Building my Dream Sewing Room

[@MorganDonner]

The one thing my room still really lacks is light fixtures! Love a candle moment, but some brighter lights wouldn't go amiss. I'd love your recommendations if you know of something that would look nice in this room!

[@W2splyntr]

Have you thought about recessed lighting? It's bright, but diffused, so not as hard on your eyes as florescent (like the school kind).

[@crystalkanaley6570]

I think recessed can lighting would work. It's flush to the ceiling so it won't be overly noticable. You'll get the extra light you need without affecting medieval style.

[@Blue_Caribou]

I mean, it really depends how hard you want to lean medieval - my grandad turned the living room of his 1950s duplex into an oak panelled tudor hall, complete with fireplace and suits of armour, and tapestries my gran made. He had great success with reproduction black iron 5-arm chandeliers with candle bulbs (I don't know what that would be called in the US, sorry, but basically bulbs shaped to mimic that tulip shape of candle flame) those can be as bright as you like whilst keeping the classic shape. If you want overhead lighting, for medieval rather than tudor, I'd personally probably go for a wooden chandelier over iron though - maybe one of those wheel shaped ones? If you want to go fully period, I'd go for wall sconces in either wrought iron or wood with candle bulbs, though that may decrease quality of light over the work area. Maybe look into variable colour bulbs? that way when you want to lean into aesthetic you can go for a warm-yellow firelight look, but when you need to do delicate work you can shift to a daylight-setting?

[@NJase]

a generally find two different types of lights helpful in my sewing nook. I have an LED ring light and magnifying glass on an extra long articulated arm that clasps/screws into my sewing table the second is an overhead LED plant light for full spectrum daylight bright light, that I rigged to a vertically mounted rotating arm so i can bring the light to a specific local within its 180 arc, and have it shine down for focused light or up for diffused light. both of them benefit from being able to be pushed out of the way when not needed so they're super unobtrusive when unwanted. with some minor effort both could easily be "aesthetically" adjusted to fit in with a more historical space.

[@DiscoveryClaudia]

Maybe colored stained glass? For the last windows?

[@haberschnack]

As a glass painter by trade (Glasveredler Geselle, Fachrichtung Glasmalerei in Germany) I want to tell you how good of a job you did with the window. Without training you got it nearly right and the only things I would tell you to change, or do differently are some details and a bit of the handling of the window while turning it. For the first piece you ever made you did it better than some I have seen as a first attempt. My English is not good enough to go into detail but just know that you can hammer down the soldering points down before you solder them, this will help with the evenness of the points (they will flow better). And after you turned the pane you can push the lead lines to meet each other at the middle , usually with a knife but you can take a wide Popsicle wooden stick. Sorry I hope this makes sense. But alas, very good work and yay for more Medieval windows. The round ones are called Butzenscheibe in Germany ("crown glass").

[@simonecummings9157]

Thank you professional craft side of youtube! Very informative and now I know the rounded glass is called crown glass!

[@haberschnack]

@@misspeach3755 Thanks, yeah it's a total niche job and out of the 12 who made their Geselle in my year only 3 are still active after 13 years. And thank you but I already have the Techniker which is getting nearly the same recognition as the Meister in most cases. Had the chance to do it but with 22 you don't want be called a Meister without having done some more work : )

[@lynetteclauser3551]

We call the round ones “Rondels” here in the US.

[@jenndoesstuff]

Morgan, hear me out. If you're planning on growing your hair out, you should do a time lapse of it to see how long it takes your hair to grow in a month/year/whatever. For science!

[@sarahrosen4985]

OMG! Yes! We neeeeeeeed that! Please, Morgan, please!

[@TheVelvetKitten]

Science!

[@saymyname2417]

Do you happen to know why her hair is so short?

[@sarahrosen4985]

@@saymyname2417 you missed the hairstyles video. Explains everything.

[@gkocourek6274]

@@sarahrosen4985 yup missed that one too.

[@AbbyCox]

Ok. 1. We love a Handy-Dandy-Mr. Donner. 2. This work space is so lovely and aesthetic and cozy and I can't wait to see it in person one day! 3. Unrelated, but OMG I GET TO SEE YOU IN A COUPLE OF DAYS OK BYEEEEEEEEE

[@MorganDonner]

SOOOOOON :D

[@ambercorder4192]

Love this room! Love your videos and can't wait to see more from you!!

[@inerlogic]

Spoilers!

[@AbbyCox]

@@AmyCeleste Lolol I kept doing double takes too like “wait… 👁👄👁”

[@davidblum7125]

Quietly hoping there’s a video of this get together.

