sewing space.

so i hear that you should have a few things in check before you start sewing. several books mention similar ideas on this. if you have a space that can be a designated sewing area, that would be the best. after all, the reason why i don't sew as often as i would like is because i keep my machine in a cabinet in my dining room... and my thread and fabrics in my guest room... and my favorite sewing books in a bookcase in our office... which is no good!

so i decided to set up my "sewing space" in my guest room. i have a big table there, and a big shelf for storing fabric and other stuff. i will keep my iron and board in there. (side story: i didn't own an iron until i started a sewing class a few years ago) i also plan on keeping my sewing books there. i absolutely LOVE them! i enjoy looking at the photos and thinking about who i will make things for. so far i don't have a special comfortable chair... i will just borrow one from my kitchen. and i also don't have a fancy lamp. maybe i can get these things soon... however, i don't think they will hinder me too much in the beginning.

next come the projects! i'm going to start with some simple napkins. i have lots of fabric that i've bought in hopes of making something, not knowing what. i think i will make a set of 8 napkins. amy karol's book has some easy instructions that i can share here when i am done. surely i won't mess up cutting and sewing straight lines!! i'm going to start with something super easy and build my confidence! ;-)

so, in conclusion... if you want to start sewing, you should try to have the following... (and if i am missing something please share)

* designated space where you can keep your machine all the time
* comfortable seating
* good lighting
* iron and board
* fabric, thread, and notions
* books and patterns
*** i'd like to add that i think this place should also make you happy! i like surrounding myself with things that are beautiful, including photos and music. keeping some of your favorite things here will help you look forward to spending time here. at least for me, this helps make it a "happy place!"