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    Repurposed Furniture » “Helena” a painted sewing cabinet

    “Helena” a painted sewing cabinet

    Published by Gail | Published July 26, 2011 | Updated June 28, 2021
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    How to make a great side table out of a repurposed sewing cabinet. Use paint and stain to give a quick update to an old piece. #MyRepurposeLife #repurposed #furniture #sewingcabinet #makeover via @repurposedlife

    Hopefully you will love this painted sewing cabinet!

    I am starting to do too many “like” projects. I know a lot of bloggers name their pieces, so I thought I’d give it a try to see if it makes things easier for me to remember this repurposed sewing cabinet. (as a reference)

     

    Old Sewing Cabinet

    old sewing cabinet
    I named this piece after my Aunt Helen, who gave this to me. They had removed the sewing machine, so I didn’t have to do that dreaded chore.

    scratched top
    The top had some wear and some scratches, but it was solid wood.

    empty sewing machine cabinet
    Typically, I remove the hinged part in the front and install a shelf for a laptop or other small items that need to be stored. I decided to mix this one up a little.

    Dismantle Your Project

    dismantle cabinet

    I removed the entire “top”. I pried and banged and voila! There was a ridge of thin wood that was inset in the top. I used a rasp to remove the bulk of the wood, and then the orbital sander to smooth it all out.

    discard this piece

    This is the part that I removed.

    sand top of cabinet
    I sanded the finish off of the top of the cabinet. You can see the difference here. On the left is the top, on the right is the “framed” piece I removed.

    Sewing Cabinet Makeover gets Painted

    painted sewing cabinet
    I used my paint sprayer to prime it and paint it. I used the same paint I used on the items in my bedroom last summer. It is from Glidden, Crisp White Linen. It is almost white.

    Stain & Seal Table Top

    stain table top

    I used a dark walnut stain from Minwax for the top.

    stained table top

    I wiped on two coats of Wipe-on Poly.

    wipe-on poly

     

    Reassemble Painted Sewing Cabinet

    Kreg Jig
    To use the Kreg Jig Jr. adjust the slider to the thickness of your wood. Mine is set at ¾ inch wood.

    using a kreg jig
    To attach the top to the base, I used my Kreg Jig Jr. I clamped it right on the base.

    kreg jig pocket hole

    Pretty pocket hole! (ugly glue left from the manufacturer)  I didn’t notice it in real life. EVERYTHING shows up in pictures!

    reattach top of sewing cabinet
    I tuned the base upside down on the underneath side of the top.

    under side of sewing cabinet
    I inserted my self tapping pocket hole screws to attach the base to the top.

    furniture makeover

    There ya go! I think it’s missing something.

    Add Applique

    apply furniture applique
    I had the plaster-type applique that I got from Jan. I first tried to glue it with Gorilla Glue Super Glue. The underneath side of the applique is very shiny, and a little concave. The super glue didn’t have anything to give it “tooth”. So I then reached for the handy dandy Gorilla Glue Dries White 2x Faster! This glue has never failed me, and this time was no different. Because there was empty space, the Gorilla Glue had room to do it’s stuff. In case you’ve never used this glue, I’ll tell you that it oozes or expands. That’s what I love about it. Use too much, and it will ooze out, but used correctly YOU will LOVE it too!

     

    White Sewing Cabinet

    sewing cabinet makeover with paint and stain
    I painted the applique to match the cabinet (table base). I have not distressed this yet with sanding and or glazing. Folks around these parts just don’t “get it”.

    white sewing machine cabinet makeover

    I LOVE the dark walnut with the white! It’s my favorite look.

    pretty white side table
    I love giving new life to something that somebody was ready to discard! Isn’t the painted sewing cabinet so pretty? This was the first time I had removed the inside “frame”, but I bet it won’t be the last time!

    gail

     

    See More Sewing Cabinet Project Ideas

    sewing cabinet project ideas

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    1. Mar

      June 26, 2014 at 12:22 pm

      Beautiful - I re-do these too - searching always!

