. Also black absorbs light, so the black rug, black backdrops and etc. will suck the light out of a room. Just so you know, with your dark hair, you disappear into your black backdrop. Great job, keep going
Thank you so much! I really love thrifting stuff for my home, and I get to have a bit more fun in my sewing room. :-) I have some new things and may post an update, since it's been a couple of years.
Thank you! I'm really please where how it turned out. I'm sure it will continue to evolve, but the improvements have really made it a happier place to work!
I just adore your sewing area! It is wonderful that you have incorporated so many things (antiques, memorabilia, keepsakes, etc.) that mean so much to you! Enjoy your new sewing setup --- I am betting that you will spend many long, enjoyable hours in there. 🤗
Thanks for watching and commenting! I really do love my space. It's been working very well for the past two years, and I haven't really changed anything.
We just moved. We had lived 37 years in other home and i had pretty nice set up. This house also has a basement that we will use for my sewing room. I have been perplexed as to how to function without a window. Your video has inspired me, thank you so much for video, effort and solid great ideas. Thank you.
I'm so glad that you found some helpful info in my video! I still dream of having a window someday, but I find this setup to be really great. Now that I've been using it for a while, I can say it works really well.
Wonderful. I will soon be tackling my sewing space! A year and a half ago I took out all my fabric. And have yet to reshuffle my room. Add to it all the freebies I get from my quilt/therapy group I belong to. A major shift is needed. Wish me luck!!
❤Love, love, love your sewing room!🤔 Smart to hang fabric on the walls. Love It! 😍I love your lamps as well! 🌻Great job of the use of everything.🤪 I live in Georgia. Come do my room. 🤣😂🤣 Thanks for the tour. Happy Sewing❤❤😍
I spy a Longaberger 💞 Love your remodel esp using what you have. And I love how you stated that you don’t need a cute room to create (something like that) lol. I’m looking forward to my remodel.
Yes! I don't even remember where I got that - I think someone gave it to me. I've had it for years. I am not a collector, but I do like that little basket. Thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck with your project!
I'm a multi crafter too and the 'crocheted' doilie @ 20:29 is actually, I believe, bobbin lace edging, which is VERY impressive and rarer than crochet!!!
At first I was like, no it's not. But then I took a much closer look, and I think you are correct! It's done with thicker thread, so I assumed it was crochet. All of the examples of bobbin lace that I have in my collection are made with thin threads, so it didn't even occur to me with the doily. You have a keen eye!! Thanks for commenting!
I love your room. It’s very warm looking and cozy and inviting. I love the idea of having the little sofa to rest with a cup of tea after standing over the cutting table. Thanks for sharing. I’m ready to tackle my space.
I have almost same issue,and i use pipe strap or pipe hanger whatever, its stainless to hang things . Im living in a house from the early 1900's that the foundation is actually caving in in the basement that can not be utilized. But with 3 " or longer torque screws snd pipe strap i can hang just about anything in th upstairs loft that is accompanied by 3 small rooms. I just recently painted the Caribbean beach and laid adhesive tiles that are sand color, i had a large wooden desk that i cut the center out of to use as a table top. I connected the two outer parts to have just drawer storage i also built a frame beneath it to add wheels. I put file cabinets onto dollys and well i add wheels to most everything so i can move things with ease. I made my thread storage ouf of 2'x 6", i cut lengthwise into 2" x 2" x 8' added 3" finishing nails slanted to hold all the spools then i pipe strapped it to the wall. I saw a video of a serger and i really really want that! The baby lock vibrant is what i want, i use 5000 lumen led shop light that was less than 20 bucks. Speaking of shortage of outlets, theres one outlet in here i use surge protectors even extendion cords from the next room also with surge protectors. As far as temperature, ha! I am anticipating the frozen tundra not by preference but it gets to subzero temps here in north dakota , with wind chills from what ive heard seem like antarctica to me, idk yet though its my first season , can i call it a season? I think its winter here for 9 months, idk. I could not believe the temperature dropped so low when it rains , yea i had to put on a coat and it was july! I may need to commit myself idk what i was thinking when I made this transition from the hurricane ida shelter in place program after losing where i was living in louisiana( my parents' other house while they lived on the island on the gulfcoast, which was wiped out literally. But now im in this space and free to do whatever i want to it with it. The house has no air conditioning. Crazy. Before i did everything in this space, it was hideous, nightmarish, had RED walls black trim the floor was gross, its magical what a couple gallons of paint, craft paint, sticky floor tiles , simple hardware and of course tools can transform into. Oh and lots of french vanilla cappuccinno and cream cheese danish. Since i did the beach on the wall that the stairs are along im planning to do underwater life on stairwell walls in oceanic blues , coral reef, tropical sealife with epoxy resin for a 3D effect. Honestly this upstairs is the only real part of this house that i like now. Before i hated the entire house, kinda still do but it is what it is. And while its only partrtially complete i am not comfortable showing the progress . Upon completion though i will. And i didnt take any before pics because i wasnt doing this for any other purpose but to maintain my sanity here, not even sure that it will work. I apologize for carrying on , this is the closest ive come to having anyone to talk to at all literally for the past few years. Sorry . I do think you did a terrific makeover in your space, it's overwhelming to have to pick up everything to get it out of the way so another event such feeding family,etc. Then have to carry it all back , set up to continue. That's not an issue for me. It's only me and my 14 year old cat.
