On the other wall to the right of the door as you go in, is another shelving unit. On the bottom shelf on the far left is a small folding cabinet.
The sewing cabinet is wooden, and has lots of compartments. Most people had one of these in the 1970's. It holds many delights: ribbons, ric-rac, threads and buttons (some of which are still on their cards). My favourite item is a small needle-case with the inscription that reads, 'Trouble Are Ended When They Are Mended.'(second pic down)
This is a lovely object and seems to be in perfect condition. The arrangement of each compartment seems to lend a natural sense of order to the objects within – I like the fact you have grouped similar objects together (my own sewing basket is more free-form!) so I am quite envious of this.
ReplyDeleteLike the egg cup - I do wonder if sewing boxes will soon be a thing of the past (there may be an artists' book idea here!!) So, a series of questions – was it inherited or bought? And how long have you owned it? Did it come with any existing contents? and do you use this room to sew in?
It is in good condition, and although it is a vintage piece, I bought it second hand, and haven't had it that long. Though I have always wanted one since the very first time I saw one. I think I was about six at the time, and I thought it was the most magical object, what with the way it opened up, it was like it was revealing all its secrets in one go. Plus I had a love of organising items (more on that later on), and still have now, so have really enjoyed sorting out all the ribbons and cottons etc.into their compartments.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right - an artists' book around the theme of endangered household species. Egg cups, sewing boxes, and I'd like to add commemorative teaspoons to our list. We have them, but for how much longer? I think in some ways even the humble teapot could be on there in a few years time along with the tea-cosy, when the vogue for vintage is over ...
I feel quite sad and nostalgic now.
No existing contents in the cabinet, but both of the needle cases I bought came with age-old contents inside - the old labels from sewing thread and packets of needles have wonderful labels all creased in the same position. They must've been kept like that for years!
You say yours is a sewing 'basket' - is it an 'actual' basket? Or called so as it's made from wicker or has a basket weave quality to it?
I love the fact that you have coveted this item for so long, and have at last achieved ownership of one; did it take long to track down I wonder? and I am now intrigued about your love of organising items, I can see how this is a perfect object for you in that respect.
ReplyDeleteI also like the fact that some of the contents are vintage pieces, I also enjoy purchasing such things - particularly wooden cotton reels and button cards. My sewing basket (which belonged to D's mother) is the white plastic woven variety with a padded floral lid. None of D's three sisters wanted it so I was lucky enough to receive it - it came complete with lots of button cards, darning cards, cotton reels, pins, hooks and eyes etc.
Commemorative teaspoons - good call - I would like to add toast racks too.
I think the mechanics of it wowed me so much at the time, I vowed I would have one of my own, one day. I just saw one, when not really looking out for one specifically, so took the plunge. I've learnt by past experiences - go for it if you really want something, as it may not be there if you decide to go back for it!
ReplyDeleteIs your sewing basket big enough to keep your vintage purchases of cotton reels and button cards in, as well as the inherited items already within? It does sound such a lovely, and again, nostalgic item. D's sister's must be mad not to accept, but how lucky for you, and a nice 'connection' to have too. I am dying to know what colourways are in the floral pattern, as I have something in my head, and just need to know if it matches my image!
Ok, we are racking up a list here (pun intended!) So am going to start keeping a note of our, 'endangered species' items - I have an actual metal 'table spoon' which belonged to my Grandmother. I use it every morning to dollop out x3 tablespoons for my porridge. Do you think that would be appropriate to add?
You were right to take the plunge - especially as it is such a fine specimen; the inside looks like new, it must have had a careful owner prior to yourself. I have to admit that mine is not particularly lovely! the floral padded lid is predominately red with green and yellow detail, and the pattern itself is not very memorable. It is of a good size though, and yes everything fits in - but in a very random way.
ReplyDeleteI have an old metal tablespoon too - so yes, I think we can add to the list. We have been staying with friends - C&D in Morecambe this weekend so thanks to them, I have some other possible additions: butter dish, biscuit barrel, letter rack, hot water bottle(?). C&D also have a fine set of egg cups (I shall send you an image!).
I thought the pattern would be green, yellow and white, so am quite taken aback that there's red!
DeleteHa ha.
You're lucky it's a good size, P - I have had to store some items in a velvet patterned box (seen underneath the sewing cabinet in pic) - or maybe it's just that I have too many ribbons?
You have a tablespoon too? - Brilliant. You are the first person I know to have one as well as me (apart from my Mum of course).
Love that you've taken our list as a point of conversation over the weekend - and am impressed at the idea of C&D's egg cup collection.
S suggests a metal egg slicer. One of those that, if you try to cut anything else apart from eggs, will just go 'ping' and break one of it's metal 'strings' !!!
I thought everyone had a metal tablespoon!
Deleteah yes, the egg slicer - I've never owned one, but we did once have a gadget that took the tops off boiled eggs (not very efficiently).