Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

[CheyMom14]

We have a 10'-1" x 10'-4" spare room that's been nothing but a junk collecting room for years. To the point we open the door quick and throw it in. Last week I opened the door to find the light bulbs burnt out (no window in this room, very interior) and couldn't get to the light fixture to replace bulbs. Scary. We had a ceiling leak in this room years ago and never really fixed the ceiling. Job #1. Long story short, hubby has agreed to help me turn the room into fabric storage/bigger ironing board space/place to set up my serger (right now I have to get it out and set it up in the dining room) basically overflow from my studio. After two days, I have the room pretty much empty and ready to start planning. I'm thinking one entire wall with floor to ceiling open shelving for fabric. Is this a good idea or is fabric better stored in airtight containers? Trouble with plastic containers is finding what I want when I want it. And how big could/should an ironing board be? I'm sure DH can build any size board I need then I can make a cover. What do y'all have and what really works the best? Any input would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

[shirleyknot]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

If I did the floor to ceiling shelving, I would also buy that clear vinyl by the yard, and make covers for the front of the shelves. I have pets, and the AC would soon have dust and pet hair all up in the fabric. You can still see it easily, but its protected.

[amartin24]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

Another idea is shelving with glass doors. (thinking IKEA Billy bookcases with doors added)

[DramaMama]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

I would definitely not have open shelving for fabric (or anything really -- I hate to dust); at least with closed shelving you won't have to dust so often and the fabric would be better protected. I guess if you had a REALLY GOOD air purifier in the room, it may be okay. I use a dining hutch for my fabrics and quilting supplies.

Miss Marker's Quilts just built a quilt studio this past year and she has updates and final reveal/walk through on Youtube. Maybe you can get ideas from there. Also Pinterest.

[Hulamoon]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

Shirley's suggestion is what I would do. Keeps the cost down. I have some book cases and have my fabrics on comic book cards. Having it standing up is easier for me to get to. And it looks so pretty!

[K. McEuen]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

One good thing about the room is no window so the fabric won't be damaged by light exposure. I too would cover the shelves with something. Shirley's idea is a great one as you can still see the fabric.

[bubba]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

I have the bookshelves you can buy at Walmart, etc. that are 6' tall x 3' wide. The shelves are adjustable. I put my fabric on comic book boards as well as empty bolts I get at the fabric stores for the larger pieces. Direct sunlight does not hit them and they add lots of color to the room!

[peepers613]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

I have open shelving and have had all of my stash on it for years without any problems. The room is over an unheated carport and the fabric on the bottom shelf by the outside wall was getting a little musty, so I aired all the fabric out and I now sometimes run a small fan that blows on the fabric. I have a dog and have had a dog and 4 cats at the same time over the years. I wash all my quilts as a final step, besides, a little pet fur and dust on my fabric just makes it all fit in with the rest of my house!

[LauraP]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

Another option is to hang your fabric on pants hangers. You can get those kind that hold several pairs of pants so you could group your material by color, or project, or however you like them. Then put closet rods spaced correctly up one area of the wall. You would still need bins or shelves for smaller pieces of fabric. You could also build a magazine rack like the doctors offices have to store your patterns and books in. If it was on wheels you could use both sides.

[buzzy]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

I'm a fan of plastic bins for fabric. I like them for 2 reasons. 1. You can keep all your colors completely separate from each other and easily take them off the shelf to rummage through them. 2. If you don't feel like refolding after rummaging you can put the box away and it still looks organized on your shelf!
One thing that I would suggest to you with your interior room (with only one light bulb) is to fix your lighting first. It does not matter how you sort your fabric if you cannot see it. I'd suggest a few banks of florescent lights to keep things really bright.

[Murphy224]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

Hi....my big ironing board is 21 wide and 58 long. It sits on top of my old regular ironing board. It is one of my favorite things and would hate to ever be without it. I change out the cover regularly when it gets messed up and absolutely love it.
I store my fabric on comic boards on shelves in a closet. So I vote for having it where you can see what you have rather than digging through bins and totes.
If you don't have a really big design wall, this may be a good time to get one. A big one that fits on one wall permanently so you don't have to move it from place to place as you work.
Have fun creating this new space and even if the room doesn't have windows, you can make it plenty bright with lamps and maybe a new overhead fixture that puts out more light than those dinky little things that are usually found in bedrooms.

[CheyMom14]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

Another idea is shelving with glass doors. (thinking IKEA Billy bookcases with doors added)

Thanks for the suggestion. Checked out the IKEA website and really like the looks of the Billy bookcases. There's a couple sets that come with glass doors already on the shelves. I think some combination of what's available will fill the wall and give me tons of storage. Shipping is a bit ridiculous but there's a store about two hours away. Day Trip!! Thanks again - I'll post when finished.

[amartin24]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

I love day trips to IKEA! Just make sure you have most everything planned out/measured before you go as it can be a bit overwhelming. It's worth it to become an IKEA family member right in the store (usually at a kiosk). Sometimes you get more of a discount on items with this membership. It's free to join and worth any potential savings. fyi - the cd shelving is great for fat quarters. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/pr...145/#/40277143

[CheyMom14]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

I love day trips to IKEA! Just make sure you have most everything planned out/measured before you go as it can be a bit overwhelming. It's worth it to become an IKEA family member right in the store (usually at a kiosk). Sometimes you get more of a discount on items with this membership. It's free to join and worth any potential savings. fyi - the cd shelving is great for fat quarters. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/pr...145/#/40277143

Thanks for the extra information. I'll check into their membership. I'm a little boggled already from their website and what's available. I'm aiming to try to be prepared. And we'll take the truck. Thinking of going with a combination of open and closed (glass doors) shelving and I like the taller and deeper ones. I saw on another post someone mentioned a workbench from Harbor Freight for an ironing station. Its 20" x 60" and has drawers and a shelf underneath. I'll have to make a custom board cover, but that's no big deal, I've made a few. Getting really excited to get this room put together! P.S. Love the idea of the CD shelving for fat quarters!

[easyquilts]

Re: Converting spare room into extra sewing space - need advice

I would definitely not have open shelving for fabric (or anything really -- I hate to dust); at least with closed shelving you won't have to dust so often and the fabric would be better protected. I guess if you had a REALLY GOOD air purifier in the room, it may be okay. I use a dining hutch for my fabrics and quilting supplies.

Miss Marker's Quilts just built a quilt studio this past year and she has updates and final reveal/walk through on Youtube. Maybe you can get ideas from there. Also Pinterest.

Margaret's new studio is amazing! She out a lot if thought into it, and it shows.. Love her vudeos... She's in Alaska now... SIL is seriously ill...