First I measured my sewing machine to see how large the cabinet needed to be - about 20" deep. Then it was time to cut the plywood - two sides, the bottom, a shelf, the top, and one leaf.
Then I drilled pilot holes and drilled out enough room to counter-sink the screws.
Now it was time to assemble the box. I used a little wood glue and a few screws to hold the box together. First I installed the sides to the bottom piece. Then I installed the shelf, and then the top. So I worked from the bottom up. And here is my secret - I used a saw horse to keep the side pieces stable since I only have two arms.
Once this was built, I flipped it over to install the leaf. I hinged the leaf so it would hang to the side when not in use. This makes the foot-print of the cabinet much smaller, but I can easily raise the leaf when I am sewing.
Now the box is built! I filled the holes with wood filler and then primed and painted it.
But, I don't like the finished product. Not because of the box or construction of it...but because I am not happy with the guest room / craft room. It isn't working for me, it seems like I am working for it. So, this box might or might not stick around because a desk overhaul is in the works. And I am not using the cabinet to sew with...it has become a storage cabinet - prepare for a scary photo:
The cabinet houses paint supplies and canvas, as well as a few to-do projects on the top. I have the sewing machine on my desk. Building the cabinet was good practice, but not the right solution for my space since it isn't being used for the intended purpose. Back to the drawing board...or pinterest for inspiration.
