Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Placing Myself

I had this idea brewing that I could maybe create a space of my own. Since adopting the practice (or attempted practice) of sewing, I have had an accumulation of stuff. My knitting has always been contained to boxes on my wall, artfully displaying my stash and reminding me what i need to use before going trolling for more. It was starting to become overrun by fabric, bits and pieces, fat quarters and felt...alll jumbling up what once used to be unadulterated wool and fiber. I started to feel antsy, our room no longer sancutuary, but messy hovel.

Plus the sewing machine sat on our table, in the way, tangling up with the oddments of life and fruit and whatnot. The occasional stain on fabric and the boys constantly pulling the plug on me in the midst of a seam attempt prompted me to dream...could I carve out a space for me? For my craft?

I should remind you I live in a multi-generational communal home with lots of people around. My parents, the twins, the last of my teenage brothers getting ready to take off to college (that is the plan, anyway). So, there is not a lot of me space for anyone. It felt a little selfish but I went and claimed a corner for myself....and I have never felt better.
ahhhh....
It was a fairly simple endeavor...shelves from Ikea, a few containers purchased at Ikea and JoAnns...the desk an abomination of particle board (found at BigLots for 30 bucks, my husband literally shuddered as he put it together but I refuse to spend more as the plan is for a row of built in desk spaces and he can build them all for less than the cost of a finished desk....he just has to find the time). And in a day or two, I find I have this space.
a place of my own

It has helped me clear a very fuzzy head, a head full of too many ideas with no where to put them. A head that has felt tired and beat down by the difficulties that come with all the joys of parenting twin boys. Now I can glance over there, or quickly find a book or fabric swatch to look at. I can toss stuff up there out of reach of graspy little fingers, and I can find things without searching for precious minutes.
details, details

Doesn't mean my projects will get better. That just takes practice. But at least I have a place to put the practice in. So many projects I want to do....look at this swatch.
cicada studios, etsy
Cicada Studios, etsy seller. Found her shop via Soulemama and had to have this linen. Not sure for what quite yet...any ideas out there?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh wow, great space!! You could sew some PJ pants for the boys :)

Liz Jimenez said...

Ooh, excellent! I was just contemplating something similar, though I don't think I'll quite swing the shelves. I'm probably just going to try to set up a little sewing table/desk in the corner of my rarely-used dining room, but it needs to be able to move out of the way the few times we actually have a dinner party. Sigh.

spajonas said...

wow, i would love to have a space of my own! you're so lucky. it's a lovely spot. i'm sure you'll get some creative vibes there.

Unknown said...

looks lovely. i just carved out a place for myself, too. ikea cabinets over ikea table in the laundry room/pantry. my yarn and fabric have been tucked away in the garage for 2 years! doesn't it feel good?

LauraC said...

That space looks so inviting and gorgeous. This is really inspiring me to create my own space in my home. Seems like every space is "our" space.

Threeundertwo said...

It's so lovely to have a space for yourself. Once I created a sewing space my productivity shot up.

I love linen. Not sure how big your piece is - if it were me, I might make a dishtowel so I could handle it and use it often. Sweet print.

Claroux said...

I haven't been online for a while and when I checked out your blog today I was thrilled to discover that you and I have been doing the same "carving out space" project at the same time! You seriously inspire me...your ability to be a twin mommy AND not only work on but FINISH so many amazing projects. I decided that storing my sewing machine in the attic and lugging it down when it was time to do a project was not working! I have been slowly re-vamping our spare room to carve out a space of my own. I turned an old TV armoire that we no longer use into a desk of sorts where I can work on putting my 10,000 photos of the twins into albums and I am in the process of cleaning up an old table that I found in the trash (gotta love bulk trash day) so my sewing machine can have a permanent home. The yarn....well that's a lost cause. I have a yarn buying addiction. But I'm well on the way to having my own little space. GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE!

Anonymous said...

Oh fantastic. I got a new sewing machine, but already hardly get it out because it's only ever a short time before the table is needed for the next meal. How lovely to have a little space for creativity just for you.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful to have your own little crafting space - especially in a house with so many people!! Seeing your spot makes me want to get my yarn cubbies all reorganized and take pictures of them. Thanks for the inspiration!