knitlitcamper
Advanced Beginner
WA USA
Member since 3/2/08
Posts: 223 |
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Date: 10/7/12 10:23 PM I'm seriously debating getting rid of my Sauder sewing cabinet and converting my IKEA computer armoire to my main machine center.
I have had the armoire for years, that currently has an old but working desktop computer (as well as lots of junk loaded on it), but isn't being used.
I'm finding the sewing cabinet takes up lots of floor space folded out with wasted real estate.
The Possible positives of the armoire: I can shut the doors and not mess with anything. Supply storage at hand, cord holes for the machine cord. I could even store my Serger in the cabinet. Has built in cork bulletin board on one side, white board on the other.
I can add my new LED lights under the shelving for excellent lighting :)
Negatives: table height for sewing? keyboard drawer may not be sturdy enough for my machine? Viking Emerald 118.
would be facing a wall since the back of the unit is pretty high so view around the room would be limited, UNLESS I position it where I am typing now on my desktop hmmmmm.
Fabric bunching since I wouldn't have the free table to the left for the fabric to flow over onto the floor. Has this been a problem? I don't normally sew large things, but I'll be making costumes for steamcon coming soon! YIKES am feeling the pressure!
for 6 days I've been trying to organize and rearrange my sewing area and I'm stumped and frustrated. So bouncing all these ideas off.
I'm even considering getting rid of my JA cutting table and using my antique gateleaf table instead. IT would save some room. arrgggh
Thanks for any imput. My room is 18'x 11' approx due to recessed entry door and other entry access, it is what used to be my formal living room.
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justgail
Intermediate
IA USA
Member since 1/19/06
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In reply to knitlitcamper <<
Date: 10/9/12 1:46 PM I've seen some sewing armoires with a drop-down table to sit the machine on - hinges at cabinet end and has legs that drop down to support it when open. This would give more room for the project and you wouldn't be facing a wall. |
andye
Beginner
VA USA
Member since 5/9/09
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Date: 10/9/12 5:50 PM The key word is support. Unless your computer hutch is really overbuilt (IKEA sin't known for this), the keyboard drawer won't be able to support a sewing machine in the long term. |
Miss Fairchild
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USA
Member since 8/24/02
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In reply to knitlitcamper <<
Date: 10/9/12 8:47 PM Can you create a sort of "well" just below the surface of the computer armoire that is heavily supported so it will hold your sewing machine? ------
"We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker
"And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln
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knitlitcamper
Advanced Beginner
WA USA
Member since 3/2/08
Posts: 223 |
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Date: 10/9/12 11:32 PM Justgail, andye & Miss Fairchild.
thank you for your comments.
Andye-I would definitely have to add support to the keyboard drawer if using for machine. The plus is that if I could set the machine on it, it would allow fabric to run off to the left somewhat like normal. I've also seen photos where people have used the keyboard drawer as a quick access shelf for frequently used items. We've had this computer armoire for about 12 years now, and it has held up well. It is pine not pressboard unlike the Sauder portable rolling cabinet I'm currently using.
table top of armoire is approx 40" wide. 30" height to desk area. keyboard tray is about a 1/2 " thickness and on glide rails that go all the way back almost the depth of the desktop above. I'll post a photo in a few minutes of this armoire for a better idea of how it is currently looking.
keyboard drawer
IKEA computer armoire
-- Edited on 10/10/12 0:01 AM -- 
I see such potential in re-purposing this!
-- Edited on 10/10/12 0:05 AM -- |
stirwatersblue
Intermediate
KS USA
Member since 12/13/08
Posts: 2532 |
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Date: 10/10/12 1:20 PM If you're handy, I think you could mount a sturdy, swing-out tabletop right over top of the shelf where the monitor is. You'd want some kind of leg to support the other end, but that should be reasonably easy to figure out. I bet a hunt on Pinterest would come up with something.
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