Being happy is, as I think you would all agree, a good thing. And I am happy. December was a difficult month for me, though I prefer not to go into why. I do not ever wish to purport to have a perfect life here, far from here it, and I like to blog my warts and all approach to sewing, cooking and parenting. But some things I keep private. Suffice to say that I am well, and s**t happens. My point to all this is that despite having to physically drag my arse through the month and struggling at times, my memories of December are good ones. It was filled with family and friends, love and laughter.
And let's not forget my new computer. That came in December as well. Happy, happy me. Himself gave me a brilliant one as my Christmas present. The same himself who gave me a new sewing desk for my birthday in July.
Which brings us to the Being Married To A Perfectionist bit. My desk, my beautiful, beautiful desk is still not quite finished. What I failed to take into account when I requested it was (a) he would need to purchase every wood working tool, implement and table known to mankind to make said desk, and (b) if he was going to do this he was going to do it to the very best of his ability and make it perfect. Perfection, it seems, takes time.
Meanwhile, as it approaches completion, I am using it. Well, most of it, and I clear everything off when he wants to do some work on it. I was sat here this morning, thinking about being happy and being content in my life, and I was loving how even the parts of the desk I am using just worked so well for me.
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| Do you like the bock of wood I use so my short little legs don't have to stretch so far for the foot pedal? |
Then, just past the ironing board I have this.
The dining room table - obviously buried under fabric already - and my new computer. Soon I will be able to move my stash into this room and then I may never leave it, except to eat and sleep, though I suppose I could have food delivered to me directly and put some quilts on the floor. It's worth thinking about.
I am left with one dilemma. I love this desk that is almost finished. Seriously love it. It is big, and solid and made with love just for me. What's not to like? Only, in my original remit I asked for a recessed sewing machine. Himself is all set to do this for me but I've changed my mind. I've changed it because it is big, and solid, and beautiful, and I can't stand the thought of him cutting a hole right in the middle. What if I ever change my machine and the hole is no longer the right size?!
The ash is over an inch thick. The grain is beautiful. The design works for me. My chair can rise up higher to give me a more optimal working angle. Then himself could build me a bigger box to put my foot pedal on and ergonomically I would be great. Wouldn't I? Am I being stupid? Would you cut a hole in this desk?
Or would you, like me, just be really happy that you have it, and the space to put it in. And that you are blessed with a very lovely family and life. Is an inset machine such a big deal? I don't know because I have never worked at one.
Right now I am just kind of happy being happy. Surely that is a good thing?
Susan
Lovely table! I have to say it would grieve me to cut a hole in it. It'd be permanently worried about if I had to change my machine.
ReplyDeleteI'd leave it solid and invest in a bigger extension table!
I have a similar issue, so this was my Christmas pressie was this monster 24"x24" baby! http://www.franknutt.co.uk/plexi-table-bernina-440?keyword=plexiglass&category_id=0
Got to be cheaper than a new tabletop!
What more are you asking for than being happy? It is so heart warming to hear that. What a brilliant table!
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful that you're happy and i hope 2014 is filled with more joy! I would imagine having it recessed would make quilting much easier but I've never used one either. I also would hate to cut into that beautiful wood. It's a tough one!
ReplyDeleteHi Susan! Fantastic and beautiful table! I wouldn't cut it. As you said you can have bigger Wood-block for your petal and feet and lift your chair. Enjoy your lovely sewing place! Sorry to hear that your December was difficult. I hope this year will be much better! x Teje
ReplyDeleteI'm a recessed sewer (!) and there are pros and cons (we have the same machine). The pros are I find I quilt and piece better and more smoothly. The con is you won't be able to use that bent metal bar thingy otherwise known as the knee lift.
ReplyDeleteFor the wild card idea, how about himself builds you a pull out tray under the table, like the keyboard trays at computer desks, which you can put your machine on at times when you particularly want a bigger sewing space? He could set the height of the tray so that your machine becomes the exact same height as the table, enabling a smooth sewing area...
