Sewing Cabinet Makeover

Can you believe the transformation of this vintage sewing cabinet?? This sewing cabinet makeover is a keeper! This piece would be so useful as a desk or as a side table!  Let’s jump in!

My Seamstress Sister

I had my first encounter with the world of sewing when I was nine years old. The youngest of four daughters meant that I benefited from the fun, elective courses that my sisters took in middle and high school. One of those sisters, Laurie, was especially interested in sewing classes with her beloved teacher, Mrs. Moore.

My sister loved sewing but she didn’t love fixing mistakes that she would inevitably make as a new seamstress.

Enter younger sister — me. She convinced me that ripping seams out with the seam ripper was a privileged job to have in the sewing world. It worked. I ripped out seams for her just because she told me it was such an honored position! Wow, the power of an older sibling 😉

The sewing machine that my sister used at home did not include a cabinet. In fact, I am not even sure how she acquired to the machine. The only thing I remember is that she used it on the floor and sometimes on the dining table.

Having a cabinet like this one would have been a luxury!

Repurpose

Some changes had to be made so that the cabinet would be useful. First, my husband removed the machine along with the knee pedal. See that black thing on top of the sewing cabinet? It was mounted on the inside bottom of the cabinet where the operator’s right knee would have been. The seamstress would use her knee to power the machine. We really wanted to use it in the finished project.

Second, we decided that storage was the perfect solution to the empty space left after removing the machine. He added a shelf using some scrap plywood. This shelf will be so useful.

Clean and Prep

The cabinet had a good once over with the sander and then a thorough cleaning using my usual cleaning method with Simple Green.

I also gave the cabinet one coat of a stain blocker. General Finishes Stain Blocker White Primer will prevent any bleed through of the reddish tones in the original finish. If you are concerned about bleed through, it is best to use a stain blocker 🙂

Now for the Fun Part!

Now for the color! If you have read this blog for even a little while, you know that I am a huge Miss Mustard Milk Paint fan! The colors of the paint have such an old world feel to them and lend themselves so easily to the style of decor that I love! Mora is a neutral with undertones of an ever so soft green.

The crackling began after the second coat of paint was dry. This paint creates a beautiful aged finish to furniture. It will look as though it has been passed down through the generations!

I lightly sanded off the loose, cracking paint with a little bit of knife distressing.

A Little Bit of Jewelry

The sewing cabinet only had one knob so I had to replace the knobs. Glass knobs looks good on just about anything and Hobby Lobby has such a nice selection to choose from.

The glass knobs really do add to the restoration of this piece.

Replace the Knee Pedal

Remember the power mechanism that we removed? Hubby removed all the electrical parts first and then reattached it in the same place it was originally!

Just another hint to the original use of this cabinet!

Storage Area

The shelf creates such handy storage. Use it for a lap top or writing supplies. If you love watercolors like I do, this would be a great little work area with storage for all the supplies below!

This sewing cabinet makeover would also be great desk for the student in your home!

Put this cabinet between two side chairs in a living or family room for storage of remotes or other electronic items that we need in our day.

Look Beyond the Obvious

In whatever room you choose, this desk/side table would be a perfect addition to your home!

I encourage you to look past the original use of a piece of furniture and see it’s potential. Old furniture that is no longer used just needs a little love and care 🙂

Sewing Cabinet Makeover!

Do you have a vintage sewing cabinet that could be converted to a useful piece for your home? I would love to know if you are inspired to transform it! Let me know in the comments!

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Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy Reinventing!