Today’s post is kinda funny because it has a story behind it. First, it all started with this table that my parents gave me. I posted about this on social media, but I’ll fill you in as we go. In the meantime, I’d like to show you how I turned it into a vintage chic sewing table.
We have always had modge-podge furniture because I get it second-hand, either by thrifting or handed down. Our last installment of furniture was leather and I was happy to have it, but it didn’t have a vintage feel to it. I thought if I could sell what we had to pay for a set more to my liking, I would have a go at it.
My heart was set on a soft brown leather set with nailhead trim to go with what I wanted to achieve in our family room. I had several near misses on Craigslist (I don’t buy new – 6 kids, ahem) and kept coming up empty-handed so I decided to leave it to God.
THE BACKSTORY
However, little did I know that my parents were replacing their set that is exactly like what I was looking for. They tried to sell it for a time and even offered it to my sister and brother, but they turned it down. They thought I wouldn’t like it. Ha! I don’t remember how they found out I was looking, but they eventually offered it to me and I was giddy as lark! Love me some Amish furniture AND it’s already broke in. I love worn leather.
Here it is in our family room. It does’t include the recliner they gave us too, but you get the idea. What a gift!
Later on they offered us this side table that had also been something they used with the set.
They told me to do as we pleased with it (aka. sell it, whatever). Somehow, I have it in my head that it is Amish-made too. That’s where the drama began. Turns out it is from Thailand, so I promptly announced, “Game ON!” That’s the beginning of this side table turned sewing table makeover.
It is solid as a rock and has so many uses with all it has to offer. However, because it lacks some pep and isn’t vintage or high-end, it is time to have some fun.
DIY TIME
I took it apart and sanded it down with my sander to prep it for the makeover.
One of my favorite ways to add to furniture is typography. One piece in particular is close to my heart. When I found this thrifted cedar chest, I knew it was the perfect candidate for some hand work. Makeover HERE.
My vision for this piece was a functional storage unit that would suit anyone who loved to pine away their days or evenings sitting with thread or yarn in their hand. I, for one, love to do handwork (crochet, embroider, hand sew) while I sit with my family. It is my therapy, of sorts. I like sitting wherever, I wanted it to be mobile too.
First order of business, add casters. Easy to do since this had an open bottom with a solid wood skirt. I cut a piece of cabinet plywood and used my Kreg Jig to make pocket screw holes to attach it to inside of the skirt.
Once that was finished, I painted the base a smokey gray that I used on several pieces, including our bathroom vanity, and my son recently used in his buffet makeover. Both pieces are so fun to see transform – take a peek.
ADDING SOME FUN
Since this time around I wanted to add a sewing table touch, I chose an old J & P. Coats advertisement that I had found. It reminded me of my college days in Georgia when many of the students were working at the local Coat’s & Clark factory. I used my transfer method to add it to the top and drawers. While I normally hand paint it all in and love to do so, I chose a couple of different sized Sharpies this time around.
That side rail I removed and took apart to give it some vintage fun details too.
Finally, I add a topcoat of my handmade wax to finish off the wooden surfaces that were unpainted.
THE REVEAL
Are you ready to see this sewing table? I think I’m in love!
First take a look at the side rails…now they are rulers. hee hee hee. I can use them to measure my goods.
While also the perfect place for me to pop in some of my favorite stitching books.
The front is perfect with those apothecary knobs. I love the look of them – so cute!
You can see my favorite desk ever behind my new sewing table. What a blessing to have a little corner of heaven in my home where I can sew and create. The table fits right in.
BEST PART
The casters on the bottom make it perfect for me as I like to sit in varied spots in our living room. Plus, I’m always moving stuff around to stage for my shop and on the blog. I’m all about making life easier.
The top drawer is for beverages to sustain myself when I am lost in a whirlwind of crochet. Or it keeps my hooks and needles close by too.
The other drawers will have varied contents depending on my project. However, for now they are holding some threads and supplies. Every good crafter has to be ready, right?
And the top is a whimsical part that creates that vintage feel. It was fun to create with typography again.
ALL DONE
Now, time for me to make myself a beanie for the cold weather we are having. I have a design in my head for so long and now I have the motivation to get it done.
So, a BIG thanks to my folks for all the goodies (and love). Also, to my fans for helping me to realize what fun I could have with this piece. Oh, and you can take a peek at what my son did with this same graphic on his repurposed creation over HERE.
Do pin and share to inspire others to take a chance on DIY and make your house your home.
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Also, more vintage chic makeovers like this sewing table:
Fabulous! One of the cutest makeovers I have ever seen! Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Awesome to hear, Ali. Thank you!
WOW! What a beautiful makeover! Love it all! Your talent never ceases to amaze me!!
The best part for me was that it was fun and from my parents. Love all around! Thank you, Jamie. 🙂
As a sewist, this piece is so functional and beautiful
Wonderful to hear! I miss my sewing days and feel the cabin fever will require a dose or two of that treatment. 🙂
i love the typography you chose and the drawer pulls, but i think the cleverest part is the rulers! i love the entire piece!
That idea hit me last minute and I’m so glad it did. hee hee hee. Thanks, Gwen!
Love this! Your creative talent is such an inspiration!! I wish my imagination could follow your imagination around for just one day!
That is HILARIOUS!! 😀 Thank you for the giggle and showing me love, Fran. 🙂
Oh gosh! Just another re-do miracle! I think this may be one of my top five favorites of all time!
Saweet!! Thanks so much, Linda. You’ve made my day.
I love the entire piece. I wish I owned it. You were so creative with it. Love the rulers. Go, girl! I wish you were my neighbor to inspire me every day. You would get sick of me “nosing around!” SO much energy.
You can join the other neighbors who do the same. HA! Your kind words are much appreciated, Sherry, and it’s my delight to share. Blessings to you!
I LOVE this piece, Larissa. I love the craft worthy functionality of those drawers, the adorable knobs but what you did on the side rails and the graphic on the top transformed this into a crafter’s dream table! Swooning over here and pinning and sharing the love.
It was one of those projects that I couldn’t wait to do – know what I mean? It felt good to get it out of my head. Thanks so much for the love, Marie!
Beautiful vintage graphic…done w a sharpie brilliant !
It had to be done. 😀 Thanks, Kari!
Hi Larissa,
Your makeover of this sewing cabinet/side table is amazing! I love how you transformed it with the sewing theme. You are so talented–I love following you and your furniture makeovers.
Hi Doreen! You are so sweet and your words mean much. I had a blast and is my pleasure to share. 🙂
You are so talented, love this! Keep up the good work, but also make sure to take time to rest up some!
Thank you, Liz. 🙂
Larissa I loved this whole blog showing the many tables and your home. You are a very talented lady, thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you for the fun love, Sandy. I had a blast and am looking forward to putting it to use. Merry Christmas!
Larissa, You and this makeover piece are so stinking cute….just made me smile when I looked at the transformation!
You’re so sweet to say so, Michele. Thanks!
Just came across this in your “archives”–what a great idea! I love pieces like this–the funky old maple tables, etc–and yours turned out absolutely darling!
You’re so fun! And love your use of funky…hee hee!
Wow Larissa that is amazing! I love the graphic and all the fun vintage details you added!
You are so fun, Susan! Thank you.
Oh my!!! I absolutely love this Larissa!!!! The detail is amazing and adore how you made the rulers for the side!!
Fabulous job!!
You are sew sweet, Sam! Thank you!
Every time I see this redo, I absolutely love it! I follow you on Facebook and love everything you do.
You are so sweet to show me love, Joanne. Thank you!
So cute! could you please put the link to that exact graphic on Graphic Fairy? I searched but could not find it. Thank you!
Brenda, I have the link to the graphic in my post and it isn’t to Graphics Fairy. It’s an image I found online. 🙂
I’ve been following you for several months now and have to say, hands down, you are the MOST talented person for being able to see the potential in a cast-off piece and breathing new life into it. I think you should be called the “Wood Whisperer”..lol
If I could hug ya, I would, Gayle! That just made my day. Thank you so much for the love. 😀
Wow! Love the two toned idea! And that top…??? Beautiful, Larissa!
Hey there, Jeanette! Thank you so very much. 😀