[@Loepsie]

Major sewing room envy over here! 😍 That table is a dream, and I adore all the medieval vibes 👌🏻

[@melissafaucheux6777]

I just said the same thing to my hubs. And then I said “see now that’s a sewing table !”

[@sayuriando3379]

I love the sewing table and with more space I would go for it.

[@oberonyronwood5657]

Honestly, with the big round hat, the jewels and the dress you are giving me “German noblewoman of Saxony painted by Cranach but make it modern” vibes and I LOVE IT! Also, the rooms looks utterly adorable, congrats!

[@lynneeie5226]

One almost wishes to break out in Thee and Thou and hast created most wonderful solar for your handwork! The windows, shelves, curtains, that mirror... AND I admit to being a wee bit green with envy over the niftiness and QUALITY of the tabletop and all those lovely labelled drawers... goodness me. Hands down, my favorite sewing room makeover EVER. Kudos and wishing you both much happiness in Vermont! (& your wardrobe.... inspiring! You are definitely my fave fashion muse these days.) Bravo and many days of happy sewing!

[@MrsBrit1]

I'm glad you have a safety warning for handling the lead, however you didn't mention using a high quality breathing apparatus. You really need to protect your lungs, ESPECIALLY while cutting and soldering the lead! The fumes can be very dangerous and cause lead poisoning, so going forward, if you continue this new hobby, please, please use proper lung protection! Just good ventilation is actually not enough for this.

[@ragnkja]

A breathing apparatus and/or a fume hood is what I’d want. Unless the fumes are actively drawn away from you, ventilation alone simply isn’t enough.

[@mellie4174]

i was worried about that too! inhaling lead is even worse than ingesting it!

[@sfowler1017]

Yes!! My first thought

[@junedoodle]

I would think also a need to very carefully wipe surfaces in the room, such as the floor and shelf tops, anything that could have particulate matter / dust settle.

[@Luhrayuh]

Hi! I work with stained glass and thankfully you do not get lead poisoning from soldering or snipping lead came. the fumes are not good to inhale but it is because of the chemicals in the flux, soldering does not create lead dust, nor does snipping lead came. However, you should still wear a respirator while soldering and always wash your hands after handling lead came and wipe down all the surfaces with de-leading soap to remove possible contaminants from ingestion! If you're handling old windows with lead came that would be when inhalation is likely!

[@mushroomtree.clothing]

You moved to Vermont?! Squeee!!!!! Welcome, from Pittsford! The Green Mountain State is honored to have you 💚

[@diekje8728]

Curtains were used for book shelves to protect them from the elements. Sunshine will leave marks on book covers (books being incredibly expensive)

[@magistra137]

Amazing! All of it - amazing! You and Mister Morgan Donner - amazing! I am a Medievalist wanna be and I never once said to myself, “gee, I should make a medieval looking room. It would help me study my Latin.” Nope, never occurred to me. So, be like Ms. Morgan Donner and try to shape your environment to reflect your dreams because then you will be surrounded by the Coolness you deserve.

[@heatherz181]

Are you kidding!!! That leaded glass window is incredible!!!! Thanks for taking us on the building adventure. Love from Saskatchewan.

[@Kev_Cagle]

Haven’t finished the video yet, sure I’ll enjoy it. But I just HAVE to say bc it’s been on my mind the last couple of days. Thank you so much for the hair video. I truly hope it gets some sort of recognition bc that video is a LITERAL WORK OF ART. it needs to be screened in a room at the Tate in LNDN on a loop for the world to see. The fact that it was educational is just a bonus. The video fits every definition of the word “art”. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kimlopezinstructor2024]

And I knew exactly which one you meant just by you saying "Hair video". It's now iconic.

[@lisettegarcia]

I didn't even think of it in those terms but what you say is absolutely true! Morgan's hair clip stands shoulder to shoulder with any Nam June Paik installation. Brava.

[@KaylaTheKindOne]

I honestly felt that. the hair video is really how I found Ms. Morgan in the first place, and as someone who is usually not that much into history it was one of the most entertaining educational videos I've seen in a while

[@moonbear5929]

For the harsh light coming in the left over windows, find some sheer fabric and make flat curtains out of it. It will also defuse the light and if you want to sneak a peek outside you can just move the fabric aside, like any other curtain, your view isn't permanently blocked.

[@conniethingstad1070]

So I identified with many elements of this video. My daughter was in theatre and designed many sets even making fake stained glass Windows. I found her a printers desk that she stores some of her art supplies. She is in grad school now to be an Art Therapist. Enjoyed this video!.

