The process of making a quilting studio out of a train layout room

My son asked if I was going to blog about building the Quilt Studio, so I thought I might try. I'm not sure I remember Blogger  - for instance how to change my profile - but here goes.


These are pictures of Don's layout - the Stockton & Copperopolis Railroad. Don died nearly 4 years ago; his layout has only operated a few times since then and not at all for nearly 2 years. Layouts demand steady upkeep or they don't run well, if at all. Don had a will especially for his layout. We did follow his wishes as much as possible. I will be eternally greatful to all the railroad guys who came and took it down. The room now looks like this:
Towards the family room

The other side of the room with the windows.

Now the process of turning this into the quilting room is starting. I met with one young man who is interested in the work, but he can't start until April. My son may be able to help with this - he knows different trades that may be looking for inside work for the winter. First I need to come up with a plan. 

My Son-in-law, Jason, is an electrician and will do all that work. I just need to figure out what and where I want lights and power. In my present sewing room we put 2 outlets in the floor, but we weren't able to use them after the long-arm (Black Bart) came here to live. I've learned that the support poles downstairs, which must stay in place, can be "boxed" and outlets placed in them. First positive thing about how to get power in the center of the room. Yea!!

I thought about building in a room for Black Bart because he is so noisy when running pantographs, but my fellow Stashbusters suggested noise cancelling headphones, which may work. I have been known to just take out my hearing aids when running Bart. Wearing headphones might actually help preserve what hearing I do have.

Tomorrow I must "suck it up" and measure my current storage / stash to figure out the size / number of cabinets, shelves and closets I need. I have a book on planning your creative space and that is the first task it lists. Then I can work on a diagram from the blueprints . . . . I just wish Don were here to help me with it. Sometimes widowhood is a real bummer.

Happy Quilting,
Becky


Comments

Bonnie said…
I have just read through your last posts. I’m amazed at the shirt and pants sewing. You did a wonderful job for your nieces and nephews. Wow! On the train room. My dad was a model railroader also. His layout was the Cajon Pass in California and the Santa Fe RR. It was in the garage but wasn’t very well developed although he had some great engines. He, too, had specific instructions to get leave his hobby to other enthusiasts. Making sure you have good lighting and lots of power are the two most important parts of designing your room. We actually had a separate power supply for my long arm. The lighting was already in the basement — it casts way too many shadows. I ought to look it over and see if there is anything I could do to improve it.
February 6, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Using my Christmas Gift - Go Big!

Image
My DH has watched me struggle to "cut" things with my Accuquilt Go - it seems really hard to crank. I try to cut with it when DGDs are here, but they are "onto" my scheme. For Christmas DH bought me an Accuquilt Go Big - the electric model. Using it is wonderful. My Sister-in-law is expecting a new great grandson. We collaborated on a quilt, my version of "Baby's Picture Frame" an old pattern from Trudie Hughes. (A variation of a Courthouse steps log cabin.) It uses a lot of 1-1/2" strips. It took me about 10 minutes to cut the strips (most of that time spent in pressing the fabrics). I was able to use the Go strip cutter again to cut the strip sets. I used Minkee on the back for the cuddle factor. I do, however HATE working with its slickness, especially when applying binding. It is finished, and in the hands of my niece - the soon to be new grandmother. Happy Quilting, Becky in KCMO
Read more

Help with Layout , please

Image
I'm not sure how blogger will put these, but let's call the far left one - A, then b, c, d, as they go down. I could use some help deciding on a layout for these blocks. They are happy blocks with train fabric in the middle, and the border fabric is also trains. There is a border for the bottom, I just couldn't reach it very well. It's a donation quilt for the V&T symposium - a group trying to rebuild the Virgina and Truckee Railroad, but they also are friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum. We go in a couple of weeks, so I need to get this one finished. I can't decide on a layout. If you would leave a comment on which one you like best, I would appreciate it. It is easier to see now that they are in small pictures, so I would really appreciate your feedback. Thanks. Happy Quilting, Becky Email me
Read more

Glacier Star with extension, or 488 geese later. . . .

Image
The top is finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It needs a good pressing, then ?? I don’t know if I want to try to quilt it myself. I keep thinking of quilting designs, but I’m not sure I have the skill to carry them out. I don’t want to mess it up after 488 flying geese! If you look at the picture closely, it looks like the left side is brighter, almost like stained glass. It’s because of where it is placed in the living room, the only place large enough for the picture. Here’s the un-cropped photo. The DGK’s had moved all the furniture to the walls so they could build a fort. Works for me!    Happy Quilting, Becky
Read more