sewbeeit42

I am looking to buy a sewing cabinet. I want one with the extension on the back and room on the left side so as to support my quilts, one that would hold my machine so that it is even with the table, yet be able to lift so that I can use the free arm for pant cuffs and such, and have a table on the side for my computer when doing embroidery work. I have been checking the internet, but am hoping that some of you might give me reviews on your cabinets as to how well they work and any features about which I should be asking. Thanks in advance.

Sandygirl

You need to ask yourself about your budget. The big players (Koala, Arrow, etc) in sewing furniture will start around $1,000 and more. IF you are lucky! Otherwise, look thru Mission Organization for DIY ideas. Professional grade sewing room furniture is awesome and expensive. They custom make it for your particular sewing machine(s).

talk to your sewing machine dealer. They can quote you. And if you pay CASH, they will likely negotiate a decent discount for you.

sandy

mpspeedy2

Sounds like you are looking for a custom job that could cost you a lot of money. While I don't do much in the way of machine quilting that is bigger than crib size my system works well. I purchased two six foot fold up tables from Staples or Office Depot. My husband, a machinest, hack sawed enough off of the legs to make one of the tables just 27 inches. This allows me to use my free arm Bernina with a slide on clear acrylic table to make it just the right height to sew comfortably. The first slide on table that I purchased from Nancy's Notions broke. My husband was able to use the legs from it to make me another, larger one from a piece of clear acrylic. If I have to work on something large I can set up another smaller table behind my sewing table to hold the extra weight. In the mean time I can store lots of needed items under the clear addition and see just what is there. This setup also allows me 18 inches of space to the right of my machine for pin cushions extra supplies etc. etc. There is even room on the right side for a three drawer storage unit that holds thread and extra sewing supplies under the table. My owners manual, accessory box and other paperwork are on top of the storage unit. The second six foot table I set up against the wall facing the same way as my sewing table it holds my two embroidery machines and has plenty of space underneath for lots of storage units with thread, extra hoops etc. etc. I can be running one or both of my embroidery machines while I am sewing on my regular machine and access either set up just by revolving In my rolling revolving office chair. While I possess lots of embroidery software I rarely do much with it on the computer which is also in the same room. But it is there if I need or want to use it. Before we added another bedroom on to our home 20 years ago, what is now my sewing room was two smaller bedrooms. First we took down the wall dividing them and then we made one corner into a half bath. That room was our master bedroom for several years. After our daughter moved out we made it my sewing room. I spend a lot of time there. If I ever get around to taking photos and learn how to post them I will do so. I have to straighten it up first.

Rose Marie

I bought a Bertha table years ago. It was over five hundred and was hard to put togather.
It is particle board and heavy. The extensions only fold over the top not down like you would want.
It is 7 ft long. Made for larger machines, mine is a Viking Sapphire.
No room for me to use the back extension that I would like to use.
It was cheap so I cant complain.

rvgal

I got a Arrow Bertha this year for Xmas. It has the back extension, and the sides fold down so it becomes a small cabinet when not in use. it was 799.00 but it was the only one my 820 would fit on -You can get customer inserts that are custom made for your machine. I am very happy with it but it did take DH a while to put it together.
You can find them on the net even Walmart's web page but the Arrow website sometimes have sales where you can get the insert for free.

Judith1005

You can do a lot of DIY with Ikea pieces. They are affordable, versatile and nice looking. I have started to redo my sewing/sun room. And will be posting photos after I move. (I bought some pieces while I was in Florida for my sun room there.) Now I'm back in KY finishing up on my job. I can't wait to get back and pick up where I left off. So far, I've spent about $200 on three pieces. I got a corner piece, a table, and a 5 drawer cabinet. I am using mine together. But, you can use them separately. I'm also planning on getting one of there 12 cubby shelves. And some curtains for the windows. I love Ikea. They really have some great prices. And you can buy a piece at a time.

sewbeeit42

Thank for taking the time to help me. I will check out the Arrow website and look more on-line. I like the suggestion of having space to the right of the machine for frequently used items. My machine sits on a banquet table now and I have it placed off center to give me this room. My biggest problem is not having a large enough flat surface. I will check out the custom inserts.

jfowles

I also have the Bertha and love it, I think it was around $600.00 on EBAY, my husband put it together with no problem. I have had it for several years now and no complaints. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I finally had a table that was everything I wanted. Can't believe I sewed so many years on a tiny sewing table. It's not custom made but fits my machine (I purchased the extender) perfectly. I highly recommend.

chiaraquilts

Another vote for the Arrow Bertha, got it on Ebay and all is perfect. Hubby put it together in about 2 hours and I think it cost $600. Worth every penny, the amount of space is amazing. It is a bit heavy, we unpacked it downstairs and took the pieces up to my sewing room. You would definitely want two people to assemble it, it is not difficult but lots of pieces to hold together!

Pam B

I believe the very nice Horn cabinet would do all you are asking. I think it is called something like Quilter's Dream. Horn cabinets are a little pricey but I have found them to be well-made. I have two Horn cabinets (one was my late MIL's) and I love them. I would definitely buy Horn cabinets again.