Welcome to Week 19 of our Sewing Organization Challenge!
The Infamous Work Triangle
For those not familiar with this, the traditional work triangle is the concept that everything that is important should be 3-4 feet apart. We often see this in kitchens with the placement of the sink, stove, and refrigerator or in offices with the desk, copier, and printer (this is an antiquated example, I know, but you get the idea).
This concept works in the sewing world, too, with the idea that the sewing machine, pressing station, and cutting table are all within 3-4 feet.
BUT does it really work? I decided to test it.
Here is a link to this week's video:
My Initial Thoughts:
I admit it. Even though I know that the work triangle is a good thing, I also know that I don't move a lot while sewing. Because of this, I LIKED my stations being further apart. I justified this by saying it was forcing me to be active. So going into this, I thought I would test it to prove I was right. :) HA!
What I Tested:
I made the same quilt block pattern three different times using three different configurations:
My current layout where my sewing machine and ironing station is about 6' apart and my cutting station is in the middle.
The Work Triangle
The Circle of Reach, which is concept from the book Love Your Creative Space by Lilo Bowman
About the Quilt Block:
I purposely decided to make a block that requires a lot of cutting and pressing. I settled on this Pineapple Block using the Pineapple Trim Ruler by Creative Grids. To prepare, I cut all my pieces ahead of time, streamlining the piecing so I can could get the best data.
The Assessment:
In this experiment, I measure the time it takes me to make a block, the amount of steps (walking) I take, and how I feel.
The Results
My Current Layout
Time: 36 Minutes
Steps Taken: 166
How I felt: Surprisingly, this was my least favorite! I know, right? Getting up and down was fine and didn't bother me, but the recovery when I sat back down was tricky. Because I recorded this, I could see how bad my form is while sewing. My body was twisted and turned, which is probably why I am so sore after an extended sewing session.
The Work Triangle:
Time: 31 Minutes
Steps Taken: 133 (only 33 less!)
How I felt: I love this layout, much to my surprise and this will be set-up I have when I refinish my sewing room, hands down. It was easy, comfortable, and I felt more productive. Although my posture wasn't great, it was better than in my current layout.
Circle of Reach
Time: 21 Minutes (WHOA!)
Steps Taken: Only 16
How I felt: If I ever have to crank out a bunch of blocks, I am using this layout! It was great! The only thing I didn't like was that my cutting table wasn't stable (easily fixed) and I was a bit nervous about my iron (something I will get used to). This was great, though.
This week's tasks:
Record Yourself Sewing: Record yourself, have someone record you, whatever it takes. It will be worth it. You will see where your form needs to improve, which is very important information to have.
Try Different Set-Ups:
Release Yourself from Others' Expectations: Let go of what others believe organized is. So what if your organization method isn't what others would do-- big deal! If it works for you, it works for YOU. Others don't have to use your space.
Let Me Know: Leave a comment, email me, something! I want to know how this worked out for you. Did you try it? What is your favorite layout?
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