Monday, June 29, 2020

Love Your Creative Space Blog Tour

During the past few months, I've noticed lots of us are doing some cleaning and purging. Me too! I'm super excited to share a new book with you that you'll want to add to your library of creative resources. It's Lilo Bowman's Love Your Creative Space.

A few highlights from the book...

  • Lots of questions to ask yourself to help clarify what you really need (and don't need)
  • Suggestions for list making to help focus the task of going through your stuff
  • Ideas for ALL kinds of fiber -- quilting, knitting, garment making
  • It's about making a PRACTICAL space ... not styled like a magazine feature (though there are tons of pretty pictures)
  • So many suggestions -- many of them obvious, and yet often overlooked
  • Ideas for organizing your thoughts and ideas, not just your shelves and drawers (Don't we all need that!?)
Table of Contents gives you an idea of all the good stuff included.





I'm delighted Lilo talked with me about how I've stayed organized and productive over the years when I was moving regularly. (My husband was a Navy pilot of many years.) In one of the pictures in the book is from my studio and you can see a little of my inspiration bulletin board. Here's a current full view -- just for fun! (For more about things I find inspiring, sign up for my e-newsletter Three Bits of Inspiration.)


There is also a section of studio galleries with great images from a variety of artists. They are all so different which reinforces the idea that you have to make your space your own! 

Here's the current view of my creative space. There's a lot going on at the moment and I'm happy to say it's working for me!



Would you like to win a copy of the ebook Love Your Creative Space? Just comment here or on my artist Facebook page, or on my Instagram. I'll pick one winner from all those comments on July 3.

To learn more about Lilo's awesome new book, check out the rest of the stops on the blog tour.


Love Your Creative Space Blog Tour

Friday 26 June:
Christa Watson/Blog -christaquilts.com
C&T Publishing/Blog-https://www.ctpub.com/blog/

Saturday 27 June:
Bonnie K. Hunter/Blog-quiltville.blogspot.com

Sunday 28 June:

Monday 29 June:
Deborah Boschert/Blog-http://deborahsjournal.blogspot.com 

Tuesday 30 June:
Lilo Bowman/Blog-lilobowman.com/blog


122 comments:

Sharon said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win! Book looks great! sharon310 at juno dot com

Angela said...

Oh, how I would love to win a copy of this book! I have just started the process of designing a new studio. So exciting!

Debra Nicklaus said...

Thank you for the pictures of your space. I need inspiration for redoing my space to help energize me! the book would be a great help.

Mary Lou P. said...

Seeing you space is encouraging. Mine is a bit of a jumble, but it, too works for me. Though I know I could use some new tools for craft storage.

All said...

I believe that this book would help me tame my sewing space. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win and most of all for a view of your space!

BrendaN said...

Thanks for showing us your creative space and for the chance to win!

knitbysue said...

Love your bulletin board! Your quilting space looks quite efficient!

Unknown said...

I love your creative idea board! I have everything in a drawer and go thru that often. But a board on the wall will be great and much more accessible and inspirational! Thank you

Ellie said...

This looks like a helpful book ! And I can use all the help I can get!

Donna V said...

I enjoyed your post. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

Q.E.Quilts said...

Thanks for sharing some photos of your studio. Due to difficult changes in my life, I have been researching and am actively looking for ways to downsize, organize and transform the quilting/ sewing space I have to make it more effective and joyful.

Kitty said...

Always trying to find new ways to organize my studio! Finding things is a challenge. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book!!

Wendy said...

Would love to win! I NEED this book!

Laurie Henderson Baum said...

Thank you for giving me a chance to win this book!

ufoquilter said...

I have trouble getting--and staying--organized, especially my fabric.

meweatherson said...

I've been thinking my studio space is very much in need of a redo. This book couldn't come at a better time!

Eileen said...

I've retired from my longarm business, which I had for 19 years. I need to reorganize and downsize!

Susan C said...

I will be moving my sewing into a larger space and want to get it set up in an organized fashion so I can work more efficiently.

Jean F. said...

I love your idea for an inspiration bulletin board!!

Peggy said...

My happy space needs a make over very badly so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

Michele said...

Thanks for highlighting that the book is for *practical* spaces. From what I have gathered, her book gives so many more options than what we typically see.

Deb E said...

