Just when I thought I had everything figured out in our house, my brain had to go and get another idea.
Should I move my sewing studio to the basement, and put it where I’m currently in the process of setting up a reading nook / computer & crafting station?
I already determined that moving my computer to the basement, and away from my sewing studio, was a good move. I needed to separate blogging and sewing. But now I’m wondering if I should have accomplished it by putting my studio in the basement, and leaving the upstairs as my computer office / dressing room.
In some ways it makes more sense to have my personal office upstairs. When the mail comes, I’m inclined to take it to the desk in my current dressing room / studio – because it’s right there on the first floor. That’s where all my papers are filed, too. I also love the feeling of sitting at my desk, writing, while feeling the fresh breeze blow through the windows. That’s not an option downstairs.
For a while it’s been driving me crazy to have to share my dressing room space with my sewing studio – simply because I need my work space to be neat and tidy, but I can make a mess with my clothes. Sometimes I have to actually “clean up my room” before I can start sewing at night, which is not the most productive way to start a work night.
The biggest reasons that now have me considering a switcheroo are:
- It’s a bit awkward to have my sewing & workspace sharing the same room as my clothes. (See above.)
- Size. My studio is a bit cramped. There’s no good place for me to keep the ironing board (which stays open because you are always using it when you sew). Either it’s blocking my dresser/storage or it’s blocking my closet – I move it around daily. Moving my studio to the basement would provide better space for all the necessary parts.
- The wall-to-wall carpet in my studio makes for difficult thread & fabric scrap cleanup. The tiled floor of the basement is ideal – because all it takes is a sweep of the broom to clear the mess away.
Reasons it may not be a good idea to switch:
- Ryan’s still asleep. He may really not like the idea.
- I worry that I’m sort of taking over more than my fair share of the house. Moving my studio to the basement would really make 1/2 of the basement all my space, with my mark on it. Sewing detritus (threads, etc) might also make their way onto the couch, etc.
- It’s going to require a bit of work & time to make the switch.
- I had already figured out a fabulous plan for the basement that I was excited about 🙁
I just don’t know what to do. Thoughts?
11 Comments
My thought is that you’ve already realized that the basement sewing area will work better than leaving the sewing area upstairs. 😉
Oh, you are so wise. 🙂 Thanks for pointing that out!!
I second Becky’s opinion. But. . if you’re stuck with the upstairs room for your sewing studio can you use a wall-mounted ironing board (the type that folds up into a cabinet mounted on the wall)? That could solve the problem of the constantly migrating ironing board.
That is a genius idea that I never had considered! Ryan gave me the go-ahead to move it to the basement, but I’ll keep it in mind either way – what a great way to reduce clutter on the floor. Thanks!
I think that the papers and things need to be as close to the entry of the house as possible. If you move your office area (and paper drop area) downstairs then you are more likely to just drop papers on the nearest horizontal space, even if that’s not where they are supposed to be. So unless you plan to make a “paper space” upstairs somewhere… then you might want to keep your office where your papers will end up.
Also, your “cons” list wasn’t very convincing! So you have to draw up new plans, that’s just something to look forward to! And your stuff taking up too much of the house probably isn’t as big of a deal as you think, especially since your office, crafting, and sewing stuff is mostly to help your household and family. If you feel guilty, why not look for a space where you can add some “guy” touches and surprise him with it? A mini man-cave, if you will. 🙂
Looking over your pro/ con lists, it would seem it makes more sense to have the sewing downstairs. You state yourself you would have more room and then your office area would be where you file papers, put the mail and enjoy the breeze while writing.
I love reading the comments as much as reading the post. You have wise and funny readers. 🙂 I say it’s totally up to you, logic & past & previous efforts be damned if it feels right for you. Happy New Year Jane (and Ryan!)!!!!
Agreed with all previous comments, but have to play devil’s advocate: Does the breeze/natural light inspire you with your sewing? Would you feel as inspired to work in the basement?
I know this was a week ago and if you are anything like me, you’ve already made a decision and gotten started on it. However, I just had to put my two cents in. 🙂 I think the basement seems to be a better place for your sewing room. I know that can be frustrating since you thought you already had it figured out. But it seems like it makes more sense to combine your office and dressing room and have them on the main floor since you bring the mail in there and it is easier to keep neat and organized. I wouldn’t worry about taking up more than your fair share of space. I think men have an idea that when they share a home with a woman, they are going to get the short end of the stick in the space department! Keep us posted on what you decide!
Thanks so much, Robyn! I really appreciate your feedback. We did decide to make the switch, and Ryan was more than happy to let me have the space. I am so lucky to have a fiance who is so supportive of whatever it takes for me to pursue my dreams or goals!!
Now I just need to get blogging about everything we accomplished over the holidays!
-Jane
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