New and Improved! My Standing Desk Sewing Studio

Standing-Desk-Sewing-Studio

Let me preface this standing desk / sewing studio post with this: sit, stand, squat, kneel – work however feels right to you and don’t feel bad about it. I hate when self-help bloggers tell me how to live my life and that’s the last thing I want to do here. (Can you tell I'm a bit of a rebel?)

Just remember that this current infatuation I'm having with my standing desk is my perspective, right now, in this moment. It might change! And it’s not “right.” Just because you’re reading it on a highly credible blog ;), doesn’t mean that it’s scientific fact and you need to buy one ASAP. Maybe saying all of that is totally unnecessary, but, I just wanted you to read this post with that thought in your head. Moving on!

A tour of the Suzy Quilts studio with the New and Improved Standing Desk! Standing Desk Sewing Studio by Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/standing-desk-sewing-studio

As you may have seen on social media, my sewing studio has transformed into standing room only. That’s right, people. I am now computing, designing, cutting, ironing and sewing all while standing up. I had various reasons for this change and now that I’ve made the jump I have a few tips as well.

Sewing while Standing: To Simply Feel Good

Let’s start with a very deep and complex quote from author, Neil Gaiman, about writing and staying focused, “[When struggling with writer's block, I ask myself] Have I had enough sleep? Have I eaten? Would it be a good idea to go for a short walk?”

Did you catch that? It was some seriously high brow philosophical reasoning. Let me break it down. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our creativity is to not create – it’s to take a nap or eat a snack or stand up instead of sitting down. After listening to a podcast with Tim Ferris, I heard this wonderful little nugget of truth, “To live a slightly better life today than yesterday is to simply eat, sleep, and move better than you did the day before and avoid people who drain you.”

If great lives are composed of great days, I want to try my best to maximize each moment and feel my best in those moments. So. Here we are. Standing. Is that the answer to all of life’s problems? No. But could it cause a positive ripple effect in my life? I hope so!

A tour of the Suzy Quilts studio with the New and Improved Standing Desk! Standing Desk Sewing Studio by Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/standing-desk-sewing-studio

Sewing Studio Tour

To give you a clear picture of how this standing desk fits into my sewing studio, let me take you on a quick tour. In that tour, I'll also share with you some of my favorite things, and possibly, where you to can get them.

First, we walk into my second floor sewing studio. It's a snowy and slightly overcast day (very classic Chicago in January.)

A tour of the Suzy Quilts studio with the New and Improved Standing Desk! Standing Desk Sewing Studio by Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/standing-desk-sewing-studio

The first thing you see on the right is my Gingham Spring quilt, which was showcased at QuiltCon 2017.

A tour of the Suzy Quilts studio with the New and Improved Standing Desk! Standing Desk Sewing Studio by Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/standing-desk-sewing-studio

If you read my post on creating a design wall, you will have seen that previously that entire wall was covered in cotton batting and used as a creative design wall. After working in my studio for half a year, and understanding my workflow better, I decided that I didn't need to have one of my four walls permanently dedicated as a design wall. I do a lot of work on the computer and only quilt a couple days a week. Wouldn't I rather have a pretty quilt hanging?

Read my How to Hang a Quilt tutorial to see exactly how I did it.

A tour of the Suzy Quilts studio with the New and Improved Standing Desk! Standing Desk Sewing Studio by Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/standing-desk-sewing-studio

Products: IKEA curtains, CB2 plant, fully desk, Bernina 770QE, Olga rug

Let me also add that these Command Cord Clips were a lifesaver when trying to wrestle down all of the cords hanging from my desk and throughout my studio. After posting about my cord problems on Instagram, one of you amazing people told me about these. THANK YOU!

This sewing studio tour would not be complete without a cameo from my furry co-worker, Scrappy...

A tour of the Suzy Quilts studio with the New and Improved Standing Desk! Standing Desk Sewing Studio by Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/standing-desk-sewing-studio

Note about the table: I know someone's going to ask in the comments where to get my cutting table. Unfortunately, I looked on the IKEA website for a link to this table and couldn't find one. It may be an in-store-only item or it may be sold out. Since IKEA rarely changes up their inventory, and I just got it in 2017, I would guess that you could still find it in the store. I found this in the kitchen department and it was labeled as a kitchen table with matching high-seated chairs.

