Sewing Room Swoon

As stitchers we understand the importance of crafts; from lifting our spirits to calming our nerves, sewing has the power to enhance our lives in many ways. But have you ever considered the impact your craft space has on your wellbeing, too? Does it fill you with joy or a little bit of dread? Is it a reflection of your creativity or an underwhelming space? Does it support your sewing endeavours or is it impossible to navigate? Well, with a sprinkle of inspiration from these four amazing sewing spaces, your answers to these questions are sure to be positive.

After launching the Crafty Pinup Shop (@craftypinupshop) around six years ago, Abi Dyson (@whatabimakes) required a dedicated area for her sewing, and as you can see she has certainly realised that dream. “I’ve created a space that inspires me and serves me practically, whether I’m working or making something for myself”. But designing this crafting corner didn’t come without its obstacles – “I love my bright and colourful space, but renting means I can’t fix anything to the walls”. Luckily Abi has found a solution in the form of her DIY peg board where she hangs important tools and gorgeous accessories such as the cross stitch hoop and display banner that she designed for her store.

When asked to describe her creative space in three words, Tiffany Dean (@oldragdollcupboard) chose “cheerful, happy and inviting” and it doesn’t take long to work out why! Just one look at her crafting corner and you can see Tiffany’s personality expressed through her eclectic selection of furniture and wall hangings. Spending around eight hours a day, five days a week in her studio, Tiffany needed an area that would always put her in a good mood, she encourages crafters to “Only choose pieces that truly spark joy in your heart. Make it a space that you feel happy just walking into, and your creativity will flow!”. Tiffany also revealed that almost every piece in her studio has been created by an artist that she knows personally and claims “it’s like being surrounded by friends all day”. Perhaps there are members of your own creative circle who would be happy to make you something bespoke? But, don’t be fooled by the busy decor, there is order in this colourful medley of material belongings. Just take the vintage pink dresser which has a special purpose for each drawer. Tiffany has also used wire racks to create additional storage and recommends organizing your fabric by colour and holiday. Putting your haberdashery in glass jars is also a clever way to inject personality into your space whilst cleverly keeping fiddly finishings secure. oldragdollcupboard.com

Cerri Durrant adores sunshine, nature and colour, so it is no surprise that her creative space is light, bright and even brings the outside in. Keeping your walls, carpet and furniture in neutral shades is a clever idea if you are renting a space, concerned about clashing colours, or eager to enjoy a calm environment. Cerri personally recommends adding pops of colour in the form of “plants, a beautiful rug or a vibrant piece of art”. You could even take the practical route by “covering an ironing board in a fun fabric”. When asked about her spotless space Cerri revealed “I like to keep everything as organized as I can – making clean up easier and my sewing time more efficient”. And her secret for achieving this? “I put a lot of thought into everything I buy for my sewing room. If an item can do more than one job then I am sold!”. Whether you follow Cerri’s lead and allow your cutting table to double up as a desk or opt for seating that has hidden storage, dual purpose items are the best way to make the most of your space.

Dealing with the stress of an illness in the family, Sarah Wright was searching for a creative project to focus on. After falling in love with a statement rug, Sarah settled on the idea of overhauling her craft room. Describing herself as “the only human female in the house”, she wanted a feminine escape that was filled with pinks and greens. Sarah is also the queen of using vertical spaces to maximise the potential of a room. “Don’t be afraid to start small. My space has grown incrementally over the years, but I always make it work – using vertical wall space as much as possible. I also keep critical items at close reach and everything else tucked away in closets or bins to reduce clutter.” If you are lucky enough to have high ceilings, consider stacking your storage in a similar manner to Sarah. Or, if that isn’t an option, try nesting tubs under tables or purchasing roll under trays. mommadesewingshop.etsy.com