Recently, I came across a vintage sewing machine on Facebook - one of those manual models atop the wooden table, before the newer ones powered by electricity. It had me reminiscing about my late grandmother because I used to look forward to seeing it in her bedroom when I stayed with her for most of my childhood holidays.
I knew nothing about sewing , but that sewing machine had a wheel and a pedal which made it one of my toys. It was the 80s, so we made toys out of everything! There were no video games, etc., and life was simple and enjoyable.
I shared the photo of the sewing machine pointing out that it reminded me of my grandmother, and it was heartwarming to see that other persons felt the same. But one comment stood out, "I have one as a face basin in my powder room for 10 yrs now...with a little modernisation," said Charlene Brevitt-Rose.
Charlene, an interior designer, has always been one to transform trash to treasure, so I was intrigued, and could not resist the urge to learn more about what she had created. I am happy that she obliged, and also allowed me to share with my readers.
"I found the machine on the street in Greater Portmore. I just threw it in the back of my van...I was so happy for this find," she said.
She went on to explain how she turned someone's trash into treasure, "I stained the cabinet, and I wanted to keep the legs, etc.., in its original colour so I didn't touch that at all."
Charlene added that she bought the tiles at Active Traders, and had the affixed to the top by a tiler. The face basin was bought in a closing sale at a hardware in Clarendon for just J$2000 a few years ago. "At that time, this type of basin was just coming in, brand new!," she said.
Charlene says her vintage vanity is now due for a refresh as she believes more work could be done with the trim. Ok Charlene! Whatever you say! It's gorgeous!
She also shared a brief video tour of her powder room, pointing out that the face basin informed the colour scheme. A lover of vintage items, Charlene explained that all except one of the clocks on the wall were bought at the Ashley Furniture Store. "My mother had this little one. That's the clock that used to wake us up in the mornings. So this was where the collection started, when I took that clock from her house when she migrated. Then I made this little stand to house them," she said.
Charlene wishes Jamaica had more thrift stores. She has plans to expand her service offerings to persons who want to repurpose furniture. Talk about turning a passion into profit.
In the meantime, you can check out these inspiring videos of a vintage wedding and her own living room makeover on Charlene's YouTube channel - The Decor and Lifestyle Center. You'll see that sewing machine again!
Have you thought about tossing out anything 'old' lately? Think again!
I Am Suzette Campbell.
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