Hi Friends! First off, I have to THANK YOU for all of the sweet comments you left on my last post! I don’t know why I ever feel hesitation to keep it real on the blog when I’m feeling down or frustrated…I absolutely shouldn’t, because inevitably everyone understands and is encouraged to see reality that isn’t shiny or perfect. Afterall, isn’t that what a blog is for? Well, mine is anyway. It’s funny though- I posted on social media the morning after that post…the sun was out, transforming the 12 inches of icy misery into a sparkly blanket of pretty, and even though I was (and still am) fighting a painfully disruptive sinus infection, somehow I felt renewed. There’s something about just acknowledging those feelings, and writing them out, that is so very cathartic, and I think that was all I needed to be able to release them and move on.
Anyway, TODAY is a new day, and I have something fun to share! I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a sewing cabinet that allows the bed of my machine to be lowered to height of the table, and I’ve always been so envious of those who do! What a dramatic difference that would make in my quilting and piecing! I’ve dreamt of having one for years, and have seen many different custom extension table versions online, but honestly, have always been just too overwhelmed and nervous about wading through the options to commit. So….I put the idea on the back burner.
When I got home from Fall market in October, I was feeling inspired to re-visit the extension table idea. I had some big quilting deadlines coming up, and felt like I really needed to move forward with finally getting a table, so I started to research, but again, for some unknown reason I hesitated. Coincidence? Sixth sense? Holy spirit? Low and behold, not a week later I was contacted out of the blue by the team over at Sew Steady Tables. They had seen my blog and wondered if I might like to try out a table. [celestial singing ensues] So why do I share this back story? You know, I just thought it was so cool that somehow God seemed to know my need, even just a silly little sewing need, and that when I followed that subtle whisper to wait (which I so often just ignore in favor of steamrolling ahead with my own fix), He provided in a way that would draw me close to Him. Could God use something as seemingly trivial as a sewing table to teach me to trust? I don’t know- call me crazy, but that’s exactly what it did.
So, I’ve spent the past month getting to know this unbelievable custom made Quilters Wish Table (perfect name, right?!?) and there’s no doubt about it. I’m absolutely head over heels IN LOVE with it! The smooth stable work service is just massive, and how fabulous is this handy drawer?!? I was actually surprised at how often I found myself sliding it open, mid-project, to quickly snag a tool…what a fantastic accessory.
I know- utterly dreamy. How would you like to add a new Quilter’s Wish table to your sewing space?? Sew Steady is giving away this same table, customized to fit your exact machine, to one lucky person when their their Facebook page reaches 7000 likes. They’re already at about 6800, so like their page and keep an eye out for their announcement! And even if you don’t happen to win it, I urge you to consider adding a Sew Steady table your wish list (mother’s day?!?). Yes, I want to be up front about receiving the table for free, but you know me- I don’t blow smoke! If it hadn’t really made a huge difference in not only the quality of my piecing and quilting, but also in my enjoyment level while sewing, I certainly wouldn’t say that it did. But truly, this table is the stuff dreams are made of.
What are the “gamechangers” in your sewing room?? Any particular notion or tool that has made a huge difference for you? Spread the love and do share about it in a comment! I’m always on the look-out for awesome tools!
XO
Amy, this is a great story. I just bought one of these after a couple of years of hemming and hawing about this exact same issue. I am still getting to know mine too, but I am quilting my first large quilt right now and I really think this is helping me. Enjoy yours!
He does work in mysterious ways but a sewing table!! Sweet
Worked a s second job once until I was able to buy an actual sewing table I cut put my machine in and out of. It has a level so my machine can be flush, above or completely below (If I choose to do other crafting on that table). So much better for quilting then my dining room table!
That drawer is brilliant!
I have been ‘wishing’ :) for a table like that. I wanted a local shop to have one to try out. My concern is that it would still be sitting up on the table vs down in a table. Not sure which is right for me with some back and neck issues I have? My game changer so far this year is a new ironing surface. I stepped on the wobbly leg of my ironing board for the last time. It is on carpet so just stepping close makes it tipsy. I went to Target and bought a wire shelving unit. I used a scrap of particle board from our shed project and covered it with bits of batting and a recycled drapery fabric and now have a nice big rectangular ironing surface. Yeah me…baby steps! :)
We live in a motor home – about 300 sq ft. all together! I splurged on a Sew Steady table last year and have LOVED the extra level sewing space. When I’m sewing I’m pretty much taking over the entire living area, so it’s great to have something that can easily be removed so we can actually eat a meal! =) It’s been a great!
Amy, congrats on your Sew Steady table. I have one and love it, but not quite as large with a fancy drawer. How nice. I do have a small tray with things I use that I slide beneath mine. I read your lovely blog when I receive it, but do not comment. I did want to say this time I think you are a lovely faith filled young woman. Realizing how the Lord is working in your life is an inspiration to all who read your blog.
