Case Studies

Our Customer's Challenge

We were contacted by an out of state customer that had seen work we had done for a friend of hers in Michigan. After seeing a photo of an item in a magazine, she wanted us to restore, adapt, and rebuild her family’s old White Treadle Sewing Machine it into a vanity to be used in the bathroom of her northern Michigan home. Armed with the magazine photo and her sewing machine, we set out to build her dream.

The Solution

After taking the time to inspect and analyze the work that needed to be done to adapt and structurally strengthen the sewing machine case, we started the project. Along with the normal repair and restoration work an old treadle sewing machine typically needs, we also fabricated a new top and structural pieces to support a new granite top, sink bowl and faucet. We also had to coordinate with the builder and plumber to assure the vanity would fit properly once on site.

The Results

The completed project turned out to be a very striking piece! It looked like an old treadle sewing machine, which many people may recall their grandmother pumping away on the treadle as she sewed. The customer was absolutely delighted to bring new life to a family heirloom in an innovative and beautiful way and be able to use it in her home. This restoration and repurposing is just another example of how you can bring new life to a unique item of furniture to use in your home!