A New Sewing Area, And A Give Away!
March 9, 2010 by Fab Grandma
Filed under General, Life on the road, Sewing
Ok, so not so much a new area, but a new table! I have been searching for a new sewing table for over a year. The one I had was a folding plastic table that was waaaaay to big for the space I have. I had to keep the legs folded up on one side, and prop that side on the dresser. Whenever I had to get into my drawer to get socks or underwear, it was a problem. But I put up with it because the only other solution would have been to completely put my sewing machine and other paraphenalia away every night. And THAT would have been a big pain in the butt.
I don’t have many pictures of the old set-up, because it was not such a pretty site. And you should have heard FabGrandpa fussing about it all the time! He really didn’t like it. That table was too wide, it stuck out into the room too far, in addition to taking up most of the dresser. AND, whenever I pressed the foot pedal on the sewing machine, it made the whole table jump up and down, so that it was difficult to sew a straight seam. (Now I am sure you all don’t believe that since I have been making so many pretty things, but trust me, it was a circus.)
Finding a new table was difficult because it had to fit a very small space. The opening is 43″ long X 20″ deep, but there is a folding curtain about 6″ from the sink cabinet. We can’t take the curtain out because if we have company, we have to be able to close off the bathroom area from our bedroom area, unless of course we are VERY cozy with the visitors. So, the search was on. But I found the (almost) perfect table last Saturday at Wal-Mart, and for only $34! It is 36″ wide, so it fits in the space with room to spare. And at 19″ deep, it doesn’t stick out too far into the room. The only thing that would have made it a perfect table would have to have been if it had a couple of drawers. It DOES have shelves, so that can be remedied. I can now be on the search for some baskets or containers that fit the shelves. I’m thinking shoeboxes that I can cover with fabric.
I’ve been so happy with the table that I have been sewing every day since I got it. And, it is solid as a rock, no jumping up and down while I sew, no battle with the machine to keep it from walking off of the table. It is SOOO much more relaxing to just sew and not have to work so much at it. I made that bag in a couple of hours. It is the same pattern I used to make the ones for my daughters for Christmas, but I played around with it some to make it look a little different. I love the fabric, called Naturology. I’m putting this one in my shop for sale–it will be up there tomorrow.
After I finished the tote bag–I made up some of the zipper bags to match it, they are cute, cute, cute!
And then I made some of the business card wallets, too. Someone I know wanted one of those in purple, so I made those, too.
To celebrate my new sewing area, and also to celebrate the opening of MY SHOP, I am giving away these matching little bags–one zipper pouch and one business card wallet in the Naturology green, brown and cream colors. If you want to own it, here is how to win:
1. Look at my little shop, then come back and leave a comment telling me what you like there.
2. For a second entry, tweet about this give away on Twitter, and leave a comment telling me you did.
3. For a third entry, follow my RSS feed, and comment to let me know you did.
I’ll pick a winner at random on March 30. It would be sooner but I am going on vacation for a week–going to see all my grandchildren, and can’t wait!
Check out more handmade items at the I Made It Blog Party
I think we have the same machine. You are a much better sewing pro though.
Mine is a White 970–not the bottom of the line, not the top either, but it does the job!
Congratulations on your new sewing area – you’ve been busy! I took a look at your shop, and love your wallets. They all look so neat and tidy.
I already subscribe through Google Reader!
Karen, I always find your posts so interesting and more than once I’ve looked at your little “shop of goodies.” I especially like your little wallets as they seem so perfect to fit into a small space – like my pocket – when we are working here at the resort. On Fridays when we run Country Store I don’t like to carry money in my pocket (in case I find a special bargain) and one of those wallets might do the trick – I could carry some money and i.d.!
Thank you Arnette!
I’m so excited that you are doing a give away! We already follow you blog and have now signed up to your RSS feed.
I LOVE all of your bags in your shop and I especially love the one you are planning on giving away! 
Enjoy your vacation and your grandchildren!!!! ((hugs))
i like the green waist apron mverno@roadrunner.com
Hi Karen- the new table looks great. I can’t imagine how much you’ll turn out now that you won’t be fighting your wobbly table! I love the circle wallet in your little shop and especially the little zipper bags in the naturology colors. Have a blast on vacation – I can’t wait to hear your stories ; )
Cheryl
p.s. What kind of machine do you have?
