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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Treadle Sewing Machine Upcycle







I love treadle sewing machines. My mom always had one. We actually used it on occasions too. That bullet shaped bobbin always intrigued me. 






I was fortunate to pick up this one, but so much of it was missing and it had a lot of damage. 






For this sewing machine,  I planned to use the base. I'll use the other parts for other things. 




I cleaned it up and painted it in semi gloss black enamel. 





I was lucky to snag this table top up from a friend cleaning out his "stuff". 



Because the wooden top was large, I tried it on for size. 

Not bad!  It could sport itself as a "table for two"!  So I used the original sewing machine screws to attach the top to the sewing machine base. 






The wood is beautiful. The more I sanded the more the grain came out. 





A few hours and a few days, it was perfect. 




I stained it in my favorite stain of late (I'm crushing this reddish tint). 
Then applied polyurethane. 





And the results were stunning. 

































Two chairs fit nicely. 












The table top and sewing machine base look like they belong. It is a perfect fit!

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UPDATE! 12/28/14 
Those extra wooden parts went to good use! I put them on this treadle sewing machine for repairs. 
Click on photo to go to this project.
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77 comments:

  1. Crochet HooksSeptember 23, 2014 at 9:00 PM

    beautiful!

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  2. Leah GarciaSeptember 25, 2014 at 9:53 AM

    What brand and color did you use for the table top please. It is truly a beauty. Love the creativity in pairing the two together.

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  3. Robin TompkinsSeptember 25, 2014 at 10:40 AM

    Gladly!
    The wood stain brand is #Minwax and the color is "Gunstock". It's my favorite.

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  4. Pam JacksonNovember 7, 2014 at 12:58 PM

    Oh my gosh....its beautiful. I have one at my mom's that I need to get to the house. This would be a great thing to do with it. THanks for sharing.

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  5. kimNovember 7, 2014 at 7:35 PM

    This is FAB!! I've been looking for a base like this so I can make a table out of an antique printers drawer. I haven't been able to find one yet.

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  6. Robin TompkinsNovember 7, 2014 at 9:35 PM

    You are going to enjoy doing this, Pam. It's so easy and the results are satisfying. Let me know when you are finished; I'd love to see yours!

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  7. Robin TompkinsNovember 7, 2014 at 9:37 PM

    Keep a look out at garage sales and post a "looking for ad" on Craigslist and your local FreeCycle. Don't over look junkyards either ;) You never know when they pop up. Good luck on your search. My fingers are crossed for you!

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  8. Michele ReynoldsNovember 7, 2014 at 11:04 PM

    Love your refinish! Those antique bases are so cool<3

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  9. Sarah R.November 9, 2014 at 8:33 AM

    Gorgeous!!! This one might be my new favorite project of yours! Thanks again for swinging by Snickerdoodle Sunday with this beauty! :)


    Sarah (Sadie Seasongoods)

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  10. Robin TompkinsNovember 9, 2014 at 9:33 AM

    They are; I'm watching for more of them. So many different ways they can be used. Thanks, Michele! :)

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  11. Robin TompkinsNovember 9, 2014 at 9:34 AM

    Wow! Thanks so much Sarah! :D

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  12. Teri @ The Freshman CookNovember 9, 2014 at 6:03 PM

    This is gorgeous! They do look as if they have always been together. What a beautiful job! I'd love if you would share this at my blog party, Celebrate It! It is
    all about celebrating our everyday wonderful lives!
    http://thefreshmancook.blogspot.com/2014/11/celebrate-it-blog-party-16.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. Robin TompkinsNovember 9, 2014 at 10:05 PM

    Thank you for the invite! I'm sharing your party with others :)

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  14. TrishNovember 10, 2014 at 1:21 AM

    Robin this is gorgeous. I am really crushing on that base. What an awesome idea to use that sewing machine base. I wish I could find a free old sewing machine. My grandmother owned one...but I don't know what happened to it.

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  15. Patricia M.November 10, 2014 at 9:42 AM

    You did such a great job on this table. I love it! I love vintage sewing machines, this is such a great way to make use of an old treadle base that's missing the machine.

