When her father passed away, my son's fiancee had the painful task of going through his belongings. When she discovered this sewing machine that belonged to her grandmother in the attic, she asked me if I could fix it for her.
We both agreed, being a family owned piece, it should remain antique looking for memory purposes.
We both agreed, being a family owned piece, it should remain antique looking for memory purposes.
Time: 12 HoursCost: $0Difficulty: Advanced
It was missing the front drawer. (By looking inside of the structure, I could tell it was a single drawer.) It very well may have been a flip open as most were. The space allowed is narrow, because of the way the sewing machine lays when inside the cabinet.
It was also missing the two side drawers and its framework on the right.
It was also missing the two side drawers and its framework on the right.
The top cover had a lot of veneer damage, right down to the under wood. It was also age stained.
Luckily, I had some parts from a previous treadle machine upcycle I worked on:
I could utilize the drawer framework and the front from my salvaged project for the missing parts.
The not so lucky parts:
I didn't have the extra side drawers.
I scrounged around everywhere on Ebay and Craigslist for some, thinking I'd buy four to make them all match, or even just two and make them match, but didn't find the right size, nor did I have the time for Ebay bidding, shipping and repairs in time to surprise Emily for Christmas. Thinking she would appreciate having this during her first Christmas without her father, I really wanted to have it done.
After several crazy drawer ideas swirling in my head, the best one hit me, why not cut into the existing drawer frame to divide the drawers to go on to each side of the cabinet? They would be original, but modified.
The not so lucky parts:
I didn't have the extra side drawers.
I scrounged around everywhere on Ebay and Craigslist for some, thinking I'd buy four to make them all match, or even just two and make them match, but didn't find the right size, nor did I have the time for Ebay bidding, shipping and repairs in time to surprise Emily for Christmas. Thinking she would appreciate having this during her first Christmas without her father, I really wanted to have it done.
After several crazy drawer ideas swirling in my head, the best one hit me, why not cut into the existing drawer frame to divide the drawers to go on to each side of the cabinet? They would be original, but modified.
I cleaned and painted the iron.
Cut off the frame work on the left.
And built the frame on the right side of the cabinet.
Added the leftover pieces from my salvaged parts: Two front pieces and a swing drawer.
Kept the machine antique by sanding and conditioning the wood. Painted the drawer pulls to match the iron.
And there was an elated Granddaughter. She loved the modification and was happy to have her heirloom restored.
And there was an elated Granddaughter. She loved the modification and was happy to have her heirloom restored.
Suggested materials for this project:
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Ask a Question6 Questions on This Project
- What part of your cabinet are you having trouble? The lid, the sewing machine lift, or the drawers? Let me know which part and maybe I can figure it out.
- Best bet is yard sales, barn sales, and places like Craigslist. Online auctions almost always have them. It may be helpful to post in the "wanted" section of Craigslist for your search. Sometimes luck will land you a nice deal posting "ISO" (In Search Of: Singer Sewing Machine Base) . Hope you find one! Best of luck~
- Here's a great video for you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ezOI7QnGw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ezOI7QnGw
- Thanks. This would be great if I was going to paint the veneer after it was mended. However I want to replace the veneer to make the top look whole again.
I watched the video where she used bondo to repair the veneer. Is that what you used? I wouldn’t think you’d be able to get the wood grain. If you didn’t use bondo, did you put down a whole new veneer sheet on top or patch it?
Thanks.
Also, did you just use spray paint for the base?
- Hey you should also make a discussion about this so you can get more advice.
- Hi Patty,The restored cabinet was a "Ruby" sewing machine and cabinet. The "parts" sewing machine cabinet had no markings, but when I considered restoring it, an old "Singer" machine did fit. But, it would have needed some frame modifications to enclose it into the cabinet. (I still have that machine, but it isn't in working order.) I bought yet another sewing machine cabinet without a machine that only needs refinishing and I plan on placing my modern (circa 1980) sewing machine into it by modifying the framework from the top. The treadle machines have attachment areas on the base of them, usually two to four screw/bolts through their bottom sides to attach to the hinged interior frame. To change it out, measuring and cutting oak to fit the original frame to accommodate the replacement machine will take a little work, but will be worth it. I haven't worked on the latest cabinet yet, but when I do, I'll tag it here with the instructions so you can follow along. I wish I could be more help and will keep you in mind.
- Thank you, so much! I'm no word worker so I'll probably just stick with the refinishing part. :) Can I ask what you used to finish the wood (I"m not sure if that's the right term) Thankyou again :) Patty
I layed a wet towel over the veneer. Once the remaining veneer started to get damp and ripple, I removed it with a putty knife. Most came off, but it took a few attempts, using a wet towel to eventually a damp towel so the oak underneath didn't get damaged.