[@jjudy5869]

If you have a west facing window and want to do more leaded glass window work. Get some colored glass and make another window. The light shining through is magical!

[@batemon85]

I want a barrister's bookcase so, so much. Someday. Someday. I love the leaded glass in yours.

[@renniemei]

The little smiley face doodle returns! I don't know why, but it makes me so inordinately happy! ^.^ And congrats on the house and the room! It and the glasswork and all look so stinkin' cool!

[@MorganDonner]

Yay, thank you! Little smiley faces make me so happy too.

[@almanacofdreams967]

Welcome to Vermont! I came here in 1998 needing a big change. I had about $500 in my pocket, a place to stay for 2 nights, and no job. Best life decision ever.

[@jmcwill2002]

Morgan, I agree, your me-made window is beautiful and fits best with the medieval aesthetic. But I am very jealous of your eyeglasses!! Please let us know where you found them, the small lens is exactly what I've been looking for! 😍

[@Cationna]

This literally takes my breath away. It's SO amazing that you can just?? build whatever you need?? with your own hands?? It's turned out so beautiful and inspiring and lovely.

[@coydogmusic]

yeah I have to say the stained glass work you did on the smaller window is my absolute favorite part! That's not an easy task at all, and your finished product looks great

[@musicmama2864]

Awww. I used a biscuit joiner to make a table top w/ my Grampy back in the 90s!

[@megs7019]

Your new old style sewing craft room looks gorgeous and can’t wait to see how evolves… the windows look very nice.

[@bobbykagreene1844]

For the unfrosted windows you could put up the plain frosting then make the circle look with puff paints. I've seen people do imitation stain glass that way.

[@kikizalewski]

"I kinda wanna play dnd right now" only every second of every day!

[@LLavery]

As a Brit, I think your pronunciation of 'solder' was perfect ☺️

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

Loveliest saw-horse in all the lands! This room turned out so aesthetically on point and are total #goals

[@lenabreijer1311]

I think all those curtains were partly conspicuous consumption considering the cost of fabric back then. It was the fabrics that were mentioned in wills, not tables or chairs. But yes they do keep the warmth in and control the drafts very well. In one apartment there was a long hall from the outside door to the living room. After I put up a curtain in the living room entry it was so much more comfortable. No draft around the ankles either.

[@dragonmakr2159]

“Keyhole hangers”!! That’s what they’re called! I’ve been searching for them for years, but didn’t have the name. LOL Love watching your work space come together. I’ll be moving next year, and you’ve given me some ideas for my own work room.

[@VanK782]

9:10 omg the bird! The views from this house are incredible

[@CK_Loves_Tea]

Pretty sure this style is called “mullioned”. How do you always have such gorgeous accessories? Regardless of whether it’s a hat, a headscarf, jewellery, or glasses. You always look 300% Amazing. This video is a gorgeous little bit of wholesome Nerdery & I am So Here for it. 😻

[@pmclaughlin4111]

Curtains done for warmth...Don't forget you are in Vermont now...You may still like the curtains willy nilly for warmth...Your heating bill will thank you We have used both old bannisters and pipes (hit with antiquing spray paint) for long enough curtain rods in a similar situation

[@DianneKargBaron]

"Birthday bandsaw"... love it. My version is a "Christmas metal sheer". 😁

[@butterscotchgrove6151]

Yea! Morgan's back! Beautiful room, and how fun to be able to do so much of it yourself (of course not neglecting Mr. Morgan Donner's input)!

[@leam2017]

I want the same sewing table and I'm not even a seamstress! Those DIYs are pretty impressive and so inspiring!!

[@HumanCatfoodDispenser]

Vermont is so pretty! I hope you enjoy it there. Everything you built in your sewing room is amazing, but be careful with what looks like an antique cabinet up against your baseboard. When your heat really gets going in the winter you can dry out and damage the wood. (she says from unpleasant experience)

[@christineherrmann205]

Room is gorgeous, laughed my ass off at "kinda want to play D&D right now." Btw, your leaded glass project is amazing, and even though I did find myself saying "SODDER" every time, your pronunciation counter was hysterical, too.

[@JoneseyBanana]

As a Brit, I was really confused by the mispronunciation counter because we *do* say it 'solder'.

[@Lucas-jr3lq]

honestly I'm a whole electrician and the first (and only, so far) time I've soldered went terribly and I think we had to get a whole new connector for the cable I was working on, so like.. major kudos to you

[@RosyRosie42]

I recently IKEA’d my craft space, so I totally understand your excitement and happiness at a new/improved space. I finally have everything at arms-reach, and the space works so well for me now. So happy and excited for you! It looks great, and is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. 🤩 Congrats!