EDIT: The table has been found! Thanks, for the fabulous sleuthing, Kristin! Here is the link.

Sewing while Standing: Some Thoughts and Tips

What I recommend if you choose to get a standing desk:

  • Wear sneakers or shoes with cushion and good arch support. Currently, it’s cold here in Chicago, so I wear fuzzy slippers when prancing about my house. Sadly, those cozy slippy slips cause my feet to ache and legs to fatigue if I try standing at my desk for more than 45 minutes at a time while wearing them. Enter sneakers! Wearing cushioned gym shoes is a fantastic upgrade and dramatically prolongs my standing stamina.
  • Get an anti-fatigue mat. This basically does what sneakers do – gives your feet cushion and support. If you’re a fashionista, and can’t be caught outside the gym wearing sneakers, this is a great option. My one (major) drawback with these mats is that they are total eye sores. Like Ugg-o-ly! (See below for a pic of mine.) I really like the added energy and the way I feel after a day of standing compared to a day of sitting, so I’ll deal. But I just finished styling my sewing studio and this mat is a bummer to look at. NOTE: If you aren’t ready to invest in another gadget after purchasing a standing desk, try folding a yoga mat and standing on that. It might be enough padding.
A tour of the Suzy Quilts studio with the New and Improved Standing Desk! Standing Desk Sewing Studio by Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/standing-desk-sewing-studio
  • Keep it fun by changing things up. I'm not big into tech toys. My husband is the one who's all about that. However, I do love gadgets and accessories – especially exercise related ones. Below you can see that I got a funny little rocking balance board. By standing and balancing on this (and trust me, it's not that hard to balance. You won't fall off.) you can work your core muscles ever so slightly. I haven't done it enough to see a big difference in my core strength, but it's still nice to change things up and rock out on it for a while every day.
A tour of the Suzy Quilts studio with the New and Improved Standing Desk! Standing Desk Sewing Studio by Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/standing-desk-sewing-studio
  • Give it time. There’s an adjustment period. I was smiling and giggling to myself like a fool on day one. The novelty of standing while working was so exciting! By day two...oy vey! My lower back was sore. My feet hurt. And the novelty was gone. Where’s my chair?! It was then that I realized that standing vs. sitting was not always going to be an easy choice. I changed my mindset to (now don’t laugh) that of an athlete training for a goal. (Did you laugh? I told you not to. OK OK, you can. I’m laughing too at the picture of me decked out in sweatbands and tube socks training for the big day I can stand without sitting.) When one trains for a marathon, they don’t start off running 26 miles. No! Sometimes they start off just running 3. So in the beginning, if I could only stand comfortably for a few hours a day – that’s still a win. Also during my mindset change, I realized the importance of walking around, shifting from side to side, randomly moving my body around and periodically practicing my kegels. TMI? My target audience is 95% women – you can handle it. 😉
  • Take breaks. No matter what shoes you wear or how many cushioned pads you stand on, you will eventually get tired of standing. To counteract aching feet and muscles, I do random stretches on the floor (aka Quilt Yoga™), lay in corpse pose on the ground for a few minutes, or even sometimes, lower my table and just sit for a while. If you search for “quick yoga” you’ll find some great videos to guide you. Here's a nice short one I have enjoyed...

Sewing While Standing

After posting about this on social media I've gotten a few questions about sewing while standing.

  • Does the table shake when you sew? A little bit. If I slam on the gas, and sew at max speed, the table will shake a bit. I have not found it to be a problem, however if that is a deal breaker for you, you should look into getting a sturdy sewing cabinet. See this article for more info. When sewing at a steady pace, the table does not shake at all.
  • What brand is your standing desk? The brand is fully and the design I have is called Jarvis.
  • Is it hard to move the table up and down? Nope! I just press a button and the table smoothly lowers up and down.
A tour of the Suzy Quilts studio with the New and Improved Standing Desk! Standing Desk Sewing Studio by Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/standing-desk-sewing-studio

Let me know if you have any more questions about sewing while standing or how I utilize my sewing studio. If you have a standing desk and have any tips for us, please share in the comments! I hope you enjoyed my tour and happy sewing! xo

