“One way of showing
my gratitude for my good
fortune is by sharing
what I do.”
The new studio was built
adjacent to the existing family
room and kitchen area, the perfect
spot for being tucked out of sight
but still within “calling” distance
and communicating with family
members. Professionally designed
by the same architect who built their
home, every part of this 500-square-
foot escape has been carefully
considered and planned, right down
to the custom storage space. When
the fi rst drawings came back, the
storage options included all sorts
of deep drawers. “It took some
explaining for him to understand
that the tools and materials in a fi ber
studio need shallow drawers,” she
said. “After that concept kicked in,
we had a lot of fun planning my new
space.”
Brenda’s dream studio has
designated sewing, cutting, and
design areas. Good thing, because
her longarm, two sewing machines,
and serger are in frequent use. She
also has two central work islands
(containing the shallow drawers she
needed), a wall of thread, an offi ce
area, and space for her design wall.
Sunlight pours in from large windows
positioned high on the exterior wall
so she did not have to exchange wall
space for natural lighting.
As for color and texture, they are
provided by the materials of her craft.
Pegboards hold tools and templates.
An array of thread spools shimmers
when displayed on racks. Open
shelves hold stacked fabric and rolls
of interfacing. “When deciding on
colors for the walls and cabinets, I
decided to stay neutral. I knew that
the fabrics and threads would liven
things up.”Hanging above Brenda’s design wall is an
art quilt by Libby Lehman, truly a prized
possession.