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Difficulty:
Category: Sewing
Type of item: Functional
For: Home
Style: Retro / Vintage
Materials
Library Card Files
What was your inspiration?
My neighbor offered me two vintage library card file credenzas, (120 drawers). Cost $0
From the very beginning I could see beyond the dirt and crazed varnish, and envisioned an incredible storage opportunity for general purpose sewing machine thread, embroidery machine thread, serger thread, zippers, machine needles, scissors, measuring and marking tools, pressure feet, bobbins, velcro, embroidery stabilizer rolls, and the list goes on and on.
What are you most proud of?
Sheer determination. The project was so big, I divided the process into phrases. Total time to refurbish the library card files: about 2 weeks. My moto: "Move forward, and do what you have to do."
I dismantled the credenzas. Removed and cleaned the brass hardware pulls with fine steel wool. Sanded all the wooden drawer fronts., then applied one coat of primer, and two coats of black satin enamel--that would be for 120 drawers!
Re-install cleaned hardware pulls, Stack card file sections, built wall cleets, and install laminate countertops.
I love having everything put away in labeled drawers! It's heaven.
What advice would you give someone starting this project?
Pace yourself when starting a long project. Every job has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Keep your eye on the prize and you'll get to the finish line.
Remarkable storage like this doesn't come along everyday. It was worth every dirty moment, sometimes working 8 hours days, turning this sow's ear into a silk purse.
I'm used to long projects. We're into our 5th year restoring a Queen Anne Victorian that was destined for the wrecking ball. At this point we're about 80% complete, and the second story of our new/old barn-like garage is my art studio and sewing space. Hope you'll visit our restoration at www.1893victorianfarmhouse.blogspot.com Best wishes,
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