Sewing Cabinet Help, Please

Kadeeae

I am a sewing 'beginner' and have found the machine I want, but space (to work) is at an unbelievable premium here so if I were to get a machine it would have to go in our lounge.

I would really need a proper sewing machine cabinet so that I can 'hide' the machine when I'm not using it and have spent a bit of time looking online and at a local shop but the only ones I have found are extremely expensive - at least for my budget. I thought I'd ask here if anyone knows of places I may have missed?

I have looked on eBay, and also I am concerned about what machines fit in what cabinets. I'm determined to stick to my budget so need to do things right the first time - can't afford any expensive mistakes (like machine doesn't fit into used cabinet) and definitely cannot afford £300 upwards :eek: for a cabinet! I appreciate any help or ideas.

M.E.

My machine had a cabinet (40 years ago!), but I found it difficult to sit at. In the end I gave the cabinet to sister-in-law who was setting up home. She used it as a bedside table for years (not as a sewing cabinet).
I now use the machine on a fold up table that I can get my legs under. However I have got some faux leather boxes that I keep my sewing bits and bobs in and they are pretty enough to keep in the lounge. The machine is tucked behind the sofa against the wall and is easy to pull out when I need it.

My Dad made a sewing cabinet on wheels (which my sister now has) for sewing bits and bobs, but she keeps Mum's machine on top of the wardrobe. Neither of us could work with a dedicated cabinet as the work surface was always too small as to be useless. Much prefer a table.

ZCC72

As you are a beginner, I would wait a while to see how much use you get from the machine before forking out large sums of money on a cabinet! Iwould also agree with M.E - the work space in a sewing cabinet is rather restrictive!

Space is at a premium for me too - I use the machine on my dining table, and have converted a wide book case into my "craft corner" - I store the material in a plastic crate on the bottom shelf, and my books, sewing machine and sewing box etc on the other shelves. It's not "hidden" but still looks neat and tidy.

Perhaps you could pick something like this up from Freecycle?

maman

Totally agree with other posters. If space is at a premium then a cabinet will probably make things worse. Most machines come with some sort of dust cover and you can hide them away behind the sofa (like ME) or the bottom of a wardrobe or under a chair. You can't beat sewing at a proper table as you'll need the space for cutting out and to hold weight of fabric if you're planning curtains or anything big.

Kadeeae

I didn't really like the idea of having to work at the table in the kitchen, even that isn't very big (maybe 4ft x 2.5ft) but as I said I'm a newbie to all things sewing, and was trying to keep everything in one place - neat and hidden when not being used

Your opinions are most welcome. Any other thoughts/ideas/suggestions on sewing/sewing equipment and space issues? I'm a sponge . . . . :rotfl:

ZCC72

My table is about the same size as your - perhaps smaller than 4 ft even! I need to use the floor (or ironing board) on occassion for pinning/cutting out (after hoovering first of course!) but other than that, the table is fine! I am a new-ish sewer (returning to it after many years) and am currently doing a dressmaking course. I am waiting to see what my needs are before I buy anything, and also learning what I can do without!

Good luck with the sewing - continue to enjoy it!

tattoed_bum

would one of those space saving tables help.
the kind from ikea that fold down onto the wall this can be put anywhere and when it fold takes u no room at all .
i find the cabinets dont have enough room to move larger pieces of fabric

Kadeeae

I see what everyone is saying about needing more room than a sewing cabinet would allow - I guess my main reason for wanting one was to try and keep everything in the one place - which just may not be possible given my limited amount of space.

I shall not give up!

Margaret54

Hi all:) I too am waiting to start sewing as a newbie. I have a spare room now my son has moved out and we have a little computer type table which was cheap from Argos and I will place the machine on it and use the big plastic boxes to store stuff in them. I really am a beginner but looking forward to starting. Hope you soon find something suitable Kadeeae Best wishes

thriftlady_2

I have this book and in it the author suggests using a 'computer armoire' something like this. In fact Ikea have a lot of clever storage ideas for computers which would work just as well for a sewing machine.

I am currently lobbying for a sewing space too.

Gothdolly

Once bitten by the sewing bug there is no return!

I have ended up having to build a shed in my garden so that I have enough space for all my fabrics, patterns, machines etc..... be warned.

Back to the original question though, the cabinets are a nice idea but in reality like everyone else I agree they are not big enough, you really are best off using a table. It makes cutting out and sewing larger items much easier. Get creative with storage. Before my 'shed' I used to keep things in plastic boxes under the sofa, in the conservatory in pretty boxes etc... etc....

Good luck with your sewing.