[@irisbear9421]

Honestly, you're glass/lead work looks absolutely great! I know mine would be a hot mess!

[@nettie607]

Love the new room! I have dreams of a craft room. Spare room is now hubby's home-working office. I also love the window that you did.

[@monsterswaltz]

You are becoming The Ultimate Morgan Donner, wow! this looks awesome, thanks for sharing

[@kimwallace1170]

I love that table!!!! When we finally buy our first house I will be doing this!!!!

[@juia7336]

I fully had a moment of seeing the video icon and going "is Morgan Donner's hair magic?! Did it not Just get shaved off?!" Haha

[@XeronaTaylor]

That sewing table is a dream!

[@ShinySarah44]

I'm so glad I did a re-watch on this video; I had it on a playlist while doing other tasks and now I got to sit and see the progress as well as the final look. I love working on work spaces and finding better ways to store and keep things, I've been putting more work on that for my own in recent years and it's definitely helped with actually starting and finishing projects. ^_^

[@faithclaessens430]

Welcome to VT! You will be in that lovely workroom a lot this long winter ahead. If you do take a ride during “leaf peeping season” meander down Rte 7 and head towards Pittsford VT where you will find a stained glass studio that you may particularly enjoy, it is right next door to a medieval looking, very old and beautiful library. I have just recently found your channel and low and behold you have now moved to my home state. I hope to run into you in my local fabric store someday.

[@psychedelikchameleon]

I'm so impressed with what you can turn your hand to, Morgan!

[@juliaathome]

Welcome to Vermont!! I hope you like it here!

[@rosemulcahy2626]

No lie, I just sent this to my husband because my sewing room is a mess and I need a better table. Handy husbands FTW!

[@theoddbody1856]

I LOVE the leaded glass window you did yourself!

[@sunsteam]

Morgan, so many things to say! That sewing room is soooo pretty and looks so cosy!! I love so so much what you and your husband did with this room. The curtains for doors, the hand-made table, the window!! (which looks a lot better than the stickers, the irregularities make it look more tangible and personnal). I wish I can make myself a sewing room as pretty and functional as yours one day! And that wig!! This haircut fits your face so well, I'm in awe :o That combined with your dress make you look so epic, it's as if you jumped right out of a fantasy novel. I lowkey hope you'll go for the fringe if you choose to let your hair grow back x) But in the meantime, have fun with the wigs :D

[@susanbourgeois523]

Cool. Thank you for the show on acorn suggestion. Can't wait to watch it. (Post hurricane IDA zone. No internet connection yet. But we have power!)

[@pepperreed.33]

I Spy Morgan's Red Necklace at 2:28! Your room looks great and I hope you'll have a wonderful time creating in it.

[@katwitanruna]

Those label drawer pulls are da bomb!!

[@SwimmingInSunlight]

I've done faux leaded glass with hobbyist window colours (Gallery Glass brand which seems to be American made) which offers a very similar finish to actual lead gray and smoky transparent light-dispersing panels

[@kaytiej8311]

Wonderful, Morgan. So exciting to see you develop your atalier. It's certainly your vibe.

[@macstabby_j]

Punk rock wig Morgan- old windows are neat. LET ME MAKE THEM.

[@argusfleibeit1165]

You look really happy! Yay Vermont!

[@imthehomestarrunner]

really really cool how many things from this video i recognize from modern country living

[@dgjenne]

That sewing desk is GOALS!! Great job on the whole room and congrats on the move!! Love it!!!

[@KenZchameleon]

So. Much. Envy! I love how you've organized the space! Also, everyone I know has Kallax LOL

[@MorganDonner]

It really is the most popular for a good reason, it works so very well!

[@torysetliff]

I LOVE your handmade window! What a cool skill to learn…

[@juliemiller9258]

What wonderful inspiration for getting me started on actually doing my workspace! My addition, would be to add some type of leaves for enlarging the table top for laying out quilts. I have actually seen where the extra large quilt working area can be raised towards the ceiling on ropes for other times of the day. Hmmm.

[@SaschiaSlytherin]

The view is absolutly fantastic

[@drekfletch]

Makeshift, low budget apothecary desk: Shallow open shelves. Go to the deli department of the grocery store and ask if they'll save american cheese boxes for you. I guarantee they go through at least 6 a week, lots more if they're a busier chain. Throw in the occasional shoeboxes.

[@EarlGreyCrochet]

I'm so impressed with your windows!!

