Space Optimisation:
“ What I really need is a folding hobby table for my sewing machine. It needs to be sturdy enough to be stable when I'm sewing, give me a little work space ... fold up when not in use and ideally I'd like enough storage for all my sewing kit. Oh, and can you make it pretty too, please? ”
Brief: Hobby desk
Preliminary sketches
This was a really fun challenge. We spent quite a lot of time on working out the proportions that would work for this project and the sketches were provided to try and capture the styling options for the client. It had to be pretty after all! :-)
Design
The initial design only included one drawer in the worktop, as the rest of the space was compromised by the sewing machine recess. After reviewing the sketches with the client, she was happy to have whatever space was available, so the final design factored this in with full fronted drawers (for the aesthetic look) but with a depth of about half the drawer front height.Hobby Desk
Commissioned for: £900
The completed piece finished in birch veneer with a tough but attractive polyurethane lacquer. The foot print when folded measures 48cm x 24cm. It sits on 4 casters, two of which are lockable to make the folding/unfolding process a little easier, and to add stability when in use. The requirement for storage was met with all of the drawers, most of which remain functional even when folded. The cut-out for the sewing machine to sit in reduces some of the useable drawer space, but means that the fabric lies flatter when being stitched. The quarter-round ends add a decorative finishing touch to the profile of the piece, when in use.
When folded the unit fits nicely behind a door, or in the corner of a room without taking up too much space, and still looks attractive.
The worktop recess was made to measure for the client's sewing machine to improve fabric flow through the machine when stitching.
The large cupboard accommodates the sewing machine, power cable and control pedal, along with space for a few other taller items.