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Every time we see a great sewing space, we experience

a certain voyeuristic thrill. Oftentimes we’re amazed by

the clever use of space and savvy layouts many sewers

and designers have created for themselves in their studios, and we

aren’t ashamed to admit to adopting some of their great ideas in our

very own sewing areas.

In many sewing rooms, you will fi nd an arsenal of sewing tools,

supplies, and accessories. This chapter will introduce you to your new

accomplices in creating your very own customized wardrobe, and will

break down exactly what you’ll need to get started. If you’ve never even

touched a sewing machine, this section will provide you with enough

ammunition to begin with confi dence.

GETTING

STARTED

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to begin with, but your focus will be on your current project, which deserves your undivided attention.

Though it is not mandatory, having a space designated for sewing can help you stay organized and better accomplish your sewing projects from start to fi nish. If you don’t have the extra space for your very own sewing room, don’t fret; you just need to get creative.

Over the years, Alison’s sewing spaces have progressed from kitchen counters to shared art-school spaces, from windowless closets to her current studio in the former maid’s quarters of her home in Brooklyn. No matter where she’s setting up shop, Alison’s sewing mantra is “clear the clutter” before you begin a new project. We know not everybody has the extra space to spread out, but really it’s the preparation that requires the most space. Alison recommends delegating a large, fl at surface for transferring patterns and for cutting out pieces in fabric. When it comes time to sew up your creation, you can get by with setting up your sewing machine on a small desk or tabletop. For sewing room “feng shui,” she urges you to put away any other projects you’re working on in order to have a more fruitful experience. Not only does this create a nice clean slate for you

THE SEWING STUDIO

Above: Hanging shelves, a thread rack, and pegboards attached to the wall can make a small space feel larger while creating easy access to your sewing tools and accessories. A clean, fl at surface makes for an ideal patternmaking and cutting table, and the drawers can hide unwanted clutter.

The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook

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Baby bottles and old jam jars make for the perfect rickrack and notions containers.

BurdaStyle member Ophelia K’s sewing supplies stash—old shoeboxes—work great as storage containers for all of her sewing needs.

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Getting Started

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Scouring thrift stores and fl ea markets for vintage sewing supplies can add a retro touch to your sewing space— and get you some

good deals!

Vintage jars and old glass dishes make fun storage vessels.

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Since I’m a beginner, I don’t have a lot

of supplies. I use a vintage desk and

a bookshelf for everything: fabric is in

neat stacks, notions are in a big salad

bowl, and tools go in the wrist drawer

of the desk.

”

— I N D I A N A A D A M S , F O U N D E R , A D O R E D A U S T I N A N D M A D E T H I S / L O V E T H I S

My space generally becomes total chaos

while I’m working on a project, but I do

make a point of putting everything back

when I’m fi nished, before I start on the

next project. And everything has a specifi c

place, so I don’t waste time looking for

something while I’m working—assuming

I’ve put it away and it’s not hiding under

a pattern piece or something.

”

— L I E S L G I B S O N , D E S I G N E R , O L I V E R + S A N D L I S E T T E

“

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For starters, we recommend fi nding a clean, fl at surface for tracing patterns and cutting out fabric, large enough to fi t the pattern sheets included in this book. Many BurdaStyle members clear off their dining-room tables to spread out their sewing projects—this surface is ideal for transferring patterns to paper and for laying out fabric for cutting. If you’re afraid of damaging a nice tabletop, lay a cutting mat down on top of it or on the fl oor, but look out for your spine. Alison once helped sew part of a garment for a friend whose sewing machine was set up on her bedroom fl oor—by the time Alison was fi nished acting as seamstress-cum-contortionist, her back was killing her! To save your spine, we highly recommend setting up your sewing machine on a desk or table and adjusting your seat so that your arms are at a 90-degree angle to your body.

You’ll notice that most sewing machines have a little light that turns on when your machine does to illuminate your stitches—but you’ll defi nitely need more light than that to sew. A bright overhead light, desk lamp, or natural light will help you see those tiny stitches and seam lines more clearly.

Spread out your patterns on a

dining-room or kitchen table for a makeshift

patternmaking studio.