[@daynawithawhy]

What an inspiration you are Morgan. Gorgeous room, it just drips creativity xo

[@kellimbt]

It looks fantastic! You really captured the medieval elements. And I'm always impressed by how crafty you guys are. : )

[@magic_sjs5623]

AH! This was so great!! I love making up a new space! I actually just moved into a new apartment and got to do that with my room! Also the imperfections that your window has just makes it that much more historically accurate! This was a fantastic video to watch while taking a break on my university homework.

[@jeanetteswalberg6166]

Love it so far! The windows you did yourself are beautiful in ther imperfection. Probably more realistic looking because of the human touch. Also, I loved the William Shatner cameo in My Life is Murder this week. Cracked me up!!!

[@susannaharnhart4910]

This is so excellent, and I'm so impressed by you and the mister's skills!

[@mariadelmarcastellano7556]

Me gusta mucho cómo quedó. Lo importante es que estés contenta y te ayude a seguir con tus proyectos. ¡Enhorabuena!

[@rondaks3757]

Your room is beautiful! You and Mr. Morgan Donner did an amazing job :)

[@jefferybrinagh8799]

Great house, and great hair cut , i was like wait is it pinned up then you turned around and i was like she took the big chop , BUT it does bring out your eyes and smile and thats beautiful .

[@MerryMoss]

This looks absolutely and adorably awesome! ^^ I wanna get that window sticker stuff myself and I think it's so cool that you made a real version of them!

[@J_Gamble]

I just love watching your videos! You have a special respect for your tools and materials, and how to use them well--both historically and in modern times--something that is not necessarily the case for most maker videos. Love seeing your planning process too and all the good research you do. The stuff about shelves, corbels and nails on walls was fascinating :)

[@lyudmilaaksan2232]

You did a fantastic job! Very nice and functional.

[@megkaehler6793]

This video was awesome!! I love the windows you made!! Super cool! Congrats on the new house and welcome to New England!!

[@katwitanruna]

Loving this! Sooooo envious. I live in a room in someone’s house sans books and patterns (and that huge light table!).

[@morgantraynor2444]

Now I want that table. You two are both such good craftspeople! :)

[@lumindoesvideos]

The one you made looks more like it came out of medieval times, the film ones look too perfect and professional. Also this sewing room looks awesome. I may end up doing something similar once I get my own place and am not stuck at my in-laws house.

[@jeng3805]

low key need a table like that XD Fantastic job Morgan

[@sherrythomas3028]

I am redoing my bed room. Thank you for giving me inspiration. I love your content 💜

[@tombombard5700]

Howdy neighbor to the Northeast! You’re in prime territory for handwoven cloth, fiber arts and more! A visit to Thistle Hill Weavers in Cherry Valley, NY is in order, after your house is ready. -Danielle

[@yezzyjames]

What a beautiful sewingroom, absolutely love that tabletop you made. And that homemade window is gorgeous. :}

[@spellwithane6888]

I don't like the sound of glass breaking, but I adore the result.💜

[@counter10r]

Happy new digs and best wishes as you settle in! You didn't point out the leaded glass panel in your barrister's shelves--really nice coordination.

[@raeperonneau4941]

Love the table!!! Beautiful work!

[@JenInOz]

Have you seen a book called Dream Sewing Spaces? It's a little dated but still a very useful book for ideas and ergonomics when setting up a new sewing area or reorganising old ones.

[@zp5016]

This room is what crafting dreams are made of 😍 That window is so cool!!! The wig gives a total Joan of Arc badass vibe! 💖

[@arttouchesall1748]

Absolutely love your sewing room. So many good ideas! Enjoy!

[@lucie4185]

What a lovely space

[@KnitLoveHK]

It's a wonderful experience for building a dream sewing room Really like the video. Thanks for your sharing

[@isabellerose310]

It turned out so beautifully and the window looks amazing! I never would have thought the window treatment would defuse the light so nicely, but I’d probably get claustrophobic not being able to see out 😂

[@SaltofSaturn]

just putting in a vote that the final window would be a really great place for a sewing themed stained glass window?? :D :D :D or a mushroom themed window. Either way, stained glass is the BEST. And you're already half way there with your leaded glass making skills!

[@nekolynnchan109]

I like what you have done with the room

[@etainne2001]

so you know those iron bar hangers in kitchens? you're gonna want something above the new cutting table for the projector eventually, so why not have an additional suspended bar for things like hanging nearly done items to stretch hems and whatever use may come along?

[@jennyhonda9642]

congratulations on the new room.