Back in the Studio
The Studio
My hardwood floors are done and after 8 hours of wiping up dust off of everything I’m ready to head back to my studio. At least until I can get the inside painting started.
I’ve been working on adding the surface stitching to Structures #72, which is bunched up under the back sewing machine.
In January I added a second large work table to my studio. My sewing machine, a pfaff 1475, nestles down into the these tables and gives me a large 4 foot by 8 foot surface to work on. It’s a wonderful setup that helps facilitate creating my textile paintings with ease.
I wanted a second table so I could use 1 table for surface stitching and the other table for constructing the compositions. These two activities require different creative thinking on my part and different sewing machine set up. Having 2 machines and 2 tables would allow me to switch between activities quicker and with less interuption.
Open Space
As soon as I got the new table set up my productivity in the studio crashed. I kept trying to tell myself I loved having the 2 tables but it wasn’t working. My studio felt cramped and crowded. I’m used to having lots of open space. It’s interesting how much the energy shifted by adding more furniture.
I’ve used the second table only for a few hours, always going back to my original table to do sewing. A few months after completing the new table, I decided to move into a smaller house, where there will be no way the second table will fit.
My original thought was to store the new table until I can move into my dream studio (slated for 6 years from now when my kids have all left home and I will move again). I still think having 2 tables is an excellent idea. I just need more space to do it.
For Sale
Then I got real and recognized I won’t have room to store the table top and all the bookshelves in my new smaller home. So the second table is for sale. I obviously can’t ship it but if you live in the denver area and are interested let me know. I’m asking $200 for the table (I paid $180 for the bookshelves and table top and $175 for the labor to build the shelf that holds the sewing machine).
It is custom fit for a pfaff1475 but can be modified to fit many other machines. Recognizing that I probably don’t need all 3 of my pfaff1475s for the next few year, I will sell one of my pfaffs for $700 to the purchaser of the table if desired. I’m selling the one I bought last year for $740 then paid $100+ to have it serviced. I’ve used it very little since purchasing it so it’s in excellent shape.
If you are interested please send me an email or leave a comment below. The table top is not fastened to the bookshelves so it is (relatively) easy to move. It’s definitely heavy.
I’m going to list it on craigslist in a few days if none of my readers are interested.
Posted by Lisa in: Being an Artist
Tagged: for sale, Moving, pfaff, sewing machines, sewing table, studio
Lisa Flowers Ross said,
May 17, 2008 @ 9:35 pm
I wish I could have that table. But I don’t live in Denver and it would probably not fit in my space. I have a Pfaff, too, and I like how nicely that one sits in your table. Good luck selling it.
Tracy said,
May 18, 2008 @ 6:41 am
I’m in awe of your cleaning/”bringing it down to the bare bones” downsizing. I know you’re making things presentable for sale, but still commendable.
I agree that your environment can effect your workhabits. I work in my basement and paint smaller pieces. Sometimes, when I’m stumbling and haver the oppurtunity to, I bring an easel upstairs with a tarp and temporarily set up in the living room. (bigger room with vaulted ceiling) I feel so much freer there, my style gets looser and I yearn for a larger canvas.
lee said,
May 19, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
I’m interested in the Pfaff if the purchaser of the table doesn’t want it.
Lisa Call said,
May 19, 2008 @ 9:54 pm
Tracy - I think that is true for me also - the bigger the space the more free I feel my work is.
Lee - I’ll be in touch if need be about the sewing machine.
Thanks Lisa - you could take a road trip and get the table :)
Karen Mason said,
May 20, 2008 @ 4:39 am
Could I see a picture of the table? I will be in the Denver area shortly.
Thanks