Tammy Silver's Sewing Room Makeover
Welcome friends, I’m excited to share with you all the process of designing my own sewing space. Creating a sewing space for a small room is not an easy task! However with inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram and Ikea, I was able to design something uniquely suited to me. I’m thrilled with the outcome and I hope you all will be encouraged to create a space you can call your own. Learning to sew is a fun and engaging activity, join me on this journey and learn to make your own clothes and wear.
Don’t ask me why I decided to paint my room hot pink, 15 year old me cannot remember what caused the lapse of judgement. Don’t get me wrong I love the colour pink but not for my bedroom walls. My entire setup felt claustrophobic and looked outdated. When I first start sewing in 2016, I used the dining room table in my kitchen. When sewing moved from a hobby to a full-time venture, I needed a room fully dedicated to my craft.
I stripped my room completely, said goodbye to my bed, desk and carpet. I had a new carpet fitted after my room was painted. This is the finished product. My room felt light, airy and dare I say it – spacious. My best advice to you is to choose colours you will enjoy for a long time and if that happens to be hot pink, go for it!
Top layer paint – Dulux Frosted Steel
Bottom layer paint – Dulux Coastal Grey
Tammy’s Sewing Machine
My beloved Juki 8700. This is my first ever industrial sewing machine. Before this I had the Janome 2032 and before that I had the Brother LS14, so this Juki is quite a step up. I thought using an industrial machine would be really daunting to use but once the engineer explained everything to me and I had used it for a few hours, it turned out to to be a pretty intuitive process.
I had wanted a pegboard since forever. I did contemplate making my own pegboard, but that was way too much effort. What I have now are 2 separate pegboards (56cm by 56cm) placed side by side. All the accessories such as hooks, shelves and containers can all be purchased from Ikea’s Skadis range.
Above my pegboard are my art works. The Banksy playing cards I got from my holiday in San Fancisco at the Museum of Mordern Art. I’ve been a fan of his work since I was in secondary school. They’re not original pieces but it’s as close as I will get to the real thing.
The illustrations above the playing cards are my own handiwork. I created these for my final year project at uni. The illustrations are depictions of Egungun masquerades that perform at festivals in Nigeria. I’m very proud of this work because it reminds me of my creative capabilities.
A clothes rail was a must for me. Here is where I store fabrics that are not suitable for folding such as velvet. I also hang my sewing patterns and my client’s garments, ready for collection.
Now to a full view of my sewing space. Beside my rail is my grey ottoman that doubles as a storage and a seat. On top of my ottoman are cushions that I made myself with fabric I got from Ikea for £5 per meter. You’ll only need 1 meter of fabric if you want to sew two 12 by 12 inch cushions. You’ll need an additional 2 meters if your’e thinking of sewing matching curtains. For that personalised touch, I always advise incorporating your own creations into your sewing space, it makes for a more fun and welcoming environment.
The bottom compartment from left to right stores my Janome 2032 sewing machine, my Singer s14 – 78 overlocker and Curver knit basket which houses the pedals for both my machines.
In the middle compartment is where I store all fabrics. I have quite a healthy collection consisting of Ankara wax prints, suiting fabrics and organza.
With my small space I really couldn’t have a cutting table permanently out. I tried for a while cutting on the floor but but after long sewing projects it would hurt my back and knees. A wall mounted table was the best solution. I can bring it out when I needed it and fold it away to have more space. I had my cutting table custom made by a carpenter and painted it to match the decor in my room.
Tammy’s Cutting Table
Tammy’s Cutting Table
There you have it! My completed sewing room. As you can see I wasn’t lying when I said my room was small but I love every inch of it
What do you guys think? Drop me a comment below.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through my email tammysilverclothing@hotmail.com or reach out on Instagram at tammy_silver
Mark
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.
Tammy Silver
Thank you Mark!
Shaye
Wow you’ve used the space so well!!! Great job!!! What a transformation. I love the cutting table!
Tammy Silver
Hey Shaye, thank you darling! I love my table because it is perfect for my small space
SHAYZON
Tammy! This is such a great makeover! I love the colors and the way you incorporated everything you need, so seamlessly into the space. 🙌🏽
Tammy Silver
Thank you! Even 1 year later I’m happy to say my space is still working really well for me 🙂