Burda Style For people who sew

hi all,

I started sewing about 2 years ago. My biggest issue is that I start a project and usually another activity comes up that interrupts it, life, work, etc. Since I have very curious cats who like to play with everything, I end up putting all the sewing stuff away for their safety until I can get back to the project. When I pick up the project again, I feel like I am starting from scratch. I think having a room dedicated to sewing would help but, it is not possible for me at this time. Any ideas are much appreciated.

Thanks

Ana

Oct 19, 2011, 04.31 PM by annabell0768

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  Oct 20, 2011, 08.39 AMby sewingfan1

  Shame, I was going to suggest a dedicated sewing room as that’s what I ended up doing so I can just go and make things in stages (half an hour here an hour there) if time is short, or in case i lose interest part way through a project and don’t want to spend hours at a time on it but if that’s not possible, I think one thing I’d do is to mark clearly on the instruction sheet how far you’ve got before packing it away and I would maybe (if I was really good) write a quick bullet point note to go with it with an outline of all the bits I’d done and what still needed doing. I’d maybe put all the pieces together in the same bag or storage box too so I didn’t have to go hunting for the threads, notions, pattern pieces etc again and could just pick the box up and have the main things all there together ready.

  I’ll bet others will have some great tips too.
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  Oct 20, 2011, 02.05 PMby mickeygirl

  get some small clear plastic bins with lids. Put all your sewing parts and supplies for that project into the bin when you are done.

  If finding time is an issue some people do this – put a block of time on their calender just like an appointment and that time is just for sewing. Otherwise you could do sewing in just bits like 20-30 minutes while you are doing laundry etc. It is enough to sew and press a seam or two.
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  Oct 20, 2011, 03.48 PMby annabell0768

  Thanks so much all great ideas will get working on them :)
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  Oct 20, 2011, 04.56 PMby nellyvdb

  I put my current project in a “project bag”, with everything needed to complete it stuck in it (i.e. cut pieces of fabric, additional thread, notions, patterns/instructions and my tools). I have made space in the dining room, for a special little table where I put my portable sewing machine, the project bag, and a tiny stash of fabric and notions. It really takes no space at all. The bulky stuff I throw in a bag in the basement, and all my patterns are in a small suitcase, also in the basement. The only thing that sucks is not having a dedicated space for ironing, which makes me skip that step alltogether way too often. I too hate the feeling of starting from scratch, and I am very busy as well, but the “project bag” helps a lot, together with keeping the machine threaded with the colour of my current project.
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  Oct 20, 2011, 04.58 PMby nellyvdb

  Forgot to mention I stick my machine in a weekender bag, on said table, just so it’s concealed from my 3-year-old’s view (very important).
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  Oct 26, 2011, 06.01 PMby AC1972

  Hi Ann, I’ve just put the finishing touches to my sewing shed! Its insulated, plaster boarded, (left over) carpetted and has a small heater with a thermostat to prevent my fabric getting cold! The shed is 8ft x 8ft, double doors, double windows, I love it! Whole lot cost me £750, lot cheaper than an extention on the house! Just a suggestion for you!
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  Nov 5, 2011, 12.52 PMby mickeygirl

  My sister used to keep her sewing machine and cabinet on her upstairs landing. She would sew in bits here and there. Only she did not cover her machine and her children would turn the knobs to be naughty. Her machine did not last very long.
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  Nov 7, 2011, 04.03 AMby sew4my3

  I still use the project bag method that nellyvdb suggested. I also have added a clear top loader page to my sewing room door, but you can add it to the refrigerator or other obvious place, and place my project to do list there. I pull it out and update it quickly before leaving the room so at a quick glance I know where I am on it and approximate time needed for the next step.

  I think finding time and staying focused is something most of us sewers deal with but you can find solace in the fact that you are not alone and someone else may have tips you can use. Just choose what works for you and then please share with us your experience.

  Happy sewing!
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  Nov 11, 2011, 07.07 PMby Lucha Suarez

  You may not have an extra room but maybe a closet? I have a sewing closet, which is not very big, a rather small walk in actually. It is longer than it is wide but just enough room for a very small table and some storage and a chair. When I sew, I leave the door open so I don’t feel like I am in a coffin and then when I am done, I just close the door, keeping my stuff protected from my children and dogs. This would work for any closet really.
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  Dec 10, 2011, 04.27 AMby mavieenrose

  Some people live in small apartments…with roommates, too! A dedicated sewing room (or even closet) can’t be the only solution.
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  Dec 10, 2011, 05.16 AMby sew4my3

  I have listed several links below with small sewing space ideas. Also the new Burdastyle Sewing Handbook has some great sewing storage ideas.

  1. Whipstitch sewing space

  2. How to Organize for Sewing in 9 Square Feet

  3. 5 GREAT CRAFT SPACES

  4. Pinterest sewing spaces (This one has enough ideas that you should be able to use some of them)