I made the mistake of bringing my ironing board to my sewing area once while making a lot of pineapple blocks. I sewed straight through for about 2 hours and when I finally stood up it took me about ten steps to stand upright. I now leave the ironing station where it is so I forced to get up now and then.
Exactly! I am in my 70s and since most of my favorite activities, like sewing and knitting, reading and journaling, are sedentary, I deliberately left my iron downstairs, 6 steps below my sewing room, so I would have to get up, move, go down and up stairs after completing a series of seams. That's the efficiency part of keeping your primary tool, your body, functioning. I have other little methods to keep me moving around "unnecessarily" like setting my phone alarm or a timer to go off frequently. It's a bit annoying, but oh so important over the long haul.
I like having my most used tools like rulers, scissors and rotary cutter hanging on the wall above my cutting station. I used command hooks so they can me moved if I need to rearrange. I also have a small ironing pad and travel iron right next to my sewing machine for when I need to press my seams, but I also have a larger ironing station with a regular iron on the other side of the room for when I’m ironing yardage or clothes or something large. I also have a reminder set on my smart watch to tell me to get up and stretch my legs every so often!
Love the reminder thing. I need to get better at that when I'm at my computer. I will work for hours straight and not even go to the bathroom...I'm cruel to myself at times.
I do just the opposite with my layout. I purposely have areas located to make me get up and move. We were made to move. I feel better. If I feel better I can sew longer. 😊❤
Some of your hints and tips are great...for a normal sewer. Those with disabilities will need to work in their space to figure out what is best for them. Example: You talk about having your ironing space the same height as your sewing space so you can just roll your chair from one space to another. I have rheumatoid arthritis. I need to get up and move. So, my ironing board is across the room from my sewing table so I have to get off the chair and walk to the ironing board. I'm just saying this for anyone with a disability that's watching your video. It may not be as efficient, but changing things up like this could be healthier for some people.
I have my triangle set up, meaning my cutting table, ironing big board and my sewing machine makes a triangle. I need to get up and move around. To sit all the time would drive me nuts. I can't imagine paying a ton of money for an adjustable table.
I am disabled and have joint issues and get super dizzy when standing and I actually find that having a space where everything is close by and I don’t have to stand makes my sewing way easier on me I think it depends of the type of pain you experience for sure!
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas and for providing links to the items mentioned. I really enjoyed this video, it is very helpful. I look forward to seeing more.
I deliberately left my larger ironing area in the other room to force myself to get up & walk btwn Kitchen & Main Room (studio apt) from time to time. Currently that's too messy, so I'm pressing on the opposite side of the Kitchen, away from the Sewing Machine / Cutting Area, still forcing me across the room (small room, but still). Movement is Key. A Physical Therapist recently taught me the phrase "Motion is Lotion". (I've some recently diagnosed Arthritis at the Base of my Thumbs.)
It is so interesting you mention this as when I filled this several years ago I was nearly 90lb heavier. I made it a point to lose weight and get in shape and now I might re-do this video with some of your thoughts in mind. Thank you for commenting.
Excellent video with great advice. I am just starting to rearrange my sewing room. It was a mess. I do have the Flexispot sewing table that is just perfect for me.
I only have a very small bedroom plus the fact that it has a large desk and file cabinets in there that have to stay in there I also have to store all my fabrics and everything in that room so that things that you're showing won't work for me because I don't have the room for them . I would love it if you would tell how you organize your sewing things when you only had a very small area to work in
@dianecrews6130, I had to laugh a bit when she said her "small" sewing room is "only" 10' x 12'. That's about the size of our entire bedroom -- ONE corner of which is becoming my sewing/craft area. We live in a somewhat small condo and the second bedroom is already my husband's videography studio, so I make do with whatever free corner space is left. Must be really nice for those people who have an actual, dedicated sewing room.