I'm so sorry it took me so long to reply - I recently posted a video about why I was absent from my channel, and then I had another surgery and I'm only just catching up on people's comments. You've really been through a tough time! I love that you are making your sewing space a place that you love and can enjoy spending time in. Your solutions sound wonderful, and yes, a couple gallons of paint can make all the difference. Keep on keeping on, and I do hope you show your finished space someday!
Yes! Paint is an easy way to make a collection of different thrifted items look more intentional. And if your tastes change later on, you can always repaint it a different color. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I think my favorite parts are Vincent Van Flamingo, and that adorable little light pull your son made. :) It’s a great space makeover. Looks great, and it looks like you’ve made it far more functional for yourself. I wish I had a real sewing/crafting space these days, but I don’t. Still, it was fun watching what you did. :) Still hoping for your handkerchief craft video you teased!
That light pull makes me smile every time I use it! :-) This is the first time I've ever had a 'real' space but I firmly believe everyone can make beautiful things wherever they happen to be. And yes, the handkerchief stuff is still on a list somewhere!
I'm glad you found my video helpful! Unfinished basements can be challenging, but in this case a few simple fixes made a HUGE difference. Thanks for watching!
I thought of an idea to cover the rafters on a more cheaper base. AND Construction, they use a roll of paper called Rosin. The paper is used to protect flooring while construction is underway. With a couple of helping people and a staple gun, you could actually staple the Rosin paper to the rafters, which would then hide everything above it.
WOW! What a wonderful and creative way to organize your sewing space. I enjoyed your antiques and some Goodwill things you have upcycled. You are fabulous.
Some anti-fatigue mats are wonderful on cement floors. They will help keep the cold from seeping into your feet in addition to reducing the wear on your body.
I understand the feeling. I didn't have a dedicated space for many, many years, and may not have one in our next home. It's a wonderful thing to have, and I don't take it for granted.
It's definitely a luxury to have a separate room, and I will enjoy it while I have it. There are no guarantees I'll have a spot like this forever. :-) Thanks for watching and commenting!
You’re inspiring me to clean out a couple bedrooms to create a sewing space and a crafting space. It’s something I’ve been putting off for almost an entire year (my mom passed away January 30th, 2021 and I still can’t go in her room. I think you did an awesome job repurposing things and making your space more inviting, It looks great! Just subscribed ❤️
About having stuff on the concrete. I’m in an unfinished basement. I placed hooks on the wall using liquid nail that works with concrete. Gorilla glue works too.
My sewing studio is also in my basement...but I live in Wiscosin and my room has no heating vents. The lowest my studio has gotten was 49°f but normally hovers around 53-54°f. I found a radiator space heater on sale and hung some quilts in the "entryway" (it's an open room with only 3 walls). The radiator stays off until I turn it on in anticipation of sewing and start to get impatient after waiting 15 minutes or so for it to warm up. This mean I'm constantly sewing when it's below 60°f in my room.
Oof, it's hard for me to do that. I have Reynaud's Syndrome, so cold really bothers my fingers and toes, especially walking on a concrete floor. Even in shoes, the cold seeps through and makes my toes numb. My little heater works well, and the fabric on the walls made a really big difference in my unfinished space! I also hung a curtain in the entry way, and that helped too.
I sewed for about 50 years before I had a sewing room/space. We make do with what we have. Looks like a nice comfortable sewing space. I like the fabric on the walls. You could take the board of the old wooden ironing board and use it for a shelf.
Thanks for watching! And yes, we do what we can with what we have. I have no idea if I'll even have a dedicated space in our next house, but for now I'm loving it! :-) Great idea for the ironing board! However, I just sold it after deciding I didn't know what to do with it. Ha!
Thank you! I still just love walking in and turning on the light! :-) I'm sure it will evolve over time, but I'm so happy with the changes. It's just so much more functional now, and far more pleasant to be in.
Thanks for watching! I hope you find a way to make your space feel special, even if they are small changes. Some of my favorite updates in my space are the most basic - light and layout.
Thanks for the note! Command Strips aren't meant for use on unsealed (unpainted) concrete, and I don't want to risk having a hook fail. I may try some with nonbreakable art, but I needed another solution for the framed cross stitch, which is actually quite heavy.
It does look really good even though I think I would have used masonry paint and command strips. It does show how many options you have so u don’t have to be stuck with ur situation. It really looks great.
Yes, I did want to paint, and just ran out of time/energy. I still haven't come back to that part of the project. But I do love my room! Even two years later, I've only made a couple of changes.
The rainbow turd is so funny, and you are so right about boys. I found a turd emoji hat at the party store and we force our boys to wear it when they are being “turds”. Love your sewing room, enjoy it!
You did a wonderful remake. The room looks comfortable and very user-friendly. I'm currently sewing underneath the stairs LOL. It's very jammed up to say the least. I'm also a potter, so.....yeah, there's that. I have dibs on my youngest son's room. Two more years of college.
What wonderful transformation! Looks great, thanks for sharing. I also have space in my basement. I have an electric baseboard heater my husband installed for me and helps keep it warmer.
That's a great idea! My little space heater does a good job and I sit it on the floor to help keep my feet warm. A baseboard heater would be even better. Thanks for watching!