      Reply
    2. girlfromwva

      May 31, 2014 at 11:55 am

      looks beautiful!

      Reply
    3. Matthew

      December 06, 2011 at 3:47 am

      I think I'm about to Pinterest all of them. I always feel bad about the ones abandoned in the thrift stores. I think I'll go rescue the one I saw the other day.

      Reply
    4. abeachcottage

      July 31, 2011 at 5:13 am

      It's such a lovely transformation and all your other projects are great!

      Reply
    5. Holly Lefevre

      July 27, 2011 at 6:31 am

      It is gorgeous and deserves a name - all designers name their handbags!...Helen is a fine name for that piece. I love all of your cabinet creations.

      Reply
    6. Carmel @ Our Fifth House

      July 27, 2011 at 6:14 am

      Love the dark top with the white! So pretty!

      Reply
    7. Shirlee

      July 27, 2011 at 4:53 am

      I really like how you refinished the cabinet with the mix of the dark stain top and white body. I was given an old sewing cabinet that was in pretty bad shape (looked like it was left somewhere damp). I just painted the whole thing white however "her" legs are a dark brown metal. She just got some jewelry in the form of chunky white ceramic knobs with antique brass details. I spray painted the brass Espresso to tie in with the dark brown base. She still needs a little something for the pop out drawer though.

      Have a great day!

      Reply
    8. Good Time Charlie

      July 27, 2011 at 4:03 am

      That is the coolest Sewing Table makeover I have ever seen! Great work, it looks stunning. -K

      Reply
    9. Love Of Quilts

      July 26, 2011 at 9:48 pm

      She is very pretty with her white body and brown top.Trish

      Reply
    10. Corn in my Coffee-Pot

      July 26, 2011 at 8:07 pm

      Cute! I love the dark stained top with painted white base. So nice.

      I like that little jig thingy too.

      Pat

      Reply
    11. My Cottage Charm

      July 26, 2011 at 6:51 pm

      I'm glad I went ahead and put the bunny pics on my blog since you missed them on FB...I just loved that little guy! (or maybe girl..lol) You're right about it's ears...they weren't even bunny size yet..he was such a little thing! (kinda looked like a mouse in some of the pics!)
      Sounds like you've been a busy lady with all that mowing, sanding, sawing and assembling! lol OH and I did wear shoes in the garage this time! (my poor foot is black and blue and sore!)
      Your cabinet turned out lovely..I like the white with the dark wood...so pretty!
      Try and stay cool girlfriend!
      Love ya loads!
      Missy

      Reply
    12. It's Just Me

      July 26, 2011 at 5:57 pm

      Ms. Helen is GOR-JUS ... your first "named" piece. LOVE it : )

      Reply
    13. Suzanne@Meridian Road

      July 26, 2011 at 5:27 pm

      I love that look! The dark top is so pretty with the white base. I like the applique you added, too.
      Helena is one of my favorites!

      Reply
    14. Pam

      July 26, 2011 at 4:43 pm

      Gail, your aunt would be very proud of the way this one turned out. Great job.

      Reply
    15. Rosemary@villabarnes

      July 26, 2011 at 4:06 pm

      I'm sure Helena thanks you. She's beautiful now.

      Reply
    16. Toqua's Crafts

      July 26, 2011 at 3:59 pm

      Helena...
      Boy that brought back memories for me!
      When I was in high school (just a "couple" of years ago now! Ha!) my name in German class (yes, I know... a real useful language... I should have taken Spanish!) my class name was Helena.
      Then... when I got a heifer for 4-H I named her Helena!
      Yes... I "Like" your name; Helena!

      Great job on the cabinet! I'm sure it's another project of yours to show up at the Kreg site! I saw some of your others there already.

      Reply
    17. Katie

      July 26, 2011 at 3:50 pm

      Gail this is freaking awesome! You're like the sewing cabinet guru or something! Awesome job!

