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Memphis, TN on Jul 19, 2012

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Repurposing a vintage sewing bench into a blanket storage footstool.

I found an old (1960's?) sewing bench at the flea market and knowing that my husband really needed a footstool since he can't tolerate his recliner anymore; I decided to rebuild the bench into a footstool with storage for his blanket, pillow and heating pad.

22 Comments

Becky H Tampa, FL

Good for you Sharron!! I've been considering doing the same, emphasis on considering. Once I finish sewing throw pillows, table runners and outdoor rugs, I'll get right on that.

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 0
Becky Blair, NE

Sharron, what a beautiful job! I love how you added the upholstered sides. Very nice!

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 0
Alex W

Well THANKS you two! I upolstered the sides because the original (short) side had fabric on it....some kind of vinyl that had cracked...it really would have been easier to paint or stain the sides...but I liked the idea to two wood, (cabinet maker that did my routing says mahogany, and when I stripped it, it looked like mahogany) and two soft sides...a little color for the den...LOL

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 0
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Well THANKS you two! I upolstered the sides because the original (short) side had fabric on it....some kind of vinyl that had cracked...it really would have been easier to paint or stain the sides...but I liked the idea to two wood, (cabinet maker that did my routing says mahogany, and when I stripped it, it looked like mahogany) and two soft sides...a little color for the den...LOL Sorry about the above from Alex...That's my son and apparently he has a hometalk account...but forgets to ...»
sign out of facebook...so when I signed in, it signed me in as HIM! LOL

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 0
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

Well It would appear that once again we have some scrambling w/posts going on!! Wonder how Alex W.'s pic got posted w/your comment Sharron?? MIRIAM ??????
OH!! NEVER MIND - I see what happened now!! LOL
Anyway, Sharron, looks like you've been holding back on us!! That looks really terrific - good job!! BTW - really good looking kid ya got there!!!

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

The inside of the footrest I forgot to post eariler...
on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 0
Becky Blair, NE

Ha ha! That's funny about your posting as your son. He's quite a looker Sharron.
I didn't realize you'd added depth to this. I wondered how you got all that stuff in that small of a space.

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 0
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Yeah the whole point of the upolstered sides being increased was to increase the storage capacity so all his "R&R" stuff could fit inside. He uses those microwavable heating pads and apparently they smell enough like burned popcorn that the dog keeps chewing them up when our back is turned...LOL so I needed to hide them away...and his pillow and blanket fit inside nicely...BUT at the last minute I had to cut a new bottom piece because the old "hardboard" they used was so old and brittle ...»
that the weight of the stuff made it bow out of shape. If it hadn't been so hard to fit in there, I'd have taken it out and painted or stained it....but once I got it to fit...I was like it's NEVER coming out...LOL

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Oh thanks for the kind words about AJ, that's my youngest...headed off to college soon...funny and smart he's really been a joy for me over the years...and the easiest of all my boys...He looks so much like his daddy it's rediculous...

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 0
Miriam I New York, NY

Haha, Susan, you had me worried there for a second. I love how you holler my name when these things happen, lol. I hear it through cyberspace. Sharron, I love what you did with that sewing bench!

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 1
Becky Blair, NE

Have you thought about using rice? It's suppose to work just as good as the popcorn.
I should have known you had to enlarge the sides. I'm getting senile in my old age I guess.

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

His Heating pads are ones I bought for him when he's had various issues...a pulled muscle during the little league years, a "frozen shoulder" during the wrestling years...etc. I don't Know what is actually in them....but heated in teh microwave it really smells...LOL I always complain and apparently the dog agrees...HaHaha.
Thanks Miriam, Susan, Becky....this was hard cause stuff kept malfunctioning...Like my ...»
electric staple gun decided to jam on literally every other staple...no kidding...on the second side....I wondered if it was possible that I'd overheated it doing the first side...LOL Then when the bottom cracked under the weight of the "stuff" I was like , THAT's IT...I'm DONE! LOL funny now but I put everything up and the next morning...thought I could face it again...Ha... hence no paint on the new bottom...

on Jul 20, 2012 · Like 1
Becky Blair, NE

I made my own microwavable heating pads out of tube socks and old fashioned popping corn. Just fill with the corn and tie a knot in the end.
I heard later about using rice from my Mother in law and thought about changing, but never did.
I've had those kinds of days with projects. You did the right thing. Just put it aside and wait for another day.

on Jul 20, 2012 · Like 1
Jan S Campbell, TX

What a great idea. I happen to have one of these...but it is a chair with storage in the seat...guess I'd better see what I can create with it.. thanks for sharing.

on Jul 20, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

@Jan the two fabric sides sit in channels that were "routed" in each of the two wooden sides. If you do it, make sure the upolstery "padding" does not come around the sides where they'll sit in the channels or it will be too thick. also consider using painters tape to hold your fabric down while your stapling it in place...LOL OR perhaps just staining/painting the two new wooden sides...it would have gone back together so much easier if I had done that....But I'm stubborn like ...»
that...HaHaHa. Thanks for the complement and good luck with yours! Post pictures for us...

on Jul 20, 2012 · Like 0
Sharron W Memphis, TN

@Becky, WOW popping corn? I would have been afraid it would POP! HaHaHa. I have a project intended to make two, one for hubby and one for college boy to take, with rice! Thought about including some potpourri so it would smell better, but I'm half afraid of it catching on fire....Hubby gets them Really hot. Do you have a recomendation on the outside fabric? does it need a second layer of fabric on the inside? Boy is going to need to be able to dampen his for moist heat....He's going into ...»
Physical Education and a lot of weight lifting stuff....so was wondering what I could put in that wouldn't rot...

on Jul 20, 2012 · Like 0
Becky Blair, NE

I'm not sure Sharron. Though I've sewn all my life I've only made these using tube socks. I did find this tutorial via Google. http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-microwave-h... It mentions "feed corn", but I've never had mine pop and I used it daily for a number of years. ...»

I like the idea they had of making a removable cover to be tossed and washed when needed. Depending on the college your son goes to you might be able to find fabric with their team name on it.

on Jul 20, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

I have one saved on my Pinterest accoun that is a neck and shoulder pattern, but yours has great alternatives for both fabrics and fillers! Thanks!

on Jul 20, 2012 · Like 0
Becky Blair, NE

You're welcome.

on Jul 20, 2012 · Like 0
Acorn Landscaping Rochester, NY

I really like this! It is not only decorative but useful and functional. Good find!

on Aug 31, 2012 · Like 1
Xena Nierobisz

I love this! I would like to learn how to do it

on Nov 28, 2012 · Like 0
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Thank you Xena Nierobisz ! It was more difficult than I thought it was going to be....but mostly cause bugs kept flying into my varnish...LOL

on Nov 28, 2012 · Like 0