The most absurd thing just happened. I got another table.
And now my family have revolted; there's a furniture mutiny in the house. They say I have "too many tables". But I ask you, how many is too many..exactly? I mean, for the working life of a designer, I feel like I don't have enough.
This is my latest table, don't you just love those simple legs? It goes up and down, making it perfect for all my applique pinning work. I found this beautiful table whilst I was casually browsing online. I don't go looking for tables, but they do somehow keep finding me. This one appeared in a sidebar and I knew it was what I was missing.
So here it is, being useful.
Both these tables are to the side of my giant dining table. You can just see a peek of it in the corner of the photo. I start most of my projects over there and then 'graduate' them to these two tables here.. it's a creative process and frankly, I feel like I could use a few more tables but we are definitely out of room, which is a real shame; I need an extra surface to comfortably draw on without taking space away from anything else.
I suppose I could create in 'shifts' if I absolutely had to, but as soon as I pack something up, I usually forget about it, so these tables keep everything at the forefront on my mind - right where I need them to be.
So, just lately there's been talk around the Sunday Lunch table that maybe I have enough tables now (I don't think I do actually) and it's been getting me down. After all, a quilter needs her space.And then some more. And then just a little pinch extra. Isn't that so?
I feel like no one at home understands or has enough vision when it comes to the importance of tables. And if I can't come onto my own blog to defend my collection of tables, then who else could possibly understand my predicament?
Surely someone out there understands?!
I have 6 tables. Four folding tables. Two are 6 feet long and 2 are 8 feet long. I bought the 6 feet ones first. I use the 8 foot tables together to stretch out and layer a quilt. Well, when I have one completed. Then I bought a glass topped table to use as a light table. I turn a lamp upside down under it. Then, when my son and grand children moved in with us last year, I had to move the 120 year old dining table somewhere, so in it came. And, I have 2 craft tables that the sewing machines sit in. Also, I have 6 book shelves. Four of them hold books. One has paper and the other has see through containers holding all my quilting stuff. I have to see everything. Right now 2 of the folding tables are elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI used to host and teach a quilting group here at the Farm and needed enough table space for usually 6, sometimes 8 quilters. I forgot my office desk. It is there also.
But I do not design quilts. So probably would need one or two more for that.
I like the sound of this. My much loved square table came with a glass top which was broken during delivery. I often wonder if the glass would have been useful to me.. or cold? I can't decide. Anyhow, sometimes I imagines having a long 'plank' type table that takes up a whole wall around a room with shelving beneath.. the ultimate around the room table..
DeleteI myself have two tables in a very small sewing room and could definitely use another. And I sometimes have to use the sofa table in the living room and I rarely handle actual quilts. I just need space to lay things out. So I can totally understand your need for tables!
ReplyDeleteIt's the organisational aspect of tables that appeals so much - every creative thing laid out nicely..
DeleteI have 2 tables in my sewing room but have since expanded to the computer table and dining room table and lap table for while I am watching tv. My family complain about me spreading throughout the house but I defend myself with I am exactly like them only my stuff is bigger than all their shoes, clothes, hair accessories etc. But I agree with you Esther you can never have toooooo many tables :)
ReplyDeletei'm still working on the kitchen table, with the counter behind me as an added extra and believe me i work hard not to go down that road of being jealous of all of yhou who have designated sewng spaces with lots and lots of .....tables!!! enjoy and let us know when the next one joins the crowd!!! as always, thank you thank you thank you for the wonderful patterns you share with us!!
ReplyDeleteThe 'designated sewing space' you refer to is the whole house. From corridor, to kitchen to dining room to front entry (when no other space is clear), that's why I love my tables so much. If I has a whole shed, barn or studio to myself I would be able to limit my table requirements. Maybe.
DeleteIgnore what they say- it's why you have two ears, in one and out the other. Get and use all the tables you want and need. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!
ReplyDeleteEsther, I am so glad to hear about your need for tables. I only have 2 and it is definitely not enough! I absolutely understand your need to leave projects out as you work on them across time. I too will pack them up and forget them as I become distracted with another project if they are not left out. I always thought this was because I was missing some magical organisational strategy but reading this from you has made me realise it is a justifiable part of my process of making work, whatever it is. I need to see projects in front of me to be able to advance them. So thank you for sharing your table needs, it has unlocked another wee part of the puzzle of productivity for me. And yes, I'm after more tables!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so exactly true. If I hadn't packed away my LE, it would have been completed by now. But something happens when I neatly fold everything away in a box for 'later'... tables are better for getting work done. For sure.
DeleteI have a table fetish. currently I live in a large fifth-wheel and have two set up in a pull-out along with one fold up to set up when I need the extra space. And it's still not enough for the three projects I have going at once. I also have three tables in storage at a friends house. Two they are using and one is stored in their shop because it's a 4x8 cutting table and won't fit anywhere at the present. I can't buy any more for time being, even though I've seen several I would love to have. LOL
ReplyDelete