february 5, 2024


Last Thursday was the beginning of the redo.

And old built in cabinet that was somewhat functional, but old and rickety was wrecked out and removed.

Making way for the new/old cabinet to fill the space and be a storage spot.  It was a journey of used furniture stores armed with measurements and no idea what could work.  A drive about 35 minutes form home started the search.  A used furniture destination of 30,000 square feet of possibilities.  However after wandering for an hour in this vast collection, not one piece was quite right.  On the way to this place I stopped off at the local goodwill.  Not looking for anything in particular.  Figured the right cabinet would not appear at such a place.  However....

As I wandered around the Goodwill store, my eye caught sight of an Elna sewing machine.  My personal fav brand of machine.  It was priced at $12.  I plugged it in and found it to be in working order.  So for the bargain price, I bought it.

What a score!  works beautifully, had some of the plastic wrap still on it.  A huge variety of stitches and  although it was missing most of the presser feet and other accessories, I've declared it a success.

No cabinet was found that met my measurements and or style.  Until back in town, I stopped at a consignment furniture store and there it was.  I took a minute to think, just then other shoppers become interested... Had to do it.

We picked it up the following day and set to work on it.  The height it would be best installed required some help from my resident carpenter/woodworker.  Quickly I remembered some furniture legs salvaged from my parents garage.  There they were just hanging out ready to be employed.  With some creative license, he created the cabinet to complete the form and function.  A touch up of stain and it is perfect and functional.  Installed and filled with colorful fabrics and bits of nostalgia, mostly centered on sewing, embroidery and treasures.

Then came the reorganization... not the fun part, but necessary.  I'm enthused to be in the space and create, which is the whole purpose of this blog.  Where Women Create.  Not my line, but so appropriate for this blog.  Making and creating is such a purposeful endeavor.  Expression and satisfaction.  Its a cozy place of nostalgia, collected treasures, memories from my creative mentors.  If I listed all the different items in that space, it would describe me as a hoarder.  Cuckoo clock shell, sailing trophy, old wallpaper, Mothers first and best bound buttonhole, photos of children, lots and lots of fabric, embroidery supplies, childhood treasures, pieces of my past and sneak peeks into who I am and how I became myself.

I come from makers, and it will inspire future makers because it is an act of historical crafts and love.  some were out of necessity and some for pure pleasure.  All are welcome in my little craft, sewing laboratory.

My sewing room is calling and I must go....

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