My husband gave me this Sew Steady table extension as a birthday gift. It will accompany me to workshops, retreats and conferences where I take classes and/or spend time sewing on my portable machine away from the comforts of home. It will expand the sewing space and yields bonus table space beneath the surface, too! I do love to spend time away with my quilting buddies, sewing non-stop. I try to schedule several weekends a year to do just that; but it takes much more than scheduling, it takes planning! I plan what I am going to work on, and try to precut and package as much as I can ahead of time so that I can sit and sew-- just sew! There's lighting to consider, I take along a folding task light which can be placed right beside my machine, I also throw a power strip and extension cord in my bag, in case I'm located any distance from an outlet. Naturally, a travel iron and pressing surface are a necessity, too. The thing I haven't been successful in replicating is comfortable seating.
In retreat or classroom settings there's usually a folding chair assigned to each sewing space that's too low and too hard. I have carried along assorted cushions in the past but they slide off every time I get up and out of my chair, I usually wind up tossing them in a corner out of frustration! I saw this nifty little item in the latest Keepsake Quilting catalog: "Krafter's Komfycush". Has anyone seen one of these, or better yet, tried it out? I like the idea of a non-slip backing as advertised and, naturally, the portability. The side pockets might be handy, if not, they are detachable. It's a good idea, wish I'd thought of it; but I don't know how it would be in actual use. Too hard? Too soft? Just right? Please do weigh in if you have one of these, I am eager for input and testimonials! There's a retreat scheduled at the beginning of November and I'm already planning my projects and have designed a checklist for the items I must pack to enhance my own quilting comfort level away from home, I control what I can; the thermostat's another story...Life is Good!
15 comments:
I saw that in Keepsake this month, too, and am considering it. I'll be eager to read the comments that come . . . .
My son has a booster seat that has adjustable straps that clip behind the chair AND under the chair - no fear of that thing slipping off just about any chair - you might want to try attaching straps to your favorite pillow to sit on? I will try to take a photo of his booster seat later today and get it posted to my blog! Or, how about strings at just the back corners - like chair pads - to tie to the back of the chair?
Cheers!
Evelyn
It looks wonderful! Looks like just the ticket for you.
Could you make something similar. And for the padding, make it adjustable so it could be higher or lower as needed. You could always stuff it with folded fabric!!!! It looks like it could be handy for toting and storing other tools at retreats so they're not all over the place.
I have one of those tables that I use all the time and I just love it!!
That chair cushion looks pretty handy too!
I have my "butt cushion" that goes everywhere with me. It was suggested when I was being treated for bursitis in my hip - http://www.painreliever.com/painreliever_gseat.html will show you what I mean. I also take a small throw pillow to tuck behind my back for support. Beyond that, there's only so much one can do about the height issues away from home. Enjoy your new sew steady table (they're great!).
I got the biggest sew steady table a few years ago and love it. My Hubby who works with plastics said they did a great job making the table.
Mr Goodneedle is a very wise man! And so thoughtful!
That seat idea looks wonderful. Cant say I have any experience with one.
Good Luck!
I'm envious! I've been looking at that table for awhile and wonder if it would relieve the pull on quilts while machine quilting. Great birthday present and very thoughtful husband!
I've never seen that seat before. It looks like it would be very expensive for a chair cushion. It also has that spot in the centre where the handle comes up - that can't be comfortable.
I bet you could get a nice sized piece of foam and cover it and then put non-slip backing on the bottom and ties to hold it in place. Or even buy one of those chair cushions that have ties and put some non-slip backing on the bottom.... Hmmm I think I need to make me one of those - LOL
Like you, I go on many quilt retreat and girlfriend get-a-way wknds to sew or do whatever. The first retreat my back killed me, my fanny killed me, my neck killed me. Not fun to have to recuperate for days after you get home. I decided to bite the bullet and take my own office/sewing chair. Yes, it takes up space...but the trade off was no body aches and my chair adjusts to whatever hight the table I am using is.
I love my extended sewing surface.
Pam@
www.pamgwillim.com
Enjoy your Sew Steady table . . . but be careful in travel. I used to have one - until the sewing machine tipped on it in the car and cracked it in two. Such a sad day.
That Sew Steady table looks like something I need for home use!
The cushion looks great but I don't don't know anything about it - but I can just hear my Mom's voice saying "You can make something like that." Some things you are just better off buying rather than wasting your time trying to make.
That cushioned seat with pockets looks like the perfect thing for retreats and classes.
I have one of those extension tables - the best thing I ever bought, after my bernina that is
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