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't cut it - it is too beautiful! Maybe ask him to build you an extension table for the machine - could be his next project :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely table. I like Fran's idea! There's no way I'd cut a hole in it :)I'm glad you're happy, that makes me happy :)
ReplyDeleteBeing happy is a wonderful thing - no doubt about it! It looks like a beautiful table and I too, wouldn't want to cut into it unless I was 100% sure. I've never had my machine inset so I can't comment on the benefits - perhaps use it as it is for now - you can always have it cut later.
ReplyDeleteI still want to see a full post/guidebook about being married to a perfectionist. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that one :)
ReplyDeleteListen, do what's right for you - it sounds like you have a glorious setup. Why rock the boat if it works well for your needs? If/when the day comes you want a recessed machine, create it then.
I'm so sorry to hear Dec was awful for you. I didn't realize - I hope Jan treats you well! xx
You know, the desk is beautiful. But I would totally cut the hole and recess the machine. He will do a beautiful job. Many tables come with plastic inserts to fill in a hole that is too big for this or that machine, so if you changed machines you could get him to make such a thing if the hole was too big. It is far easier to do the quilting with the very large flat surface. If you ever give up sewing, you could get a new top put in to eliminate the hole.
ReplyDeleteCould he take the lovely top off, get a bit of scrap the same size - cut a hole in that so you could test it out! I would have the same dilemma!
ReplyDeleteHope you find the solution!
I wouldn't mind a table like that and the space to put it in, please don't make a hole in it! I'm sure any perfectionist with woodworking skills could make you a lovely large extension table for your machine. Hope your not-so-good-December bits have been left behind to make for a much better New Year!
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm going to be of no use!
ReplyDeleteI do love your pedal boost though!
Keep up with the happy, it's the most important thing x
I am no use either but enjoy being happy Susan - your hubby sounds a keeper for sure. I got a new computer in October and in November a little 5 year old dropped it...now I view everything through a damaged screen...from the little I can see, your sewing table looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI hope January is better! Being happy is the best! Somethings I can find myself moaning away and I have to remind myself that it not as bad as I think and to enjoy what I've got!
ReplyDeleteI would have trouble cutting a hole in that gorgeous table, but I have never use a recessed machine, so can't really comment!
I too have a perfectionist husband but he could never make a desk (get a man in for that) . Your desk is lovely. (I got a new computer too for Christmas, for blogging and genealogy)
ReplyDeleteYay for being happy and well. Beautiful table but I would cut a giant hole in it, because I prefer to sew on a flat surface. But if you are happy then why do it? You can always change your mind later ;-)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous table and isn't it so lovely to have all that space to sew at! Well done J! Personally I wouldn't cut into it. Jxo
ReplyDeleteThat desk is a thing of beauty. I'd be having the same reservations as you. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2014
ReplyDeleteLovely table and totally get your point about not wanting a big hole cut in it - especially if you got another machine that didn't fit. Love that you got a new laptop too! You deserve some spoiling x
ReplyDeleteBeing happy is good. Very good. It the only dilemma is hole versus no hole then life is sweet I would say. I will watch to see which way you go! Di x
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a beautiful sewing table!! I wouldn't cut a hole in it but only because I need to be able to use the knee lift - if you don't use it then I'd go with cutting a hole in that gorgeous piece of wood (can't believe I'm saying that!) because the people that sew on a flat surface seem to think it makes a big difference so I'm going with them! (I wouldn't know, I sew on my old kitchen table which isn't the right height for anything, including eating!) I do think, though, that being happy being happy is the best way to be...
ReplyDeleteP.S. Will Mr P (for perfection!) make you an insert so that you can have a flat table top when your machine isn't in use? That would factor into my decision...
P.P.S. Sorry December was crappy, I hope January is making up for it xxx
I don't know Susan. I,ve never sewn with a recessed machine but swear I want one every time I start . There again, I won't let Gordon mess with out dining table though even though it wouldn't hurt it in any way ( unless it goes wrong!)
ReplyDeletehppiness is to be savoured and held close to the heart .. to make it last a s long as possible x so go with it and dont let him cook the table if thats what you want xx
ReplyDeletehppiness is to be savoured and held close to the heart .. to make it last a s long as possible x so go with it and dont let him cook the table if thats what you want xx
ReplyDeleteBeing happy is amazing especially in January - the worst month of the year for me. I had to wait a year for my sewing space/shed, because of the search of perfection. I say if it involves more work for your husband, keep it as it is otherwise it delays it more. It will work for you I am sure!
