Do we convert or recondition the old sewing machine?

I inherited an old sewing machine from my mother that I use as a dresser in the corner of my bedroom. It still exists because I love old things, otherwise it would surely be lost somewhere. And it seems somehow unfair. This machine has been in my life since I was born. It's not the famous Singer sewing machine brand, but Casnica, one of the first Romanian sewing machines, a very good one. My mother sewed everything that could be sewn with it, and I also learned to work with it. Now, even if it no longer serves its original purpose, the sewing machine can be kept with all the memories and can be useful again, but in a different way.

What you don't use anymore from an old sewing machine is the sewing device itself. So by removing it it becomes a table in itself. The metal backing can be used as it is, and instead of the original countertop on top you can put a thick wooden top made of unfinished plank for a rustic look. The table made by adding new elements to those that can still be kept will continue to be useful and sturdy.

But why throw away good drawers? Especially if it's an older model Singer sewing machine with carved drawers. From drawers and metal legs you can get a vintage "cabinet" that is as useful as it is beautiful. The top of the machine can be cut off and used to make two smaller tops, one placed on top of the drawers and the other in place of the metal pedal.

Also from the old sewing machine you can make a holder for the bathroom sink. It can be used by removing just the sewing device or just the foot, the support part. The advantage in the first case is that drawers can be used for storage, but installation will be more difficult. In the second case the installation is much simpler, any kind of worktop can be used - wood, glass, special moisture resistant worktop. If you decide to make such a conversion remember that the varnish used to finish the wood must be moisture resistant.

Transformations are not difficult to make and can be adapted for all sorts of uses, it all depends on your imagination. The old sewing machine could become a bar, flower stand, chair or even a lamp.

I'm sure there are many of you who think it's inappropriate to break a valuable sewing machine to make things you can have without destroying something old and valuable. I have to say - as in the rabbi joke - "and you are right". 🙂 Since writing in Wood Magazine I have a much better understanding of how differently beauty is perceived and how something that one person really likes can seem ugly to someone else. So, for those lovers of old things I say that the old car can be restored and preserved as a thing of value deserves. The car below, for example, was refurbished at Savemob. Although it looked pretty bad when it came to them, you couldn't help but notice the beautiful walnut veneer on the interior and the gilt decorations on the head of the car.

The car was completely dismantled, the wooden parts were carefully stripped, sanded and refinished.

The metal legs have also been cleaned and repainted and the head of the car has had its due attention. It was taken apart piece by piece, thoroughly cleaned, oiled and put back together. In the end the car looked as it did when it was first built.

I think I've given you all some ideas for using your old sewing machine. To those of you who want to convert it, I say that if you don't have woodworking experience, don't try to do it yourself. Call craftsmen or companies experienced in restoring and refurbishing wooden furniture for the conversions you want to make. Their experience is a guarantee that the refurbishment will be done correctly and in an authentic way.