First off, make sure the machine can be laid on its side for storage. A lot can't.

Take your husband to the sewing machine store and let him look over the cabinets there,as most machines these days are free arm.If he's the handy type,then he can probably figure out how to do it.You can also google making sewing machine cabinets,and perhaps come up with some plans for some.I know it's just a matter of a shelf type thing on hinges that you can lower and raise as the need arises.
Kathi

Thanks. I'm not sure if the one I have can be left on it's side--it's an old mechanical model, L-392.

I thought about him making one but it looks like I would need an air lift--those mechanisms run around $150--then the cost of wood on top of that. Am I wrong in thinking that an air lift is needed with the free arm?

De

There are other methods of lifting the machine - springs or counterweights can be used.

But when you figure in the carpentry time and materials (and the sheer weight if you use counterweights) you might be as well off buying the airlift mechanism.

But what's wrong with storing it in a closet, and just lifting it out onto a table when you need it?

Make a cute dust cover for it and leave it on a table if you can. I had mine on an inexpensive Office Depot table for a long time.

There are several places that have plans to make your own.

This one folds up to look like a small table.

Another sewing cabinet.

Kits for various sewing things.

Acrylic table to make a flat surface around a free arm.

Another table that folds up.

Good luck!