No, it was a table--one like my sister had at the time. It was an inexpensive one that was being sold in stores in my area.

They carefully cut out the place where the machine would go, built a board with sides that they screwed on the underside of the table. It looked quite easy to do if you had the tools and someone to help you.

They are expensive but they are definitely worth it. My first one was a big one, then I changed machines and the opening wouldn't fit, my new machine had a wider area. My husband has a saw that can cut smoothly through acrylic so he shaved off some of the acrylic until it fit. I can now use it on both machines, the slightly larger gap doesn't cause a problem. Now I was told by the supplier that there was NO WAY that could be done and it would knock the table off balance, etc., but it's works just fine.

I have since bought 2 more smaller ones so I can take one to class with me and have one at home too.

To keep them from getting scratched, I cut down an old pillowcase and cut slits in the top, threaded a ribbon through to use as a drawstring, and store the small table in that. The bigger table fits in a pillowcase without cutting it down.

These tables last forever, which is probably why they are a little pricey, they don't wear out. I've had the big one for 20+ years and it still looks new.

I made mine with plexiglass from Home Depot. I made it to fit a card table. The hardest part was cutting the plexiglass. We used dowels for the legs and put covers on the bottoms of them. Make sure you file the edges and corners. I love it and made a fabric bag to carry it to classes. I got one w/my Pfaff but it is smaller. I really got used to the big one and use it even with piecing and smaller projects. I think I would try making something and see if you like it before buying one. There have been some really creative ideas on the thread.
Wendy

ok a table, wasn't it a great idea though?!
just make sure, with what ever you cut out, wether it be plexi or wood..that the machine is sitting where you want it..that your not to far from where your sitting..be comfortable!

I found the instructions on her site. Go to the "free patterns" and it's called turning a farm table into a sewing table. No pics but easy instructions.

someone else i know used an old door, solid..i think they used cinder block to support it..ahhh the forgetting..lol!

I just bought a new machine and an extension table comes with it. I can't wait to try it!

I bought one last summer and love it. They are made to fit specific machines, in my case a Janome, but it's worth every penny. I bought mine at my LQS for around $80, no shipping required.

This is a really nice set up and you can even order a light table insert for it. I hope to be able to get one for my featherweight. The nice thing it is on wheels, it would be great to take places for classes or vacations if you weren't flying. It is kind of pricey, I just saw it at the Road 2 California quilt show.

Could you please post a picture as I am very interested in making a plexiglas one. I have the styrofoam, stacked one which is great except I have trouble with the cutout in the vinyl when I am piecing as the fabric wants to catch on the opening for the needle and feeddogs, plus it is a pain to change the bobbin which is under the vinyl. Plan to make an extension table and use the styrofoam for the rest of the surface of my 8' table.

I have them for each of my four machines and couldn't live without them. I particularly like being able to keep snippers, pins, seam ripper etc. under the table where I can always see them. I bought mine from Clotilde's several years ago but I only paid $79 for each. The size is determined by the make of your machine and is cut to fit.

Page 3 has the pictures..

My previous machine had an extension table and I loved it.....had a mishap with my machine and had to purchase a new one. I bought the Kenmore (love them) but this did not come with the extension table and I really missed it.

Hubby went and bought Plexiglas, 18"x 24", used the legs from the previous one and I am again a happy sewer.....he did need an additional leg so he used a coat hanging peg..and applied a screw to it.........about $30.00

Below are the pics of his accomplishment.....he's a keeper....

Maryjane

He did a great job!!!

He is a keeper!!!

oooooooooops, screw and peg were not $30.00..

the entire table was that price.....much better than ordering......right?

I had one with my Singer and loved it. So when I upgraded to my BabyLock, my husband made me one from plexiglas. It works just the same and the cost was about a 10th of the store-bought ones.

I have an acrylic table for my Evolve. For my 4500D, it's sunk down into the table (old dining room table) with acrylic over the top to make it flush.

I have 4 of these extension tables for my machines and would not be without one for quilting. i especially like them when doing free motion quilting and putting an easy slide sheet on it. It is also helpful to keep the weight of the quilt from pulling on the needle as you sew. They do seem pricey but they are worth it. I have the large ones and the small ones and it depends on what I am doing as to which one I use. I use the lage ones mostly when I am making large quilts and the small ones for FMQ or wallhangings.

Thank you for posting the pictures. Can't wait to try making one! Your hubby did a great job.

I just got my new sewing machine out and attached the extension table and I'm loving it!!

This group was at the Road2Ca quilt show, this week. There tables were reasonable and really nice. Here is the link.
http://www.dreamworld-inc.com/

There is also a video with Eleanor Burns and her sons making a custom table. It seems pretty "do" able. Check out her web site.

I just purchased a new Pfaff Quilt Expressions 4.0 to replace a Babylock Ellageo which I had just purchased an extension table for and I decided to see what the difference was in the table fitting my new machine. There is very little difference in the size and fitting so I am going to use it on the new machine. Maybe I will get hubby to file it down just a little on the inside but that would be all it would take. Lucky me. I use the Sew Slip sheet on top of it anyway for FMQ and so it covers the small opening that is left.

I've done thisand it works really well especially if you are a bit on the short side :lol:

Yes, she does. Right here:

http://www.quiltinaday.com/eleanoran...y/freepattern/

Click on the link near the bottom right, then a one page PDF will open with instructions, but no pictures.

One of the QIAD books, "Machine Quilting Primer" by Cynthia Martin does have the complete directions with photos in it.

where did you get a rolling tote for your extension table. I want to take mine to class too. Thanks.

Plexiglass Thickness
 

Beautiful job on the table! How thick is the plexiglass? Thanks!

I order mine from allbrands.com. Seems to have best prices and free shipping

Leah Day did a couple of videos detailing how she made an extension table that fit around her machine - and a few other ideas, too. Love the way she thinks -- why spend loads of $$ when you can make it yourself? Just type in "Leah Day sewing table" and you'll find the videos on YouTube.