After watching me work on a couple of quilts, Elise became really interested in my sewing machine, asking how it worked and politely inquiring if she could make a quilt of her own. Obviously at three years old, she’s too young for real sewing, but I realized this would be the perfect time to give one of my thrifting finds an ugly craft makeover.
I found this wooden sewing machine at a thrift store a couple of summers ago ago for $3 and it has been sitting in my basement ever since. I don’t think it was a toy, but rather a prop for an industrious doll or teddy bear in the country crafts eighties. Oh, the gorgeous things those teddy bears used to sew back then!
It was an awkward height even for a kid sitting down, and I wanted to make it similar to a modern day table top machine, so with a little help from my dad, we pried off the bottom stand portion. Sorry, Salley.
After sanding it and scraping off some random hot glue globs, I primed with a stain-blocking primer and painted it a cool mint green.
Then it was time for the details. I added a spool pin (made from a chopstick) on the top right. The pin that was already there was on the “wrong” side for a modern machine, and it was too thick to hold a spool anyway. My real machine has a metal piece that sticks up on that side to guide the thread, so it doesn’t look out of place.
The body of the machine was lacking dimension, so I also added some dials made out of two-inch wooden wheels from the craft store. They are attached with screws through the center, enabling the dials to turn like a real sewing machine.
To add to the play factor, I picked up a package of unfinished wooden spools and painted them a rainbow of colors. So far, I think this Elise’s favorite part of “sewing.” Changing the thread. She has a lot to learn.
But what’s a sewing machine without something to sew? I raided my stash of fabric scraps to make some faux sewing. I even hand stitched a heart on one with some embroidery thread.
I was kind of surprised that this was one of the toys under the Christmas tree that she really gravitated toward. She’s in that imaginative play stage, so the timing was right. Can’t wait to have a mother-daughter sewing afternoon soon!
What a great thrift store find! I love your transformation, and the added dials and spools are the perfect finishing touch.
Thanks! And to think I even debated not buying it! Toy sewing machines seem to be kind of uncommon nowadays.
Adorable! Great job Erin!
Thanks, Jodi!
Very cool!
Thank you!
This is so cute! My 3 yr old son sees me sew everyday and always wants to help. Now ever since I upgraded and he saw me get my new machine he’s been asking for one. But there are just no toy sewing machines these days! I think my husband is thinking of getting a free vintage one from Craigslist that he saw and stripping all the mechanical stuff out of it. I wish we could find a wooden one like this tho!
You’re right, toy sewing machines are very hard to find! I have seen some new and vintage ones on Etsy, though.
I have to say, though, I love your idea of gutting an old real sewing machine! Kids always want to play with the real thing anyway, right?
I am in LOVE with this! And also very jealous that I can’t find one like this to refurbish for my girl 😉
Thank you! Keep your eyes peeled. You never know what you’ll find!