I’m working on a few things at the moment and as I was stood at the ironing board yesterday I noticed that most of my work room is set out in a line along one wall. It made a lovely picture so I photographed it. Unfortunately the weather has been really dull here and the electric lighting isn’t great in here so it’s a bit dark.

From the left: 

Iron. My big iron is a must, I love having is set up all the time so I can use it ata moment’s notice. Little domestic things don’t do the job so I’m hoping to upgrade to a polti or spirella soon

Mini mannequins:  These aren’t any use at all, I just have a little collection going.

Basic block templates: These are an absolute god send and a time saver. I have made up these templates in sizes 10 – 16 (they are so useful I’m going to make 8 and 18 eventually). When I have a garment to make I just select the nearest sized basic block based on the person’s measurments, and alter the pattern from there. It’s saves so much drafting time and has been accurate so far.

Costume reference books: I put them in a little desktop bookshelf I’ve had since childhood. I did have them in a pile but it was getting a bit silly when I wanted one from the bottom. The grey folder is my on going napoleonic research file, by research I mean photocopies, he he.  On there I have Patterns of fashion 1-3, corsets and crinolines, history of underwear, classic tailoring techniques, supplier catalogues and more.

Adjustable dressmaking dummy: I’ve had this old gal for nearly 10 years. She’s a bit rickety but still does the job. I have a little collection of dummies and mannequins which came in very handy for the wedding dress exhibition a few months ago. I keep this one here because it’s handy to sit down and do some cutting on the stand when I am trying something out.

Angle Poise lamp: As I mentioned the electric light in here is terrible, I sometimes use a daylight bulb in here and angle it on my sewing machine as the bulb has gone. At the moment there is a 250 watt bulb and a tin pie tray in there for exposing silk screens for printing, it’s very warm *chuckle*

Sewing machine and overlocker:  Not a lot to say about these essentials. I’ve had my sewing machine since my Art School days and it could probably do with a service!! I love my overlocker, it makes everything so neat and complete looking.

Spot the cutting table!! It’s under there somewhere!!