My Repurposed File Cart - Inspired by Sandygirl !!
 

So, the other day Sandygirl posted a photo of her repurposed file cart, and I responded saying I had a similar cart in my basement. Sandygirl used hers for fabric, but I used mine in a different way.

My file cart has two drawers attached to the underside of the bottom shelf, and the hanging files are supposed to hang from the top shelf. At first, I was trying to put the drawer shelf at the top, and the plain shelf at the bottom (which isn't actually a shelf, because it was all open with no grid or anything). I found a piece of wood in my basement that could serve as a shelf. But all of a sudden - I had a brainstorm!

I left the drawer shelf at the bottom, covered the wood with layers of cotton batting, Insul-Brite and muslin, and voila! Now I have a rolling pressing surface that I can roll right up to my sewing table for ironing as I go. I have been using a tray table that I repurposed last year by covering it with batting and silver ironing board cover fabric, but this is much better and sturdier, and it's also the perfect height for pressing when I'm sitting down.

The drawers are the perfect size for holding my Best Press and spray starch, along with my quilt basting spray. I'm not sure what else will end up in there eventually! The shelf holds some of the Sterilite containers that I use for organizing my sewing room. They fit perfectly also - this was really meant to be, I'm sure.

Thanks a million, Sandygirl! And, all of the rest of you fabulous ladies who post repurposing ideas on this board. I learn something new here every single day, and I am so thankful for that.

Looks like a winner to me. Thanks for sharing.

I like it, I like it, Ilike it!!!!!

Great job! I'm confused about using the insul- brite. Do I place it shiny side up or down? I just ordered a cabinet something like your's from HSN for 50.00, can't wait to get rid of my original ironing board. thanks for your help!

WOWIE!! I love your set up too!! I need to borrow your idea for the pressing station! Talk about taking this idea up a huge notch! Thank you!

Sandy

Very neat and tidy! Love it!
Penny

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice job !!!

Great idea. I had a tv tray I used to . I finally didn't anymore cause I figured out getting up was good for me. I tend to obsess and then pay for it later.. :)

Very nice.

Great idea!! Everyone on this board is so creative.

Love the idea. Thanks.

Good organization......

Love it! I'm reorganizing and I have a similar cart.

Great re-purposing!

Such a stupendous idea!!!

what was the cart orginally for? this is great may have to look for one. I am trying to clean up and organize my sewing room so good idea. I use a TV try next to my machine when I sew downstairs where my design walls are this would be great for that area.

That's an awesome idea!

You are a genius!

Great idea!!! Now all I need is a cart!!

Love it, now I want to go find one for myself!! lol

Awesome. Love the organization. Looks like you have room to grow also.

Sorry I haven't checked back sooner! To answer a question above, it was originally designed as a file cart for hanging file folders. You would hang the folders across the top of the unit (where my ironing surface is), and then there would be some clear space underneath, and office supplies would go into the baskets at the bottom. I have the basket shelf positioned really low, but if you were using it for its intended purpose, that shelf would be a little higher. You can still find these online or in some stores, but I wasn't able to find any with the drawers like mine has. Most of the newer ones have the drawers on the side. Here's one example: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Advantus-M...Black/14916417. Here's a simpler, cheaper style (no drawers though): http://www.walmart.com/ip/Alera-Sing...Black/12086292.

How awesome! I've been thinking about something like this ever since seeing Sandy's. I hope to come across a cart at Goodwill, etc.

It is perfect!