ready to cut
In my sewing room I have a giant square table. It is actually 2 rectangle IKEA tables that are right next to each other. I LOVE having a big square table. I see a lot of sewing rooms that only utilize a rectangle table, perhaps for space reasons. Thank goodness I have the space for more, although if someone is standing on each side it does get cramped pretty quickly. I am usually in the room by myself and do not realize how often I run around the table while sewing until there are other people up there as well and I am excusing myself every few mins to squeeze behind them.
The great thing about the big table is that I have plenty of room to spread out my fabric for cutting, even if I have it rolled into a bolt. I have to unroll a yard or two and place it towards the back and then smooth out the fabric area that I am cutting. For smaller cuts of fabric I always like to unfold it completely to best decide where to cut next. I have a ton of cardboard and interfacing pattern pieces that I have made over time that I use to cut with and I always like to waste as little fabric as possible when cutting. I even consider future options for the fabric; am I more likely to cut long strips out of this later or should I leave this big fat area instead?
It also works great when I am choosing fabric and have room to lay out multiple options. A lot of standing back and considering happens in this room. Usually the first thing I do when I get into my sewing room is to clear off anything I left laying on the table the day before. I always like to start with a completely (mostly) clutter free table.
A new fixture on my table is the laptop pictured above! Generously given to me by my friend Dakota. I never would have been able to fit this thing into my budget so I am lucky and so grateful that he was able to treat himself to a new one and part with this fine machine. I am typing from it right now in fact! There is a bit of a learning curve getting used to a mac, but so far we work well together. I use an old suitcase as a nice stand for it. It may look like it is ready to slide off, but I assure you it is quite secure. I already have my tables heightened by way of 8 old paint cans, but the extra extra height is nice. I like to lean over and rest my elbows on the suitcase while I am using it.
My next task is to figure out how to lift up my sewing machine table to be the same height as my cutting table. This helps a lot when sewing bigger items. Unfortunately paint cans will be too bulky and not be the exact same height anyway. I have thought about it and keep my eyes peeled, but have not found anything that is high enough or would not harm the cabinet yet. I am thinking I will have to go with blocks of wood that are cut to a specific height.