I've been quilting for over 40 years now & believe me, I need some organizing ideas! Thanks for the giveaway, and keeping fingers crossed. Deb E / CA mdenders@msn.com

cbott said...

The phrase "Circle of Reach" was enough for me to take a hard look at how cluttered my work space had become. Just 3 words made a big difference--I can't imagine how much gold there is to be mined in this book!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for such a generous offer!

Cecilia said...

Thanks for sharing your space with us. I enjoy seeing other artist’s rooms and I am always looking for new organizational ideas.

Barbara Black said...

Looks like a great book!

Heather said...

Your space looks cozy and inspiring! Thanks for sharing!

Linda C said...

Love seeing and reading how others keep all the scrapes. It has been never ending, for me it has been health issues and not buying more fabric. I am seeing the end of the scrapes, not really.Linda

Loraine said...

Would love to win book

goatsrme said...

thank you for the opportunity to win this book...Liz

Maureen said...

I think this book would be a big help for organizing my space!

JANET said...

Yes, I would love to win a copy. I need help!

Rosie Westerhold said...

I would LOVE to win a copy of this book. I need to re-organize my space as I’ve been in it for over 15 years, and have acquired so much more “stuff” since I moved in. Fabric is pretty well organized, but everything else needs lots of help!

Margaret said...

Sorry I missed the (SAQA) Live Chat on Friday (June 26)...I didn't put it on the calendar! :-( But it's great to "visit" your studio today and see your space. I too have a sofa in mine -- but it's in my living room. As a widowed artist with a cat, I have a dedicated sewing area (where most supplies are stored too) but I create all over my wee house -- including the sofa.

Though I love most of my space, I could use some tips on how to store paints and dyes more efficiently; right now they're in a dark cupboard under the counter in my "messy" back room... Thanks again!

Jennie said...

I am in desperate need of organizing ideas! My sewing rooms are in a state of chaos! It is overwhelming me so this book will be just the thing I need to get motivated.

Quiltsmiles said...

Help is what I need too and hints since I've reorganized my space(s) so many times all without success. Of course it also is problematic that it's troublesome since I enjoy many crafts and hobbies. Lately I only allow myself to leave out the "current" project I'm working on but will pull out the needlepoint, cross stitch/beading/knitting, watercolor paints, embroidery, wool, quilt, etc.... as needed through out my day.

cityquilter grace said...

that is the key...to love your space, then it's easy to make it work for you....looks like a fantastic book!

Anonymous said...

The book sounds like fun. I am always open for ideas. Your space looks neater, less congested than mine, but sitting at your sewing machine while facing the wall would drive me crazy. 🙂

Farm Quilter said...

I would love to have my sewing/quilting area better organized!! This looks like a fabulous book filled with ideas!

Pam said...

Your space looks very neat and organized. Wish the book came with a personal helper to help in the decisions....

Jody said...

Would love to win this book. I could use it!!

Karen Keeler said...

Like your red couch....wish I had room for even a chair to just sit and sew.
k2sews@hotmail.com

Lisa said...

The more blogs I read about this book The more I want it! I think it would be a real eye-opener to make positive changes in my tiny sewing room.

Unknown said...

I have been sewing for over 40 years, so I have accumulated at lot of things! With some organization, I might actually find what I need, when I need it! :)

Unknown said...

Oo, oo, oo! Pick me! I will be moving out of my home of 24 years and need to cull and organize in a new smaller space. This book would fill the bill for me.

Ruth said...

This book looks like it would be very helpful.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your space with us. I need organizational skills too.

Joan said...

Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book!

Loris said...

Yes, I would love to win a copy! This looks like such a great book! You have a lovely creative space there. I like the couch and the design board added :-)

Jennifer Ash said...

As a former Army brat, I understand the moving part. It always gave my mom an opportunity to clean and declutter. now I have 20 years of stuff I need to organize! This book would be great!

SallyC said...

Thanks for the chance to win!

Karen said...

Thanks for an opportunity to win this great looking book. My sewing space is in need of cleaning out and reorganizing. I hope to get lots of ideas.

pkquilter said...

I am always thinking about how to make my sewing space look better and function better. This book is just what is needed by so many of us! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

Rhonda said...

My space is rather small and over crowded. I'm sure I need this book. Thanks for the chance to win it.

Melissa G. said...

