I have a large office type desk for my sewing machine.it has 5 drawers in it,then across the room i have a conference table that DH made leg extensions for so it would be counter height.I do a lot of sewing and quilting as well.

If money and space was no object,i'd like to have one of the larger size kitchen islands in the center of my floor for cutting,and i'd like it to have lots of drawers underneath for storage.I would keep my machine as is,as it is in front of a large window that looks out over my gardens.

When i want to do other work at my desk,i just shove my machine to the back of the desk.I also have my serger set up on my cutting table at one end,and i did this so that i would have to get up to use it,and that way i'm not continually sitting.I always stand up to serge.Of course my iron board is at the other end of the room.

I plan to redo my room in the next few months,and have already started weeding it out.But unfortunately i still won't be able to afford the counter.Oh well,i'll survive,at least i have a designated room for my sewing and crafts.
kathi

For what it's worth, here are OSHAs recommendations for sewing stations in an industrial setting.

I sit in front of a computer for hours a day and I've learned to set up my computer workstation to put the least stress on my body. Moving something just an inch or two one way or another can make the difference between a good day and a painful day.

I do not yet have my sewing machine set up as they suggest - with the flat bed just at bent elbow height -- it's just a couple inches higher than that -- and I can feel it at the end of a sewing marathon.

CMC

Here is a link that might be useful: Sewing station ergonomics

Kathi, We are purchasing our cabinets and countertops from a local building supply resale store. When people are remodeling they donate their stuff to this store and the store in turn resells them at deep discounts. Also, when apartment buildings are being remodeled or when the local university remodeled their dorms, everything was donated. Light fixtures, toilets, tubs, vanities, countertops.. everything you could imagine. Ask around to see if there is soemthing like that in your area. (I bed your local freecycle group could tell you if something like that exists.

CMC- Thanks for the great link! That is exactly the information I was looking for!

Thank you both!
bluejean in ohio

My DH built 3 tables for the computer, my sewing machine, & my serger. I don't remember what height they are, but I raised my sewing chair about 4" & he built me a box to put my foot pedal on, and that makes sewing much more comfortable. I'm not pulling my shoulders up any more. I'm fairly short (5'2"), so it really made a big difference.

Just a few weeks ago I bought a folding cutting table at JoAnn's. At first I thought it would be too tall, but after using it some it seems okay. Plus, if I eventually decide it is too tall, I can just take the casters off and lower it a couple of inches that way.

I use rolling carts from Office Depot to store my stuff in - that way I can have the cart with whatever I need next to me. One has thread, one has stabilizers & interfacing, one has ribbon and trim and stuff, and one is miscellaneous sewing tools & such. They didn't cost much and they are working out great!

Donna

Donna,
I also use those rolling carts for my cross stitch stuff.I got most of mine at Joann's fabrics,or big lots.(cheaper than office depot)I put a skirt on my cutting table so the carts roll under it very nicely.I have a larger set under my desk.I try to use every little bit of space in my sewing room,and my room is 16x22.It used to be the master bedroom,til i decided we didn't need that much room to sleep.LOL

I also have 2 of those pantry type cabinets you get at home depot for fabric storage,an old Simplicity pattern cabinet holds my patterns,and one drawer has my craft stuff.I also have a book case,and several other cabinets,plus a double closet that came with the room.I admit i have lots of stuff,then again i've been sewing for at least 48 years.
Kathi

Hmmm, Kathi - I'll have to work on DH to see if I can talk him out of our BR, too! hehehehe It's much bigger than my sewing room. Actually, if I moved the TV and the sofa into another room, I could take over the living room and he'd never notice! LOL

Donna

I did take the living room. Actually the formal living room dining room area. We weren't going to use it, and I didn't want to furnish it. I am still trying to decide how to organize it. I am planning on getting a grace quilt frame so that will take up alot of the room. Thanks for all the ideas.

Amy