      Reply
    18. Sandi @ The Primitive Skate

      July 26, 2011 at 3:42 pm

      Oh mY! I just Love your transformation. I still have my sewing machine cabinet sitting here half finished. I think you just inspired me to get motivated and finish it. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    19. Paige (Final Clothes-Out)

      July 26, 2011 at 1:48 pm

      LOVE. Do you have plans to sell her/it? I bet something like that would fly off the shelf in your booth.

      Reply
    20. Proper Prim

      July 26, 2011 at 1:23 pm

      Great job Gail... love the contrast of the dark wood against the white.

      Another suggestion for you, use your silouette and cut out a nice saying to put on the front of the table.

      I have 2 of these just waiting for me to tackle, that is what I plan on doing to them.

      Hugs, Deb

      Reply
    21. Jamie

      July 26, 2011 at 1:15 pm

      Gail that turned out beautifully!

      Reply
    22. Terri

      July 26, 2011 at 1:15 pm

      This is so stinkin' cute...love the dark wood with white, such a classy look. Aunt Helen never looked so good, lol! I must get some of that Gorilla 2X glue...sounds like a must have!

      Oh man....a new Silhouette?! Just when I was ready to buy the old one, now I am thinking I might have to wait for the larger one...don't know what that puppy is going to set me back, do ya?!

      Reply
    23. Sharon

      July 26, 2011 at 1:11 pm

      This is awesome. I used a old sewing machine cabinet just like this to make a portable stand for my Miter saw. Just used that yesterday.

      Oh, Guess what I bought yesterday, The Kreg Jr. We are working on our kitchen pantry, Framing is about done.

      Sharon

      Reply
    24. Shannon

      July 26, 2011 at 1:04 pm

      It looks great, as usual!
      I like the naming idea! It's a good way to keep track of projects! When yous tart taking things apart, you can write things like.. the leg is part of Veronica... 🙂

      Reply
    25. Shannon

      July 26, 2011 at 1:04 pm

      It looks great, as usual!
      I like the naming idea! It's a good way to keep track of projects! When yous tart taking things apart, you can write things like.. the leg is part of Veronica... 🙂

      Reply
    26. Granny

      July 26, 2011 at 12:55 pm

      Helena looks great but the pink cabinet is my favorite.

      Reply
    27. Baye

      July 26, 2011 at 12:49 pm

      I have absolutely got to get one of these old tables! This is another winner--I love the wood stain top with the white base, too.

      Reply
    28. Mrs BC

      July 26, 2011 at 12:40 pm

      I really, really love this! Great job!
      x

      Reply
    29. Michele {The Scrap Shoppe}

      July 26, 2011 at 12:38 pm

      Gorgeous, Gail!! I love the stained wood on top. I may need to check out that glue. It sounds perfect!

      Reply
    30. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      July 26, 2011 at 11:39 am

      helena looks nice and pretty now! love her little applique!

      Reply
    31. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      July 26, 2011 at 11:39 am

      helena looks nice and pretty now! love her little applique!

      Reply
    32. Amanda

      July 26, 2011 at 11:22 am

      All the cabinets look amazing, love the colours you used!

      Reply
    33. Susan @ homeroad.net

      July 26, 2011 at 11:19 am

      I love this!~ I love how furniture looks with a white bottom and a dark top! And the little design on the front made it perfect!
      Susan

      Reply
    34. TeddynBarbie

      July 26, 2011 at 10:53 am

      I love the Kreg Jig site. So many wonderful projects! I am a beginner to all this and was inspired by the pictures of all the wood working projects. Love you blog and detailed projects.

      Reply
    35. Susan

      July 26, 2011 at 10:48 am

      I love your transformation!! The dark wood against the white is just gorgeous!

      Reply
    36. Shelly @A Creative Space

      July 26, 2011 at 8:01 am

      It is gorgeous! I always love your creations!! I just bought a sewing table at a garage sale over the weekend for about $20. When I came back to pick it up with my car, we found an old sewing machine still in it! Not sure what I am going to do with the machine... maybe just leave it in there and set mine on top!

      Reply
    37. Kerryanne English

      July 26, 2011 at 7:07 am

      'Helen' is beautiful!!

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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