In Threads #174, business owner and couture sewer, Helen Haughey (whose article “Sew a Classic Sheath Dress” was recently featured on the cover of issue #170) let us tour her lovely sewing studio, located in her St. Louis, Missouri home. While she’s still trying to figure out the perfect place for all of her sewing supplies since her recent reorganization, her current system seems to be working just fine. Here we take a closer look at some of Helen’s favorite sewing tools and helpful organization solutions.

Take a look at more sewing studios and spaces:

• More Images from Louise Cutting’s Sewing Room
• An Inside Look at Mary Ray’s Sewing Studio
• Ruth Ciemnoczolowski’s Sewing Room
• Another Look at Kenneth D. King’s Sewing Space

Below you’ll see Helen keeps a number of designer and sewing reference books on-hand in her studio. She especially relishes her Coco Chanel books, since she appreciates the simplicity and elegance in Coco’s designs.

When it comes to making fitting adjustments, this French pin cushion bracelet is Helen’s go-to tool. While she bought hers on a trip to Paris, it can be purchased on Susan Khalje’s website here.

Helen loves the quality and precision of Bernina sewing machines, and recently bought this Bernina 710 primarily for its LED lighting feature.

Helen notes that there are a few sewing tools she can’t live without. They include: a rotary cutter, 8-inch Gingher micro-serrated shears, a seam gauge, an organza press cloth, and a Tailor Trix sleeve board.

See more images on next page.

For organization, Helen uses plastic boxes to store large notions such as zippers and trims, while divided clear trays house smaller findings such as elastic and shears.

Helen stores her thread in Sulky thread boxes, which she keeps open at all times so she can quickly locate the thread she needs.

This MyKoalaStudio table is the perfect combination sewing/cutting table for Helen. The large, flat surface is great for laying out patterns, such as this Butterick 4386 dress, which she uses frequently.

Even better, there is additional storage space beneath the table, where Helen stores fabric and other treasured memorabilia.

Do you have any unique sewing room organization tips? What sewing room tools can’t you live without? Please share your thoughts below!

Many of the books in Helen's collection were essential for the completion of her Master of Sewing and Design certification. She refers to them constantly for inspiration.

Helen uses plastic boxes to store large notions such as zippers and trim, while divided clear trays house smaller findings such as custom labels, thread wax, and T-pins

--- table by Koala is the perfect ---. Not only does it have --- space, but below it has /are shelves for additional storage.

Quiet machines are very important to Helen, which is one reason she loves sewing with Berninas.

Helen shares some of her go-to sewing notions, such as this rotary cutter.

Helen's spacious studio creates a serene business environment. She especially loves that light comes in through the windows on three sides of her room.

This French pin cushion bracelet is Helen's go-to when it comes to fitting. While she bought hers on a trip to Paris, it can be purchased on Susan Khalje's website.

http://susankhalje.com/shop/pin-cushions/

Helen uses her large combination sewing/cutting table to lay out her patterns, such as this Butterick 4386 pattern, which she uses frequently.

I was making alterations to the muslin after I had fitted it to my client. Most likely which I have used countless times

Helen stores her thread in Sulky thread boxes, which she keeps open at all times so she can quickly locate the one she needs.