03 August, 2010

Making Do

We are 4 people and 2 dogs living in 1100 square feet. Out of our dining room we run the home and two businesses. In theory, there is a basement reno underway. It moves in fits and starts, but it still generally moves forward, sort of.

Last year I was using my fence as a design wall. But to be honest, that's rather annoying when you are trying to actually sew from it. So when Hubby gave me the day off weeks back I rigged up this temporary design wall.

This is the wall between our kitchen and dining room. Since I sew at the dining room table this set-up worked great.  Well, except for one large detail - I kept walking into the chandelier.

16 comments:

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

First you laugh!

Corinnea said...

Times like these make you more clever. Of course you're already pretty clever so this could just be overkill...

So whatcha got going on on that wall? Looks interesting.

Janet said...

Good use of space, I'd say. I don't know what you're working on, but I see books. Wouldn't a quilt like a bookcase be cute? I'll have to add it to my list. ha ha. thanks for the inspiration.

Bridget said...

I was reminded of Paula Nadelstern, who said that for years and years she worked at their small kitchen table in an apartment in NYC.

http://www.paulanadelstern.com/

So you are in good company.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I think all of us started out in tiny cramped corners of a room in our house. I didn't get a studio until my kids left home. I have seen people use flannel taped to closet doors too so you have to do whatever you can to carve out some space and time. Someday those little ones will be grown up............

Bobbi said...

I thought we had tight spaces with 2 adults and 1 dog in 840 sq feet. I've resorted to sewing and ironing in the kitchen/breakfast nook. At least its a place no one will bother me. :)

beth said...

I think you've got a great solution there. Maybe you can raise the chandelier a little. I also work in my dining room. My work space looks much like yours. ;)

elle said...

A great idea Cheryl. I got a chandelier given to me that is too big so I hung it in the veranda, just in front of the window and over the table in there. Too cool, I can see it but not between the eyes. Quilters are so creative. Quilt on!

allsewnup said...

Size doesn't matter ~ it's knowing what to do with what you have that counts ;)
Your quilt top looks lovely.

Carolyn

Susan J Barker said...

When my children were young, we rented a duplex that had his and hers closets in the main bedroom -- my second hand sewing machine cabinate fit in perfectly -- I put shelves above and used the bifold door as my design wall--best thing about it, I could pile up the undone projects and close the door, no one knew I made quilts! I made alot of quilts in that closet!

SewCalGal said...

Great quilt wall. I also like flannel backed table cloths (very easy to roll up your project to store).

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Carla said...

Very inventive. OUch!

Lilac Barries said...

thanks for the idea, I'm in the process of creating a little sewing nook myself and I love this idea. I've never had a design wall before and now I'm thinking about maybe creating one myself.

Amanda Jean said...

i love your temporary design wall. good for you for making the most of your space!

Esch House Quilts said...

Cheryl,
Does your chandelier have a chain that it hangs by? Earlier this year my Mom fell and needed care so she moved into our dining room for a few months. I used an "S" hook to shorten the chain in the chandelier so she wouldn't hit her head if she sat up in bed!

Candi said...

I use the patio door over the blinds. I don't have enough room for a design wall either, but I like yours real well. Works:)