Written by Each year, I get closer to my dream of having an atelier where I can create custom clothing for myself, so I never have to buy anything again.
I began this journey when I was a teenager. My body, like any other, is very unique, and most retail clothes don’t fit me. I have unusual proportions: a very slim waist, a short back, and big hips. Over the years, I’ve learned little by little how to create custom-fit clothes. Although I struggle with complicated garments, I manage to make enough basic ones to dress myself during the summer and, when layered, in autumn and spring as well.
In May of last year, we moved into a bigger house that has an extra room. I transformed it into my tiny atelier. A significant part of my dream became a reality, but the room was almost empty, aside from my sewing machines, a table I already had, a clothing rack, and a large cupboard that was already installed when we moved.
Although I didn’t have much, I had to use the room to identify my needs. This process took a long time, and the shopping list was extensive, given my tight budget. I didn’t rush with my purchases, which is why this is still an ongoing process. I rely on Ikea furniture because it is affordable, highly functional, and all their furniture pieces complement each other well.
Needs:
East Wall
- Storage for fabrics
I was fortunate to have a large cupboard installed in one corner of the room where I could store many of my things. However, its color needed an update. We moved into an old house that was constructed between 1988 and 1990, and I refer to it as old because the interior hasn’t been renovated during this period. Therefore, most of the carpentry is outdated, and since we are renting, we aren’t allowed to make any changes. Still, I couldn’t resist, and this summer, I repainted all of their cupboards.
In this unit, I stored the printer, the iron, the steamer, and other small items that needed their designated spaces.
On top of the unit, I keep my cutting mat from Fiskars. - Mirror
I positioned a full-height mirror next to that huge cupboard because that space receives a lot of light, and I could place it behind Marian, my beautiful fiddle-leaf fig.
South Wall
- Drawer unit
I chose the tall Alex with 9 drawers to house everything from elastics, buttons, patterns, threads, and so on and so forth. It proved to be a tremendous help in keeping all the small things organized. - Clothing rack
I’ve had this clothing rack for ages. It looks flimsy, but it’s quite handy. I keep most of the clothes I’ve made on display because, to be honest, I don’t have another place to put them. Eventually, I would like to create a custom-made wooden clothing rack because I want to have my beloved Rebecca next to it (I’ll come back to this Rebecca in a minute). - Cutting table
This table is very useful; it has the perfect size and was nice to have. The moment I assembled it and placed it on this wall, I realized that it fits like a glove. I would like to invest in a standing desk because my back isn’t very happy when I need to cut fabrics for hours on end. I’ve been eyeing the Bekant desk from Ikea for a while, but that’s a consideration for future Anca.
When I’m not sewing, this table serves as the best desk for using my computer or for my boyfriend when he’s working from home.
Underneath, I kept an old Malm nightstand because we didn’t have enough space in the bedroom, and I filled it with all my yarn. - Shelf
This may sound silly, but it’s quite amusing. A few years ago, I picked up a piece of driftwood from my former workplace in Middelfart. I brought it home when we were living in Assens, and I couldn’t bear to part with it when we moved back to Middelfart. So, in summary, this shelf is mounted on the wall to help me display my quirky piece of driftwood. It has proven to be very useful as it can collect a lot of dust and can also hold my plants.
West Wall
- Attic window
Since I was a child, I’ve dreamt of having my own room with an attic window that lets in a lot of light, but most importantly, the light of the sunset. I’ve been obsessed with sunsets my whole life, and now that I have this view, I can’t get enough of it.
North Wall
- Reading Nook
Even though I didn’t have enough space to fit my entire library in this 9-square-meter room, I knew I needed a reading nook. With the ability to close the door, I can enjoy a good book in peace and quiet. Of course, I have a lamp, a coffee table, and a large plant to create a tropical forest vibe. - Sewing desk
When I started using the room, I knew right away what type of desk I wanted. I needed a desk that would provide me with the freedom to move from one sewing machine to another, as that’s how I work.
The Alex desk has two large drawers. In one of them, I keep all the bobbins, scissors, threads, and a lot of those tiny items. The other one is currently filled with stationery because I still love to bullet journal.
I don’t keep a chair for this desk because I mainly use it for the other table, but I move it here whenever I sew.
Above, I created a gallery because this wall doesn’t receive much natural light and needed something to liven it up. - Rebecca
Rebecca is my newest addition to the room but for her, I will make a separate article. This one is getting quite long and I want to tell her story.
Useful links:
| Product | Link |
|---|---|
| Mirror | IKORNNES |
| Drawer unit | ALEX |
| Clothing rack | MULIG |
| Cutting table | MELLTORP |
| Dream cutting table | BEKANT |
| Shelf | BERGSHULT / SANDSHULT |
| Office chair | GRUPPSPEL |
| Reading chair | STRANDMON |
| Coffee table | BAKKEBJERG |
| Sewing desk | ALEX |
| Rebecca | DRESS FORM |
| Rug | STONSE |
In conclusion, my room serves as a creative space where I can continue to grow.
My primary focus was on investing in comfortable and practical furniture capable of withstanding wear and tear without being overly concerned about scratches or other imperfections.
Ikea was my go-to choice due to its affordability and minimalist design. Living in Denmark means that from October to almost May, we experience many days with limited natural light. Therefore, I opted for white furniture to maximize light absorption.
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Anca GV 