When you aren’t even looking…
One Sunday in January, my mom sent me a listing for a 1800s dresser about the size I wanted for a dresser vanity. The seller told me if I can come right away, that I am first in line. I dropped everything (I was working out in my backyard since it was such a warm winter day. When I got there and talked to the seller, I asked if he was selling anymore furniture. Sure enough, he was selling a Martha Washington Sewing Cabinet! I have been interested in these for months now and was considering looking for one on Facebook Marketplace to use as an end table. Side note, do not be afraid to ask if a seller has anything else to offer. You never know what you might discover. I love incorporating historic pieces into my home.
A Brief History
Martha Washington Sewing Cabinets for used for all the sewing equipment in the household. It is unknown if Martha herself actually used one like this but there were cabinets that were used when women did their sewing back in the 1700-1800s. I read somewhere that the look kind of resembled a colonial ball gown. These cabinets as they are today (reproductions) were popularized back in the Depression Era. They resembled the cabinets made back in the early 1800s. Ongoing projects or yarn and knitting needles would be kept in the big side pockets and implements in the drawers. There is a small metal rod that would keep the thread bobbins.
Restoration
The next day, I took our Festool Orbital Sander to it at 60 grit and then switched to 80. I left the legs alone since that didn’t have any damage. I took all the knobs off and I may get fancier ones down the road. Learning my lesson regarding chalk paint, I steered clear of that option. I decided to use Zar stain in ‘Aged Bourbon’ on the top and Behr’s Almond Cream) on the bottom. I use almond cream a lot around the house. The dupe for IKEA’s Expedit book case that my dad built, our bed frame that my husband built, our quail coop and our deck rail garden fence DIY- all painted using Almond Cream. It doesn’t look as white in the link but as you can see it looks like a pure white. I stained it with one coat and then polyed it with Minwax Polycrylic using two coats (sanding in between so it adheres correctly). My husband used the paint sprayer to apply the first layer of paint since he was using it for our table and chair project.
Meet Martha
This was technically a quick project and I love it! For what I spent on it, I definitely think it was worth it for a nice end/side table with storage. I have no idea what I will keep in the side storage pockets but it definitely offers ample storage! I wish I could rescue all the Martha Washington Sewing Cabinets!
And for fun, here is an ad for a Martha Washington Sewing Cabinet from the 1920s. I am assuming that is how old mine is from the looks of this one.
Do you have a Martha Washington Sewing Cabinet? Where did you find yours? Was it passed down?
