Overflowing stash not withstanding, I knew I needed something more functional to hold my current WIP fabric and yarn, books, tools, and various other items that were taking up space on the floor under my cutting table and around the outer edges of the room. Then I saw several quilters on Instagram were using the smaller IKEA-style bookshelves with cubbies from WalMart or Target to make their own cutting tables with built in storage space! Lightbulb/A-ha moment right there for me.
Off I went to my local Target and I picked up 4 of the ClosetMaid cube organizers in white. (First time I went they weren't on sale, so I waited a few weeks and got them for $39.99 each vs. $59.99). They measure 36" x 36" and each cube is 12" x 12".
Then I waited for my wonderful (and handy!) husband to get in the mood (with a little "help" wink-wink from me) to put them together and go with my "vision" for cutting and storage bliss. He was like, "yeah vision-schmision, lemme knock these out before golf season starts" and rapidly put them together over a weekend.
Here are some pics of the table-in-progress (taken by DH):
He used L brackets on the inside corners and mending brackets on the inside backs to hold the 4 shelves together in the rectangular formation I wanted. You can see that layout in the picture (sorry it's fuzzy!) above.
He then went to Home Depot and had them cut a piece of laminated plywood to the exact measurement of the top. He secured this with screws into the top four corners of the bookshelves and used the little white caps that came with the shelves to cover them up.
And voila! Here is the finished table:
Finished measurements: 37.75"w x 62" l x 36.75"h
We also put some 3/4" iron-on white laminate around the top (Band-It brand - Home Depot!) to give it a more finished look.
I couldn't be happier with my new cutting table! It fits perfectly into the space I have, and I am taking full advantage of the extra storage space.
CGM
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Oh, I love it! I'd love to have room for something like that in my sewing area. I'm filing that idea away for the future. :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice!
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic! I wish my space were large enough for something like that. Oh well, a girl can dream!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great!! I love all the storage and all the space you have for a table!
ReplyDeleteSo, how much would it take for your DH to come to my house and supervise my DH in making me one? Soooo jealous.
ReplyDeleteI like the new table!!! I may have to follow you lead for my own space. Thanks for sharing the process.
ReplyDeleteLove, Love, Love...can you send your husband to Indiana?? :)
ReplyDeleteLove your table....That's exactly what I want. My husband is very helpful, but sometimes so busy...this is when I wish I was good with all types of saws...LOL!!
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea! What kind of plywood did you use and how did you achieve a smooth cutting surface with plywood?
ReplyDeleteThen I saw several quilters on Instagram were using the smaller IKEA-style bookshelves with cubbies from WalMart or Target to make their own cutting tables with built in storage space! Lightbulb/A-ha moment right there for me. diy chicken coop
ReplyDelete