@kj3d812 I do understand the feeling. Most of friends have a huge room. My room is the dining room right off the living room and kitchen. So I’ve got to be efficient and organized with the space bc there is no door I can close 😂 if I leave a mess…everyone sees it 😆
@@SookieSews If *I* leave a mess, we can't go to bed at night. 😂😂😂 (Actually, I'm a neat-freak when it comes to my workspaces, so I clean as I go and then put everything away -- including emptying the trash can of all the cut threads, fabric scraps, etc. at the end of each session. I love starting a new sewing session with everything pristine. 😊)
My solution for scissors was a divided bag, which wasn't designed for that. It has zipper pockets , a handle and a centre tab that folds over. The cutting out scissors are the only ones that don't fit exactly inside, for these I made a fabric sheeth. This thing is great, if I need to take notions anywhere, everything fits in and is secure. Best bit is I made it myself! I also made a briefcase which I adore, it goes over the handle of the trolley case for the machine. This has an ironing pad flap that folds down. Love that table , but like many other people, no real estate . The men would say too much fabric. The reality is no such thing !
Thank you for sharing this video. My husband has been helping me look for a chair for a while now. He's concerned about my posture and sitting position. I think we will get this based off of your recommendation 😊.....thanks so much Sookie
Love your tips and how you’ve organized your sewing space. Just an FYI, as of 7/31/2024, the standing sewing desk from FlexiSpot is no longer available. 😞
@@SookieSews thanks for letting me know. i've got an older brother embroidery & sewing machine. i think it's too heavy for the platform of the sewing table. too bad 'cause i'd get it otherwise. maybe they'll make another sewing table for heavier machines.
You might consider the larger table with heavier weight capacity like my other one. Watch this and see all the specs. ruclips.net/video/g7A0YlJa1fQ/видео.html
ALL my quilting fabrics, supplies, books & patterns are being boxed up & given away. It's that or throw a lit match in the room. Garment construction only now.
Is the chair good for ass pain? Sorry to be thorough but sitting is hell for me bc of it and the comments on amazon say it’s amazing for back pain but not so much for ass support and I’m trying to find the perfect chair too
My sturdy Kitchen Table was salvaged from Curbside 30+ yrs. ago. It's my Cutting & Sewing area. My sewing chairs are Great Secretarial chairs on casters from a Law Firm at the World Trade Center (they'd redone the place & sold the old furniture to staff).
I made the mistake of bringing my ironing board to my sewing area once while making a lot of pineapple blocks. I sewed straight through for about 2 hours and when I finally stood up it took me about ten steps to stand upright. I now leave the ironing station where it is so I forced to get up now and then.
Oh no well that’s not good
Exactly! I am in my 70s and since most of my favorite activities, like sewing and knitting, reading and journaling, are sedentary, I deliberately left my iron downstairs, 6 steps below my sewing room, so I would have to get up, move, go down and up stairs after completing a series of seams. That's the efficiency part of keeping your primary tool, your body, functioning. I have other little methods to keep me moving around "unnecessarily" like setting my phone alarm or a timer to go off frequently. It's a bit annoying, but oh so important over the long haul.
Very smart :)
I set a timer to ensure I get up at least every 30 minutes.
I like having my most used tools like rulers, scissors and rotary cutter hanging on the wall above my cutting station. I used command hooks so they can me moved if I need to rearrange. I also have a small ironing pad and travel iron right next to my sewing machine for when I need to press my seams, but I also have a larger ironing station with a regular iron on the other side of the room for when I’m ironing yardage or clothes or something large. I also have a reminder set on my smart watch to tell me to get up and stretch my legs every so often!
Love the reminder thing. I need to get better at that when I'm at my computer. I will work for hours straight and not even go to the bathroom...I'm cruel to myself at times.
I do just the opposite with my layout. I purposely have areas located to make me get up and move. We were made to move. I feel better. If I feel better I can sew longer. 😊❤
Glad it works for you :)
Some of your hints and tips are great...for a normal sewer. Those with disabilities will need to work in their space to figure out what is best for them. Example: You talk about having your ironing space the same height as your sewing space so you can just roll your chair from one space to another. I have rheumatoid arthritis. I need to get up and move. So, my ironing board is across the room from my sewing table so I have to get off the chair and walk to the ironing board. I'm just saying this for anyone with a disability that's watching your video. It may not be as efficient, but changing things up like this could be healthier for some people.
