My Studio

It took us a little bit to get it to this point but I'm finally ready and excited to show you guys what we've been working on for the past few weeks... the MODKID Studio! I apologize in advance for the lighting. This is a basement studio with only one smallish window so natural lighting is practically non-existent and studio lighting is hard to position when you have so many elements to block the flow of light.

Anyway, ready for your virtual tour? As you first enter the room, you see this:

studio6

The cutting table is the piƩce-de-resistance. I dreamt it up one night and Jon made it happen for me. We took two Expedit bookcases from IKEA, turned them on their side and butted them together to create the base of the table. That was the easy part. The shelves are hollow at the back which is great because I can store long items that span from one side to the other. Then I told Jon I wanted a 1.5" gap in between the tabletop and the base to store flat pattern sheets and other large paper drawings. Jon built me a tabletop out of MDF with dry-erase board on the top (perfect for jotting quick measurements or notes!) then mounted it on top of the bookcases with two 1.5" spacers in between. PERFECT!

Here's a closer look at the cutting table:

studio5

As you walk toward the back side of the table, you see a better view of my fabric shelves (which are just two Billy bookcases from IKEA side by side) and a little sneak peek of my sewing table.

studio2

Around the other end of the room is my extra long sewing table. Believe it or not I used to have these 3 machines on a table that was about 1/3 shorter than this one. Now that I've been working with this much elbow room I have no idea how I ever sewed anything before. From back to front you see my 31-year old Bernina Record (my prized possession), my BabyLock Imagine serger and my White SpeedyLock serger (always set to the rolled hems function). The table and chairs are also from IKEA (yes, we shop there a lot!)

studio1

Turning around and facing the other side of the room, you get the left side of my cutting table. Here is where I store all of my sewing supplies... anything from cutting tools, to interfacings, tracing papers, you name it. I also have several bins that hold ribbons, fabric scraps and miscellaneous office supplies.

studio3

On the far right of the studio is my computer desk. This is an old desk that I purchased back in Orlando 10 or so years ago and has moved with me from house to house and State to State. It does the job. My new MacBook Pro sits up there on the half shelf and is hooked up to a 24" Cinema Display because this old lady has failing eyes and needs to see things BIG on the screen. The sweet little red task chair is from (you guessed it!) IKEA. (By the way, this is my interim chair until I can afford to get my dream chair. Hopefully my back won't be broken before then.)

studio4

Adjacent to my computer desk you will find this colorful little bookcase which houses some of my favorite things: sewing books, trade magazines, music CDs, kitschy toys and collectibles. Everything is at arm's reach in case I need to reference something or just play...

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And last, but certainly not least, is the most comfortable spot in the studio. I have fallen asleep on this couch many a night when I'm just way too tired to get my butt up the stairs to my own bed. But, hey, I'm not complaining...

studio-sofa

86 comments:

  1. looks great...is that an IKEA chair in the corner partially coverd with Andalucia?? Vunderbar!!

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  2. What a joy to have such a great studio. The space seam quite large. Do you know the square footage? Looks almost as big as my condo.

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  3. Oh How I wish Ikea would come to Hawaii! I want your sewing table! Guess I'll have to go look at the ocean & dream!

    Everything is perfect! Thank you for the tour!

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  4. What a GORGEOUS place to work! You are a lucky lady!

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  5. I LOVE your studio! I might have to take a trip to IKEA!

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  6. Thank you all for the comments.

    Scott... very observant of you. That is an IKEA chair and it's actually completely covered in Andalucia (well, except for the legs). That is one of the 2 chairs that I took to Quilt Market for my fabric debut last October. :)

    the sewing chatter box, I am not sure what the exact square footage is but I'd say the space is about 13' to 14' wide by about 18' long. It's a bit irregularly shaped. It also has a full bath, so I really don't need to leave my little dungeon if I don't feel like it. ;)

    patty

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  7. It looks fantastic Patty! So creative, organized and pretty. Thanks for the tour!

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  8. Johanna11:40 PM

    I work with in-house interior designers at a University. We have an Aeron chair for people ordering new furniture to try out. Usually someone in the department snatches up the demo chairs for their office and the designers take clients there to try it, but people keep trying the Aeron and returning it. No matter how it's adjusted, the seat presses into the backs of your thighs and is really uncomfortable. The Aeron has just been sitting in the hall for the last 6 months.

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  9. Yay!! Finally we get to see it! You and Jon did a great job and that cutting table is truly a work of genius. I just adore all the color and texture going on it that room. Just beautiful!!

