Sewing Tables

Submitted by sgilly on Thu, 08/02/2012 - 12:58

I have a friend who makes beautiful quilts. She's been doing this by sitting on the floor to cut her fabric and plopping her sewing machine on a wobbly folding table. When she decided to turn her guest room into a dual purpose sewing/guest room she asked me to build her something that would fit into a niche under her dormer window.
The built in table has two large drawers for sewing notions and is supported at the back by a shelving unit with adjustable shelves. She plans to store items that she seldom uses here. They will be accessible, but out of the way and barely visible when she has guests using her room.
I suggested that I also build Anna's sewing table for small spaces so that she use that as a night stand when not in use as a cutting table.
I usually don't finish projects I build for others - I'm just not good at it! But, my friend asked me to put a finish on it. She picked out the Minwax polyshades product, and I have to tell you that it was a nightmare! (You can read about that here: http://thewidowsworkshop.blogspot.com/2012/06/lessons-learned-again.html)
I ended up using a stripping product to remove that finish. The final finish, just a stain and rub on poly, turned out beautifully!
Installation was also a challenge, but using brute force - and a hammer! - I was able to fit it between those very out-of-square walls!
She's happy, I'm happy to be done!

Estimated Cost
$150 for both
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Originally, Minwax polyshades, had to strip that off. Then I used Minwax wood finish in Colonial Maple. I applied 3 coats. Then I used Minwax rub on poly in semi-gloss and applied 3 coats of that (following directions for dry time and sanding). I finished it off with a minwax polishing wax to give it a really nice smooth finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner