I can’t believe we’ve flown through another month already and my favorite time is here – Themed Furniture Makeover Day!! This month’s theme is all about small tables…whew. My schedule has been kickin’ my rear lately and I could use a small project. Although the focal point of this month’s theme is small, my table is big in so many ways. Check it out my reclaimed sewing machine table project.
If you follow me on social media, you would know I scored this antique treadle sewing machine off of Craigslist. I had told myself that if I ever came across one of these beauties (reasonably priced) it would be mine. Sellers were asking $75, but when I asked if it was firm, they quickly dropped it to $50. Seems they wanted it gone…NOW.
No problem!!
DIY TIME
Yes, it’s rusty, and yes, it’s top is a wreck, but just look at those legs…
…and look at those drawers!! {swoon}
Aren’t they gorgeous? For today’s purposes, I needed to remove the drawers and their brackets, but don’t worry, I’ve repurposed them in our bathroom remodel (go see!). Now is all about a reclaimed sewing machine table.
I was amazed that although the base was rusty, the bolts came off so easily.
There were four brackets, but only 3 drawers, in case you didn’t notice, or I may have just left them on the table. Lookin’ pretty chippy, right? The treadle on this thing humms right along as if there wasn’t a single spot of rust. They just don’t make things like that anymore.
NEXT STEPS
Then, after a good scrubbing, next came one of my favorite tools, my Dremel. With one of my polishing brushes, I gave it a good going over to remove flaking paint and a large amount of surface rust. The previous owners have left it in the elements {head smack}. The whole time I had the first line from the song, “Love Shack” running in my head except my version went, “Old base rusted!!”. Yes, I’m dating myself. ahem.
BARN WOOD
Now comes the even more fun part….the wood. Because the top was so worn and weathered, which normally I love, it had to go. I was set out to use this absolutely gorgeous piece of reclaimed beech barn wood.
This big old beech beauty came from our barn wood heaven we talked about, and also used in our custom wood projects.
You just can’t find this kind of wood anymore. Originating from the early 1900’s and is 16.5″ wide AND is actually 1″ thick. FYI: most boards you buy at a box store says for instance 1″ x 6″, but is actually ¾” x 5¾”…ummm yeah. When I found that treadle machine, I knew I had the perfect board to make a new top.
FINISHING
Next, I bust out my circular saw and cut it to length. Once I had it to length it was time to plane it down. I bought my husband this planer a few years back, but he knew I was secretly hoping to use it too – he knows me all too well. This was my first go with it, and I was happily pleased to find it was pretty easy.
Most people use the bag that comes with the planer, but that thing kept getting in my way, so off it went. It was fun watching wood curls fly everywhere.
Once that was done, it was time to sand. Just look at that gorgeous color…so unique and I’m even hooked on that hole.
Bet you didn’t think things could get more exciting, right? I’m using a reactive stain. No having to wipe on, let set, then wipe off. Just soak the wood and watch it transform before your very eyes. Amaaazing.
Also, it is pleasing to work with having no VOC’s and couldn’t have been easier to apply…really.
QUICK FINISH
Depending on humidity, this stuff is dry to the touch in minutes. Now, I will say that I had made an oops because I sanded my table starting with 80 grit, then 120 and 220 grit. After having done that I read the stain can label and it said to sand with 80 grit and then apply. The idea is you want to open up the grain so the stain can get down into the wood. I resanded, and found that worked well too, but I will be doing it correctly the next time around. I still have more of that gorgeous board left to use. Yay!
After finishing up with a few coats of satin poly, that forlorn base is ready for its new top.
THE REVEAL
Ready to see it all done? Wait no more…
PATINA PERFECTION
Ta da! I’m very happy with the rustic feel this reclaimed sewing machine table displays. From the rusty base (yes, I didn’t want to paint), right up to the newly finished beech wood top.
Isn’t that finish beautiful?
The whole piece tells a story of days gone by.
The rust, the character of the wood…all so perfect.
Now to find another one, because this one is headed to my shop (SOLD) and I had fun.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
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Also, more projects like my reclaimed sewing machine table:
Don’t head off just yet! I’m not the only one with a table makeover today. Feast your eyes on all these table done by the best furniture bloggers out there!
Love these sewing machine tables! Great job.
A great job as usual!! I want to buy everything I see, they’re all beautiful. I appreciate your newsletter it’s so informative and your blog. God bless!!
You and me both! I want to keep everything, but then I’d be a hoarder. 😉 Thank you for the encouraging words.
Thank you, Adina! I just had to try one….I’m hooked.
I have a sewing machine base that needs a top …. what size is the top you made? The overhang on the sides looks “just right” …. please send measurements.
Linda :o)
Honestly, I just measured the existing top and my piece was a half inch shorter in width than the original, but that makes it rest against a wall better. I believe yours would be based on your base, but I had mine 2.5″ in from the long sides, and 6.5″ in from the shorter. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
This has to be one of my favorite of all of your projects. The sewing machine base makes a unique table base and the barn wood top that you used is absolutely fabulous. I’m admiring your project at school while I keep students who aren’t testing and two kids (6th grade) looked over my shoulder and commented that they think that your table is “really cool.” 🙂
Hahaha…love it!! Out of the mouth of babes. 🙂 Thank you, Paula.
Fabulous – I Love it
What a gorgeous table Larissa – so much history in all the pieces combined. Look at you rock’n the power tools. Are you keeping this one?
Awesome save and remake..that table will look great anywhere and those drawers will be something fantastic when you’re done with them! I’m totally envious you have a planer! I SO want one:) Your also a girl after my heart.. I wear skirts too most of the time & often when I’m working. Always have:)
Oooh, you would LOVE a planer!! Skirts are my thang because why not? Men can’t wear them and I truly believe you act as you dress. I want to portray a strong, feminine lady to my children. I didn’t used to always wear them as the norm, but by golly are they comfortable! 🙂
Gorgeous! How can you bare to let it go? I know, you’re being sensible! Can’t keep it all.
hee hee hee…yes, can’t keep it all. My family would have nowhere to sleep.
Larissa this is so pretty. I love the wood top!
Beth
Thank you, Beth!
LARISSA!
Girl you are a woman after my own heart! I love how you have no fear in your projects!! The sewing machine makeover looks gorgeous. The top still matches the aged look look of the base. Do you know what species of wood the reclaimed wood was? From the color it turned, it looks like a gorgeous pice of alder hardwood.
Thank you for giving Weatherwood a try. Cannot wait to see what you do next!
-xoxo-
Becca
Thank you, Becca. Your product rocks in sooo many ways and I can’t thank you enough for letting me try it. That board is beech, so it’s got thos gorgeous red undertones. Gotta love old wood. 😀
GORGEOUS – AND THAT STAINED TOP IS FAB!!
Such an amazing makeover, Larissa! I love that you used the old barn wood for the top. It’s perfect!
Thank you, Angie! Barn wood is the only way for me. 😉
I haven’t heard of that stain. Need to try. I just love the look! So pretty, Larissa 🙂
This turned out gorgeous, Larissa! That wood is color is perfection!!
Wow, that is a beauty Larissa!!! You did a great job and I’m loving that Weatherwood stain!
Nancy
Beautiful! That wood is just amazing.
Such a great piece of wood and I am loving that it was put to such a great purpose! LOVE!
Thank you, Amy! I can’t wait to go back and oogle over more barn wood. 😉
You are awesome with power tools. Great job on the table. I love the original drawers from the sewing cabinet. I haven’t seen any like that!
Larissa, You really put a lot of work into this piece. Well worth it – it looks great! Have a great weekend.
~Tami
This turned out amazing Larissa! I’m so glad you kept the original rusty finish of the base. And the barn wood top was the perfect match!
Thank you, Jen! Absolutely, rust is my thang. 🙂
I verbally GASPED when I saw your room shot. Wow…. super beautiful project, Larissa, but your staging is out of this world. Makes me want to go scoop up all my reclaimed wood and get to work again! 🙂 Featuring you this weekend in Party Junk! Thanks for linking up!
Wahoo! Thank you, Donna. You just gave me an online birthday present. 🙂 Your party is so much fun. Thank you for hosting.
Just testing out your comments. Cute project, btw!
Guess it works, eh? 😀
In the staging picture the faux shutters what are the hinges they look different from any i have seen. Redo my entire house one of my sons room and the living room is rustic cowboy old cabin type and thinking the weathered gray wooden fence panels may work as actual working shutters, and those hinges crossbars look much more stable then even the 6 inch you can purchse at lowes.
Thanks! you could certainly use old fence panels because I used pallets. 😉 I have a tutorial on how to make them here: http://www.prodigalpieces.com/2013/06/diy-barn-wood-shutters-from-pallets/
Gorgeous! So glad you didn’t paint the base – I love rust! hahahaha. Another beautiful job Larissa.
tee hee hee. Thanks, Cathy!
I found an antique sewing machine put out for the trash just one block from my house. I pushed it down the street to my home and almost got bit by a dog that I un-nerved from the noise of the rolling wheels. The dog bit my jeans but missed my leg. This was in the early 1990s. I still have it. I kept the drawers on it and used it to sit my own sewing machine on. I love this table.
Whoa…scary!! I’ve never fought off dogs for trash, but other humans…haha!
Perfect! I did one with old rulers on the top which turned out great as well (wish I wouldn’t have sold it!) I just love old sewing machine bases. Great job!
Don’t you hate when that happens {head smack}. 🙂 Thanks, Sue!
This is a great idea! I have been wanting to get a sewing machine table for a while now.
Thanks!