Studio Essentials
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The countdown is over…ER is officially home in our new studio space!
It’s been such a fun process planning out the space, looking for the perfect pieces so that the space can be functional and cute - on a budget. I love how its coming together, so I wanted to share some of the details and links with you here!
The Table
I was originally going to go for a professional cutting table that you see in the factories - as you know, I’m always in favor of the investment equipment because it’s built to last, and I know I’ll get my money’s worth. This time though, with all of the spending I was doing on furniture, I just couldn't justify a $960 table - especially when I found the perfect alternative for under $350!
These workbench tables have been perfect so far - for cutting fabric, laying out patterns, and seating 4 students for my collection design and fashion illustration classes. They’re sturdy, easy to assemble, and easy to move around - I love that I have the option to reconfigure them for different uses, too! And honestly probably the best addition - I attached a measuring tape to the side for easy measurements when I’m cutting fabric yardage. 10/10.
I also got these foldable stools from Wayfair - they just slide under the table when I’m not using them.
The Table
I was originally going to go for a professional cutting table that you see in the factories - as you know, I’m always in favor of the investment equipment because it’s built to last, and I know I’ll get my money’s worth. This time though, with all of the spending I was doing on furniture, I just couldn't justify a $960 table - especially when I found the perfect alternative for under $350!
These workbench tables have been perfect so far - for cutting fabric, laying out patterns, and seating 4 students for my collection design and fashion illustration classes. They’re sturdy, easy to assemble, and easy to move around - I love that I have the option to reconfigure them for different uses, too! And honestly probably the best addition - I attached a measuring tape to the side for easy measurements when I’m cutting fabric yardage. 10/10.
I also got these foldable stools from Wayfair - they just slide under the table when I’m not using them.
Cube Storage
So…first I finished assembling the Ikea Kallax (left), which was originally the only one of these I was planning to get. It’s on the back wall of the studio and stores everything that only I use (as in, not class materials). It’s low, so it was the perfect option for my printer (hp, very old, definitely in need of a new one), Skitch, and serger machines (both from Brother). The original plan was to do a tall bookcase to store the rest of my supplies, but since the walls are glass, I don’t have an option to secure anything to the wall..so I opted for 2 of these Bright Room shelf units from Target. I didn’t think it would be enough, but everything actually fits perfectly so I’m happy with them! Nice to have the open space and not block the windows too, even though they are inside the building they make the space feel more airy.
Machines & Tech
Obviously the core of what I do - I’ve got LOTS of tools that I use for sewing, patterning, fitting, etc etc etc…for the little things, check out my Amazon Storefront lists - for the big things, here’s what I’ve got.
Machines
JUKI industrial sewing machine DDL-8700. Expensive. Have had for years. Will keep for many more years. Will never go back.
Skitch single needle embroidery - got this as part of a campaign that I worked on with Brother, and it’s been great! It’s a brand new product for Brother, and my experience with it has been mostly seamless - I had one hardware issue that they were super attentive in helping me resolve and I love working closely with the Brother team.
Serger - also from Brother, have had this for years! I use it for stretch fabrics, securing fraying edges, and faking a cover stitch.
Tech
Wacom Intuos Pro - not the exact model that I have since I got mine back in college and they’ve updated it, but I love it especially for repeat prints and flats that I create in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Currently in search of a monitor that I can connect to my laptop, so if anyone has any recommendations of one they like, let me know!
I also use an iPad with Procreate for digital sketching.
Desk & Chair
I love sitting in my little office!! This desk is great - aside from being super HEAVY to bring into the space and taking a good amount of time to put together (my least favorite task in the whole world, shoutout to Daniel for helping me get it done) The chair is inspired by the one on TikTok that went viral a few months ago - I’m a big floor girl so i love being able to sit criss cross on my desk chair.
Details & Decor
Everything else is all in the details! I’m working on this beaded suncatcher in the windows that I’m making with chicken wire from Home Depot, and beads and jewelry findngs from Michaels. I have a rack from Ikea that holds all my in progress collection samples, my cute little squid mug (that i really love so much) and my dress form - soon to be 2! I’ll have a more in depth post coming up on my dress forms soon with an exciting partnership that i have coming up :)
I’m definitely anticipating that I’ll make some changes to the layout, improvements to my storage solutions, and additions to my materials library as I get used to the space and my workflow, so I’ll be excited to share how the space evolves over the coming year!!
xoxo
Emma
PS: if you wanna come visit me in the space or take a class, send me an email! Would love to have you and help you develop your creative and techincal skills.