GeorgiaPeachez

How To: Cutting/Storage Island Table

Hardly a day goes by that I don't get an inquiry about the cutting/storage table that I put together in my new sewing room.

It's quite marvelous and I love it.

In my old studio these cubbie shelves were against the wall.

But I didn't want a wall of fabric this time and I didn't want to use my old cutting table either.

This was a great table and I had room for storage underneath.  However, in my new sewing studio I decided to combine the cubbies and cutting table in to one.

 

  I used four sets of these ClosetMaid Cubeicals 9 Cube Organizers that I purchased at Target in white.

These measure 36" x 36" and each cube is approximately 12" x 12".

As you can see in the picture at top, I arranged them in to a rectangular shape by putting one on each end and then two in between those.  Now I have a mass of cubbies that measures 60" x 36" x 36".

Since my table sits on a carpeted floor I needed to attach them to each other so that they would stay nice and tightly together.  I did that by using mending brackets on the outside and L-brackets on the inside corners.

For the top cutting surface I intended to get a thin piece of wood to attach to the cubbies and lay a cardboard cutting board on top of that. 

In the end I simply put the cutting board on top (I had to cut off one panel) and attached it with some double sided mounting tape.  It has worked out great and has been plenty sturdy enough to cut on.  

More Sewing Studio Redo

Another corner of the new sewing studio.

This corner of the room is just to the right of my sewing table.  I'm so proud of myself because that cubbie shelf used to be filled with fabric in my upstairs sewing room.  I purged enough fabric to keep it available for other STUFF. 

Wait... did I just claim to be pleased with myself over my hoarding organization??

Lots of favorites on these shelves.

Love my Dream Pet collection.  Gotta  have a Totoro too.

These are some of my most special pin cushions.  Most were made by my BFF Beth.

Only one corner left to brag about, but that one is a doozy.  A 32" doozy.  

Studio Lighting and A Gem of a Store in Hampton

My new sewing studio is now 95% complete and when I finally find the perfect chaise I will be totally there. Today we installed the ceiling lighting and I have to say it is freakin' fabulous :->

Remember the ugly (that's putting it kindly) ceiling fan from the before pictures? WARNING: (the following picture could produce projectile vomiting).

I replaced it with a ceiling fixture created using the most glorious vintage glass shade.

I found this shade years ago in Virginia Beach at a church sale, everything you could stuff into a bag for $1. I've been saving it ever since for just the perfect use, and I would say it fits perfectly here :->

I put this together with a 99 cent fixture from the thrift store. The marriage of the old with the new required a bit of custom retro-fitting and for that I went over to a store in the Phoebus section of Hampton, not far from my house. I had heard about this place and driven by many times but had never ventured inside.

One step inside this building and I knew that I was not in Kansas anymore....

Cody's is a lighting store like no other place on this planet. Two stories of vintage lighting fabulousness.

Hundreds and hundreds of lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers, wall sconces, shades, you name it. All vintage. No repro here, just the real deal.

Are you drooling yet?

I am just showing you the tip of the vintage lighting iceberg!

What they have even more of than lamps is replacement parts. Globes, shades, hardware, everything.

If you are looking to restore or replace some vintage lighting, Cody's would probably have what you are looking for, in multiples.

Are you running out the door to make a pilgrimage to Cody's yet? Here is the info. No website, totally old school, just email. They are the epitome of your friendly Mom & Pop shop. Be sure to tell them GeorgiaPeachez sent you :->

Now lastly, check out the cutie lampshade that I found there to perfectly compliment the cut glass lamp that I found on the curb (I know!). It's in the new sewing studio too.

Before & After Ottoman Project

I really, really, really want a chaise for my new sewing room.  BUT until the perfect piece falls out of the sky and lands on Craig's List or at my favorite thrift store I will make due with the chair that I moved down from my old sewing studio.

I found this ottoman at the thrift store yesterday for $10 so this will do nicely in the interim.

With a little deconstruction and then the addition of some of my favorite vintage upholstery fabrics it looks pretty fabulous. 

 

It's Coming Along

Check out this corner of the new sewing studio.

It's coming along nicely :->

Serendipitous Thrifting

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". 

Blank Slate

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 :->