Since I so enjoyed showing you my updated sewing spot, I thought I'd share my mother's sewing corner at her barn. Some of you may even recall a few years back when she had claimed the area plumbed for a future bathroom, as her sewing room. Here's
that post in case you missed it. This past summer
a toilet was installed, and she had to squeeze her collections of bits, bobs, and haberdashery
back into the studio. It worked out just fine, if not a little
cozy.
These vintage soda pop crates make a perfect hutch with a spare board on top. The table is an old Hoosier enamel counter on top of IKEA sawhorses and covered in oil cloth. I'm sure the minimalists out there are wincing, but there is truly a spot for everything. Baskets, tins, and jars keep it all sorted. I've been known to get lost lifting lids to peek in, fondling velvet trims, and sifting through buttons.
My daughter often comes with me for studio time. The record player is out and ready for those dates. Together we listen to a combination of children stories from the early 80's (on good ol' 33's) all the way back to the original 45's and 78's that my grandmother played in her nursery school during the 50's and 60's! These are the very same recordings that I listened to when I was her age. My daughter hasn't done any machine sewing, except for in my lap or "driving" the pedal. When she's ready... we'll be coming right here, since that Kenmore is the one I learned on with small hands! We'll put on a record, and it will be quite romantic. History and traditions. They make me whole.
I love this! I have the same sewing machine there; I inherited it from my friend's Mom. I love it! We found my old Fisher Price record player and have been playing all those old records from the 60s...stories and whatnot. My Mother in Law still had her stash, so we took the whole box home with us! Lots of old Sesame Street, Disney, and Curious George. It's so fun!!!
ReplyDeleteDo you have any suggestions on how a 2yo can sew? The very nice owner of our local fabric store gave her a fat quarter she liked and told her "so you can sew too!" and my daughter took her at her word and is demanding to sew. I'm all for providing children with real materials but even I hesitate at giving a 2yo a needle that will go through cotton fabric. ;) When we got home I gave her a length of ribbon and mimicked the in and out motion so she could pretend, but I'm wondering what else I can do. I'm not a confident enough sewer to have her in my lap or driving the pedal, either. I have to concentrate so much on what I'm doing I don't think I could keep track of her fingers. (When she's on lap while I'm on the computer, she's always pushing buttons, so I don't think she'd keep her fingers to herself while I'm sewing.) I wondered what you'd done with your own daughter? thanks, and if it's too much of a question no worries for not answering it, just thought I'd try!
ReplyDeleteduuuuuh I just loove these little polka dots on the table. so inspiring! :o)
ReplyDeleteMegan- I know just that record player. My little sister had it and my son inherited it... sadly it died before my daughter came along. My mother got this record player at a garage sale this summer so it's still quite novel.
ReplyDeleteAmy- All fantastic questions. I was thinking a post about all of that was in order. Lap sewing is definitely too risky for little fingers that don't know the danger of needle. Here's a post I did on beginning embroidery for preschool age and up: http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2009/12/first-embroidery-give-away-and.html
Easy lacing card, wooden sewing blocks, and strings of wooden beads are perfect for two year olds... and I'm jotting down your questions:)
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing such wonderful pictures - what a fabulous workspace!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Beautiful!! I loved ... Big Kiss
ReplyDeleteit's always fun to have a peek into someone's sewing room :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, maya! I was thinking some of that plastic webbing that you show in that post might work. Goodness knows we have enough yarn around here, and a tapestry needle isn't going to harm her. She really wants to sew THAT fat quarter, though. ;) She wants to make pants out of it!
ReplyDeleteSo many sewing stations are popping up this week. mine needs a little sprucing up. Am I the only one that likes their sewing machine in the middle of the room though so the fabric can fall straight? Maybe I'll try the wall way and see which I like better.
ReplyDeleteLinen and Tulle-
ReplyDeleteI just think it depends on what you're sewing. If I'm making something large, I might take my machine to the dining room table... my old workspace!
What a beautiful space. I love all the vintage things that are accompanied by childhood memories. Its the best, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHow lovely and sweet, your daughter now listening to the same records you did at her age.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your daughter many more of those great moments together in that little cosy corner you're showing us here.
Bye,
Marian
That is the very same sewing machine that I learned to sew on (my mothers) and still use today!
ReplyDeletewhat a fabulous place to create! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteMy daughter (24) and I recently bought her an old Kenmore much like your mom's. It's a dandy! Love the idea of listening to those old records while sewing. Fun!
ReplyDeleteJody
I love this space. I think I could get lost for ours in your mother's collections. Such a special place to spend time with your daughter.
ReplyDeletelove seeing creative spaces. so many great ideas to bank for when i can use a space other than the dining room table! what is the metal contianer called that is holding the measuring tape? would love to start looking for one to sort all of the little sewing items.
ReplyDeleteTHAT is a great, inspiring space. I'll bet you all can't help but make wonderful things in there. It is the time of year to tidy up our spaces, isn't it? I just did a major redo of my own studio (including the shelves of your burlap buckets holding my queued projects) and decided a stash busting challenge was in order. Would love to have you join in if it strikes your fancy. It's The Rumpelstiltskin Challenge - there's a link on my blog's sidebar.
ReplyDeleteAlways inspired by what you're up to!
Cheers, Mary Jo
What a fabulous workspace! I have that kind of sewing machine too! It's from my aunt in Virginia.
ReplyDeleteThe minimalists can serenely go suffer minimally... I LOVE this space. It just makes me want to... create something!! x
ReplyDeleteLovinge this corner, so many lovely things to see....
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love your mom's sewing nook. I could just look and look at her wonderful displays.
ReplyDelete