After serving as Recording Secretary for my quilt guild for the last 2 years, my sewing space is an absolute disaster! Being RS turned out to be more work than I realized when I said "yes, of course, I would be happy to serve on the board." Now it is time to get serious about my sewing room.

Patti p. said...

Thanks to the give away....I work out of a bedroom that doubles as a guest room when needed and as my hobby has grown so has my stuff! I need a better way to organize.

Linda H said...

This book looks fantastic with lots of ideas for all aspects of the studio and ways to organize the things that pop up in our heads. Maybe I will be lucky?!?

Mary said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win. I like your studio space, I need some constructive ideas to straighten and organize my multiple crafts. mary4gen@cox.net

Rita Anne Hope-Haverman said...

The book sounds like it has wonderful ideas for studio set up. Thank you for this giveaway.

SandyMay said...

I am hoping to find a cutting table as cluttered as mine. You are not even close, so you can understand that I need this book desperately. swalker287 (at) aol (dot) com

Debbie said...

Love first ding a new blogger to follow since organizing is my peaceful place Thanks for the opportunity to win

Jean said...

I have found it so interesting to see all the different blogs/posts about this new book. And to explore everyone's studios/sewing/creative spaces. I met my husband while we were both in the Navy.... many years ago. Although I started sewing when I was young, it wasn't until I was in the Navy that I purchased my first sewing machine. Since then I have had spaces here and there where ever there was space in our home for me to set up and store all my sewing accessories. After 44 years of marriage I have a pretty good size space... but to be truthful I could always use more room. Contemplating a house move makes me wonder if there is one more sewing space on my list. Thank you for the opportunity to see your space and read about how you organize it.

Regina Harris said...

This certainly looks like an interesting and helpful book to determine better how to optimize our space to accommodate our supplies.

Pam Riggs said...

Great looking book!

Kerry said...

Would love to win the book, get more organized & design my next sewing space!

Quiltingals said...

I love your creative space, thank you for sharing. I have a very small room and need help arranging it.

Pam said...

Loved seeing your studio. The book sounds great

Laura said...

I am glad the book is practical. I have quite a bit of space but need some rethinking on how to use it best.

Linda Pyke said...

I would LOVE to win this book. I am going to be moving into a new space over the summer and have 30 years of stuff to deal with. I don't know where to begin. Thanks for the opportunity of winning some winning help.

Cheryl said...

I just need the courage to re organize

Debbie P said...

Thank You for showing your comfortable sewing space and your fun inspiration board! I am trying to organize things and make a better sewing space for myself - I think Lilo's book will have lots of info that will be useful!

Susan4cats said...

I wish I had as much space as some of these photos show. One tiny bedroom, but I hope I can get some good hints from this book. Maybe make my space more usable.

anne said...

I love the couch in your studio. I'm lucky I can fit a chair. I really need this book (and will likely buy if I don't win).

AnnieBikes said...

Your space seems like it fits YOU perfectly and each of the other quilt artists have their space, too. It really does need to be your own, fitting your own needs and wants. Thanks for sharing yours with us. I would LOVE this book!!!

Sandi1100 said...

I really need ideas on how to organize my sewing space. Thanks for a chance to win.

Linda said...

I really think this book could help me get organized.

Brenda said...

Sounds like what I need. Looks like many good ideas in the book to make you stop and think about how you really work on projects.

Janet Smith said...

Thank you for sharing your space and the idea board. I've been using a corner of my design wall to post my inspirations but the danger is it could expand into the work space!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Thank you for inviting us over for a wee peek into your creative space. I think I would feel right at home there because I have a couch in my sewing room too (the room serves duo purpose as a guest room).

carol said...

Very inspirational to get more organized.

Mary said...

Thansk for the chance to win this book. I am in a fairly new to me space and it needs some work!

Chris said...

Thanks for sharing...I could really use some help organizing my space!

Peggy S said...

I have always thought that feeling inspired in my space is one of the most important things right along side good organization. That's what works for me anyway. Congrats to Lilo!

Beth@IHaveANotion.com said...

I am in the midst of organizing the space... not liking where the cabinets are, so a little detour to unload and move... EVERYTHING... and see.

Bonnie said...

I enjoyed your comments and getting to “meet” you. Thanks! Bonnie

MaryJo Kent said...