Cheryl–it is a White 970. I bought after I sold my house,not the top of their line, not the bottom, either, but it gets the job done.
Wow! You have your very own sweat shop… only thing is your the only employee, no one to kick around but yourself. Just kiddin’. Looks nice and I can’t wait to see more, since you don’t have to sew on a teeter totter any more.
Thanks, Mike–I work myself too hard! not really, sewing is not really work for me, I love it!
I really like the Vintage Key & Agate Heart Necklace, it’s very cute!
I also like your jewelry-the Pink and Green Polished Stones Bracelet is lovely!
Congratulations on your shop! These are all fantastic! I really like the little wallet with the green, pink, and red circles in your shop! It’s so fun!
OMGOSH…I have never though of covering shoeboxs and using them for storage bins…great idea!!!!!
I love your new sewing table and it looks like a perfect fit. LOVE all of your sewing too!!
Hugs,
Regi
I love your business card wallets and the fabric you used for your tote is gorgeous. Visiting from “I made It”
I love your business card wallets, they are so practical and pretty! Great job!
I love your sewing area. Right now I sew on a a tv tray. Not very big but it works for right now.
Now you’re sewing away! That’s awesome that you found a table so cheap to fit right there! Yay! Your card wallets are great!
Thanks for joining us again. I always love to stop by your fab blog!
~Kim
Great sewing area! Congrats on your new shop. Love all the different fabrics you use on your little bags in your shop. They are so much fun!
The 20″ turquoise and copper necklace is beautiful! Thanks so much for the great giveaway!
I’m not entering because I already am the proud owner of a cute Fabgrandma bag, but I did tweet your contest.
I love the pink and red polka dot business card holders and the brown and green little bags. All my favorite colors and to cute XXx
love your wallets! So beautiful!
Fab Grandma,
You have great creativity! I really like those business card wallets! I like many of your things, but avoid getting too much stuff. My RV home just won’t hold it.
BTW I have you in my RSS feed – Google Reader.I really enjoy your blog.
I love the little bags you are giving away…and I love your Green and white Gingham Check Apron! Why don’t they make aprons like this anymore? And smocks!?
Thank you for sharing your beautiful things.
Wow! You are so talented! I love your aprons, and I especially love the print of the pink and black hearts. (Love and Valentine’s Day and – Food cooked with love- A beautiful theme.)
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love the red and brown heart aprons that you make! cute! cute! On a side note…I have been reading about all the pain you are dealing with off and on. I have the same type pain. I have been diagnosed with Fibromaylgia. Fibro and I get along great especially when the season turn from summer to fall and winter to spring. But let me not leave out the summer time is the worse and from what I can tell it is because of the humidity!
Susan
http://heknowstheplanshehasforus.blogspot.com/
I am a RSS follower.
Susan
http://heknowstheplanshehasforus.blogspot.com/
I am a twitter fan and have tweeted about your giveaway!
Susan
http://heknowstheplanshehasforus.blogspot.com/
Congratulations on your shop!!!!!!!!!!!
I like the green waist apron, but wish it were full length
hooray for the new shop!! I love the pink and red polka dots!!
Vintage Key & Agate Heart Pendant with Swarovski crystals, 2″ long pendant on 19″ chain.
subscribed by RSS feed. lighthousee27{at}gmail.com
I would love to win this Thank You for this great giveaway fancyfeet45@earthlink.net
Oh, I like a lot of things but the Naturology Quilted Stripes zipper bag reallllly caught my eye. Love it.
THANK YOU!!
I love the Green Cats Chef’s apron!
Vintage Key & Agate Heart Pendant with Swarovski crystals, 2″ long pendant on 19″ chain.
I like the Pink & black Hearts Chef’s Apron
I subscribed to your feed.
Great shop and I love the Chef apron Pink & Brown Hearts
Tweeted:Swtlilchick
http://twitter.com/Swtlilchick/status/11347567207
Following you on rss feed