Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Found space!

   I have been whining again about the ironing board dilemma.  I hate setting it up, shifting it around, moving it into the hall for space....and on and on.  I see those wonderful ironing set ups on Pinterest and I am so envious.  Why can't I figure out how to squeeze one into my sewing room?

  I was sitting at my machine preparing to hem some jeans for Sir Old Man, and knew I needed the ironing board again.  It was tucked neatly into the hall closet, and I was feeling really lazy about getting it out.  And then the thunder bolt and lightning struck me!  Right in front of my eyes was a solution.   Of course, you need to realize the solution was covered/buried ---- about 12" deep in books, scrap bin, and 2 project boxes, and the lonely iron.

   This kitchen Hoosier style cabinet has been in my sewing room since we moved.  Most of the items in the upper sections are rarely used.....wonder why I have hung onto them.  It may be due for a clean out!


 The extension  shelf of the old kitchen Hoosier was just perfect  for a pressing space.  At one time I used this area as a cutting station.   That was before Sir Old Man built the cutting table, with all the storage area that I love.  The Hoosier has become the catch all spot.

  I know it took more energy too clean the area off than to pull out the ironing board.  But I had a purpose now.

  And before you ask.....everything else went onto the floor.  I will get it sorted and find a spot for it eventually.




  I found the portable pressing mat I had made a few years ago.  It is simply heavy utility muslin sleeve with a double layer of batting inside.   It makes a perfect temporary solution for this area.




  Temporary?  Yes, Sir Old Man has been given a new "to-do" project.  He plans on making a fitted plywood top ---with an extra extension----as an overlay for the space.   I will cover it with batting and fabric.  This should satisfy most of my pressing needs on a daily basis.  I can pull out the big board for pressing yardage/backings.

Insight:  Open your eyes.  Look around.  Try to see other uses for space and things you have.
Oh, yes, I did finally get the jeans hemmed  :)   And they are being packed for our venture north to Michigan.  It is the Dream Cruise Weekend......lots of 60s muscle cars, Ford metal as Sir Old Man says.  See you when we return next week.  Happy stitching.

9 comments:

Dana Gaffney said...

That looks perfect for ironing blocks and it's nice and close. Have a great time in Detroit, it really sounds like a fun time.

Quilting Babcia said...

We have the same dilemma with ironing space in the sewing room. Oh to have a Hoosier solution, but alas no room for that. Will definitely need to rethink some spaces in here but it looks like you've found a beautiful remedy. Enjoy your weekend mini-vacation!

Mary said...

What a great idea. ...and you are right...often we have all the resources we need if we are just a little bit creative in how we use them. Have fun!

Janet O. said...

Brilliant solution. I love those little strokes of enlightenment!

Anonymous said...

Hi this is so neat+looks like it will be very useful! I had one of the Hoosier Cupboards+gave it away !
Enjoy ! msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Cheree @ The Morning Latte said...

I think my "pressing board" has been my favorite update to my sewing room--I hated how much space that ironing board took up! So glad you found a better way, too...which is another favorite of mine: I love to take any room or any situation and find "a better way" for about *every*thing. Enjoy the trip!

Gene Black said...

That is a great idea. I used a TV tray (wood) and covered it for a small pressing station, but the iron was always in the way. So I am still running into the back room it iron or press.

Sylvia Anderson said...

Necessity is the mother of invention, and in this case it worked, and you'll have given the hubs a new project to work on. I'm fortunate to have my sewing station in the basement and have the ironing board with a large expanded top, with which to work on.

liniecat said...

Brilliant lol I too get irritated by the ironing board waltz, if its out I cant squeeze past it and when its tucked out of site, I dread bringing it out.
Clearly I need a hosier, if only because I adore the name for it!!

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