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  10. So, you can expect me in the AM to come play in your new studio with you? I'll bring coffee and bagels. LOL

    Nah, I wouldn't do that to you. This makes me want to redo mine now. I have two rooms, so Rod would be ever so thrilled. NOT

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  11. I would kill to have your studio!! It is just divine - well done! Christine xo

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  12. My eyes couldn't decide between the gutermann thread case on your wall and all your luscious fabrics!!! (How does one get a whole gutermann case?!?!?!)

    I have to say Patty, I am so VERY proud of you!!! You stood out from our "boutique days" and you are an inspiration!!! Your fabric lines sing "MODKID"!

    ~gyl

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  13. ...can you feel the envy spilling out of me? Super cool Patty!

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  14. gorgeous! Loooove the red shelves and the chairs!

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  15. Wow Patty what a fantastic work space! You and your husband did a great job.

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  16. Anonymous7:21 AM

    I have sewing studio envy! Looks so awesome. Where did you get the paperdoll poster?

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  17. Oops, I just drooled. Love what you've done with the place!

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  18. WOW, it looks fabulous Patty! So happy for you. And thank you for inspiring me to finally get it together and get my studio looking purdy! Can't wait to see what you create in your new space!

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  19. I am so many kinds of jealous! It is so lovely! Now I must have at least a mini studio! Oh the organization!

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  20. What a great little sewing space you have. I dream of having something of my own someday. I love the idea of making Ikea book cases into a table.

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  21. Wow!! That is one amazing studio - one day I keep telling myself - one day....

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  22. Wow - looks amazing!

    Enjoy it!

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  23. Very cool studio!!

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  24. I have dreams of turning our front bedroom into a craft/ sewing space. Thanks again for your inspiration and great ideas. Your fabrics make fabulous background in the red shelving.

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  25. BEAUTIFUL! I am drooling over that cutting table. I love the gap so you can leave things out without little hands grabbing at them. I also adore the bright red shelves and all that storage space. I would be so inspired in that room. Also the couch is genius! :)

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  26. You have my dream room! Maybe someday my room will be bigger and I can spread out more. I love all your ideas!!

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  27. Love eveything Patti!! Can you use a rotary cutter on that white board though??

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  28. Anonymous10:57 AM

    Very very cool - and Patty, way way too clean?! That computer desk...wow, I haven't actually "seen" the actual surface of my desk in a long time! Lucky you - wonderful studio!

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  29. WOW! I'm feeling the love! :) Let's see if I can answer every question...

    Johanna, thanks for the chair info. you are welcome to send the Aeron over here. I'll give it a test drive and decide for myself. ;)

    Gyl, I bought the Gutermann thread cabinet at Joann Fabrics with one of their 50% off coupons. :) LOVE IT!!

    Jenny, the paper doll poster was a freebie I received years & years ago when I was the Creative Director for a Marketing Agency in Orlando. It is a promo piece for a paper company called French Papers. They always had the coolest promo materials! :)

    Sapo Verde, no, I definitely wouldn't use a rotary cutter on the white board. I have a large self-healing mat that sits on top of the board for those occasions. ;)

    Teopeasinapodstudio, of course, I cleaned it for the shoot! Everyone does that. It's already messy! haha

    Again, thank you all for stopping by and for your sweet comments! :)

    patty

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  30. Goregous...I wanna come and work in there. I see inspiration around every little corner! Terrific job.

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  31. AMAZING! You've done it again, Ms Patty! I can see your personality in every nook & cranny of this place. The cutting table is drool-worthy, the fabric shelves are so colorful & fun and your computer station looks way too high-tech for me to handle. LOL! Thanks for sharing!!

    Annie

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  32. Anonymous12:00 PM

    hello... hapi blogging... have a nice day! just visiting here....

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  33. So pretty!!!! That's a great way to set up a sewing table. I need room for both of my machines and then some.

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  34. Anonymous12:24 PM

    very nice! Can't wait to see it.

    -Alicia

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  35. SO jealous! What a FANTASTIC studio! I think I might have to make a trip to IKEA! What a great idea for a cutting table. Just what I've been looking for! Thanks for sharing Patty!

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  36. Patty, it is absolutely gorgeous! You and Jon are a great team.

    Of course it makes me want to hurry and finish my studio re-do (which ain't gonna happen for at least two more weeks).

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  37. Anonymous12:49 PM

    Thanks Patty. Do you think if I hang a poster like that one in my studio it will miraculously turn into a space that looks like yours? Hmmm I am thinking about all the stacks of fabric, patterns,sewing machine, serger and dust sitting on top of my oh so lovely plastic folding table, yes you heard right plastic folding table and I am thinking a super cute poster like yours won't mask that! But I do like the French Paper site, so thanks! I love how you turned the bookshelves on their side to make a cutting table. A really great idea.

