New Cabinets, Cutting Station, and Puppy in Sewing Room

My sewing room has a new look with better organization and more energy. Our farmhouse is only a few years old, and an Amish building crew did most of the construction work. When we decided to finish the walk-out basement, Dan built a storage cabinet in the bathroom and cased all the windows. We loved how everything looked! However, my husband thought my sewing room needed built-in cabinets with a window seat because the room is long and narrow. He was right; the space looks more inviting and turns the room into a real workhorse.

Would you like to see a before photo? We’ve lived here less than two years, and I have moved my sewing supplies from room to room like Goldilocks looking for her perfect bed.

First, we hired someone to install vinyl flooring over the concrete floor, Then Dan and Eli cased the windows and installed all the trim. That was a huge improvement. I appreciated the great lighting and beautiful view of the patio, into the woods, and even the pond. However, the room lacked character. Finally, we can check the cozy character off of our list.

Cabinets and Window Seat

The new cabinetry transformed our basement from a ho-hum space to an amazing destination. I didn’t plan to use the Target storage bins on the shelves to hold my fabric and yarn, but they fit perfectly. In the past, I used this organizer to store fabric in our large bathroom that’s down the hall. In the bathroom? It’s a large room! But I’m so glad to finally have everything where I need it. Currently, the drawers contain specialty rulers, interfacing, and other supplies for sewing bags. Behind the cupboard doors are my photo albums and boxes of photos.

One day I’ll make a cushion and pillows for the window seat. Currently, it’s cozy enough thanks to a faux fur blanket from Target.

Sewing Table and Machines

I love this L.L. Bean desk that I purchased through Facebook Marketplace. It’s solid, so I can sew fast on my Juki without the table vibrating. The lower table, which can fold up next to the side of the desk, is at a perfect height for my Janome machine that my nieces and nephew use. The desk came with a stand-alone bookcase that conveniently slides beneath it. The empty window frame on the wall is a cherished remnant from our former Cape Cod. One day I’ll use it to hang up mini quilts or quilt blocks. There’s an old, hand-crafted clothespin resting on one of the windowpanes.

Cutting Station and Design Wall

I am a make-do kind of gal, so I have always used an 18×24-inch cutting mat, lately placed either on my kitchen island or a folding table. I’m sure a lot of people understand how frustrating it can be to use such a small mat to cut yards of fabric. And then there’s the back pain caused by a not-quite-tall-enough table. So words can’t express how much I appreciate this custom cutting station my husband designed for me to hold a 24×36-inch mat, as well as my rulers and project containers. Dan stained the oak top to coordinate with my L.L. Bean desk and finished the rest of the piece to match the cabinets.

Behind the cutting station, I hung a Fons and Porter design wall from a curtain rod. For better access, I roll the cutting station perpendicular to the wall. Here’s a view of the room that also shows the entrance into the hallway. (The large bathroom and laundry/utility room are on the left.) The small closet contains my husband’s hunting supplies, batting, and a few pillow forms. I use the IKEA cart to store supplies for ongoing projects, like Moda Blockheads 4, and pressing supplies (Best Press, tailor’s clapper, etc.)

What About the Puppy?

Did you notice the black Scottish Terrier design hanging above my window and all the doggy decor on the shelves? Well those aren’t the only dogs, and that’s where the new energy comes into play. Meet Oslo, a nine-week-old Bernedoodle. She was the smallest pup in her litter, so we expect her to top off between 55 and 65 pounds as an adult. The breeder described her as spunky. Doesn’t that look imply a bit of spunk? Overall, she is a sweet pup who always stays close to us, comes when we call her, and adores living on a farm. She starts her day at 4:00 with a few hours of wild playtime, followed by a long nap. Put these activities on repeat, and you know what her day looks like. I hope to acclimate her to napping in my sewing room so that I can play too.

Goodbye, Faithful Friend

If you’re wondering about my faithful sidekick Chester, sadly he passed away a few days before Easter. At nearly twelve years of age, his body and mind were failing. It was very sad to say goodbye to the greatest dog in the world. (If you haven’t seen the heartwarming Disney movie, The Kid starring Bruce Willis, take the time to watch it and learn about the significance of the name Chester.)

The empty house felt depressing, so my husband and I went on a road trip that included a visit with our daughter in Dallas. Getting out of our usual routine helped ease the sorrow, but we returned to that same emptiness. Originally we thought a year without a dog would give us a needed break. But as I talked (a lot) with my husband, we agreed on a few important points.

• A farm needs a dog.
• The best time of year to get a puppy in Minnesota is late spring.
• We wanted another doodle so our family members with allergies could feel comfortable.
• Bernedoodles are pretty cute.

And it’s a good thing Oslo is cute because she demands a lot of attention. You can see just how helpful she is as I typed this blog post from our patio.

Perhaps I won’t be spending a lot of time in my sewing room this summer. For now, I’m fine with this little interruption.

Joyfully,

Tracie

P.S. Do you have any favorite puppy toys or training tips to share? Drop them in the comments.