HELP! Craft Room Start and Storage Dilemma

Just the beginning of something great!

So this is happening! I'm finally starting on my craft room. This is something really needed since my hubby is tired of me leaving the sewing machine, serger, various threads and knick-knacks on the dining room table. Although the table was the perfect size and shape for projects, it was getting to look very messy and a hassle to clear when guests were expected.

So far, I have designated two joint walls for crafting and the other side of the room for a study/office space. The sewing desk is by Sauder and the craft table is from Sullivans USA. Sadly, I screwed a latch in too far and messed up the door and latch on my desk. So grateful Sauder agreed to replace both for me without a fee! Once those parts come in I can finish the desk and set it up to my liking.

The only other major item is my dress form by Sew Perfect that fits perfectly in her new corner beside my desk. I can't wait to try her out! Lastly, I need a way to store large bolts of fabric. I am making items for my online business and will soon have large quantities (think 20-100 bolt rolls) of fabric to store, along with scraps. I may start with a tall book shelf and keep folded fabrics stacked on them along with bins for scraps. However, I already have two bolts of fabric that were delivered on a roll. I really would like to keep them that way but have no way to store them. I really would like an economical way to store my fabrics that will keep them free from dust and fur. I'm a cat momma, so this is important!

Two bolts needing a home in my craft room.

How do you keep your fabric stored? Do you also have a nifty way to store large bolts of fabric? Let me know below!

I'm also keeping the furniture white so that my fabric and notions will add the splash of color I need. So much to do in so little time ... and such little space! Did I mention this is the spare bedroom in my medium-sized apartment?!

In need of organization tips and ideas for the home or craft room? Follow my pinterest board here. Happy crafting!

Summer is Now in Full Swing!

It is hot. Very hot. Summer is officially in full swing here in Alabama. After a week on vacation, I'm finally trying to get back into a doable routine of crafting. Supplies have been purchased and plans are being made! Not to mention all the planning for my business overhaul! Super excited, but a little nervous about ensuring I can pull this all off. My little patio garden is chugging right along. I planted another variety of lettuce this past weekend and also 5 herbs. I really hope to repot them soon into their permanent containers. I did have a setback with my cucumbers and black-eyes, resulting in some pruning and uprooting, but they are now back on track. The only downside is that I'm now without internet. Bummer. It's hard to run an online business when your internet is down. All of these storms have knocked out our wifi, so hopefully it will be up and running soon. Pictures, crafts and tutorials are forthcoming. Be on the lookout for an upcoming bzz agent review for Tide! Super excited to try out their Free & Clear Pods.

I Have Failed!

Summers in the South are hot. Very hot! So in preparation for a weeklong trip, I have determined to not pack clothes that require extensive layering. No heavy fabrics allowed! Problem is, my clothing selection is very limited; especially tops. I decided a refashion was in order.

I selected an oversized cardigan a friend had given me this past winter. I love the royal blue coloring and the patterned stripes and dots added character. It took me a week to decide how to approach the refash.

I removed the bottom trim to make it waist appropriate for me. I'm short waisted, so it was originally too long. I also measured and cut the sleeves to form a 3/4-length instead of the overly long sleeves that stopped past my fingertips. With this done I felt motivated. Well, that all happened this past weekend. Today, I felt completely different.

After cutting my sleeves and trying on the top again, I realized the sleeves were too short. They went above my elbow instead of the 3/4-length I was aiming for. No problem. I'll just add the cuff back on. So today, I pin the cuff down and sew it on the sleeve. The stitch did not stay in line with my seam allowance, so there were a few spots where the sleeve did not attach. No problem. I'll just go over it twice.

I was so proud of my stitching! Until I flipped out the sleeve to reveal I had sewn the cuff inside out! Oh the horror! Those LITTLE zigzag stitches were perfectly lined over the navy blue stripes of the cardigan. I failed to say that my thread color of choice was black, so as not to show that the cuff was separate from the rest of the sleeve.

I did my best trying to remove the stitching, but remember there were TWO layers of it! I couldn't tell if I was pulling my fabric or the thread. In disgust I quit for the night. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow.

Pinned and trimmed.

Ugh! The sleeve is sewn inside-out.

Can you see the stitches? I can't either!