I have my triangle set up, meaning my cutting table, ironing big board and my sewing machine makes a triangle. I need to get up and move around. To sit all the time would drive me nuts. I can't imagine paying a ton of money for an adjustable table.
Oh they are not a ton of money. You can get one from $200 up
I am disabled and have joint issues and get super dizzy when standing and I actually find that having a space where everything is close by and I don’t have to stand makes my sewing way easier on me I think it depends of the type of pain you experience for sure!
@@SookieSews That is a ton of money for most people though :/ even if they’re cheaper than most adjustable tables I’ve seen for sure
@@LS-vq2or So don't buy it...
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas and for providing links to the items mentioned. I really enjoyed this video, it is very helpful. I look forward to seeing more.
I deliberately left my larger ironing area in the other room to force myself to get up & walk btwn Kitchen & Main Room (studio apt) from time to time. Currently that's too messy, so I'm pressing on the opposite side of the Kitchen, away from the Sewing Machine / Cutting Area, still forcing me across the room (small room, but still). Movement is Key. A Physical Therapist recently taught me the phrase "Motion is Lotion". (I've some recently diagnosed Arthritis at the Base of my Thumbs.)
It is so interesting you mention this as when I filled this several years ago I was nearly 90lb heavier. I made it a point to lose weight and get in shape and now I might re-do this video with some of your thoughts in mind. Thank you for commenting.
@@SookieSews You're welcome. Keep up the good work. I need to lose some weight myself; am trusting all my back & forth might help.
Great tips! I love my rolling carts. They really are so useful.
Me too
Great tips! Another fun video and chat! Thank you for posting this!
Excellent video with great advice. I am just starting to rearrange my sewing room. It was a mess. I do have the Flexispot sewing table that is just perfect for me.
I’m so glad you got it!!
You convinced me that your chair will be a game changer! I ordered it as a lightning deal! Thanks!
You will love it
I only have a very small bedroom plus the fact that it has a large desk and file cabinets in there that have to stay in there I also have to store all my fabrics and everything in that room so that things that you're showing won't work for me because I don't have the room for them . I would love it if you would tell how you organize your sewing things when you only had a very small area to work in
@dianecrews6130, I had to laugh a bit when she said her "small" sewing room is "only" 10' x 12'. That's about the size of our entire bedroom -- ONE corner of which is becoming my sewing/craft area. We live in a somewhat small condo and the second bedroom is already my husband's videography studio, so I make do with whatever free corner space is left. Must be really nice for those people who have an actual, dedicated sewing room.
@kj3d812 I do understand the feeling. Most of friends have a huge room. My room is the dining room right off the living room and kitchen. So I’ve got to be efficient and organized with the space bc there is no door I can close 😂 if I leave a mess…everyone sees it 😆
@@SookieSews If *I* leave a mess, we can't go to bed at night. 😂😂😂 (Actually, I'm a neat-freak when it comes to my workspaces, so I clean as I go and then put everything away -- including emptying the trash can of all the cut threads, fabric scraps, etc. at the end of each session. I love starting a new sewing session with everything pristine. 😊)
Great advice. I love the Flexi-Spot Table. I am going to look into buying one to replace the old table I have.
Celeste
They are amazing. If you have any questions let me know and I’ll try to help.
I love your dress, it’s beautiful!
Thank you! Amazon ;) amzn.to/3LSgs07
My solution for scissors was a divided bag, which wasn't designed for that. It has zipper pockets , a handle and a centre tab that folds over. The cutting out scissors are the only ones that don't fit exactly inside, for these I made a fabric sheeth. This thing is great, if I need to take notions anywhere, everything fits in and is secure. Best bit is I made it myself! I also made a briefcase which I adore, it goes over the handle of the trolley case for the machine. This has an ironing pad flap that folds down. Love that table , but like many other people, no real estate . The men would say too much fabric. The reality is no such thing !
No such thing!! Lol
Yes! Ironing and pressing get some love!