EDIT: In the comments and on Instagram many of you have asked where I keep all of my "stuff." I prefer to work in a tidy space, so as much as possible, I hide my stuff in a walk-in closet. I posted this pic of that closet on my IG stories a few months ago, but here it is again. I call this closet my panic room and sometimes take my laptop in there and work. Being surrounded by my fabric and quilts relaxes me. 😉

A tour of the Suzy Quilts studio with the New and Improved Standing Desk! Standing Desk Sewing Studio by Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/standing-desk-sewing-studio

122 thoughts on “New and Improved! My Standing Desk Sewing Studio

  1. Becky says:

    This is awesome!!!!! My husband adopted the standing desk for computer work 10 years ago. He needs that anti fatigue mat. Lately I have struggled with neck pain due to my sewing seated position but hadn’t thought to try standing. So very helpful!!!

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      Here is the link to my new collapsible design wall. I really like it, however, it’s not what I expected. When I first ordered it, I assumed that it popped open and folded closed. Unfortunately, it takes a bit more assembly than that. The rods have to snap together and then slide into sleeves on all sided of the felt. The first time I put it together, it took me about 7 minutes. Now that I have the hang of it, it takes me about 4. Yes, it is surprisingly sturdy for being free-standing. I really wanted a design wall that I could fully put away, so this does the job well.

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      You found it! That’s the one. 🙂 Well, if you hit the table top with your rotary blade…which is inevitable if using it as a cutting table, it will scratch. I’ve had mine for about 9 months and it probably has about 6 small scratches on it – which, in my opinion, isn’t noticeable. I love the look and size of it!

      • Susan says:

        Where did you buy your sewing machine, cutting table ? Is it height adjustable as well? Where did you buy the sit/ stand desk, the wobbly boats to stand on and the anti fatigue mat? Thank you

        • Catalina Urias says:

          Hi Susan,

          Most of the links to the desk/table/mat/etc. are in this blog post! Yay! 🙂 The links are in orange and when you click on them it’ll take you to the page of the business. Keep in mind that this is an old post from 2018, so some of the items are no longer sold (such as the IKEA table). Best of luck!

  2. Di Ross says:

    Interesting. Been looking for a yoga routine for the mornings will check this out. Thanks for sharing . Love your work , you always make me smile 😘😘

  3. Helen says:

    How old is your house? I lived for 20 years in one that looks the same age as yours: built in 1933. Loved the woodwork and floors!

  4. Kate says:

    The cutting table is standing height as well, yes? The hunched-over cutting is killing me so I reverted back to cutting on the floor. It’s…not any better.

  5. Joy says:

    Hi Suzy, I love your studio it is beautiful and functional. I love the standing tables.. they would have been awesome to have when I was still working in an office all day also. There is sweet Scrappy watching momma work 🐾 thank you for all your tips and tricks for making things easier in our studios. 👍🏼

  6. karen s says:

    Such a great idea to change things up! I was a little worried about the height of your chair vs. the table–WHAT?–until you explained how the tabke goes up and down 🙂 Swanky! We’ve had great success in our kitchen where we always seem to be standing and chopping, slicing, etc. with a gel mat. It’s made a world of difference on feet and backs. We have a Gel Pro–they come in all kinds of sizes, designs and colors. Check ’em out!

  7. Teresa Doyle says:

    I am a fairly new quilter, and I’ve been quilting standing up for about a year. I have had low back pain syndrome for many years and cannot sit in a regular chair without severe discomfort. But I so wanted to machine quilt the tops that I made with EPP. My solution: Standing at the kitchen counter! I keep a tall stool handy if I want to “sorta stand” to rest my feet. I’ve also raised my cutting table; no more back and shoulder pain. For me, this is a matter of quilting or not quilting; but I encourage other quilters to try this method.

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      I’m so happy to hear that you’ve been standing while quilting for a long time now and still love it! And the stool is a great idea if I get tired and want to lean or perch a little bit. Thanks, Teresa!

  8. Lisa says:

    I’m trying to get through reading this but the number of ads and pop ups, including the one that won’t clear at all going all the way across the article made me give up reading it. And I love your style, I’ve already devoured the first Craftsy class.