It's always fun to look at creative people's work spaces - and inspiring too. Really hope I win this book to get started on organizing my space!

Anonymous said...

I have a new to me she shed - studio. I am sure there are numerous ideas I can use from the book that will help make my space more enjoyable and useful!

Catherine Simmons
csimmons2100@yahoo.com

Lynn L said...

Sounds like a very helpful book!

Marly said...

Thank you for the views of your sewing space. I especially like your inspiration board; I must try to find wall space to hang one. I'm sure this book would provide me with more food for thought. I hope I win a copy.

Diane O said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. Thanks for sharing.

Auntie Clark said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your creative space.

Valerie said...

Thanks for sharing that list of topics from the book. The "organizing your thoughts and ideas" part may be most helpful.

MagicQuilter said...

I'd love to have a copy of this book! Hope I can win a free one. :-)

Bernice Hopper said...

I so need the inspiration for sorting out my room. Thanks for the opportunity

Susan Stanton said...

It is so helpful to see how other people organize their sewing rooms. I would love to have a copy of this new book!
yoyopattycakes at hotmail dot com

Beth in TN said...

I see you have a sofa in your room. My plans are to include a cozy sewing chair for hand stitching in my new space.

DebbyG said...

I so need this book! Currently in the midst of a sewing room reorganize and am stuck with a mess! Sewing on dining room table! Ouch!

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

I've been using some of my quarantine time to purge all around the house. I'm always on the look out for new ideas for my studio space. It will always be an ongoing, evolving space as my needs change.

dhoff said...

we live in a 1870 log home that has small rooms, small windows and thick log walls that make remodeling very difficult. All sid, i have a tough time carving out a space for my sewing and quilting. I out grew the double door closet that I sewed in and especially dislike having my back to the action. Need help planning how to make the living room into a sewing/TV room with comfort for my family and me.

spacer said...

Beautiful space.

cathy jo said...

I'd love to win an organizing book! Thanks for the chance!

UptownConnie said...

What fun! Love your creative space. And thanks for the chance to win!!

nancykwiltz said...

I need to figure out a design wall for a spot with no wall space. Maybe a portable one, I’m thinking. Right now I have a design floor....😏 (nancysneedles@charter.net)

Unknown said...

Thanks for a peek into your studio. There’s always a new idea gleamed from each one. Lilo’s Book sounds fabulous! ellen williams

DawnyK said...

Thank you so much for offering up a copy of Love Your Creative Space. It's so great of you to share more of the great structure behind the thinking and logic. I am in my first home with a room for my sewing supplies and I've never had the space or equipment to get organized. Thanks again!

Judymc said...

I would love to win an ebook! Thank you for the opportunity!

Kerry said...

I do love your creative space - you have so many walls to use for whatever

Beth Strand said...

Wonderful space!

Karen P. said...

Thanks for sharing photos of your space. I would love to win a copy of this great new book!

Mary Ann said...

Great images, sure would like this book!

Carly Nord said...

I’m always looking for ways to make my sewing space more efficient and organization is the key. I would love to take a look at Lilo's book.

Larry said...

Deborah, I've read your book and my hubby was in the Navy too! :)

We've moved and I have a new space (L-shaped), and I don't know what to do with it. This new book looks as if it would be a good help to figure out ways to best use the space.

~Debbie

QuiltingGrandma said...

Thank you for the chance to win the ebook. I need all the help I can get in organizing my sewing space. I want a comfy sofa in my space after seeing yours. :)

Diane in Oregon said...

Love your inspiration board!

Candy Lee said...

I am currently making over a living room for my sewing/quilting room. I have new floor and window and newly painted walls. I really need ideas for storage.

Sally Langston Warren said...

I am always looking for new ideas for organizing my fabric and sewing things in my tiny space. It would be wonderful to have a space for a couch or some sort of seating area like you have! I think Lilo’s book sounds great! Thank you for showing us a glimpse into your Studio!

Rachel said...

Creativity is messy, but also important to find your tools to create. Thanks for sharing your methods!

Colleen M said...

I need help organizing my shared space!!

Elena said...

I would love a copy of this book. Thanks for being part of the blog tour!

The Joyful Quilter said...

SEW happy to see you on the book tour, Deborah! Thanks for offering a copy of Lilo's book. I definitely NEED a copy, as my studio is currently a disorganized mess!