I sew in a room without windows. Β I used to have windows, but that was when I sewed upstairs in my small little room called the Purple Room…I painted it a deep violet. Β Well, as my business began to grow and my sewing became well…more intense, I needed a larger area. Β There was no other room large enough so I headed down to my partially finished basement.
I would never show you a before picture…it is too depressing, but with a rug, a fresh coat of white paint…some random used furniture and determination, I created a little sewing haven. Β With plenty of space, I was able to arrange an organized area of efficiency, with room to grow. Β Now don’t get me wrong…it isn’t perfect. Β During the Spring, I have to squash small little spiders, and am always nervous of flooding. Β And of course in the winter it hovers at around 58 degrees…so armed with slippers and a space heater, I make it work. Β Sure it doesn’t look like any of those fancy, well designed studios that one sees in a magazine. Β But it is mine, it is well-organized, spacious, and… secret. Β Believe it or not…only my husband and my mom have seen this area. Β Yes, I do take photos of my gowns, and of my projects, but no one physically visits this cocoon. Β It isn’t a decision I have made to exclude people…its just that my hobby (to some) is odd, and only people who I think are open enough get to experience this area of my life.
With that said, I thought I would share with you my “window” wall. Β Or the part of my studio that is to me, the light I crave. Β I call it my inspiration wall and it consists of articles, photographs, designs, and samples of gowns that I find…well..inspirational. Β I choose pictures that I feel encouraged by, energized by, or calmed by. Β And as you will see they range from flowers, to kitchens. Β I faced my sewing table towards this wall and feed from its energy as I go about my creative process.
I recommend and hope that each of you is able to nest out a little area…no matter how dim it may seem and just enjoy the solitude that comes with creativity. Β So while the night may descend, or the winter winds blow…it will always be “sunny” in my little room.