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      Oh shoot! I’m so sorry to hear that. Is it my newsletter pop-up that’s giving you trouble? I admit, it’s pretty annoying, however I think if I turned it off, people would stop signing up and then I wouldn’t get to have these great blog discussions with fellow quilters!

      • Lisa says:

        That one is fine. It’s this patchwork quilt blue banner that goes all the way across that moves up and down and flickers when scrolling. On my iPad it takes up about 3/4 of an inch and doesn’t gi be much room to read.

      • Lisa says:

        And that design “wall” is the bomb. I bought one years ago at a show. I went in with the thought that I was going to buy something to help me use the fabric I had. It’s the cutest older couple that own the company. Sometimes at a retreat I only prop it against a wall to save space.

        • Suzy Quilts says:

          Yes, that would be really nice. I do have a sewing table that let’s my machine sit in it, but it doesn’t have a standing option and I’ve really grown to love standing and sewing.

  9. Jamie says:

    We bought my mom a similar style desk from Ikea for her sewing area, and she LOVES it. She sits to sew at one it, but loves that she can easily raise to stand up and cut on the other end!

  10. Jodi says:

    Interesting idea. It certainly does make sense. I stand to cut, sit to sew, then stand to iron…not very efficient. I will think about this when ever I am able to create a studio. Right now my supplies and tools are in different areas of the house, and my machine is kept in an armoire. I have to get all my things out when I am working on a project then put it all back to eat dinner on my workspace (some people call this a kitchen table). Thank you for the inspiration.

    • autumn says:

      hmmm….i like that one! it looks like it could solve my problems, but i have a question! right now, i DO sit to sew, and i had my ikea table shortened so i could sew at a better height, as i’m short. anyway, i read that the stool doesn’t go high enough for some tall people, but would it go short enough for a shorter table, do you know? i see the reviews keep talking about it being great for the standing desk. thanks for any thoughts!

      • Suzy Quilts says:

        Autumn, are you wondering if it would be a good height for you to sit on it at a regular desk? It looks like the minimum height is 20″, so I think that should work. You may want to get out a tape measure, though, and take some measurements before buying.

        • autumn says:

          fo’ sho’. i think i will try and hit up IKEA next week….i have been using a stepstool….like, with STEPS….for painting, aha! i don’t mind it much, but it clearly doesn’t glide, LOL. and in my case, “regular” desk is the basical IKEA table…shortened by a few inches. i think i’d like to try the standing thing, too, but i’m never sure what’s best. i have a bum back from some accidents, and i wonder if it’s good to mix up my standing and sitting, to balance things out. never sure! thank you, lady!!

    • Starla says:

      What is that item number for the ikea stool/chair? The entire number is not showing on my phone and that may be the reason the link doesn’t take me to the specific item. Not sure.

  11. Vivian says:

    What a great sewing studio! And I’m so glad to see your little furry friend has a special spot just for him. Even on a cold overcast day the light is beautiful and bright. Happy creating!!

  12. Xanthe says:

    I am obsessed with your sewing STUDIO! I mean, if there’s a sewing room that deserves the title studio, this has gotta be it, right??? Mine is most definitely undeserving of any title more than ‘somewhere guests stay that also stores fabric and sometimes I go in and make stuff when my kids aren’t watching’. So, if you wake up one day and hear someone whizzing along on your machine… it’ll just be me 😉 Also, KEGELS!!! And, yes, I laughed.

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      hahaha! X, you always crack me up! I’m sure your sewing space is just as happy and wonderful as the beautiful things you make. And OBVI, you are always welcome here in Chicago. Scrappy might even consider sharing her rug.

  13. Janice says:

    I love the idea of standing. I worked as a bank teller for several years and was standing all the time. I think it would take a little while to get used to it again now. How do you use the knee lifter on your machine while standing, or do you just ignore it?

  14. katybee says:

    lots of good ideas and things to think about in this post. I’ve been thinking of moving my sewing space from the “guest room” (that now doesn’t work for as a comfortable space guests) to a mostly unused but awkward space. So rethinking how to work and what is really needed is very helpful. I like the spareness of your space but keep wondering “where do you put all the stuff?”