ReplyDeleteIm in the cut it camp, recessed sewing is a pleasure not a wrestling match and hopefully the new sewing machines that come out in the years to come will all have a wider throat space to match our quilting needs, wishing you a happy January :)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be able to cut into it either, and there is such a big table around it that there is more than enough to support the weight of a large quilt isn't there? Enjoy being happy, it's easy to always look for the negatives. xxx
ReplyDeleteMost sewing machines are of a fairly standard size. Ive had a drop down table for years and have changed my machine three times with no problems. I say cut the hole and enjoy having the ability to drop your sewing machine when you need to!
ReplyDeleteWell I could never have a hole cut in my sewing table, as the plates and food would fall through!
ReplyDeleteI would guess if you ever got a new machine it would be bigger, so you could get J to make it bigger, but you seem to do well without a recess, leave as is for now, you can always hack into it in a years time!
xxx
I'm in the being happy is the best thing camp, and I could not cut into that desk. Hope you're ok - I had a rubbish December too, so we can be kindred spirits :-)
ReplyDeleteWow!!!! You are one lucky lady. I would stay happy and not dream of cutting a hole in the beautiful thing. especially as you may change your machine one day and a new one might not fit etc...
ReplyDeleteHmm. Lucky you to have Mr Marvellous and his machinery...but I say dont cut. Fran's idea sounds the way to go, unless the proposed pull-out tray thingy cant take the weight of your machine. Those slidey hinges that I have seen for computer trays might be a bit fragile.
ReplyDeleteMy machine travels around to various tables in the house depending on where the light is and where we are eating! I just adjust my sewing height to match, by stacking a varying number of white plastic garden chairs! And my foot control goes up and down on stacked phone books!
"Happiness" is an excellent way to start the year!
It is a beauty, but you will love your machine set into it as planned. I cannot believe the difference that it makes. If you ever have a new machine, it would bound to be bigger, so the aperture can be made bigger too. Just don't watch whilst you dear man completes the job.
ReplyDeleteSeems like "Twinkle Toes" has the solution! I wouldn't want to cut into it either! Stay happy!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to cut a hole into that beautiful table either, but sewing with a recessed machine is so much better. Hope you can decide what you would prefer, or maybe Fran's idea is do-able,.
ReplyDeleteAre you using your dream sewing machine, or is there a one day upgrade already in mind? Because if there's a plan to change I'd avoid the recessed machine, but having the inset machine would be a delight to work with.
ReplyDeleteYour desk is so beautiful! I have a Horn sewing cabinet that my sewing machine can sink into but I never really use it as the machine is in use just about every day anyway so it just sits on top all the time:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful space you have Susan, you are so very lucky!!
ReplyDeleteOoh err I'm hopeless at making decisions, so no use to you there! But I'm happy to hear that you are happy and well loved. I hope all of 2014 is good to you and yours. Xxx
ReplyDeleteSorry that you've not had the best time in December but you're right - sometimes, it's when we're having shit thrown at you you realise just how lucky you are!
ReplyDeleteI love your sewing table, and as beautiful as it is, Mr P is making a sewing table - not an ornament. I'd have the hole cut. But then, that's me!
I do hope your January is already better than December.
ReplyDeleteI've never had a recessed machine so I can't really give any sound advice, I'd probably be happy with all the space as it is (and the beautiful grain) and maybe think about cutting a hole in it a bit later, after I've had some time just enjoying it.
I had the exact same quandary! Ashley made me my sewing table and once I saw that beautiful wood top I couldn't bear for him to cut it. I have been sewing away quite happily without the recess. And it means I can push my machine back out of the way if I want the extra space.
ReplyDeleteI haven't bought a table for my machine so quilting is a tiny bit tricky, but as you said, I'm thinking of upgrading my machine , so will look at changes then.
I'm sorry December was hard. Please know that I'm thinking of you and I hope that this new year brings with it lots of joy and love and laughter and only good things.
E xx
I like the idea put forward by another commenter which is the get Mr. Perfectionist to make you and giant extension table to fits your machine. Then you have the best of both worlds :-)
ReplyDelete