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I'm just exhausted from playing musical chairs rooms. I knew it would be an enormous amount of work, but it has turned out to be about 10 times what I anticipated. (maybe if I didn't drag every little thing out back into the oppressive heat to spray paint, it wouldn't be as bad)
But now that the sewing studio is taking shape I'm feeling pretty damn great :->
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Yes, yes, yes ....I am in the midst of a major nesting extravaganza.
Everything that I bring down from the old sewing studio to the new studio seems to require at least a coat of fresh paint. I am in nesting mode to the 20th exponential. at least. :->
I have had this project on my back burner for quite some time. ( I have been saving a lot of ideas for the big move)
I first saw this project in a BHG publication and fell in love. Then I read the directions :-< Then I read the supply list :-<
The directions were a tad bit complicated and the supply list was a lot overpriced for me.
But I still really, really wanted to make this project so I pondered it and came up with an easier and cheaper alternate.
Here is my "sewing studio" version.
The supply list is here, everything is pictured above. Remember everything is thrifted or re-purposed. I only purchased the threaded rod and the hex nuts and washers.
1) wooden lazy susan
2) large metal tray
3) two vintage tin bottoms (save the tops for another project)
4) threaded metal rod (24")
5) hex nuts and washers to fit metal rod
6) mod podge
7) sewing thread spools
8) topper or finial
OK, my directions are going to be specific to making a three tired organizer just like mine. Modify as you see fit.
The end result will be something similar to this:
I found the center for the tray, lazy susan, and the tins and then pre-drilled a hole in each.
Next I inserted the threaded rod in the lazy susan and then added some glue before sliding the tray over the threaded rod. Next I secured the rod with a washer and hex nut.
Now, to cover the threaded rod and add stability I used vintage spools of thread. Before sliding them over the rod I painted them with Mod Podge to give them a finished look and secure the thread on the spools.
After adding the spools of thread then I added another washer and hex nut then I added the next tin.
I continued with a washer and hex nut then more spools. Next came another washer, hex nut and then the third and smallest tin. Another set of washer and hex nut then more spools.
I topped it off with a larger spool and then a vintage tomato pin cushion.
SNAP!!
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Here is a quick and so easy project for any room. I needed a bigger clock that I can see from across the room in my new sewing studio and this project has been on my back burner for awhile, so today's the day.
I found this adorable old Boontown Ware melamine plate a while ago at a thrift store and was saving it for just this transformation.
All you have to do is find the center of the plate and drill a hole. Then follow the directions on the clock mechanism package. (I spray painted the hands too)
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Check out this corner of the new sewing studio.
It's coming along nicely :->
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After putting together the cutting/work table of my dreams it became obvious that a bar stool/chair would be a handy accessory to go with.
A quick stop at the DAV Thrift on that very day turned up this gem.
Unfortunately the Waffle House color palette does not work in the new sewing abode so another session with the spray paint was required. Yet another project outside, in the inferno that is the current climate here in Virginia.
I love it because it's the perfect fit and it swivels 360 degrees like "buttah".
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I'm in love with my new cutting table :->
My old cutting table, while very functional, wasn't as fabulous looking. I was using a folding table, sitting on paint cans for height. Remember this?
Instead of building a wall of cubbies, I used the cubbies to build the island cutting table.
To build this I used 4 sets of cubbies and connected them for stability using L-brackets and mending brackets. The top is just a cutting board.
SWEET!!
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I'm working really hard to get my new sewing studio put together. I took a quick break yesterday to make a little something special for the room.
I've got two light switches in this room, so I did a little something special for the switch covers.
I scanned a couple of vintage patterns and printed them out in a reduced size. Pulled out the Mod Podge and there you go.
Perfect for the sewing room :->
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The painting is completed. I've laid carpet squares onto the subfloor in place of the old carpet. (my house is 1970's era, alas, no hardwood floors in the bedrooms)
I brought down my sewing table to figure out the best spot for it. The entire room organization will revolve around the sewing table. It is the heart of this studio. I've placed it here so I am facing the door and the view out the window.
That ugly ceiling fan is still there, I needed it for circulation while I was painting but now I can have it removed. That's next, along with a LOT of trips up and down the stairs to bring down all the stuff.
Here we go, now the fun part :->
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My town of Hampton, VA is on the coast and just across the Chesapeake Bay is Norfolk, home of the Atlantic Fleet.
Yesterday as I drove across the bridge/tunnel from Hampton to Norfolk to go to work, at that exact moment, the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier passed over too. And it looked like this:
photo: www.dailypress.com
The USS Enterprise carrier group was returning to Norfolk from a six month (and 60,000 mile) deployment. Seeing these big ships come and go right in front of you is always a fun and exciting sight. But seeing these service men and women come home to their families like this always gives me goosebumps. Thanks to all of you for your service.
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Now that the teenager has been relocated you can finally see some potential here.
Tomorrow the carpet hits the curb and the painting begins.
I can't wait to get rid of that hideous ceiling fan :->
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