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      I think it’s a great idea for you to think outside the box about how to work and where to sew. Right next to my hanging quilt I have a walk in closet where I keep my drawers and drawers of fabric, hang quilts, store my ironing board and also miscellaneous notions and books. I call it my panic room. haha!

      I posted a pic of it once on IG stories, so I think I have one somewhere…let me see if I can find it and I’ll update this post. 🙂

  15. Jessy says:

    How has no one commented on the kegel commment?! I am sorry to do this to you but someone has to share the hard truth…I will take it upon myself…THEY DONT WORK! Honestly after 2 babies and I didn’t use my bits (C-Section’s as I make big babies) I have to cross my legs to sneeze! If I’m mid stroll I have to STOP walking, cross the ol legs and pray to the high heavens I don’t pee myself. It’s a very humbling experience LOL

    But seriously your space is amazing. You truly make my secret granny hobby cool! Best of luck for the kegels and totally understand if my post doesn’t make the wall!

  16. mary-ellen says:

    I love the idea of a standing desk. I went on FULLY’s website to buy myself your table. What I can’t find are the measurements for the table at its tallest and shortest heights. I am 5′ 10″ and wonder if the table will be high enough.
    Also since it is called a STANDING desk, i was looking for reference or photos of it in its sitting position. Your studio is lovely and a quilter’s dream. Thanks for letting us in to take a peek!

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      Well, what I can tell you is that I’m just 2 inches shorter than you and the standard sized desk works great for me. I actually don’t raise it the highest it can go. The standard desk also lowers way lower than you would need it to…unless you are into kneeling 😉

  17. Jazmine says:

    Hi Suzy,
    loved the post and inspiration I gained from it. I would love to have the same storage system that you have in your walk-in closet would you mind letting me know where you got the bins / racks? thank you.

  18. Marilyn says:

    I invested in an adjustable height stand last year for my sewing and it’s been wonderful. I’m very short and found I couldn’t get a table low enough when sitting. I’m so much more comfortable now that my machine is low enough and my posture is correct. I find I can’t sew very long standing, mostly because the leg that supports my weight gets tired. The other leg really doesn’t do much except control the foot pedal, so most of the standing is done with my left leg. But it’s a good break from the sitting. I’m 71 years old so I’m sure you younguns can stand a while longer. I love it for machine embroidery though — I can walk away, come back and change threads and go again.

  19. Susan says:

    Has anyone tried one of those items which can raise and then lower the space for a computer? It looks to be about a width of 24-36 inches or so. I have already constructed my sewing table from a unpainted desk and short bookcase and put a door on top for my sewing table and would hate to loose the drawer space this gives me. I sew my own clothing but also sew a lot of small things like totes and doll clothes and think this smaller space would be enough for these objects. I saw one at Costco last year for about $100 and wonder if anybody else has tried such an item for sewing? Send your comments here and separately to: [email protected] Thanks. Susan

  20. Ergo Jon says:

    Wow, I love your workspace Suzy. I’m a huge fan of standing desks, I like the way you’ve implemented it for sewing. Besides, your decoration is absolutely lovely, seems like a wonderful place to spend time working.

      • Tara Maginnis says:

        I have to stick my pedal on a box, which makes balancing harder. I too prefer standing, but my Bernette has a pedal cord that is not long enough to reach to the floor when I put the machine as high as I like it. So the balancing act means I must sew in short spurts. Then, I’m a costumer not a quilter so I can do that much of the time.

  21. Julia says:

    Love your “stuff” closet as well!! Would you consider a pattern for your quilted wall hangings (the two on the wall with the computer)? They’re so pretty! LOL’ed on the comment about the keigels not working. After two kids, I too can attest.

  22. Adonna Dupre says:

    Ugh! I’m so jealous of your space. It’s gorgeous! Lucky you.

    My question is about using the sewing pedal while standing. Is that hard on your legs? Like do you have to put a lot of extra weight on your left leg while your right leg is using the pedal? I’ve been thinking a standing desk would be in my future since I spend waaaaay too much time sitting.

