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)
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.
The top had some wear and some scratches, but it was solid wood.
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.
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.
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.
To use the Kreg Jig Jr. adjust the slider to the thickness of your wood. Mine is set at 3/4 inch wood.
To attach the top to the base, I used my Kreg Jig Jr. I clamped it right on the base.
I tuned the base upside down on the underneath side of the top.
I inserted my self tapping pocket hole screws to attach the base to the top.
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!
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”.
I love giving new life to something that somebody was ready to discard! Isn’t she pretty? This was the first time I had removed the inside “frame”, but I bet it won’t be the last time!
Here are a few other cabinets I have redone:
You can click on the picture to go to the post.
gail
Mar says
June 26, 2014 at 12:22 pmBeautiful – I re-do these too – searching always!
girlfromwva says
May 31, 2014 at 11:55 amlooks beautiful!
Matthew says
December 6, 2011 at 3:47 amI 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.
abeachcottage says
July 31, 2011 at 5:13 amIt’s such a lovely transformation and all your other projects are great!
Holly Lefevre says
July 27, 2011 at 6:31 amIt 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.
Carmel @ Our Fifth House says
July 27, 2011 at 6:14 amLove the dark top with the white! So pretty!
Shirlee says
July 27, 2011 at 4:53 amI 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!
Good Time Charlie says
July 27, 2011 at 4:03 amThat is the coolest Sewing Table makeover I have ever seen! Great work, it looks stunning. -K
Love Of Quilts says
July 26, 2011 at 9:48 pmShe is very pretty with her white body and brown top.Trish
Corn in my Coffee-Pot says
July 26, 2011 at 8:07 pmCute! I love the dark stained top with painted white base. So nice.
I like that little jig thingy too.
Pat
My Cottage Charm says
July 26, 2011 at 6:51 pmI’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
It's Just Me says
July 26, 2011 at 5:57 pmMs. Helen is GOR-JUS … your first “named” piece. LOVE it : )
Suzanne@Meridian Road says
July 26, 2011 at 5:27 pmI 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!
Pam says
July 26, 2011 at 4:43 pmGail, your aunt would be very proud of the way this one turned out. Great job.
Rosemary@villabarnes says
July 26, 2011 at 4:06 pmI’m sure Helena thanks you. She’s beautiful now.
Toqua's Crafts says
July 26, 2011 at 3:59 pmHelena…
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.
Katie says
July 26, 2011 at 3:50 pmGail this is freaking awesome! You’re like the sewing cabinet guru or something! Awesome job!
Sandi @ The Primitive Skate says
July 26, 2011 at 3:42 pmOh 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!
Paige (Final Clothes-Out) says
July 26, 2011 at 1:48 pmLOVE. Do you have plans to sell her/it? I bet something like that would fly off the shelf in your booth.
Proper Prim says
July 26, 2011 at 1:23 pmGreat 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
Jamie says
July 26, 2011 at 1:15 pmGail that turned out beautifully!
Terri says
July 26, 2011 at 1:15 pmThis 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?!
Sharon says
July 26, 2011 at 1:11 pmThis 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
Shannon says
July 26, 2011 at 1:04 pmIt 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… 🙂
Shannon says
July 26, 2011 at 1:04 pmIt 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… 🙂
Granny says
July 26, 2011 at 12:55 pmHelena looks great but the pink cabinet is my favorite.
Baye says
July 26, 2011 at 12:49 pmI 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.
Mrs BC says
July 26, 2011 at 12:40 pmI really, really love this! Great job!
x
Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} says
July 26, 2011 at 12:38 pmGorgeous, Gail!! I love the stained wood on top. I may need to check out that glue. It sounds perfect!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
July 26, 2011 at 11:39 amhelena looks nice and pretty now! love her little applique!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
July 26, 2011 at 11:39 amhelena looks nice and pretty now! love her little applique!
Amanda says
July 26, 2011 at 11:22 amAll the cabinets look amazing, love the colours you used!
Susan @ homeroad.net says
July 26, 2011 at 11:19 amI 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
TeddynBarbie says
July 26, 2011 at 10:53 amI 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.
Susan says
July 26, 2011 at 10:48 amI love your transformation!! The dark wood against the white is just gorgeous!
Shelly @A Creative Space says
July 26, 2011 at 8:01 amIt 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!
Kerryanne English says
July 26, 2011 at 7:07 am‘Helen’ is beautiful!!