Lilo Bowman - Love Your Creative Space

Publisher: Amy Barrett-Daffin

Creative Director: Gailen Runge

Acquisitions Editor: Roxane Cerda

Managing Editor: Liz Aneloski

Editor: Kathryn Patterson

Technical Editor: Debbie Rodgers

Cover/Book Designer: April Mostek

Production Coordinator: Zinnia Heinzmann

Production Editor: Alice Mace Nakanishi

Illustrator: Linda Johnson

Indexer: Amron Gravett, Wild Clover Book Services

Photo Assistants: Gregory Ligman and Kaeley Hammond

Interior photography as noted

Front cover photography: David Fitzgerald (top left); Christopher Tarr (top right); Bryan Grant (bottom)
Back cover photography: Bryan Grant

Published by C&T Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 1456, Lafayette, CA 94549

Photo by Christopher Tarr

DEDICATION

To my sons, Austin and Stuart

If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor.
Eleanor Roosevelt, 18841962

Photo by David Fitzgerald

Acknowledgments

This book would not have been possible without Alex Anderson, Ricky Tims, John Anderson, and Justin Shults , the owners of TheQuiltShow.com . Their support and encouragement were invaluable, and for that I will forever be grateful. I also would like to thank C&T Publishing for giving me this opportunity, and especially Roxane Cerda for moving my idea forward. It also goes without saying that Liz Aneloski , my editor, was a rock of support and helped me shape this vision into a book. A large part of this book includes images that come alive through the artful camera lens of my photographer David Fitzgerald .

I am fortunate to have such a great community of people in both my professional and personal life that provided support along the way as I doggedly pursued items I wanted to include in the book. From manufacturers and suppliers who generously donated photos and products, to individuals who more than once answered with What do you need? and Of course, I will share. Taking time out of their busy lives to send me photos and answering endless questions has been a tremendous help.

To Stephanie Bergmann , for generously sharing your wealth of occupational therapy knowledge. What began with an idea became a significant section of this book, and without you that would not have been possible. You are the best, even if you are still the middle and neglected child!

To Nola Emerie and Regina Rider , without whom I would not have gained the understanding of the burning desire to create, no matter the obstacles. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so open, honest, and giving. I am truly humbled.

To Susan K. Cleveland, Nola Emerie, Denise Labadie , and Lauren Vlcek , for generously allowing cameras and equipment into your studios. It was a joy spending time in areas that you obviously love very much.

A huge thank-you goes out to Kimika Hara and Ccile Franconie for sharing images of your lovely studio spaces. I am forever thankful.

To Barbara Black, Deborah Boschert, Kayte Bellusci , and Caitlin Bailey , for giving me insight into your crafts, your spaces, and how you work. Your sharing meant more to me than you will ever know.

To Ann Myhre, Nancy Arseneault, Katie Fowler, Susan Brubaker Knapp, Heidi Proffetty, Jacquie Gering, Ricky Tims, Timna Tarr, and Teresa Duryea Wong for jumping in with images when an idea sprang into my head. You guys rock.

To David Fitzgerald , I am truly grateful for your breadth of knowledge, expertise, and patience as we sat for countless days in front of the computer cataloging and organizing the contents of this book. You made it all come together so seamlessly. I am blessed to have you in my life.

To my parents and family, who listened to my ideas with smiles on their faces, even as I sometimes blathered on. You are my rock and my foundation, and I am the better for it.

Photo by Liselotte Bowman

INTRODUCTION

As a planner and organizer, my upcoming 2019 calendar year was already filled with travel for work, a graduation, two weddings (and wedding quilts to make), and club functions, not to mention a couple of vacations and a few DIY house improvement projects. Writing a book was certainly not on my radar. But I am getting ahead of myself. Let me bring you back to the beginning.

In 2016, I presented a yearlong blog program on the website TheQuiltShow.com called Lets Get Organized. It was 52 weekly topics for quilters who struggle with organizing their studio space. The program was well received and later that same year, my boss, John Anderson, asked me to build another yearlong program for 2017. I moved on with the new project.

Fast forward to fall 2018 when a call from C&T Publishing stops me in my tracks. They would like me to write a book on organizing a sewing and quilting studio. Immensely flattered, I knew this type of offer doesnt come around often, so I asked for a few weeks to consider the idea. Could I work on a book off the clock around all the already-planned events? The answer was yes. I thought, You can do it, if you want it badly enough, even if it means dragging yourself out of bed at 5:00 every morning to pound the keys.

Once the decision was made to write a book, it was time to try to determine what you, the reader, would want to learn. My years working with TheQuiltShow.com have brought me in contact with hundreds of creative people, primarily quilters, but also those who knit, crochet, bead, and enjoy embroidery. Neither size of studio space nor money seemed to make any difference when it came to keeping things organized, whether stash, patterns, WIPs (works in progress), or anything else. Many people struggled with all their stuff, which often involved more than one needlework hobby. I myself enjoy garment sewing, quilting, embroidery, and a bit of crochet. Ah, the major idea! Present organizing ideas and tips for multiple needlecrafts!

But then, another thought kept nagging at the back of my brain. Through my interactions with quilters and other needlework lovers, I kept hear about frustrations with seeing, moving about, or just not being able to enjoy their work anymore due to downsizing, change in relationships, and beyond. Idea number two! Offer information and tips for creating an environment that can be adapted for life changes.

With all the pulls and stresses in life, spending time in your creative space, no matter how large or small, should be something you love and look forward to. It is my hope that you find this book a useful and helpful tool to aid you in bringing that stuff under control and get back to what you love, which is creating.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Photo by Gregory Case Photography for TheQuiltShow.com

Do you dream of a studio that is well arranged, beautiful, organized, and doesnt cost a bundle? Do you spend more time looking than making? Does your current arrangement hamper or enhance your physical ability to work with ease? Does your work space consist of a spare closet or a corner in a bedroom? Dont let the size of the room, budget, or physical limitations keep you from having a space that you love.