    Thanks! Adonna

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      That’s a great question. If I’m doing a lot of sewing, I find a stand pad to be incredibly helpful in providing support for my left leg. I also think it would only start to feel unevenly fatigued after a few hours of sewing, and by then I’m ready for a break anyway.

  23. Nancy Gatta says:

    I now have a standing sewing table, but the foot pedal cords on my Husklylock 905 and my Brother PS3700 do not reach the floor. I tried putting the foot pedals on blocks, but this proves awkward and painful for my posture. Can the cords be extended?

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      Hmmm…that’s a quandary. I would assume there is some kind of extension cord to buy, but since every company is different, you’ll probably have to do some online searching or call your dealer directly. A cord extension would be the easiest solution. I don’t know if this exists, but maybe look into a universal pedal that works with multiple machines? If you could find that, then hopefully the cord would be long enough.

  24. katherina moller says:

    I repurposed our old formica kitchen counters in my sewing room. They are standing height and i use this space to plan and cut my fabric. It also works as an ironing space. I have used the sewing machine on it, but had to have a sturdy box to put the foot pedal on. My machine does have a automatic button to sew,Bernina 530, so I don’t need to always use the foot pedal. Being able to stand when cutting, basting, ironing, etc. Is a real back saver😊

  25. Joyce says:

    My son recently built me a custom standing cabinet. Love it!!!!! It includes a couple of drawers under my sewing machine and a couple of doors with extra closed storage space. On the left end side I have another small drawer and two open storage shelves – holds my serger and printer. The standing cabinet is very much a back saver for me.

    • Astrid says:

      Apologies I can’t see where to start a new comment… But I was wondering about what height you use the sewing machine at? The same as when you cut out? We’re hoping to build a non-adjustable standing height table and I can see that I’d be looking at the sewing machine from a different angle than when I’m sat at a desk. When I sit at a desk I already hunch over my machine a bit and so I was wondering if that gets worse if you’re standing and your machine is a little lower down proportionally than at a standing position?

      • sherry says:

        Good question! I love the idea of standing to sew. I’ve heard that when you fmq it’s suggested that the machine bed is at the bottom of your rib cage – I’m on the tall side so that would be about 44″ which is 8″ higher than my kitchen counter height. I also wonder about visibility to see what you’re sewing/quilting?

  26. Kathy says:

    I know I am late to this party but… I am in process of setting up my sewing studio after 2 years of not quilting (graduate school) and moving (new job)… I love my standing desk at work and I think standing one for sewing would be lovely… but… I hate cables, how do you manage the cables from sewing machine, computer, lamp etc so they are neat and tidy when the desk moves up and down? Is everything plugged in to some secret mounted power strip?

  27. Sherry says:

    Standing to sew makes so much sense to me! I also think it would be great to be able to work with the machine perpendicular to you when fmq. I was wondering if you have to take the machine off when changing the height of the table? I have a Babylock Crescendo that weighs about 34 lb so probably similar to your Bernina 770?

    Thanks!

  28. Jamie says:

    I love your studio! And your blog! And your patterns! I am curious about your sewing machine sitting on top of your table and want to ask about machine quilting with the machine sitting on a table. I also have a Bernina with the small slide-in “table” and my machine sits on top of a folding table. I find my quilt gets a bit hung up on the slide-in “table” of my machine when I machine quilt. Do you ever have that problem? Thanks!

  29. laure says:

    I love your studio! Everything about it! Do you use your standing table for quilting, and if so do you find it is wide enough?

  30. Patrick Choiniere says:

    Very nice setup. I also want to setup my sewing machine on a standup desk. Currently I use a standup desk for computer work, due to my back issues. Tho standing can be tough. I did find a great solution, it’s called a Focal Upright Locus Seat- Active Leaning Chair
    (https://www.btod.com/saf-flt-1000-bk). It’s a cross between sitting and standing at the same time. I don’t use a chair anymore and I love it so much I got one for work and home. My back would give out and need physical therapy 1-2 time a year before I got the chair. After I got it, it’s going on 6 years without my back giving out. Give it a try.

  31. Elizabeth Louros says:

    Hello- love your sewing studio. What kind of top did you get for the standing desk ? Is it dark bamboo, a laminate, or the solid wood top ? thanks

  32. Carol says:

    Suzy, hi! I love this room, it’s so beautiful! Do you happen to remember the name of the paint color on the walls?! My apologies if it this was asked above, I skimmed but didn’t see anything around it!

