| Project by Blake | posted 76 days ago | 1047 views | 11 times favorited | 73 comments | ![]() |
This table was a birthday gift for my mom. She had asked for a sewing machine table that was “just the right height” so it wouldn’t make her back hurt.
This is the first piece of furniture I’ve ever built. It is made with all traditional joinery and methods including mortise and tenon construction, dovetailed drawers, and hardwood “buttons” secure the top to allow for wood movement.
Made from solid Birch, oiled with boiled linseed oil and polished with 600 grit sandpaper. I spent 55 hours building it. It’s my own design.
For more information on the construction process from start to finish check out my blog:
Sewing Table: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8.









-- Dust collectors suck.
Your Online Shop - Your Support Is Greatly Appreciated - Your Woodworking Showcase - 3 Ways To Help, Financially - Your Woodworking Community
























73 comments so far
WoodJack49
home | projects | blog
189 posts in 214 days
posted 76 days ago
The more I see of the table, the more I like it. Especially the curved drawers with trim.
-- Jack - Mission Viejo, Calif
EduWood
home | projects | blog
51 posts in 79 days
posted 76 days ago
Beautiful piece. Wonderful selection of wood. Great craftsmanship. Well done Blake, your mom must be proud!
-- David, O.C., California
Douglas Bordner
home | projects | blog
2467 posts in 515 days
posted 76 days ago
Zowie! Look at that happy Mom…
This is outstanding work, Blake.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
Tony
home | projects | blog
551 posts in 481 days
posted 76 days ago
Blake this looks fantastic, especially for a first attempt at a piece of furniture.
The only thing is the table top, the wood is unusual and looks fantastic, but it is a shame you could not have book matched the boards. It would have taken the piece to whole new level.
Hindsight of others is a wonderful thing!
-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)
dustynewt
home | projects | blog
327 posts in 313 days
posted 76 days ago
Stunning work Blake. I can feel the love that went into it, both for your mom and for the work. Great figure in that wood.
-- http://dustynewt.webs.com/
GaryK
home | projects | blog
8411 posts in 439 days
posted 75 days ago
Your mom looks very happy! Great job Blake!
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
brianinpa
home | projects | blog
530 posts in 174 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake, that’s a beauty, and your mom looks happy. To look at it, you can’t even tell your forgot the drawers. I like the finish.
-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.
FlWoodRat
home | projects | blog
246 posts in 360 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake. Man you are awesome. Not only did you design and construct a beutiful piece of useful furniture, you made MOM very happy. Tough combination. What’s even better now is that you can tell your siblings that your are her ”Favorite Son”. By the way, the Petunia blossom is almost as pretty as your Happy Mom’s smile! Has there ever been a better commission for anyone’s work?
-- Smile. Life can be FUN!
snowdog
home | projects | blog
593 posts in 433 days
posted 75 days ago
Well done and great photography by the way, the pictures really show it off. I didn’t know birch could look so nice.
-- "so much to learn and so little time"..
dlcarver
home | projects | blog
228 posts in 181 days
posted 75 days ago
I agree, I didn’t know birch could look so nice. I always thought it was scrap wood.
Fine job Blake.
Dave
-- Dave Leitem,Butler,Pa.,http://dlcarver.etsy.com
Brad_Nailor
home | projects | blog
704 posts in 408 days
posted 75 days ago
Beautiful work Blake! I love the beading around the draws..looks like you planned it that way! The material selection is top notch..those curls sing! This is great work especially if you figure in that its your first furniture project, with first time trying most of the operations.
-- Women love me.....trees fear me
trifern
home | projects | blog
3414 posts in 218 days
posted 75 days ago
Gorgeous work Blake. I like your choice of hardware. The grain is beautiful. I have enjoyed your blogs along the way.
-- Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit.
BobR
home | projects | blog
132 posts in 436 days
posted 75 days ago
Love the timber. Well done.
-- Bob
Scott Bryan
home | projects | blog
8577 posts in 273 days
posted 75 days ago
Great job, Blake. I have enjoyed watching this one develop.
Your mother is obviously happy with the present.
Well done.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
JohnR
home | projects | blog
40 posts in 148 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake,
Great job and great way to show your love for your mom. All of us know we would prefer a “homemade” birthday card (filled wil spelling errors, backward lettering, and imperfect coloring) from our little children than an over-priced Hallmark classic anyday. Your mom got a perfect “homemade” table that will speak to her of your love every time she sits to pursue what is probably her favorite pasttime.
You have blessed and honored your mother.
-- Sola Gratia, John
blackcherry
home | projects | blog
195 posts in 274 days
posted 75 days ago
Nothing but the best for Mom. Great workmanship Blake that piece should age just wonderfully. thanks for posting Blkcherry
RAH
home | projects | blog
278 posts in 328 days
posted 75 days ago
Very nice! When is your wifes birthday? What are you making her? Love your blogs.
-- Ron Central, CA
Greg Wurst
home | projects | blog
411 posts in 283 days
posted 75 days ago
Fantastic job! I’m sure your mother will treasure it.
TedM
home | projects | blog
1215 posts in 183 days
posted 75 days ago
Beautiful! This is a fine piece of furniture. A great gift for your Mom. The circle of life, from son to mother and from one craft comes another. Kudos!
-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - http://www.woodworkersguide.com
CharlieM1958
home | projects | blog
3987 posts in 669 days
posted 75 days ago
I’m overwhelmed, Blake. Every project you post seems to be better than your last. This is a truly marvelous piece! I can’t imagine what will top this. (Not to put any pressure on you…<g>)
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Jimthecarver
home | projects | blog
199 posts in 236 days
posted 75 days ago
Well executed Blake! Your mom’s smile proves it…..Way to go.
Jim
-- A duck that brags on his own pond, soon swims alone.
stanley2
home | projects | blog
183 posts in 246 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake – all the credo’s that have come before me are well deserved – it’s beautiful
-- Phil in British Columbia
Daren Nelson
home | projects | blog
315 posts in 356 days
posted 75 days ago
That is just gorgeous !
-- Urban logger, http://nelsonwoodworks.biz/
lew
home | projects | blog
956 posts in 206 days
posted 75 days ago
Beautiful job, Blake!!
Your Mom will treasure this forever. Don’t be surprised when her friends start calling you to make them furniture!
Lew
Chris
home | projects | blog
1164 posts in 442 days
posted 75 days ago
Outstanding Job Blake!
-- Chris
Karson
home | projects | blog
12736 posts in 851 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake. A beautiful table and a great gift.
Great recovery on the construction problems.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com
RobS
home | projects | blog
1087 posts in 757 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake, All I can say is you must be an OUTSTANDING new and used tool salesman cause you ought to be making furniture for a living….
Excellent piece of craftsmanship….
-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX
Rj
home | projects | blog
103 posts in 82 days
posted 75 days ago
Well Done nice & clean- I like the table top profile with the curved approns and drawer fronts =Very nice
-- Rj's Woodworks,San Jose & Weed Ca,
Damian Penney
home | projects | blog
627 posts in 442 days
posted 75 days ago
Tony I thought the same thing with regards a book match but I think more than anything the light is tricking us. In the pic with Blakes Mom the curl looks very nicely matched, less so in the pic of just the top. I love this piece, I especially like the way the sapwood follows the curve of the front. Really well done Blake and your blog was great.
-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso
gizmodyne
home | projects | blog
1476 posts in 541 days
posted 75 days ago
Came out great Blake. I can’t get over how you saved the drawers. Very ambitious for a first furniture project.
What’s next? .... Hmmm….Matching chair?
-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne
bfd
home | projects | blog
197 posts in 258 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake,
This is just Awesome! The finish really brings out that beautiful figure. The design and scale are perfect as well as the execution and craftmanship. Your blog captured every step of the process. That last picture says it all. Great commission and great piece of furniture man!
-- Brian, Folsom, CA
Harold
home | projects | blog
281 posts in 298 days
posted 75 days ago
Hmmm, as posted above the flower is breathtaking and your work is a equally perfect expression of natural beauty. The beading on the drawers, works so well….and the expression on your mother’s face is so wonderful…......as craftsman we sometimes struggle with the how to’s of a project in our busy mind’s, but when the “why” is so clear in our heart, each step makes more sense and comes so naturally. It truly is a well worn path that we as craftsman follow….I think the world is a little different today, the horizon’s alittle broader. Well done Blake, you did a good thing and thank you for sharing.
-- If knowledge is not shared, it is forgotten.
Beginningwoodworker
home | projects | blog
369 posts in 124 days
posted 75 days ago
Nice work, on the sewing table Blake. Your mom is going to enjoy it.
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
Jon3
home | projects | blog
251 posts in 556 days
posted 75 days ago
Beautiful!
Bigbuck
home | projects | blog
820 posts in 114 days
posted 75 days ago
Wow, that is awsome
-- Glenn, New Mexico
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
11646 posts in 611 days
posted 75 days ago
that is one GORGEOUS table and one very happy seamstress!!
Well done. (lots of brownie points for this one, huh?)
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Napaman
home | projects | blog
1634 posts in 528 days
posted 75 days ago
wow…blake…spectacular…i really like the drawer pulls (?handles?)...and the drawer edge is a nice touch…not to mention the rest…is just fantastic!!!
-- Matt, Napa, CA...177 days to sanity...
Todd A. Clippinger
home | projects | blog
2533 posts in 550 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake,
This is an astoundingly beautiful piece. I think the bead around the drawers is better than none at all anyway.
It was a great solution to a stressful situation that really adds to the overall design.
The beauty is this; it is the essence of simplicity and perfect balance in design that maximizes the natural beauty of the wood. It is a perfect marriage of form and function in it’s simple elegance.
I encounter “firsts” all the time in projects. It is simply a matter of understanding that you already know the principles of woodworking, which one will you use as a solution to the challenges that you encounter?
You are already there brother LJ. Know what I mean?
Also, I really enjoyed the details of the progress and the lists of firsts. It was a lot of fun following this project.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
jcees
home | projects | blog
451 posts in 250 days
posted 75 days ago
Sweet!
always,
J.C.
-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein
DAN
home | projects | blog
2906 posts in 434 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake … you’ve got skills ! nice
-- ..... art for lifes sake
wwnovice
home | projects | blog
63 posts in 637 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake,
That is one beautiful piece of furniture. Outstanding work.
-- John
teenagewoodworker
home | projects | blog
1950 posts in 219 days
posted 75 days ago
nice been watching this project come together and it came out great! i really like the drawers and the birch’s figure is amazing! thanks for the post
Woodhacker
home | projects | blog
450 posts in 174 days
posted 75 days ago
Blake, I hadn’t seen your blog series until seeing your project post. What a fantastic table! You did an incredible job, in every way, design, wood choice, contruction, etc.! I had to go back and look at the entire blog series.
I really like the birch. I used it to build a wall of bookcases a few years back, I really liked working with it, but it didn’t have nearly grain you have in this sewing table. I’m sure your mom absolutely loves it.
Oh, and great blog series too. I enjoyed going through them. Thanks for posting them and the project.
-- Martin, Kansas
Jarrod Zion Murphree
home | projects | blog
179 posts in 174 days
posted 75 days ago
I can’t believe how nice that thing turned out. Simply beautiful.
I really like the drawer fronts, and the way the sapwood curves along the arch of the apron. Amazing eye for detail.
Kick ass job!!
-- Jarrod, Eagle Nest, NM http://anthologyfinefurniture.wordpress.com
dennis mitchell
home | projects | blog
2914 posts in 765 days
posted 75 days ago
...first piece of furniture…Blake you are going on my buddies list just so I can cross you off…I’m going to go hide in a corner and pout!
Actually that is AWSOME!
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
jockmike2
home | projects | blog
4041 posts in 697 days
posted 75 days ago
Nice piece Blake, beautiful. Your mother is worth every minute you put into it. Enjoy and rejoice that she is still with you and you are able to do for her. That bond be not broken. She will always cherish you and the gift.
-- Mike. Profisher50@yahoo.com
Dorje
home | projects | blog
1738 posts in 448 days
posted 75 days ago
Amazing! Love the sap curve like the others as well as the use of the sap wood on the front and back edges. Can’t say too much that hasn’t been said. This has been a really fun project/blog to follow. I think that piece deserves hand turned or carved wooden knobs/pulls on those drawers! Can’t wait to see what you get into next!
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
Betsy
home | projects | blog
1760 posts in 347 days
posted 75 days ago
I’ve had fun watching this table come to life. You really did a nice job Blake, you should be very proud.
I’m with Dorje—- what’s next?? :-)
-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!
ND2ELK
home | projects | blog
2270 posts in 225 days
posted 75 days ago
Great looking sewing cabinet. Love the wood grain. Looks like Mom is very happy with her cabinet. Thanks for posting.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
MikeyFlies
home | projects | blog
13 posts in 116 days
posted 75 days ago
Very very nice.
Marcel T
home | projects | blog
140 posts in 177 days
posted 74 days ago
One of the best projects I have seen on LJ’s! And it has a detailed blog to boot! Great job, your moms smile says it all.
jm82435
home | projects | blog
180 posts in 193 days
posted 74 days ago
Thanks for the post and blog, that is soo cool. Absolutely beautiful. I like the way you used the natural grain, sapwood, growth structure to enhance your project. You have created something very special, thanks for sharing it with us.
-- A thing of beauty is a joy forever... - Keats
Kerry
home | projects | blog
104 posts in 241 days
posted 74 days ago
It’s all been said above, but it bears repeating – wonderful job!
Kerry
-- Alberta, Canada
WayneC
home | projects | blog
5689 posts in 548 days
posted 74 days ago
A thing of beauty. Great work.
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
mart
home | projects | blog
49 posts in 75 days
posted 73 days ago
Wow! That is incredible.
Mart
BANick
home | projects | blog
36 posts in 338 days
posted 73 days ago
Great job Blake! The design, craftsmanship and finish all look fantastic. The “unplanned” beading around the drawers add a nice decorative touch to the front, which might have looked a bit too flat otherwise. Love it!
And thanks for the detailed blog, it was quite an adventure that we all enjoyed following.
Nick
-- Nick, Fremont, CA.
darryl
home | projects | blog
794 posts in 777 days
posted 73 days ago
wow, that’s beautiful. that top is just stunning.
-- ~ www.darrylmasterson.com ~ www.woodworkingdungeon.blogspot.com ~
Blake
home | projects | blog
1876 posts in 325 days
posted 72 days ago
Wow, thanks so much for all the comments everyone!!! Marcel T, That’s quite a compliment! I had a great time building this project and it really got my confidence up for full-sized furniture in the future. Already the orders are coming in from family and friends, it will be hard to keep up. What do you think I should tackle next?
Thanks to everyone who followed my blog on the process. I will try to do that with future projects. I got so much great input along the way, so it was beneficial to everyone, it seems.
-- Dust collectors suck.
mgradwohl
home | projects | blog
109 posts in 264 days
posted 72 days ago
Are you kidding me? It’s GORGEOUS!
Dorje
home | projects | blog
1738 posts in 448 days
posted 72 days ago
”Already the orders are coming in from family and friends, it will be hard to keep up. What do you think I should tackle next?”
What are the options?
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
Blake
home | projects | blog
1876 posts in 325 days
posted 71 days ago
My sister wants a bed and a whole bedroom of furniture (we’ll see about that) and also a leaf box. My wife wants a huge jewelry cabinet of some kind and a table just like this one without the drop… but there is no space in our tiny studio for more furniture. My boss wants a humidor, and I never got around to making that travel humidor for my friend.
-- Dust collectors suck.
lew
home | projects | blog
956 posts in 206 days
posted 71 days ago
Blake,
Want more tools??? Start with the wife’s projects!!!! ;>)
Lew
jeanmarc
home | projects | blog
1691 posts in 167 days
posted 71 days ago
Beautiful piece.
-- jeanmarc manosque france
Dorje
home | projects | blog
1738 posts in 448 days
posted 71 days ago
If you have space for the jewelry cabinet on top of a dresser or something – I’d go for that…
You should do the humidor for your friend too…
Or – do what strikes your fancy!
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
clieb91
home | projects | blog
308 posts in 386 days
posted 71 days ago
Blake, The sewing machine table turned out looking real good. Sure it is well appreciated. Good luck and can’t wait to see work on other furniture pieces.
CtL
-- Chris L. "Don't Dream it, Be it."
AverageJaneCrafter
home | projects | blog
2 posts in 76 days
posted 70 days ago
Once again, I just have to say how much I love this project. I even blogged about it!
http://averagejanecrafter.blogspot.com/2008/06/handcrafted-for-crafty.html
:)
Great work!
Rachel
-- Average Jane Crafter, 'Cause crafting is just ... fun, averagejanecrafter.com
gator9t9
home | projects | blog
282 posts in 155 days
posted 70 days ago
Blake
Beeee Yutiful …...oh yes …very nice job. And great looking wood …wow ….!!!!!!!!!!
-- Mike in Bonney Lake " If you are real real real good your whole life, You 'll be buried in a curly maple coffin when you die."
cobbler
home | projects | blog
72 posts in 241 days
posted 69 days ago
SUPERB! The wood is beautiful. Great craftsmanship & design.
Seamstress everywhere are gasping.
-- ''Carry on my wayward son''
miles125
home | projects | blog
899 posts in 456 days
posted 68 days ago
Just found this jewel. Great job Blake!
-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""
DanTheLumberJockMan
home | projects | blog
18 posts in 61 days
posted 60 days ago
I like that you designed this yourself. I know how much harder it is to design and build something rather than following a plan. Good job.
-- Dan, San Diego, CA
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
2596 posts in 430 days
posted 56 days ago
Hi Blake;
I missed this before. You did a great job in both designing and building this piece.
The wood is fantastic!
I bet your mom loves it.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
FritzM
home | projects | blog
87 posts in 263 days
posted 41 days ago
Hey Blake, I followed the blog, but missed the posting of the finished piece….. wow, you knocked it out of the park! The design is stunningly simple. perfect form with just enough detail to highlight but not overwhelm it! I bet your mom is stoked, you should be too. great addition to your woodworking portfolio!
-- Fritz Oakland, Ca http://www.muegenburg.com (dedicated to my other hobby)
Michael Brailsford
home | projects | blog
160 posts in 44 days
posted 33 days ago
This is a tremendous piece of work. The figure on the top is beautiful.
-- Michael A. Brailsford