Do I really need a sewing cabinet?

Probably. I am finding that working in the kitchen in ok, until I get a space created, but I think the table is too high for me. I am 5'1 with short legs so I think if I used an office chair, then I wouldn't be able to reach the foot pedal, and think that running the machine with my start/stop button is too much trouble when I am machine quilting. There is a 3 inch difference between the height of my table and a sewing cabinet I see on line. I looked in kijijii but only see older machines with cabinet being sold. I have a new Janome...any ideas? Bite the bullet???

If I were you I would find a thrift store with a table or computer desk that you like and then I'd find someone to cut it down to the right height for me. Ergonomically you will be thankful you did it that way. I am tall and DH made a special table for me that is a bit higher than normal.

If you can find one with storage drawers or space - all the better.

They say your elbows should be even with your hands to be in the proper position. Certainly your feet should be on the floor. How about buying a table at a garage sale or somewhere very cheap, and have you hubby cut the legs off to be the right height for you? I am 5' 10", so I don't have that problem. . .

Sandy, you and I wrote the exact same suggestion at the exact same time!

Does Janome make a sewing table to fit your machine? I have one to fit mine, and it is great because the top of the table and the bed of the sewing machine are level, making it very easy to use to do quilting. If you put your sewing machine on the table, it will be at least 4 inches higher than you need. If you get the cabinet or table, the sewing machine drops down in to the lower shelf, and the sewing surface is even with the height of a table.

I was sewing at my sister's new house earlier this month, and the only table she had was the kitchen counter with bar stools to match. I had to reach down with my toe to make the foot pedal work. The stool cut into my back hip area and got sore very quickly! Not the idea way to sew for sure.

I think that a table with a place for the machine to drop down in will be what works best for you. The other table I have for my little machines (Featherweight and small Janomes) is the Sew EZI table, which is customized to your sewing machine, and it folds down and even has wheels if you want to take it to a sewing guild meeting. It is great. You can order them online.

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Originally Posted by madampolo

Sandy, you and I wrote the exact same suggestion at the exact same time!

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Just goes to show you: GREAT MINDS think alike.

I got a big thick glass dining table (about 5 x 3 1/2 ft in size) that my stepdaughter was going to throw away. I then bought a chair that would fit the height that I needed at IKEA. I'm 5'2", so this worked perfectly for me.

The only downside? If I get carried away and sew really fast, the table flexes and starts to bounce my sewing stuff.:icon_razz:

I agree with Jean about the need to have your machine/sewing area at the same level and being able to reach the pedal. I use a folding table, but I have an acrylic extension table that surrounds my machine, making the surface level. I use an office chair with hydraulic up and down, so I have no problem. Even thought I'm short (5'3") I can easily reach the foot pedal without having to stretch. This is not the perfect set-up, but it works for me.

The idea of buying an old table and cutting the legs to the right height for you is very good. I guess it depends on how much space you have.

I agree with getting a used table and cut it to fit you. That way you don't spend too much and you will
be comfortable too.

I do have an old table to cut......its small , but right now I use my ironing board to help support the weight of the quilt, from the kitchen table. My DH is giving up his computer desk when he buys a laptop, maybe I can use that. I have the acrylic extender too/

One thing I would caution about card tables, if the tops are made of thin material, they can begin to vibrate and bounce all over the place if you begin to sew fast. So get something to cut or put the machine on that is substantial. Sometimes you can find pieces of ends of countertops and put legs on them, that material would be strong enough to support a sewing machine. I have a short piece of countertop that a contractor used for my sewing machines in a built in sewing area, it is great for supporting my two machines (serger and sewing machine), but not great for doing quilts because there isn't enough room behind it. I have my separate sewing table with another machine on it that I use for quilting. I guess I'm lucky in a way, because I have my own sewing room that I designed, it has spaces for a couple of "sewing stations" (what I call them) because sometimes I have people at my house who help me sew costumes, we can work together in the same room, but not bump into each other.

I was so blessed, I went to the thrift store looking for a sewing table or desk, found a desk for $30.00, and it is amazing. So look at thrift stores first. You will be glad you did .