Thank you for sharing this video. My husband has been helping me look for a chair for a while now. He's concerned about my posture and sitting position. I think we will get this based off of your recommendation 😊.....thanks so much Sookie
Yes I do like this chair. It’s on Amazon too so make sure you can return just in case you don’t like
@@SookieSews Yes, I will be able to return it....he just saw it and likes it too....finally a chair 😊
Congrats!! I sure hope you love yours as I do mine.
Love your tips and how you’ve organized your sewing space. Just an FYI, as of 7/31/2024, the standing sewing desk from FlexiSpot is no longer available. 😞
Oh thank you! I know it’s a shame. I have a new video to launch soon with an updated sewing room tour
Great tips! I have been through so many chairs too 😅. I’m still searching for that perfect chair!
Please consider this one. It’s been the best purchase
Great Video Sue! I love to have everything organized - just ask my hubby you says my favorite pastime (besides sewing of course 😀) is organizing stuff
Lol. We really are like sisters :)
@@SookieSews 😂🥰
Thank You!!!
do you use the flexitables for embroidery machine if so do they shake?
Yes the big one I use and no they do not shake.
Great video, I just bought the chair.
I love my chair! You will too!!
Thanks for this video..where can we buy this comfortable sewing chair? Is it available on-line..I'm from South Africa..greetings
There is a link in the description below from Amazon. Not sure if you can buy from them.
Does this table allow you to add the plexiglass inserts we use for various types of machines?
No it does not so if that’s important to you it’s not a good fit. I’ve never felt the need for one of them. But good question
Great tips
Does Flexi still sale the table behind you, with the dropped area for your machine?
Not to my knowledge but you can ask them. I know a couple years ago they had issues keeping parts in stock.
@@SookieSews But you did buy it from them?
@deenav19 yes in 2021 or 2022
i just missed the sale. do they have any others during the year?
They do! Use my link cause it will always give you a deal of some sort. They update them. I think the next time is August
@@SookieSews thanks for letting me know. i've got an older brother embroidery & sewing machine. i think it's too heavy for the platform of the sewing table. too bad 'cause i'd get it otherwise. maybe they'll make another sewing table for heavier machines.
You might consider the larger table with heavier weight capacity like my other one. Watch this and see all the specs. ruclips.net/video/g7A0YlJa1fQ/видео.html
Where did you buy chair and what is it called?
There is gonna be a link in the description to send you directly there but it was off Amazon. Still have it a couple years later too
Where did you purchase your chair?
How to store patterns
Currently they are in a big tub in my closet
ALL my quilting fabrics, supplies, books & patterns are being boxed up & given away. It's that or throw a lit match in the room. Garment construction only now.
Nothing wrong with boxing and giving away. You should feel liberated and ready to get focused on small projects.
Is the chair good for ass pain? Sorry to be thorough but sitting is hell for me bc of it and the comments on amazon say it’s amazing for back pain but not so much for ass support and I’m trying to find the perfect chair too
I agree that it’s great for back. If I sit for more than 2-3 hours I need to get up and move around to get the circulation going.
So you really like your chair still? I am looking for one too.
I’m telling you, it’s great!!
WHERE IS THE SEWING TABLE FROM
Flexispot. Link in description. I love mine!!
I prefer to see around your sewing room more as you speak .
You’re welcome to watch the studio tour here ruclips.net/video/83HPhdRqzwQ/видео.html
What is this a commercial for? Tables chairs or are🎉we supposed to be looking at her sewing room. I’m confused
The video is about how to run an efficient sewing room. Of course efficiency means different things to different people. What are you confused about?
They don't sell these sewing tables anymore
They come and in and out of stock, sorry.
Good ideas, but we don't all have the budget that you do.
It’s all about saving for what you want. I drive a 15 year old car and live very modestly. Everyone chooses to spend their money differently.
My sturdy Kitchen Table was salvaged from Curbside 30+ yrs. ago. It's my Cutting & Sewing area. My sewing chairs are Great Secretarial chairs on casters from a Law Firm at the World Trade Center (they'd redone the place & sold the old furniture to staff).