New Place New Year New Projects

Sharon Prigan
7 minutes ago
3 min read

Moving a sewing studio is no small task. I’m currently in the thick of it, packing up boxes filled with fabrics, plastic containers brimming with buttons, beads, buckles, and all the little notions that keep my creative projects alive.

The studio is moving to a new place, and with the new year comes fresh energy and new projects. But before I can dive into those, I have to tackle the challenge of moving my sewing machines, especially my overlock, serger machines.

The Challenge of Moving Sewing Machines

Sewing machines are delicate, and overlock sergers even more so. Today, I moved two of my sergers, and I was nervous the entire time. My biggest worry is always the threads coming loose during transport. If that happens, I have to rethread the machines, which is a nightmare for anyone who sews.

They looked fine

At first, I thought everything had gone smoothly. The machines looked fine, and the threads seemed intact. But later, I discovered some threads had indeed come out.

Spoke too soon

Anyone who sews knows the frustration of rethreading a serger. It’s fiddly, time-consuming, and requires patience.

Despite my careful packing, some threads still slipped out. It’s a reminder that no matter how well you plan, moving sewing machines can be unpredictable.

A studio move is a huge project. I can’t just hand it over to movers and hope for the best. I need to know exactly where everything will go in the new space. Studio organization is key to keeping my workflow smooth and efficient. If I let movers pack and move everything without my input, I risk losing track of important supplies or ending up with a disorganized space.

By doing the move myself, I can:

Decide the layout of the new studio to maximize space and comfort.
Organize fabrics and notions so they’re easy to find.
Set up sewing machines in the best spots for my projects.
Keep track of all tools and supplies to avoid losing anything.

This hands-on approach takes more time and effort, but it’s worth it. The new studio will be a place where creativity flows freely, and everything has its place.

Planning the New Studio Setup

With so many boxes and containers to unpack, I’m thinking carefully about studio setup. Here are some strategies I’m using to make the new space work well:

Group similar items together: fabrics in one area, buttons and beads in another.
Use clear containers so I can see what’s inside without opening them.
Label everything with easy-to-read tags.
Create dedicated zones for cutting, sewing, and finishing projects.
Keep frequently used tools within arm’s reach of the sewing machines.

This kind of organization saves time and reduces frustration. When I’m ready to start a new project, I want to spend my time sewing, not searching for supplies.

The new studio represents fresh possibilities. New place, new year, new projects—it’s a chance to reset and grow.

I’m excited about the new space and the projects I’ll create there. But I’m also realistic about the work it takes to get there. Moving sewing machines, packing up notions, and setting up a new studio takes patience and persistence. It’s a big job, but it’s also part of the creative journey. Its also an opportunity to go through all of my fabrics and supplies and fine tune what I will keep in the new studio.

If you’re planning a studio move, here are some practical tips based on my experience:

Start early: Packing a studio takes time. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Sort and declutter: Use the move as an opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need.
Protect your sewing machines: Remove threads, clean machines, and pack carefully.
Plan your new layout: Sketch out where everything will go before you move.
Label boxes clearly: This makes unpacking much easier.
Keep essentials separate: Pack a box with tools and supplies you’ll need right away.
Take breaks: Moving is tiring. Give yourself time to rest and recharge.