stitching area question

[longtimexer]

I tried searching for this question but had no luck. If anyone has a link to another thread, please share.

How do you set up your stitching area? I'm having trouble getting comfortable when I stitch. I use a hoop most of the time but my scissors, thread, pattern, and other stuff are what I have trouble with. I have a table next to me, and I don't usually use a stand. When I do, I sit at a large table. I want to be able to sit in my chair and be a part of the family and still stitch.

Please give me any suggestions and advice. Thank you in advance.

[thegrindre]

I sit on the couch with my legs curled up. I have a low end table I put my stuff on and I stitch free hand. No hoops or Qsnaps or scroll bars or frames.

[MaggieM1750]

Here's a thread that has a lot of photos of people's setup.
Show us your stitchy spot

I don't have a stand either. I have a table on one side, and a corner of a desk on the other side. Sit with my legs propped up on a foot stool. Kicked back in a chair so I'm not hunched over my pattern. Chart on a magnet board on my lap. With my threads and tools spread around me.

[stitchingmae]

i used one of those tv stand tales before i got my floor stand that has a tool tray

[stitchingmae]

check this accessory stand!!!

http://www.stitch-r-stuff.com/servlet/t ... ern/Detail" target="_blank

[Mystonique]

I have a bag that hangs over the arm of the couch - it has shallow pockets in it on both sides of the arm where I put my thimble, pencil, highlighter, threads and pattern when I'm not using it and a little loop for my scissors on top of the arm so I can just slide them out when I need them (they have a threader attached too).

I also have a clip on my lamp that my pattern can go in for confetti areas. My thread heaven and my needles are on magnetic buttons on the stalk of my lamp stand right behind me.

It took a while to find my zen position but I'm pretty close now - everything is at hand.

[thegrindre]

I'm really falling in love with this set up.
http://www.artisandesign.com/html/gazelle_2.html" target="_blank

[NeedleAndFork]

At this moment my stitchy area is on my bed, though I move around a bit to where ever is convenient and comfortable at the time. I stitch on a millenium frame, that is balanced between my body and my knees or if I am in bed, one end is propped up on a laptop desk that I have. I work straight off the computer for my pattern, with it enlarged big enough that I can see and read it from far enough away that I don't have to have it inches from my face, just close enough that I can reach the touchpad to mark off the stitches that are already done.

All my bits and bobs are coralled in a plastic pencil box.



I have a tin I use for my thread snippings (it has a lid that's not in the picture) to keep them from going all over the place. the white rectangle is a sponge with a piece of paper on it with symbols drawn on for all the colors I have already threaded. Sort of like a home made pako needle organizer. As I add threads to my work and then finish them, I leave them threaded and add them to the needle organizer until the next time I need them. Or if I'm starting a new section, I go ahead andd thread up all the colors I will be using in the next hour or two so I have them on the go.

The round wooden cup like container holds the items I need to grab every so often. A crochet hook to help manuver things into place, a pair of tweezers and scissors to clip ends (I start and finish form the front, so tweezers are an important tool) My seam ripper is also handy incase the evil mr visits and needs to be exterminated. When I'm ready to stop stitching, I take the things out of the wooden cup, pop the lid back onto the snippings tin, and just close the entire box with all the bits held safely in place. This box can move with me where ever I decide to stitch, no matter the size of the project.

[NeedleAndFork]

At this moment my stitchy area is on my bed, though I move around a bit to where ever is convenient and comfortable at the time. I stitch on a millenium frame, that is balanced between my body and my knees or if I am in bed, one end is propped up on a laptop desk that I have. I work straight off the computer for my pattern, with it enlarged big enough that I can see and read it from far enough away that I don't have to have it inches from my face, just close enough that I can reach the touchpad to mark off the stitches that are already done.

All my bits and bobs are coralled in a plastic pencil box.



I have a tin I use for my thread snippings (it has a lid that's not in the picture) to keep them from going all over the place. the white rectangle is a sponge with a piece of paper on it with symbols drawn on for all the colors I have already threaded. Sort of like a home made pako needle organizer. As I add threads to my work and then finish them, I leave them threaded and add them to the needle organizer until the next time I need them. Or if I'm starting a new section, I go ahead andd thread up all the colors I will be using in the next hour or two so I have them on the go.

The round wooden cup like container holds the items I need to grab every so often. A crochet hook to help manuver things into place, a pair of tweezers and scissors to clip ends (I start and finish form the front, so tweezers are an important tool) My seam ripper is also handy incase the evil mr visits and needs to be exterminated. When I'm ready to stop stitching, I take the things out of the wooden cup, pop the lid back onto the snippings tin, and just close the entire box with all the bits held safely in place. This box can move with me where ever I decide to stitch, no matter the size of the project.

[curly sue]

I sit on the love seat with my feet propped up on a foot stool. I either stitch in hand or use a hoop. I keep my threads and accessories on the seat next to me. I use a wooden tv tray to hold my accessories sometimes. My love seat arms are too tall to make use of the end table next to it. I prefer to put my things away when I finish stitching. Just a personal preference.

[longtimexer]

thanks so much for the replies. I knew there should be a thread on here but didn't think to call it a stitch place I also like the idea of a box that closes for the tools so they can be put away easily. Your stitchy places are basically like mine. I just have to get "customized" for my comfort!

I sit in a lounge chair with a table beside me but I am going to change that because I need a lamp closer to me. I have a stand up lamp with a daylight bulb that will work. Now, to find that little box.

thanks again. this board is great.

[imogenX]

NeedleAndFork - I love your "homemade Pako needle organizer"! I can't believe I'd never thought of it!

[MaggieM1750]

Heres my tool box
Quite a bit smaller.. and a lot messier right now.
Mine is a plastic photo storage box that I picked up for $2-3 at Joanns.
I have a few of them now- one at home, one at the office, one in my stitch bag.
The square thingy is a needle book.

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