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  38. What a gorgeous room! What a fun place to work and create beautiful things.

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  39. Your studio is inspiring! And I love all that great Ikea furniture. I can't wait until we move into a house and I have plenty of space to expand my now corner-sized sewing area. Thanks for the inside look :-)

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  40. Oh you lucky folks who have basements. Here in Florida there is no such thing. I would be like having a second house (underneath). Your studio is lovely and looks inspiring.

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  41. GrantziePantz6:37 PM

    Ok, I was just about to run to ikea and redo my room, but then I thought of something. Where do you iron? I didn't see a board anywhere? Do you have something you put on top of the cutting table? Please share!

    LOVE THE ROOM!
    Off to check some ikea measurements. LOL!

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  42. Oh that room is to die for!! Love it, and the cutting table is fabulous!! That couch sure does look comfy, can see why you wouldn't mind sleeping there!
    Cheers!

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  43. Karen, I totally know what you mean. I lived in FL for nearly 20 years, so when I got my first basement I was like WHOA!!!

    GrantziePantz, I have a regular, old boring ironing board that I keep tucked away in the closet and I pull it out when I'm sewing. It used to be out all the time, but nowadays my time is split evenly between designing on the computer & sewing.

    Again, thanks everyone for stopping by! :)

    patty

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  44. What a gorgeous room. I absolutely want that cutting table and following your directions, I might just get one. The colors you have chosen are perfect. I'm sure there will be lots of work accomplished in this great studio

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  45. Fantastic studio - very well thought out. I especially love the cutting table with all of the storage. You can fall asleep on the sofa dreaming about your next project! Thanks for sharing!

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  46. Thanks for the tour. Absolutely fabulous!

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  47. Anonymous9:05 PM

    WOW! All that gorgeous red!! I love the Ikea Andalucia chair - *drool*. I have total studio envy.

    That cutting table?? TDF!

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  48. Happybaby9:09 PM

    OMG!Your studio and kids are beautifully dressed up by your own fabric.

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  49. What a cream of mine to have such a wonderful studio! Love, love, love it!! Thanks for sharing the pictures!

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  50. I am so totally gonna COPY your cutting table! My DH and I have been trying to figure out the best way to make one for weeks now. . . Thanks for sharing! Love it!

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  51. gorgeous! who couldn't be inspired in there?!

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  52. Oh. My. Gosh. That is a fantastic room. Once you get in, you wouldn't want to leave!

    You guys did a great job. And it's in the basement? You'd never know.

    Just came across your blog today and have added your RSS feed to Bloglines.

    Great stuff Patty!

    --mike

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  53. I'm so jealous, your studio is beautiful. Kudos to you and the Mister!! I want it I want it!

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  54. I just found your blog and love your sewing studio.. What a beautiful place to create. Thanks for the little tour.

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  55. What a great space you have created for yourself....let the creative juices flow!=)

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  56. Good afternoon. I love your studio, you have given me so many great ideas for my studio. If you purchase a Herman Miller chair you will be spoiled for life, I was gifted one at work and honestly I do not know how I lived without it.

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  57. It looks fantastic Patty! Love all the clean lines and pops of color. Very cool idea with your cutting table. My 9 year old looked at the pics with me and said I needed a sewing room like that. LOL! Her favorite was your pillows. :)

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  58. Hannah9:12 AM

    WOW! You have inspired me to turn my mess of a huge basement into my own little sewing oasis LOL! Awesome job : )

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  59. OMG! I am in LOVE with your studio! I sooooo miss IKEA now that we live in Nova Scotia again! Thank you for the inspiration! Sherri

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  60. Wish there was an IKEA store close to me! I am in love with your cutting table! Very smart thinking! Your studio looks great!

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  61. What a beautiful space! Congratulations.

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  62. Loved the studio pics-I even sent your link to my mom to inspire her! The expedite bookshelves, fab idea!

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  63. Lovely studio! I love the colors and organisation. And I spot some Pullip dolls too (I have that Little Cornice! ^^). It must be really nice to create in there.
    I love the cushions you made. I'm just discovering your fabrics (I arrived here through your interview at True Up) and I like them a lot!

    ~lholy-chan~

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  64. Looks lovely. If my dh saw it, he would want to know why my space isn't that organized... I'd be in trouble. LOL.