  33. Mackenzie says:

    I’m not sure if someone asked this, but do you have trouble seeing the needle or presser foot when standing? Do you slightly tilt your machine back a bit? Or maybe I need my table higher?

  34. Kelly says:

    Great tour & blog about your room & what works for you – thanks! Have you tried cutting fabric on your standing desk/table? Wondering how sturdy it is – does it rock/jostle at cutting height when you put hand on ruler and press down in preparation for rotary cutting? I drooled over an electric variable height sewing machine table at my dealer, because of infinite height adjustments & depth for fmq – but it was around 4k – yowza! So I’m now thinking about a standing desk/table primarily for cutting, but you’ve now got me thinking about using one as a sewing table too…

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      I can’t recommend this standing desk enough. It’s very sturdy and doesn’t shake when I sew or cut. If you wanted to make it have more of a sewing cabinet feel, you could put a Sew Steady around your machine on the standing desk.

  35. Michelle says:

    I’ve been trying to figure out how to maximize my space, and these are great ideas. I assume you need to move your computer and plants when working on bigger quilting projects.

  36. Becky says:

    I’m sorry if I am repeating a question (I read some of the comments, but there is 104 of them!). I tried standing to sew. I put my desk legs on those bed risers. I have a Bernina also and I LOVE the knee bar. But when standing, the knee bar is very awkward to use. Did you find this to be true?

  37. Marsha says:

    I know that since you created your brand new sewing headquarters under the roof (I dream of such a big space!) that you mentioned another sewing table that you got with fold-down sides and back, but I can’t find the name in any of the posts. Would you be so kind as to please mention it again here under the sewing table post.

  38. Gigi says:

    Hi! So glad I stumbled upon your blog! I have been pulling hair out for the last 2 weeks trying to find my perfect sewing table and work desk. I didn’t know if I wanted 3 tables. One for work. One for sewing and one for cutting. Ideally I wanted a flatbed sewing adjustable table like you mentioned in your blog. But i couldn’t bite the bullet on the price tag. When I saw your blog piece, I was convinced I can have my laptop AND sewing machine fit on it! Which makes me so happy 🙂 may I please ask what size your table is? I’m thinking of getting the same one or one size up. Not sure yet. Thank you!!!

  39. Hayden Brown says:

    For 2 years now I’ve been a stand only sewing room + my home office where I work 12 hour shifts. I cannot recommend compression socks enough!!

    The foot pain, back pain, knee pain etc is minimal with compression socks. Sure, the socks are more expensive than regular socks but it’s SO worth it. I thought they were just for old people but they’re not 😂 there’s tons of companies now that sell them (I wouldn’t recommend Amazon, they’re not very good quality)

  40. Geri says:

    Great article. I put a hollow core door (painted) on top of 2 bookcases. Perfect for standing to sew, cut fabric and craft in addition to having a place for my crafting books.

  41. Susan says:

    Was looking for recommendations for a sit /stand sewing table and of course landed on this page :-). Love your sewing studio. I have to move off the dining table here and was hoping for a sit/ stand table with a drop for the machine. Does anyone make that ? Many thanks.

  42. Dee says:

    Your sewing studio is absolutely lovely. It looks like such a peaceful place to plan and sew. It is very inspiring, and giving me ideas for my future sewing room. I was wondering, about how large is the room you are using and how large is the closet? I can’t decide if your room is actually large, or if hiding the stash of fabric in the walk in closet and reducing visual clutter makes that much of a difference in the “space” of your sewing studio. Your answer will help me decide if building a studio shed in our tiny back yard might give enough space, or if it would wind up being too small after all.

    Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent with us through your lovely work both in sewing and with your stories/blog posts.

    • Suzy Williams says:

      I have a lot of storage space in my attic studio, so that helps a ton in keeping it look uncluttered. It’s basically divided into two sides with a staircase running up the middle. Each side is big enough for me to comfortably baste a throw quilt on the floor. I do a lot of photography on the floor too, so it’s really nice to have that space available and always uncluttered by furniture.

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