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  16. Robin TompkinsNovember 10, 2014 at 11:02 AM

    Thank you! I do too, Patricia. I started a Pinterest board just on antique and vintage sewing machine ideas. I just drool over them. Some are too amazing.

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  17. Gail GriffinNovember 10, 2014 at 2:42 PM

    You really created a beauty putting the treadle base and top together. Absolutely stunning!

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  18. Robin TompkinsNovember 10, 2014 at 5:50 PM

    Thank you so much, Gail! :)

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  19. Grace_senseandsimplicityNovember 10, 2014 at 10:53 PM

    It looks fantastic. It's such a great use of the old sewing machine base. I used to sew with a treadle machine at my grandmother's too.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Robin TompkinsNovember 11, 2014 at 8:57 AM

    It's fun for the memories. :)
    Also, fascinating how machinery works without electric motors.
    Thank you, Grace.

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  21. Lisa EhrmanNovember 11, 2014 at 5:49 PM

    This is darling :) I love what you did and how lovely it looks! Thanks for sharing your post with us at Together on Tuesdays!!!

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  22. Lauren ShaverNovember 11, 2014 at 8:22 PM

    It looks so good! I saw a sewing machine table similar to your before shot at Goodwill the other day and am kicking myself now for not getting it. You did a great job!

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  23. laura irionNovember 11, 2014 at 10:10 PM

    Upcycling is the best! I'm hosting a link party starting Saturdays at 8 pm at www.averystreetdesign.com - it's called "Found & Foraged" so repurposing and DIY's are right up our alley. Would love for you to stop by!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Cherie FroelichNovember 11, 2014 at 10:26 PM

    It's beautiful! I have a sewing stand waiting to be used, but I wasn't sure what I want the top to look like yet. This is lovely. I need to get started on that project!!

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  25. Robin TompkinsNovember 11, 2014 at 11:11 PM

    Thank you, Lisa :)

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  26. Robin TompkinsNovember 11, 2014 at 11:12 PM

    Oh, go back to see if it is still there, Lauren! :) If gone, hopefully you find one.
    Thank you!

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  27. Robin TompkinsNovember 11, 2014 at 11:14 PM

    Thank you, Cherie :)
    I've been pinning a board on Pinterest for antique and vintage sewing machines and there many clever ideas out there. I can't wait to see yours!

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  28. Robin TompkinsNovember 11, 2014 at 11:16 PM

    I look forward to it, Laura! Thank you!

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  29. Kristina @ My Own Home BlogNovember 12, 2014 at 11:14 AM

    This is absolutely gorgeous! I must make one myself :)

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  30. Robin TompkinsNovember 12, 2014 at 8:11 PM

    I hope you do! So much fun.
    Thank you, Kristina :)

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  31. Amber Harrop- JohnstonNovember 13, 2014 at 6:04 AM

    Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board. Robin this is absolutely gorgeous I adore everything about it and would love it in my house.

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  32. Pam@over50feeling40November 13, 2014 at 9:40 AM

    This is beautiful...awesome job! Now I will look at the bottom of tables differently. Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!

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  33. Jenna BrusseeNovember 13, 2014 at 3:00 PM

    This turned out great! I really like wrought iron, so it was great that you could save that part of the table and make the top into something more useful for you. Thanks for sharing this with Hump Day Happenings!

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  34. BeverlyNovember 13, 2014 at 7:02 PM

    This turned out so lovely. I have an old machine and keep looking at what others are doing to try and decide what to do with mine. One of these days.
    Bev

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  35. Ann Marie ByrdNovember 13, 2014 at 9:12 PM

    This stopped me in my tracks because we have an old treadle machine in the garage. My husband has been thinking of a direction to take for far too long. Yours turned out beautifully! I envision a small table with our machine, maybe oval. Great job. Ann Marie @ Iris Abbey

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  36. Stacy&Eric Anastasia VintageNovember 13, 2014 at 9:21 PM

    Robin, this table is in-SANE! Oh goodness! I hope to one day shake your hand, ma'am! Incredible!!
    Stacy @ Anastasia Vintage

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  37. April @ 100lbcountdownNovember 13, 2014 at 9:56 PM

    Absolutely beautiful! You have a gifted eye and gifted hand.

