Is there something in our DNA that makes most of America decide that the beginning of a new year is the time to get organized, get fit, and/or lose weight? Time to make goals, resolutions. Time to be the best person one can possibly be.

All those goals! Think I’ll start out by owning some organization!

I’m all about organization. I have a cluttered mind. So many thoughts and ideas running around in there. So I combat it by being crazy organized.

I started cleaning out drawers and closets several weeks ago so this wasn’t just a New Year’s resolution. All the stuff I didn’t need any longer went into the garage. The garage clean up was next but I needed to get the Christmas stuff put away first. (Last for clean up for 2019 is my garden shed–it hasn’t been organized since the last hurricane threat. Everything is STILL in there!)

Once the tree was down and all the holiday decor was neatly packed away, I packed up all the stuff I had moved out there from my closet cleansing and took it to a storage space that the Old Homosassa Heritage Council has for their annual yard sale. Recycling for good!

And then I could start on my sewing room. I moved into the guest bedroom last May. And have been slowly turning it into the perfect sewing spot. I like to live in a space before I make major adjustments and I have to say that I have moved bureaus and shelves from the other guest bedroom numerous times trying to figure out exactly what the perfect set up is.

I need light. I need flat work spaces. I need storage. I need pretty. And I want it to be cheap!

What Works!

Right now. At this moment. This is my sewing room.

I have my table set up to face the sliding glass doors so I can look at at our beautiful view over the canal and saw grass. I’ve had this table for twenty years! Bought it at an unfinished furniture store. Stained it a horrendous red shade. Moved. Painted it white. Moved here and it resided in my garage as a painting work bench for a few years. Then I had a brain storm that it was such a sturdy table that it would be perfect for my sewing machine! I painted it a nice glossy black. Love it. (More recycling!)

The cabinet on the left is the Ikea Alexis. Love love love it!

The one on the right is from Michaels. I like that it has casters so I can roll it around but the quality is not all that great. I wouldn’t recommend it–one of the drawers has already lost a large chunk of pressed wood.

This light is absolutely the best. It’s the Daylight LED Slimline Table Lamp.

These rolling carts are SO convenient. (I do love wheels on everything) They usually have projects that I’m working on in each bin. I’m trying to clean up all my projects before starting something new so they are almost empty! Yay! The cart on the left is from Ikea. The one on the right is from Michaels. They are both equally wonderful. When I don’t need them they can be tucked away under the cutting table or into the closet.

And this tray. I know. It’s just a tray. Don’t even remember where I got it but a few years ago I painted it these cool colors.

This simple tray makes it so convenient when I’m working on a quilt or other project with small bits. I can transport it easily from the cutting table to the ironing board or sewing table.

This stepping stool. It’s perfect. Not too high that I risk breaking my neck if I fall. But high enough to reach anything in this room plus it’s great for taking photos.

These storage containers. I already had three in my sewing room with notions and other bric a brac. When I cleaned out the garage, cabinets, and closets I emptied another three!!!!! They aren’t very attractive but they fit very neatly in the upper shelf of the closet.

Besides those inexpensive containers that you can get at WalMart or Target, I also use scrap book paper boxes. Wicker baskets, Ikea bins and fabric boxes that I made from a tutorial at Sew4Home.com.

What doesn’t work

My ironing board. Hate it. Hate it. Hate it. The cover doesn’t actually fit which is easily remedied with a new cover but it just doesn’t work. I don’t need that pointy end. I need something wide enough and long enough to iron fabric. 45” fabric. Or a quilt. Not clothes!

I need a place to store the embroidery module.

This chair. This was my husband’s chair when he was working from home. When he retired I snatched it. It still rolls really great and is very comfortable, but after years of use—it’s not pretty!

I moved my Cricut Maker down to my office because I didn’t have a place to store all the items it requires. (So much stuff) I really want it and all the paraphernalia back in my sewing room.

And one last wall. A design wall. I have temporary solutions but I would really like a wall that I can just leave up. But I don’t have a wall that’s empty. I have no idea what I’ll be doing about that.

While I think the sewing room is pretty great, it would be perfect with just a few more updates. In the coming weeks, I hope to post all of my solutions!