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.