    Thank you for linking up with Creative Style Linkup! Have a blessed weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  38. DianaRamblesNovember 14, 2014 at 9:08 AM

    Congratulations! This post is featured over at Diana Rambles today and has been pinned in the Featured at Diana Rambles board at Pinterest, Tweeted, and Recommended on G+. Please grab a featured button off my sidebar or via the link under the features. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea!

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  39. Tamata@EtcetorizeNovember 14, 2014 at 12:36 PM

    Absolutely beautiful! Wonderful to see a new use for these things and they didn't end up in the landfill. Thanks so much for sharing at the Make it Monday Party! Hope to see you again next week.

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  40. RoxiedmNovember 14, 2014 at 4:18 PM

    I love the old sewing machines too. I happen to own 4. Three are still in good shape. Work fine, but I do not sew on them. I use them as end tables in my living room. One was in awful shape. I did what you did and took it apart, painted the base and used a table top made of maple cutting board.
    There is an antique shop in Spring TX that has a tea/sandwich shop in it. There are 24 tables in the little area all made to seat 2 and made from sewing machine bases. I was amazed when I saw them. All different. Not for sale. It is just too cute.

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  41. dwellinghappyNovember 14, 2014 at 5:53 PM

    SO pretty!! What a neat idea to redo a sewing table!! I love how it turned out, and the red tint on the top is beautiful! Great makeover. :) Thanks for sharing this with us at Motivational Monday! Hope to see you again next week!! :)

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  42. Robin TompkinsNovember 14, 2014 at 9:27 PM

    Thank you so much for the pin, Amber! :) You are a doll!

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  43. Robin TompkinsNovember 14, 2014 at 9:28 PM

    Thanks so much Pam! Upcycling can be fun and pretty :)

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  44. Robin TompkinsNovember 14, 2014 at 9:29 PM

    Thanks, Jenna! I was glad to save two pieces and join them.

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  45. Robin TompkinsNovember 14, 2014 at 9:29 PM

    Oh my, can't wait to see what you choose to do! Please do share when you finish!

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  46. Robin TompkinsNovember 14, 2014 at 9:30 PM

    Ha! I'm so excited for you! Please let me know how it goes! Thank you, Ann Marie!

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  47. Robin TompkinsNovember 14, 2014 at 9:30 PM

    You are a sweetheart, Stacy! Thanks so much! :)

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  48. Robin TompkinsNovember 14, 2014 at 9:32 PM

    I'm grateful for the gifted brain. :) Sometimes, I go too far... the garage is full! Thank you, April!

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  49. Robin TompkinsNovember 14, 2014 at 9:33 PM

    Oh my goodness! Thank you so very much for the sharing! I'm honored to grab the feature badge!

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  50. Robin TompkinsNovember 14, 2014 at 9:40 PM

    Four???? So lucky you are!!! Using a cutting board is so creative. I can imagine a butcher block too after that statement. There are so many tops that can be used.


    And, what a unique shop... to sport sewing machine bases for tables! That must be amazing! The owner(s) is/are definitely clever. (I want to know them). Did you get photos?

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  51. Robin TompkinsNovember 14, 2014 at 9:41 PM

    I was pleased how this turned out. The stain is Minwax, "Gunstock". I have been using it a lot lately because it is amazing... the color and woodgrain shows nicely. Thank you so much for stopping by! :)

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  52. RoxiedmNovember 15, 2014 at 6:40 AM

    When I said "cutting board" I was meaning butcher block. It is in my kitchen, beside my sink area and I do use it to chop veggies etc. It is about 3' wide and 4' long, and is 6" deep. It is a heavy thing. I love it.
    No, I did not take pictures of the Tea shop in Spring. It is a HUGE antique store, the Tea shop is in the Antique shop. You can go see it for your self. My sister lives in Spring. Next time I am there I will go in and get pictures. It is amazing.

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  53. Bonnie HoffmanNovember 15, 2014 at 8:25 AM

    Your table looks great! I had two treadle that I wanted to repurpose but the the cases and machines were in really good condition. I ended up selling both of them. Thanks for linking up at the Home Matters Link Party!
    ~Bonnie

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  54. Robin TompkinsNovember 15, 2014 at 8:44 AM

    Wow! You must show your butcher block table to us. It sounds fabulous.

