From time to time I think we all need a break from our sewing machines and computers and immerse ourselves in a task that allows us the freedom to take our time. To be able to do work with our hands but in a calming, more relaxed pace.
Embroidery, knitting, crochet and cross stitch are examples of what I like to call “slow stitching” and what better place to do that slow stitching than your favorite chair or sofa.
We’ve all been there. Perched on “my” end of the sofa We haul in a truck load of fabric and notions and perch ourselves on the sofa. Turn on the TV, your beverage of choice on the side table and you’re all set! Let the afternoon of uninterrupted sewing begin!
And it’s all good until you realize there really is no good surface to place all those necessary items: needles, scissors, thread, pattern instructions or booklet. Reaching for that cup of tea means you have to unburden at least one hand. Now you have to choose between hydration and progress.
Well, that was yesterday – or at least a couple of years ago.
That’s when Ali Phillips of Arabesque Scissors created the Smart Sofa Station, or, what I call “the most useful item I’ve ever made”. Slow stitching from your sofa is no longer a struggle.
This is compact, portable, multi-craft organization system designed by Ali Phillips of Arabesque Scissors will change your life.
Yes, you read that right. Change. Your. Life.
Since this is NOT my pattern, design or idea, I will not be showing step by step how to make a Smart Sofa Station (SSS), but I will provide visuals showing the SSS’s I’ve made and links that will direct you to ALi’s website and patterns.
At the time of this writing, I have made 2 of them.
The first one I made is shown below in the open position with the “side A” facing toward the seat of a chair.
This is the opposite side that drapes over the outside of the chair’s armrest. The pockets can hold patterns, booklets or even a small embroidery hoop.
Ali created this design to solve pretty much every problem we crafters and creators encounter when sewing away from our machine. It includes a wide variety of pockets to hold fabric, cloth, paper patterns, booklets, hexagons and EPP pieces. A sturdy station for attaching clips and an elastic bobbin and thread rail. Needles and pins are kept in place with a magnetic minder and felt keeper.
The great thing about this pattern is that it is easily customizable. Every aspect of the SSS can be modified, omitted or multiplied.
In addition to the sofa station itself, there are options for adding components to create additional storage like the Large Cargo Bay shown below:
It is a perfect size to attach to the Smart Sofa Station to hold additional fabric
Or other sewing “essentials”!
However, this Smart Sofa Station (shown below in the closed position) is more than just a pretty face.
This is how it all begins…
And a quick overview of my second Smart Sewing Station is shown below:
In Use:
As an added bonus this pattern comes add-ons like the thread keeper
And my all time favorite – the Large Cargo Bay that can be attached or removed as needed:
My first smart sewing station is primarily used for sewing and hand applique.
This second one is for embroidery. If I were a knitter or did crochet, this would be a perfect solution for those crafts as well.
Why Take the Time to Make This?
Once all the parts are sown together, this becomes a very functional and efficient organizer however, the Smart Sofa Station is more than just a pretty face.
What you don’t see are the multitude of skills you will learn in the process of making this delightful organizer:
- Improve cutting accuracy
- Learn the importance of using varied interfacings and fleece
- Gain confidence coordinating different fabric and colors
- Practice sewing a consistent seam allowance
- Making your own binding
- Attaching binding without fear
- Develop of system of organizing and sequencing fabrics and templates
- Learn the calming benefits of hand stitching
- Experiment with magnets
- Accomplish a task you doubted you would be able to complete
Now that I’ve shown you hand sewing or any other hand craft doesn’t have to be a struggle, ready to make one these for yourself? Or create that one-of-a-kind perfect gift for the sewist that doesn’t have everything!
Share your experience making the Smart Sofa Station in the comments below.