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  65. Your studio is gorgeous! I just completed, except for hanging some things on the walls, my sewing studio (which is an extra bedroom converted into my "little piece of heaven"). Love your Mac....I have one too! Mac is just the best. P.S. Where are you located in Illinois? We lived in Mundelein (Lake County) for about 8 years before moving to North Carolina two years ago...small world!

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  66. Your sewing studio is just gorgeous. I turned an extra bedroom into my studio and just love it. Love how you have your three machines lined up on that extra long table. They are just ready to do some serious sewing! I just bought a new Bernina (830)...I see that you still have yours, which makes me think I've made a good investment. Thanks for sharing your awesome studio with us!

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  67. I am drooling over your sewing studio! It is so colorful and organized. I wished I could have a room like that.

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  68. Anonymous12:14 PM

    OMG Patty! Absolutely LOVE IT!!!!

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  69. ptowski3:58 PM

    Your room is soooo gorgeous! Can you post a pic of what it looks like right now!!! I'd love to know that sometimes it looks like ours!!! ;-)

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  70. I am just blown away. I've drifting here after hearing about the modkids patterns. When I saw the studio picture, I assumed that we were going to hear of a major renovation project. BUT . . . expedit bookcases from Ikea & dry erase board? Honestly, I'm actually tearing up at the creativity.

    BTW, my disappointment was that the modkids patterns only go up to size 7 (48"). Any chance we'll see larger sizes? Looks like your own models might be getting older :-).

    I have an 8 year old who is 55 inches tall, and I would like to dress her like an 8 year old (not a teen). Your fabrics and clothes are lovely examples.

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  71. wow you have really done up your sewing room beautifully! i just showed it to my husband.. hoping he could mayyyyyyybe make this happen one day (hey a girl can dream!!)
    i'm looking around in south africa for your fabrics but i dont see any... i am dying to sew with it!

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  72. I love your creative space Patty, it's just gorgeous.

    Can I ask what colour you have painted your walls? Are they a grey or stone?. I am planning on painting soon and I would love a colour that goes well with everything, just fading away and letting the textiles shine. If you know the specific colour I would be so grateful to know.

    Cheers, Hayley.

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  73. Hi Haley!

    Thank you for your question. The walls in my studio are painted a color called 'Canon Beach' which is like a light taupe tone. It's what came with the house when we bought it and I haven't bother to repaint because it is so neutral, it really goes with everything and lets my bright decor shine through. :)

    patty

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  74. Thanks Patty, I will look it up.

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  76. I absolutely love your sewing studio! What a great idea to take two shelves and put them on their side! I am getting so many ideas, since I am making my sewing studio!

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  77. Anonymous4:48 PM

    That cutting table is AMAZING!!! Great idea to have your husband build up the top to store those pesky pattern pieces that usually blow all over the room! I'm stealing this idea for sure. :) xx

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  78. I am using your idea for the cutting table as well. Had my trip to IKEA yesterday. One question. Did your husband glue or attach the two bases together or does the top hold it together well enough? Sincere thanks for the inspiration!

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  79. Now this is GORGEOUS, so amazingly beautiful and perfect! Even if I had a space like this I'd have it covered w/piles of fabric, notions, thread, scraps and more. Now tell us, what does your space REALLY look like everyday??? I would really love to know, LOL! I have a group on FB and we share photos of what our spaces REALLY look like. I'd say half of us are super messy creatives and the other half are pretty organized (weird-o's). You probably are the super neat type but I find lots of creatives are messy.
    Anyway, love, love, love your space AND I love your patterns & fabrics. I have a couple of bolts of them in my messy space.

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  80. I love your sewing room, so much space, and so organised. I also love Ikea, always find such great ideas there.

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  81. Beautiful studio!!! How do you organize your sewing patterns?

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  82. Anonymous11:28 AM

    Gorgeous! Out of curiosity, what sewing machines do you have? I'm refering to brands and/or models. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you. I use primarily BabyLock machines. I have the Symphony, the Unity, the Imagine and the Coverstitch. In these pictures, which are many years old, you only see 2 of those, plus you also see an older Bernina Record (my first machine... about 45 years old!)

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  83. Hi,
    I love the sewing room! Could you be more specific on the fabric shelves and bookcases? I cannot seem to locate them on IKEA. Thanks!

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    1. Hi! This post is from 2009 so some of the items we used in this old sewing room may not be available anymore. The red fabric shelves were called BILLY Bookcases. I know for sure IKEA discontinued the red one a few years back, but they may still have them in other colors. The shorter bookcases are called EXPEDIT, also from Ikea.

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