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  55. Robin TompkinsNovember 15, 2014 at 8:50 AM

    Thanks, Bonnie :) I think I would do the same if in good condition. This one was deplorable, repurposing was best. I have to restore one for my son's fiancee. It's in fair shape and missing drawers, so I'll have to make them. That will be another post.

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  56. Emma CraigNovember 15, 2014 at 10:04 AM

    Wow - I'm so impressed with the awesome job you did with this! #FrugalFamilyLinky

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  57. Robin TompkinsNovember 15, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    Thank you, Emma! :) I'm so glad you stopped by!

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  58. Kim Daniels LewisNovember 15, 2014 at 1:45 PM

    Hello cute lady! This looks incredible. Pinned. We really appreciate you taking the time to stop by our party. It wouldn't be a party without you. Please join us on Monday at 7 pm. Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls

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  59. Tammy DoielNovember 15, 2014 at 3:03 PM

    It looks beautiful! Thanks
    for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party! I’ve pinned
    you post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.

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  60. Leesha @ Living ContentlyNovember 15, 2014 at 11:14 PM

    Great transformation! Love this!

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  61. Robin TompkinsNovember 16, 2014 at 9:05 AM

    Thanks so much for the pin and the invite! Looking forward to seeing you Monday :)

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  62. Robin TompkinsNovember 16, 2014 at 9:06 AM

    Thanks for the pin and your visit, Tammy! :)

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  63. Robin TompkinsNovember 16, 2014 at 9:06 AM

    Thanks so much, Leesha :)

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  64. KC KahnNovember 16, 2014 at 1:00 PM

    Your "new" table is stunning. Thanks so much for decorating inspiration. And for sharing at TheWeekendSocial. Hope to see your crafty self again Thursday 9:00 PM EST. Pinned. http://www.theKitchenChopper.com

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  65. Emily @ Table + HearthNovember 16, 2014 at 10:09 PM

    Wow! The base looks brand new now! It's gorgeous :) Thanks for sharing it at Talented Tuesday!!

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  66. Robin TompkinsNovember 17, 2014 at 6:50 AM

    Thank you! I look forward to Thursday!

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  67. Robin TompkinsNovember 17, 2014 at 6:51 AM

    Thank you, and for having me :)

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  68. TrishNovember 18, 2014 at 3:51 AM

    I stopped back by to say thanks for sharing this at the Southern Special and I am featuring this beauty at the next party which is today. Thanks for the awesome advice about Craig's list.

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  69. Robin TompkinsNovember 18, 2014 at 1:12 PM

    I'm so thrilled, Trish! Looking forward to it! :)

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  70. BritneyNovember 18, 2014 at 3:58 PM

    Oh my goodness! I totally love this! I have never thought to turn it into something like this but it's such a great idea! Thanks for linking up to The Wednesday Roundup and I'm pinning this! Britney

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  71. CathyNovember 18, 2014 at 4:42 PM

    I love old treadle sewing machines and using a base in this manner is wonderful. Such a gorgeous table. Love it. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy

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  72. Robin TompkinsNovember 18, 2014 at 10:52 PM

    I'm so glad you like it and visited! Thank you so much for the pin!

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  73. Robin TompkinsNovember 18, 2014 at 10:52 PM

    Thank you so much, Cathy!

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  74. AnnieBNovember 20, 2014 at 4:44 PM

    I was afraid you had taken a working machine out of a great cabinet! I'm so glad you didn't! I really like what you did!

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  75. Robin TompkinsNovember 21, 2014 at 8:16 PM

    Thank you, Ida! :0

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  76. Robin TompkinsNovember 21, 2014 at 8:18 PM

    The machine was missing, along with the drawers (boo hoo!) and many other parts. So I needed to work with what I had. I'll use the scrap pieces of it for other projects.
    Thank you, Annie! :)

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  77. Robin TompkinsDecember 29, 2014 at 5:22 PM

    How nice you have two to work with!! I'm so excited for you and hope you'll stop back to show them. Wow, just $5 for the base is a big score! :) Thank you, Beck!

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