That is a sweet table ~ love the drawer connected to it! I just need a table that’s lower than the one I’ve got right now and it would be lovely if it lowered into the table too.
I’m thinking about the tool that makes the difference to me and Id have to say it’s the box I keep all my tools in. I’m not the most organized person, but I’m good about putting things back in that box ~ it makes all the difference for me to not have to search around for the seam ripper or the screw driver or whatever!
I also wanted to say that talking or writing about things that are going on in your life really help. My family has something going on that’s really got me feeling sad and unhappy ~ I haven’t talked with anyone about it till yesterday. It made all the difference in my mood and attitude. I’m so grateful for friends that listen and have suggestions to help shift things around.
I love your honesty and how you don’t keep your life all bright and shiny all the time ~ you inspire me!
The Sew Ezi table was a game changer for me! Machine sets down in the table with cutout to fit your machine like this table. Folds down, has wheels, and a heavyweight fabric cover with large pockets to store cords and cutout. Very sturdy but lightweight and portable. I put a small banquet style table in back of it to quilt my large quilts. What a nice drawer feature on this Sew Steady table!
I just got one on mass drop a few months ago! I’m loving it and especially that drawer!
What is on mass drop? TIA!
With a suggestion from dh a few years ago, I purchased a Sew Ezi table as well and I have never been happier. I am short 5′ 1″ so my machine down in a table is a must for neck and shoulder help. I take it out when I sew with friends and to retreats. Love, Love it. Love your blog.
Hi Amy, wife, mother of 4 and professional in the quilt world and my admired friend through quilting. I believe your body & mind are just talking to you, saying “down time” would be much appreciated! So just roll with it and pretty soon you’ll feel recharged and just like yourself. As far as your extension table – that’s terrific, especially that drawer! My machine sits on a drawer rubber liner material to avoid shifting during quilting. An extension table came with my Janome 3160 because it’s a quilters model. Didn’t make the “throat” big enough for quilting, though. What were they thinking! Duh! I was a beginner & really surprised I was able to select such a good machine. The Sewing Machine Shop was key! I bought it to take your BOM in 2012.
you lucky girl! God is good all the time. All that hard work paid off didn’t it.
I found an arrow cabinet on Craigslist a number of years ago and have been thrilled to have all that flat surface area around my machine. I don’t know if I would have splurged on myself but it was quite the deal. I did purchase a custom fit fill in for the opening and my specific machine. I thought it was so cool that it could all be closed up into a small cabinet and of course I never close it! But I could if I wanted to.
AWESOME!!!! I have one for my big machine and love it! I don’t have the cash for a big new table with the lift. Or room! But I love my cobbled together room! If I could have any tool that would be handy in my room it would be a drawer under my rock maple desk that pulled out with all my notions to hand!!!!! (I am working on it!!!!)
This looks great. My recent “gamechanger” was new seating. I invested in a Humanscale stool (happy birthday to me!). I do have a table for my machine to sit flush with the tabletop, but I had a chair (and every chair in my house) that was too short so I’d sit with my shoulders hunched up to sew, and especially to free motion quilt. I’d tried stacking up pillows, but I just couldn’t get to a comfortable position. The added height of my new stool is so nice!
i love your posts. I also love how our God is so personal. Whatever concerns us, concerns Him. Thank you for sharing your journey.
I have a sew steady table for my machine great help with wedding dresses also.Mine is older and does not have the drawer, but at least the dresses can not knock off the table what is under it.
For a few months now I’ve been trying to decide which of their tables I want to buy, IF I don’t win one. I think I’ve settled on the Wish Table, but am still not totally sure yet. I do know that I will need to buy two inserts for both of my machines.
I’m sure you will love yours for a long time. Enjoy
It’s awesome that you had the chance to try one of these! I’ve been thinking about ordering one once I upgrade my machine and it’s good to hear how useful it is. It must make FMQing so much smoother. I was also wondering if Sew Steady is giving away a table to the 7,000 follower or just having a giveaway once they reach that number? The facebook page seemed to mean they’ll have a giveaway once they reach the goal.
You asked what makes my sewing room. My Wahl Moustash Trimmer is the most amazing seam ripper. That and a magazine rack that mounts on the side of the desk to hold rulers.
I would say that table would be perfect for anyone who spends their quilting time on the dining table. (Sigh) I wonder if they’d ship it to UK? My own game changer this year is Horn Furniture’s Tall Hobby Chair. It’s adjustable in height & angle & has made a difference to how long I can sew without shoulders getting knotted, and stopped me wishing I could cut a hole in the dining table (almost!)
What a lesson in how God’s timing and our timing is not always the same – it’s so hard to wait for Him sometimes! I got a sew steady for my birthday almost 2 years ago and I love it! I would love to have one of those drawers though. Maybe if one fits my table I can get it for birthday this year.
Great minds must think alike. I purchased an extension table, albeit a little smaller than yours, just recently, and even blogged about it. http://chquilts.ozarkattitude.com/2014/11/new-and-better-tools.html
Sewing Machines Plus had a super deal on these on New Year’s day so I snagged not one but two! They were such a great price I splurged for my machine at our weekend coast house too. I don’t want to rough it too much down there:). Glad to hear you’re loving it. I can’t wait until they arrive.
It sounds silly but my game changer has been three small command hooks on the side of my table. They hold up to three pounds. I hang every thing off them while I sew … Rulers, scissors, rotary cutter etc it’s just the few things I reach for so often while working I don’t have to get up to get them and they keep my work space clear… Now if I could do this elsewhere in my house I’d be golden.
I had an old machine, very old and they used to come with cabinets. now not so much and when I got m Viking I got a koala cabinet(the cheapest I could find) with the plastic insert that fits my machine and my world of sewing changed my way of working with fabric! kudos to you!! a table would be great for taking the thing out on the porch!
I have a extension table is not this deluxe but, I do love it. I have this same Mega quilter. I love it as well.
I have been dreaming about having one of these tables but just don’t have the cash. My best piece of equipment is my daughters old square kitchen table that I use for a cutting table. It is one that is bar height and I love it.
I love my stiletto if i miss place it i am lost…..
isn’t is just so true, that when you truly need something, somehow there is a way. I make many quilts for my charity group WOCS over 200 so far and I provide my supplies to make the CCS into quilt blocks and quilts. When I am low on fabric and don’t know quite how I will afford more.. somehow I find that yard sale, ad on sew its for sale or someone donates and that leads me to a wonder load of fabrics to continue on my quest. congratulation on your table, I keep eyeing those up and one day I might have one…
Straight stitch plate and walking foot!
I would love to get one of these sewing extension tables one day. At the moment the expense out ways the need. I recently bought a rotating cutting mat, and oh my, why did I hesitate? It is so good for trimming down blocks and HST. it sits in the table right next to my machine and I use it every time I sew, for this or marking diagonal lines in squares for HST.
What a sweet story of faith; thank you for sharing. My “game changer” in the sewing room is a combination of a chair with a high enough seat level and a low enough table top that I don’t feel like I am hunching my shoulders up when I sew. Your Sew Steady table looks amazing (love the drawer) and I will go check them out on FB right now.
You know, Amy, “Be still and know that I am God” is a tremendously powerful place to dwell. It is not often emphasized enough in church, but The Holy Spirit is an actual person who comes to dwell within us when we are baptized. And I have discovered over the last 64 years what a tremendously personal and intimate relationship one can have with Him. I’m not trying to brag, but I want to witness to this whenever I come across the opportunity. This is something that every Christian can experience, and should experience.
Over the course of two days a few years ago, He got me out of 3 sewing/quilting dilemmas (without my even asking), including drawing a precise hera-like quilting line for me to follow on a piece of freezer paper that I was using as a quilting template for some of those oddly-shaped placemats for a round table. I can testify personally that He wants to enjoy his creatures’ accomplishments with us in quilting and in making music! It doesn’t matter whether we are perfect or not; he will perfect it if it needs to be perfected. He just wants to enjoy being One with us while we are creating and playing and enjoying his Creations.
Look for the joyful moments that you see your children are having; God will be there. He will be looking out of their eyes and seeing what they see, hearing with their ears, touching with their hands, etc. If not before, when the subject of Santa Claus comes up, be sure to let your children know that The Holy Spirit dwells within them and goes with them wherever they go and is available to help them whenever they need him.
That is when my brother wanted to know if God was real. If all our children knew that The Holy Spirit accompanies them in His Holy Temple wherever they go, there would always be prayer in school and there is nothing that anyone could do about it without removing the children.
You just keep on doing what you do, Amy. The thing about Christianity is that so much has to be accepted on faith, in order to be experienced. And so much falls into place and makes sense only after it is experienced and in retrospect. God bless you and your family!
Kathy
Kathy, a lovely testimony how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. He nudges us all each day and dwells within us as a guide and comfort.
Thank you for your comment, Lori. Well said!
Hey Amy! I actually bought one of those a few years ago after sewing with Traci one afternoon. She had one and I couldn’t stop staring at it in awe! HAHA! There is a place in the Springs that will custom make them for you – it was a vacuum/sewing shop off Academy I think. I use it all the time now and it ROCKS!
Thanks for the review! I’m in the process of getting this now!
I have one of these also and I love it for piecing but when I was quilting a quilt I have problems with it hanging on the edges. I now use a Genie 2 sewing table and my machine (Pfaff) sits down in it and I have a flat surface to work on. It sets level with a bigger table that my quilt lays on while working. I just LOVE it!!!!!