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Home / Studio / :: Quilt Studio Tools that Work for Me ::

:: Quilt Studio Tools that Work for Me ::

May 17, 2016 By Katie

SEW KATIE DID/quilt stack

I’m back from our annual Retreat Runamuck and the sunshine has returned to Seattle.  It generally likes to fool us in May and then lead us into Junuary, but today I’m appreciating its natural helpfulness for photos and for easing my reentry into reality.

I’m all packed up for a flight tomorrow to teach in Georgia.  Traveling with quilts is ridiculous and I’ve been teasing I should trek Europe with them.

SEW KATIE DID Seattle Quilting Studio

So with a little time on my hands and the help of natural light I thought I’d share some studio photos and tidbits about the tools that have worked for me in the studio.

SEW KATIE DID | Seattle Quilting Studio

Machines-  They deserve a post of their own.  I have three Berninas and a Juki (not to mention a few in the basement).  I know many sewists that love their Juki for quilting, but I prefer mine for piecing.  I find the guidelines on the walking foot of the Bernina irreplaceable for the straight line quilting I generally choose.

SEW KATIE DID | Pressing Board Tutorial

Pressing station-  Tutorial to build your own here.  I love the storage this provides, especially for the machines when not in use.

Good Iron-  I have used all sorts of irons, but I always go back to this workhorse, the T-Fal Ultraglide.  Features include: low cost, loads of hot steam, automatic shut off, no leaking and longevity.  Even older models from Goodwill and Ebay have lasted me years.  What more could you ask for?

SEW KATIE DID | Design Wall Tutorial DSC_0005

Design Walls-  Yup, there’s a tutorial for that too.  I have a fully padded room and enough for student use.

SEW KATIE DID | Sewing Studio Tools DSC_0013

Things on Wheels-  Each student gets a cart.  It’s like a mini home away from home to collect your stuff.  When not in use I can push them under the fabric shelves and spread out.  The chairs get the same treatment and allow students to choose a comfortable height.  The pressing board is easily moved since it has wheels too.  All make for easy cleaning.

SEW KATIE DID | Tools

Basic Sewing Tools- All color coded.  This makes keeping track easy for me.  For the most part we all share tools and the pins typically migrate to one pin cushion;)  The print handled scissors are for paper.  Tools that don’t have a place to tie a ribbon got the color code via nail polish.

sewkatiedid

Trash (scraps) Bins- These help with keeping the fabric bits out of the trash here in Seattle.  We actually can recycle fabric if it is separated.  Pattern to make these are in Christina Cameli’s book, First Steps to Free-Motion Quilting.

Sew Katie Did | Klip Kups-

SEW KATIE DID | drinklip

Drinklip–  These are darn handy and known to hold a bottle of beer as easily as a cuppa coffee or starch.  When I put extra machines away I use them to clamp the cords beneath the table and out of sight.  Machines back up and poof there is the cord ready to go.

SEW KATIE DID | Pin cushion

Bigmouthed Thread Catcher-   We made these last year at our Retreat Runamuck from Krista Hennebury’s fab book Make It, Take It.  I have four throughout the studio now.

cubby-cups-white

Cubbies from Land of Nod– I get comments about them every time they show up in my Instagram feed.  I have two stacked on the wall for all writing implements.

SEW KATIE DID| Seattle Quilting Studio

SEW KATIE DID | Ikea Wall racks

Ikea Wall Rails-  I started with one and it was so handy I added another.  Perfect for long rulers, hanging rotary cutters and an iPad.

I have been collecting functional studio ideas on a Pinboard if your looking for additional inspiration. I still hope to actually paint trim and the door this summer so I can move on to finishing the cubby above the fabric shelves that currently is a dust cove.

SEW KATIE DID

It’s easy to show all the ‘perfect’ stuff, so I thought I’d also show what has been evolving outside.  Jefe built the retaining wall and steps over the past month.  I’m hoping while I’m gone this week some magic will happen with backfill, gravel, a step into the kitchen and pavers into the studio.  A girl can dream eh?

The retaining wall will have a fence up to the bottom of the kitchen window sill for some privacy in the courtyard/entrance.  Siding and paint would be nice;)  We’re actually considering painting the brick unless someone can sell me on a color I like that goes with it.

I can already envision hard working sewists enjoying their lunches together in that courtyard.  I love useful spaces.

Have a good week Peeps;)

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Filed Under: Featured Tutorials, Studio

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sandie says

    May 19, 2016 at 10:26 am

    Beautiful space, my dear friend! It’s been so much fun to see the dream come to fruition. Kudos to both you and Jefe for making it look like “magic” even when it’s not.

  2. Robby H says

    May 19, 2016 at 3:06 pm

    So many great ideas. I am highly in favor of function and I’ve just seen a wonderful way to repurpose some plate rails that didn’t make the decorating cut. Thank you.

  3. Marie says

    May 21, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    Can I live in your studio? I’d be quiet…very quiet…

  4. Deb says

    May 24, 2016 at 9:46 am

    Beautiful space!! Love the pressing station. Also, those lovely fabric trash baskets…is there a particular pattern you used for those?

    • Katie says

      May 24, 2016 at 6:26 pm

      I believe I got the pattern from this book:
      http://www.amazon.com/First-Free-Motion-Quilting-Christina-Cameli/dp/1607056720/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1464134347&sr=8-5&keywords=free+motion+quilting+book

      Have fun, they’re are super easy to make.

      • Deb says

        May 25, 2016 at 2:33 pm

        Omg! I have that book. I thought I must have a pattern for something like them but didn’t see any on my Pinterest boards. I’m always saying I should go shopping in my own house…I have all kinds of great resources. Thanks for the info and for your inspiration!

  5. Karen Noble-Newman says

    May 25, 2016 at 9:58 am

    Katie, thank you so much for your help on Monday. Your studio is lovely and your advice and help is wonderful. Thanks again!! Karen N-N

    • Katie says

      May 26, 2016 at 8:12 am

      It was wonderful to have you here and I’ve actually thought more than once about a few of our conversations. Good luck on the quilt finish!

  6. Marla says

    May 26, 2016 at 6:54 am

    Thanks for the lovely tour of your creative space. You have so many great organizing and space saving ideas. It makes me want to hop on a ferry and come stitch some time. (I also really like the new header on your blog!)

    • Katie says

      May 26, 2016 at 8:11 am

      Thanks Marla! Come over any time;)

  7. Jonelle says

    June 2, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    Such a helpful post. Great use of space! Can’t wait to eat lunch with you in your courtyard SOON!

    • Katie says

      June 3, 2016 at 8:02 am

      We might have to eat picnic style, on a quilt;)

  8. Lori says

    March 13, 2018 at 8:40 am

    What do you use for your sewing table? I am currently in the process of relocating to a new home and studio and would like to update a few items. I see your Bernina sitting on a table~ can you tell me what you prefer?

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