One of the things I wanted to do with my new studio was find a better solution for storing my fabric. I have a number of fabrics that I have rolled on cardboard cores and I didn't like the way they looked under my pattern table. I knew there had to be a better option that was functional and eye appealing at the same time.........and here it is!
An old wine barrel. It fits well with the decor and has a ton of room. When I first started sourcing where I could purchase a barrel, what I found was really pricey. Not what I had in mind. With a little determination, I found a
local option with some really great prices.
Now, I will tell you, I did have a couple of surprises that went along with my purchase. First, all of the pictures on their website showed beautifully stained barrels. However, when I picked mine up, that was not the case.
The picture to the left is what I picked up......secondly, the first thing my husband asked when we got it out of my car was "How do we get the top off?" Huh, what top? I didn't even realize when it was loaded for me that both ends of the barrel were sealed.
After a call back to the company for a little instruction, and a couple of You Tube videos, my husband was able to remove the top without the entire barrel falling apart. (You really should watch a You Tube video on how these barrels are constructed. It's fascinating)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeVahe_K_1N4Qw3X7h4KKaqF6mE0F7iJDumYi4CTVps8V7iPXzY7eCOtZMm8PGFvD7YeJU9K3u9rDjo1W7QMOQWFkx8bG7-St4yftfoep61rWrvWYVunqPMGTW9kz_7XyG2gT-mNYJ04/s320/002+%25282%2529.jpg)
Another surprise was in store once the lid was removed, inside the barrel are oak planks which are used for seasoning/aging. My husband found out that many people purchase these and use them while barbecuing. Needless to say, he has a whole box full now to have fun with this grilling season.
After we let the barrel air out for a while, (the garage smelled like a winery for a solid week. The pungent odor of the wine was crazy!) and we found a pocket of spring days that was dry and warm, the finishing project could begin.
Although I was prepared to tackle the sanding, staining, and finishing, I have to give full credit to my husband for this project. What I've learned over the years is when it comes to woodworking projects, he likes to take the lead. I have to admit, he is really good at it. So, I let him go for it.
I absolutely love the way it looks......and, just as I had hoped, I was able to fill it chock-full of all of the large bolts of fabric that I've collected from my days in outer wear, as well as the items that I purchase large quantities of fairly regularly like various shades of tulle, and bridal satin. So cool!!