Happy New Year Peeps!
Instead of the usual New Year’s post showing quilts you’ve already seen, I’d thought I’d go fresh into the New Year and share some of my studio.
Long before the studio’s basics were built I started researching options for the most efficient and functional layout (there’s a Pinboard for that;). I’ve had more than a taste of poorly lit, cluttered or overly decorated teaching spaces and now was my chance to make every square inch matter.
It was time to rethink the ironing/pressing board. Since I’d never be putting it away the space underneath a traditional board was just a waste.
Supply List for DIY Ironing Station:
- KALLAX Shelving unit from IKEA
- (3) sets KALLAX casters
- Sheet Plywood, cut (2) of your selected dimensions (see below)
- Batting
- Fabric
- Thread
- Staple Gun
I bought a KALLAX Shelving unit from IKEA.
Also from IKEA, the KALLAX casters have been a worthwhile investment. It is truly unbelievable the amount of fuzz build-up quilting creates and being able to roll this away from the wall to get behind it has been added to the weekly cleaning checklist. I’ve also pulled it away from the wall when pressing large quilt tops.
You’ll need a sheet of 3/4″ thick plywood (4′ x 8ish’). Jefe made (2) identical cuts so I would have a little more height to my station by stacking them.
He cut them 3 inches longer than the top of the KALLAX and 3 inches wider so that I could wrap the cover underneath it. I’d suggest thinking about your space and then cut, you might want it bigger or a little smaller. I didn’t nail or glue them together, they seem to sit just fine on top of the unit.
For the cover’s measurements (batting and fabric) I used my friend Elizabeth’s Pressing Table with Removable Cover tutorial. ***With the exception that I didn’t run any elastic through it, but wrapped it around the boards and stapled it to the back. It really isn’t necessary if you staple to hem it, but I did.
The hardest part was probably choosing the fabric.
I wanted something that would work with my Orla Kiely boxes that I already had and that nest in the shelving.
I store my machines when not in student use here (covers are next), ironing supplies and boxes for projects. When I get sick of the fabric or it wears out I can simply replace it. You can also purchase drawers or doors for this unit.
You could certainly use the same for a cutting table by putting (2) KALLAX together.
I like to top the board with a nice hot and steamy iron;) My affordable pick is a T-Fal.
I hope to share more of the studio in the next few weeks.
Happy Tuesday Peeps:)
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New January Open Studios Monday-Friday are listed and I added another date to January’s featured workshop since the first round filled. Hoping for a website finish to ring in 2016 soon.
Love this idea, thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed;)
Well that is fun AND inspirational! Who doesn’t want a more functional space.
Happy new year! Lisa Crosby
It’s a ton of storage for sure! Happy New Year Lisa.
thank you for sharing. this is exactly what I need to make for my studio. ironing boards are just the pits for fabric and quilt tops!!
Can’t wait to see;)
This is a great idea! I have those shelves already with all my material in it, I think I’ll consider this as my next project, the ironing board we’ve got always gets in the way.
You’re already half way there with the coordination of the fabric shelves;)
As I finished ironing shirts today for DH my ironing board I realized is not very inspiring for creativity. Whala! your post came at a great time. DIY pressing station using an IKEA hack. Love it. Thanks for the tech savy you display. Unleash creativity while doing the dailies.
You’re a good woman to iron shirts;)
LOVE this idea!!! I am totally making one of these for my new craft room! I’d never thought about all the wasted ironing board space before. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Would love to see the finished product!
Great idea. I’m off to IKEA!
No point in wasting time. Send a pic!
I REALLY like this!!!!
Thanks Heather! Happy New Year;)
Thank you for sharing! This brings so much warmth to any organizing station and to the home in general 🙂
If you don’t mind, please check out my blog and let me know if you have any suggestions on my DIY posts? My blog is magneticallyaesthetic.wordpress.com. I also post recipes as well!
Thanks so much and happy new year,
Belinda
Happy Happy to you and yours! Hugs, Joan
Happy New year my friend;) xoxo
I am so glad you are finally sharing info about your studio, with great pics! I can’t wait to see more. I have been waiting and watching!!! Great ironing center!
Thanks Jude. You have my favorite name;)
Very good idea ! Happy New Year 🙂
Great idea! I’ve realized my sewing room needs to be organized better and this looks like a good start. Thanks for explaining how you put it all together!
No problem. Glad you enjoyed;)
Love It!! I guess a trip to IKEA is in my very near future! Thanks Katie !
Thanks for stopping by Roxanne!
This is a great tutorial, thanks so much for sharing it!!!
I’m going to come steal your VARDE with drawers:)
That is genius Katie. I will have a new sewing room when our remodel is done later this year and I will definitely make this! Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!
Great idea. I like the way you included what and where you got the items. I am planning an new craft studio space and this is a very useful tip. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent idea – the wheels are a bit of brilliance. And SOOOOO cute! I always love your fabric choices.
Thanks Jodie! Always nice to be mobile.
On Sat, Jan 9, 2016 at 1:40 PM, SEW KATIE DID wrote:
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I bought all of the same parts a couple of years ago to do this and could never get the caster screws through the kallax unit… did you have to use a drill?
No, they came as a unit that just attached to the bottom on a rail. Click through the links and there should be a good visual.