Saturday, October 24, 2009

My new designer wall......!

I broke down and bought one of those portable designer wall. My sewing room is so limited in wall space that a fixed designer wall was not a functional option. Of course, once we build an addition to the addition, I'll be able to claim DH's work space and will have plenty of wall space, but until then........!

I bought Cheryl Ann's Design Wall, it's portable and a Free Standing designer wall. It comes in three (3) sized: Portable 36" x 36, Mid-size Portable 54" x 54" and Full size 72" x 72.

I purchased the largest one, the full size, which you now see pictured.

It comes in a black sack that reminds me of a tent pouch! As a matter of fact, putting it together is pretty much like putting a tent up! lol So, be prepared to have things fall on you if you're putting it up solo! LOL

It's certainly not portable in the sense that you can move it as a unit. It's stable enough to hold your block but if you try to move it, it's really not sturdy. You would need two (2) people to move it, otherwise be prepared to have it fall apart. Ask me how I know? lol

I've place some huge blocks on it. It's from my Women of Influence quilt. These blocks are 24" x 24" and the flannel is barely gripping the blocks. I had to hold the frame as I press the blocks unto the flannel. These blocks are huge and heavy as they include the sashing, however with normal size blocks, I would think it wouldn't be an issue.

To help stabilize the unit, I tied the two back poles together in the center. It really helped and kept it from falling apart as I placed the support bars.

I used selvage in this case. I keep strips in a ball and use in in our garden to stabilize tall plants. In this case, it worked for the wall! ;o)

Word of advise, wipe your bars with a rag before assembling the unit. They were filthy, probably some residue from the black paint/product used on the bars. I was thankful I noticed it before putting it together. I could just imagine how dirty the white flannel would look!

I'm pleased with this designer wall and would certainly recommend it to anyone who doesn't have wall space. However, I find the price a tad steep. I mean, I could buy a nice tent for five (5) people on Amazon for close to the same price! lol Perhaps, that's not a fair comparison!

Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

8 comments:

Needled Mom said...

I found the exact same issues with mine. I think I could make a much more sturdy one using a snap together PVC pipes and end caps with some flannel. It is good for smaller designs, but then why do we need such a large one????

Anonymous said...

I like what I see on your new wall too!

Unknown said...

At least the blocks look great...

Teresa said...

I have been looking at these and thinking that it would be great to have at retreats. Your blocks look great.

WoolenSails said...

I like the idea of having a wall too, would be nice for placement in piecing. I always do a square backwards;)

Now I was thinking, wouldn't it be nice to have one that rolled from the ceiling, then it would be out of the way and easy to pull down, lol.

Debbie

Pam said...

Sounds like that wall was a bit more of a production than it should have been!!
I have a piece of pellon type fleece stapled to a wall in my basement just outside my sewing room, and it works really well. Nice and stable and if the pieces are not staying on I can pin them in place. It is nice to have a wall - I always have a little something on it - so it never looks like a plain white wall. Better than hanging pictures!!

Julia said...

I love my design wall! It helps so much in color placement. Nice to see it before I sew it together. Love the blocks! I have been thinking of getting this book for awhile now, your blocks may have just pushed me over the edge! :~)

julieQ said...

I really love your design wall! I have a design floor myself, LOL! I have the Women of Influence book, and plan to do it as a block of the month next year. Your progress looks wonderful!

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