Four Quilt Designers' Sewing Studios

When Jean Wells and her husband were building their new, eco-friendly home in Sisters, Oregon, Jean wanted to create a simple space for her sewing studio.

Jean suggests that you take your time and look for ways to maximize your space when planning a sewing room.

Jean cuts all her fabrics into strips approximately 4-1/2 to 5 inches wide to begin her design process. She stores any extras in a box lid, sorted by color for future use.

Jean stores her in-progress projects on sheet pans on an aluminum baker's rack.

A 500-square foot cabin built in the eastern foothills of Oregon's Cascade mountains serves as Tonye's sewing studio.

Tonye suggests to find any kind of space and make it yours by adding artwork you love.

An inspiration board hangs in Tonye's work area and displays samples, postcards, buttons, and a small basket wall hanging.

Fabrics appliquéd on a bright background add pizzazz to Posey Pot wall hanging in Tonye's sewing studio.

Valori's studio is located above her two-car garage in Sisters, Oregon. She has room to partake in many of her creative endeavors, including quilting, painting, and developing photos.

Valori's studio is able to interact with her family because of the size and layout of her studio. Her daughters have room to play with fabric, stamp, paint, and play at their own art table.

Valori's daughters play with fabric scraps and help clean up by putting their scraps into the drawers.

Valori's favorite things hang from a long inspiration wall above the cutting area.

See the beginnings of a new quilt showcasing Valori's current favorite motif: birds. She plans placement and color for each block by laying fabrics out before sewing.

Valori is able to paint her fabric designs while overlooking Squaw Creek Canyon.

Betsy Rickles's studio is located in the walk-out basement of her home in Portland, Oregon.

Betsy suggests that you put your heart and personality into your sewing space.

She stays organized by keeping in-progress blocks with notes in a decorative box.

Betsy made a mini-quilt for her mom, an accomplished fisherwoman.

Betsy uses a collapsible hand-quilting frame that was inspired and adapted from those made by the Mennonite men for their wives. The frame was made by Wes McNeil, a local carpenter (541/280-6127).